TWO major airlines have announced they will be offering passengers free Wi-Fi.
Having launched this month, all customers flying across Delta's transatlantic network to and West will have access to free Delta Sync .
Free Wi-Fi has also been announced for from January 2026.
Later this spring, Delta will also roll out free Wi-Fi on routes serving South America.
The airline – who is rolling it out on its entire 717 fleet – claims it will be “first-of-its-kind” onboard for the aircraft.
The airline expects it to be fully rolled out by late 2025, with the entire 717 fleet expected to be complete by early 2026.
Later in 2026, there will also be a delivery of A350-1000 and A321neo aircraft, which will also be outfitted with it as well.
Also, Delta's inflight entertainment will include 4K HDR QLED displays, which will allow Bluetooth connection.
Ranjan Goswami, S.V.P. of customer experience design at Delta: “Thanks to the dedication and expertise of Delta teams, we’re making enormous strides in our efforts to bring fast, free Wi-Fi to every aircraft in our fleet.
“[This will] in turn will transform our aircraft into personalised platforms where customers can connect and engage in meaningful new ways.
“With the addition of our pioneering dual-network connectivity solution to 717s and forthcoming A350-1000 and A321neo new deliveries, we’re unlocking new possibilities for what it means to stay connected in the air.”
American Airlines has also announced that they will be rolling out free in-flight Wi-Fi to AAdvantage loyalty members from January 2026.
Anyone can sign up to be an AAdvantage loyalty member, which is how you earn points with the airline.
Wi-Fi will be available on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, which American Airlines said accounts for around 90 per cent of its fleet.
The airline added has already trialled the free Wi-Fi trial on some routes in order to understand the strength of service.
It shared that the results had “surpassed performance expectations”.
Currently, the carrier is working to fit out more than 500 regional aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of the year.
They also claimed that once it launches the new AT&T partnership, free high-speed Wi-Fi will be “on more planes that any other domestic carrier”.
Heather Garboden, chief customer officer at American Airlines, said: “Our customers greatly value staying connected while in the air, whether communicating with friends, getting work done, checking in on social media or streaming their favourite subscription services.
“We’ve been working diligently to outfit our aircraft with best-in-class high-speed Wi-Fi and together with AT&T are proud to offer those services at no cost to our most loyal customers.”
American Airlines is the last of the three biggest international American carriers to announce plans for free in-flight Wi-Fi, following Delta in 2023 and last year.
Some UK airlines do have Wi-Fi onboard, including British Airways.
However, the only free service on British Airways is messaging using Wi-Fi, for streaming passengers need to pay unless they are travelling in first class.
Wi-Fi is also available on Virgin Atlantic flights, but for purchase.
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