Delta initially hinted that free in-flight Wi-Fi would be made available to all SkyMiles members in 2023.
Now, the airlines finally confirmed that it will indeed happen as the company fostered a partnership with T-Mobile to make this possible. The announcement was made during CES 2023.
According to The Verge, the wireless carrier is already offering free in-flight Wi-Fi on Delta flights to its subscribers. But starting February 1, all SkyMiles members will be able to enjoy the program, regardless of whether they're T-Mobile customers.
In-flight Wi-Fi Will First Roll Out to Domestic Mainline Delta Flights
All Delta SkyMiles members will be able to use the free in-flight Wi-Fi even if they are using AT&T, Verizon, or some other provider as their wireless carrier. SkyMiles is Delta's membership program. It is available for free.
According to CNET, T-Mobile and Delta said that the free in-flight Wi-Fi offer will start to roll out to "most domestic mainline Delta flights."
However, the companies aim to offer the service on "more than 700 aircraft" by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, it is also expected that the companies will expand the free in-flight Wi-Fi to "international and regional routes" by the end of 2024.
Using their phones, tablets, and laptops, the customers will be able to log into their SkyMiles account once deployed. If you still do not have a SkyMiles account prior to your flight, you can sign up while in the air.
According to T-Mobile SVP Kevin McLaughlin, there would be "no session limits." The service will also run on Viasat's network.
Currently, Delta is using two Wi-Fi providers. However, it bills Viasat as the more robust option, according to The Verge.
This new initiative of Delta and T-Mobile is an extension of the "Coverage Beyond" program that the wireless carrier launched last year. The program gave T-Mobile subscribers free Wi-Fi access on several airlines in the United States.
Read Also: Delta Air Lines Flyers Can Get Up to $3800 From Delayed, Lost Luggage: Here's How
In-flight Wi-Fi Will Offer Ads
While Delta and T-Mobile's announcement is good news to SkyMiles members, there's a less appealing part of it.
Starting this spring, the portal of the in-flight Wi-Fi connection will host something called the Delta Sync Exclusives hub. According to reports, it will feature personalized content and offers.
Therefore, to enjoy your free in-flight Wi-Fi, you'll probably have to tap past some ads. But that's a little price to pay to enjoy using free Wi-Fi.
With a Wi-Fi connection, you can do more while you're up in the air such as browse the internet, watch streaming content, or access your social media accounts.
As part of T-Mobile's recent "un-carrier" moves, the wireless carrier has been pushing travel. In fact, last June, it unveiled a suite of new options including faster international data speeds.
Likewise, it revealed free in-flight Wi-Fi for T-Mobile users on American, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and United flights.
However, even if T-Mobile is working with Delta to open up free Wi-Fi for all, it doesn't plan to foster partnerships with other airlines at this time, according to CNET.
Related Article: Delta Air Lines to Reportedly Offer Free In-flight Wi-Fi Soon
