Delta Expands Free Wi-Fi on Transatlantic Flights and Offers Timeline for Other Routes

Delta has now provided a timeline for its plan to provide internet connectivity for passengers on “most” transatlantic flights by the end of summer. Initially, the airline planned for the entire fleet to have Wi-Fi by the end of this year, but that was pushed back to 2025 due to satellite delays.

If you’re hopping over the pond on Delta, here’s what you need to know to stay connected throughout your flight — including Delta’s new timeline for offering Wi-Fi on its international flights.

How To Get Free Wi-Fi on Delta Flights

In order to get complimentary Wi-Fi on Delta Air Lines, you need to be a Delta SkyMiles member. The airline previously trialed free Wi-Fi for Medallion elite members, but now the connectivity will be open to all, so long as you’re a SkyMiles member. Once you connect to the inflight signal, you’ll be given a chance to enter your credentials; if you’re not a SkyMiles member, you’ll be given the opportunity to join at that time.

Here’s a quick guide from Delta on how to connect while in flight.

Additionally, Wi-Fi is not available around the globe. Here’s where Delta currently has connectivity, according to its website:

• United States (contiguous 48 States): Full Wi-Fi coverage
• Hawaii and Alaska: No Wi-Fi coverage over the Pacific Ocean
• Canada and Mexico: Full Wi-Fi coverage
• Europe: Full Wi-Fi coverage
• South America: Limited Wi-Fi coverage
• Asia: No Wi-Fi coverage
• Africa: No Wi-Fi coverage

“As we continue to roll out fast, free Wi-Fi and the in-flight experiences it powers, we’re able to serve customers traveling both domestically and internationally in new, in-the-moment ways. The scale at which we’re bringing free Wi-Fi to customers is unmatched in the airline industry, and it’s a testament to the incredible efforts of Delta teams across the business that have expertly navigated an extremely complex rollout.”

Ranjan Goswami, S.V.P. – Customer Experience Design

Which Planes Are Eligible?

Delta has done a fantastic job of expanding its Wi-Fi capabilities since offering it free to all customers a few years ago. However, not all planes are built the same, and each model has different internet structures. If you have a Delta flight booked soon, check what kind of plane you’ll be flying to see what you can expect for internet.

Here’s how they stack up, according to Delta:

• Fast, Free Wi-Fi, provided by Viasat: A220-300, A319, A320, A321ceo, A321neo, 737-800, 737-900, and 757-200H/D,
• Paid Wi-Fi, provided by Viasat: A330-200*, A330-300*, A330-900*, A350*, 757-300*, 767-300*, and 767-400*
• Paid Wi-Fi, provided by Wi-Fi Onboard: A330-200*, A330-300*, A330-900*, A350*, 757-300*, 767-300*, 767-400*, CRJ700, CRJ900, and ERJ170

However, messaging (i.e., WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger) remains free on all flights.

*Not available on all aircraft of this model.

Delta International Wi-Fi Schedule

Delta rolled out free Wi-Fi on most flights to and from Paris (CDG and NCE airports). Now, the airline plans to offer this perk on more international routes. While this timeline is subject to change, but here’s when Delta plans to offer Wi-Fi on these flights:

• August 2024: United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy
• September 2024: Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland
• October 2024: South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) followed by Hawaii
• December 2024 or January 2025: Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal  
• Mid- to late-2025: Transpacific region (including Asia, Australia, and New Zealand) and South Africa

Delta’s regional routes will follow a similar process, offering free Wi-Fi in 2025, which includes Boeing 717 aircraft.

Delta Sync

The Delta Sync product continues to expand on its inflight digital services and experiences for SkyMiles members, including:

Free Paramount+

Customers can watch free Paramount+ entertainment on built-in inflight entertainment screens. This includes movies and TV shows, and you don’t need a previous subscription to watch.

Atlas Obscura

Customers can view guides to destinations throughout the world through Atlas Obscura. This is a free service to all customers, letting you explore the ins and outs of the place you’re flying to.

New York Times Games

Are you a puzzle geek? You can enjoy free puzzles such as Wordle and crossword puzzles thanks to a partnership with the New York Times.

Walmart+ Membership Free Trial

If you don’t already have Walmart+, you can unlock your 30-day free trial of Walmart+ and a new bonus offer when you sign up.

Final Thoughts

Delta is making solid strides to bring internet connectivity to all its customers. But like any large corporate initiative, it will be a while before it’s fully rolled out. We’re seeing progress, though, and now we have an expected timeline.