Do you have to pay for Wi-Fi on Delta flights?

Delta offers free Wi-Fi on all jets equipped with Viasat Wi-Fi. This includes a majority of narrow body aircraft. Currently well over 80% of Delta's domestic fleet features Viasat Wi-Fi, and by the end of 2023, it should be available on over 700 jets.



People Also Ask

JetBlue. JetBlue bills itself as the only major airline to offer, free, high-speed Wi-Fi at every seat, on every plane. The in-flight satellite service is provided by Viasat, and passengers can use it to browse the web, send messages and emails or stream video.

MORE DETAILS

The good news is that Wi-Fi on planes is not only getting better but less expensive as well. You might even get it for free. For instance, JetBlue offers free Fly-Fi on all of its flights, and certain airlines offer elite members free Wi-Fi.

MORE DETAILS

As of Feb. 1, 2023, Delta offers free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights. By the end of 2023, free Wi-Fi will be available on more than 700 Delta aircraft. On aircraft without free Wi-Fi, Delta Wi-Fi costs $7 for a one-hour pass from Intelsat.

MORE DETAILS

The three best airlines based on the in-flight experience are JetBlue, Delta and Southwest, according to NerdWallet analysis. And while our top three picks offer Wi-Fi, it's free only with our winner: JetBlue.

MORE DETAILS

Comfort In Economy You shouldn't have to splash out on first class to travel without bruised knees and neck cramps. Delta's economy class is more spacious than the American average, with wider seats and more legroom. Passengers like it so much that it's been voted the most comfortable economy seat time and time again.

MORE DETAILS

To access Delta Studio from a personal device in-flight, first connect your laptop, tablet, or smartphone to Delta's Gogo Inflight network. Launch your internet browser, and type in the URL “airborne.gogoinflight.com.” You'll be able to access this website regardless of whether or not you've purchased Wi-Fi.

MORE DETAILS

You'll need to check your flight status to see if Wi-Fi comes included with your trip -- if it is, you'll be able to pay a fee to connect and browse the web, check emails and send messages, or stream video from services like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max.

MORE DETAILS

Coverage with ViaSat includes the continental U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. 7 The following aircraft operate with this provider: Select Airbus 319, select Boeing 737-900, Boeing 757-200 with premium transcontinental service and 737 MAX 9.

MORE DETAILS

To text while flying, you'll need to use a messaging app like WhatsApp, Apple iMessage, WeChat or Facebook Messenger. These Over The Top applications don't require a cellular network connection and instead send messages through the internet.

MORE DETAILS

Wi-Fi When Traveling: 7 Ways to Get Internet for Travel
  1. Mobile Service Providers. Before jetting, contact your mobile carrier to see what — if any — type of data plans they may offer for travelers. ...
  2. Mobile Hotspots. ...
  3. Local SIM Cards. ...
  4. Travel SIMs. ...
  5. Satellite Internet. ...
  6. Roaming Data. ...
  7. USB Dongles.


MORE DETAILS

Most airlines still charge for online access and a few don't offer it at all. Airlines have realized the importance of offering Wi-Fi as a way to attract more passengers and enhance their in-flight experience. The Delta move is a big one, and will push their large competitors to match over time.

MORE DETAILS

Delta and Virgin America tied for the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi at speeds up to 15 Mbps. If you're simply looking for the fastest in-flight Wi-Fi, go for Delta or Virgin America. However, while both these airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi up to 15 Mbps, they vary in price enormously.

MORE DETAILS

You can't make phone calls on a plane using cellular service, as using cellular service for any reason isn't permitted. WiFi calls may be allowed, though that's at the discretion of the airline, as it impacts passenger comfort.

MORE DETAILS

Delta has spent more than $1 billion upgrading its planes to offer free Wi-Fi to customers. The airline uses Viasat, one of the leading providers of satellite internet, to deliver Wi-Fi on board. CNBC got an inside look at how Delta is working to upgrade over 1,200 planes by 2024.

MORE DETAILS