Two major airlines to introduce huge freebie for all passengers

A massive treat is two major carriers, as Delta has announced free Delta Sync Wi-Fi across its transatlantic network to Europe and West Africa starting this month, while American Airlines plans to roll out complimentary Wi-Fi by January 2026.

Delta also plans to roll out free Wi-Fi on airline routes serving South America later this spring, Boeing 717 fleet, with claims that it will be the "first-of-its-kind" onboard the aircraft. Delta expects the freebie service to be fully rolled out towards the end of 2025, with the entirety of its 717 fleet expected to be covered by early 2026.

Delta's S.V.P. of customer experience design, Ranjan Goswami, is thrilled about the advancement as he said: "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.

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"[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."

Over at American Airlines, free in-flight Wi-Fi will be rolled out to AAdvantage loyalty members from January 2026. Anyone can sign up to be a loyalty member, and Wi-Fi is expected to be available onboard all aircrafts that are equipped with Intelsat and Viasat high-speed satellite connectivity, something that accounts for 90 per cent of their fleet, according to the airline.

The carrier is currently working to outfit more than 500 of its regional aircrafts with the high-speed Wi-Fi service by the end of the year, and claims to have already trialled the service on some routes, garnering results that "surpassed performance expectations".

Speaking about the plans, Heather Garboden, chief customer officer, 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."

Garboden explained their commitment: "We've been working diligently to outfit our aircraft with best-in-class high-speed Wi-Fi and together with ATandT are proud to offer those services at no cost to our most loyal customers."

Delta is currently implementing plans to roll out complimentary Wi-Fi on additional long-haul international flights, although they're taking their time to test and refine the service to ensure customers receive the optimum experience before wider market rollout of fast, reliable, and free connectivity.

The airline adds: "Streaming-capable Hughes connectivity is on its way to Delta's fleet of more than 400 regional jets (as well as our Boeing 717 aircraft). Regional and 717 aircraft mods will begin shortly and continue through early 2026, with free Delta Sync Wi-Fi coming online with each aircraft update."

Additionally, the statement specified: "Today, fast, free Wi-Fi is available on more than 880 aircraft. This includes all Boeing 737 and B757 aircraft, all Airbus A321ceos, A321neo, A320, A319 and A223, as well as most A221 aircraft – and we're continuing to work toward making it available on all flights, with more aircraft entering service with free Wi-Fi as it becomes available."

Delta Air Lines announced free in-flight Wi-Fi back in 2023, while United Airlines announced the service last year. UK airline British Airways also has Wi-Fi onboard, however it's only free for messaging. Passengers need to pay for streaming unless they're travelling in first class. Virgin Atlantic flights also offer in-flight Wi-Fi services, but at a cost.