Delta is poised to be the first of America's big three airlines to offer free WiFi for passengers. The announcement marks a shift in America's aviation industry, where most US carriers charge between $5-$10 for the service. JetBlue is the only carrier currently offering free WiFi to its passengers across the United States.Currently, the Atlanta-based carrier offers WiFi for a fee for most passengers. However, last month announced the move to enable free WiFi access for SkyMiles members on select flights. The airline has partnered with Viasat and has equipped multiple aircraft with free messaging services on select flights. This enables passengers to message for free via their phone on iMessage, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp.

Majority of flights to offer free WiFi in 2023.

Delta plans to offer the free service on a large proportion of its flights in 2023, becoming standard across all operations very soon. Delta's CEO, Ed Bastion, has long desired free WiFi to be offered for its passengers, and it seems that 2023 is the year. In 2019 the airline tested the free WiFi service, with 55 domestic flights operating the service to test its capability. Delta's Allison Ausband, Chief Customer Experience Officer, commented on the importance of free WiFi:

“For us, as we look at that onboard experience, we want our customers to be as stimulated as they want to be in the air”

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This could signal the shift for other carriers.

Not only is this a big move for Delta, but it could signal the shift for free WiFi to become the norm for US carriers. United Airlines and American Airlines offer their inflight WiFi for a fee, but Delta's move could change that. As airline tickets continue to rise, along with the cost of living, perks such as free WiFi could convince travelers to pick Delta over the competition, forcing other US carriers to follow suit.

Delta has worked through the installation of high-speed satellite-based Viasat WiFi for the majority of its Airbus fleet and select Boeing 737s and 757s.

Intelsat is Delta's other provider for onboard WiFi, which used to be called GoGo. They partnered with T-Mobile and offered free WiFi for passengers on Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines.

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Any conditions?

While not yet confirmed, it is imaginable that travelers will need to be SkyMiles members to make use of the service (as is already the case on select flights). An easy way for the airline to increase brand loyalty.

Onboard WiFi comes with its struggles. The service can be inconsistent and relies on a sturdy connection. Delta's announcement for free WiFi in 2023 will hope that any teething issues can be resolved quickly and that its travelers can enjoy the new era of surfing the web at 30,000ft.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, Nasdaq, Travel Market Report, Forbes

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  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  ATL/KATL

  Country:

  United States

  CEO:

  Balram Bheodari

  Passenger Count :

  75,704,760 (2021)

  Runways :

  8L/26R - 2743m (9,000 ft) | 8R/26L - 3048m (9,999 ft) | 9L/27R - 3776m (12,390 ft) | 9R/27L - 2743 m (9,000 ft) | 10/28 - 2743 m (9,000 ft)

  Terminals:

  Main Terminal | Domestic Terminal