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Delta passengers can now receive a free Wi-fi perk on long flights across the Pacific, but there’s a catch.
On Oct. 20, Delta announced that free Wi-Fi is being extended across Asia-Pacific routes. The coverage is only for passengers enrolled in SkyMiles accounts, but enrollment is free for any flier.
Once fliers enroll in an account, they will access the complimentary perk across any of Delta’s international destinations, regardless of cabin.
Delta’s chief marketing and product officer Ranjan Goswami said this was the last gap of Wi-Fi coverage to be addressed, with every location now providing flyers with internet access.
The only Wi-Fi limitations are expected around Alaska for 45 minutes due to connection gaps, and in South Korea and Hong Kong where Wi-Fi usage below 10,000 feet is restricted.
With this expansion, 95% of Delta’s fleet — nearly 1,300 aircraft — are now equipped with Wi-Fi. Delta expects to complete the remaining installations by 2027 on regional jets and Boeing 717 aircraft and have free Wi-Fi on all flights for SkyMiles members.
Goswami said more than 70% of travelers used the service during the first week of its unannounced rollout across the Pacific.
Delta saw benefits of having Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members only, having 6 million new members since launching its Wi-Fi system, Delta Sync, in 2023.
Delta’s expansion comes amid growing competition over in-flight connectivity. United Airlines is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet — already available on more than 635 aircraft, covering nearly half its daily departures.
United Airlines, along with American Airlines, are two major U.S. carriers that charge for in-flight Wi-Fi or have limited/inconsistent free access depending on the aircraft. If passengers are on non-upgraded or specific international routes, Wi-Fi may come with a price tag.
For American Airlines, free Wi-Fi is available for their AAdvantage members on most domestic flights, but long-haul international flights and certain regional jets still require paid access or lack free ad-supported/loyalty options for those who want minimal Wi-Fi access.
United has free Wi-Fi rolling out via Starlink – the major partnership between United Airlines and SpaceX’s Starlink – to bring high-speed, low-latency satellite internet across United’s entire fleet. But flights using older Viasat or Panasonic hardware (many mainline and long-haul routes) continue to charge fees ($8 for MileagePlus members and $10 for non-members).
Fleets are continuing to be upgraded, and United plans to have free internet access for all members once renovations are completed, with plans to finish outfitting the rest of the fleet by the end of 2027.
Delta isn’t done with their technological upgrades. They are upgrading their satellite technology to improve speed and reliability, and are introducing Amazon Leo connectivity in 2028, Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite that will enhance connectivity.