Delta Air Line's latest News Hub update recently announced that it has equipped its 700th aircraft with in-flight entertainment screens. This, according to the airline, is more than any other airline in the world. The airline says to its newsletter subscribers: "Frequent flyers and TV buffs, rejoice: Delta is doubling down on expanding entertainment."
With its 700th aircraft now equipped with seat-back screens, Delta says it is "giving more customers than ever before convenient access to its industry-leading Delta Studio lineup". This achievement comes with the announcement that Delta will be including some Hulu original programming in its in-flight line-up.
"Customers continue to tell us entertainment is a top priority...That's why we keep extending our lead in having more aircraft with seat-back entertainment than any other airline in the world, and continue partnering with entertainment giants like Hulu to bring customers at-home favorites at 30,000 feet. These investments reinforce Delta's reputation as the entertainment airline." - Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Director – Onboard Product and Customer Experience.
The Hulu programming
Delta's new partnership with Hulu allows its customers to watch award-winning Hulu Original content on board. In fact, this will begin next month and include hits like "The Handmaid's Tale" recent Emmy®-nominee "The Act," must-watch documentaries like "Fyre Fraud," and more.
Here's a full list of Hulu Originals coming on board in August according to the Delta newsletter:
Title |
Genre |
Episodes |
---|---|---|
The Handmaid's Tale |
Drama |
S1 Episodes 1-3 |
The Mindy Project |
Comedy |
S4 Episodes 1-6 |
Marvel's Runaways |
Action, Sci-Fi |
S1 Episodes 1-3 |
Castle Rock |
Drama, Horror |
S1 Episodes 1-3 |
Casual |
Comedy |
S1 Episodes 1-4 |
Light As A Feather |
Thriller |
S1 Episodes 1-3 |
The Act |
Crime, Drama |
S1 Episodes 1-3 |
Shrill |
Comedy |
S1 Episodes 1-3 |
Batman and Bill |
Documentary |
Film |
Fyre Fraud |
Documentary |
Film |
Ask Dr. Ruth |
Documentary |
Film |
Minding the Gap |
Documentary |
Film |
Into the Dark: New Year, New You |
Horror |
Film |
Other inflight entertainment
This new content from Hulu adds to the 3,000+ movies, TV shows and music options already available through Delta Studio. This content varies depending on the aircraft and route but is overall free of charge to all customers in all cabins. In addition to investing in seat-back entertainment, customers can choose to stream Delta Studio to their personal devices on the airline's entire mainline fleet and most regional aircraft.
Bucking the trend
This achievement further solidifies Delta's reputation as the U.S. carrier that is working hard to improve the passenger experience in all classes. This includes the economy experience - especially for international flights. In fact, economy passengers flying international will soon get to experience a "welcome-aboard drink", hot towel service and a chocolate treat as the flight nears arrival.
Then there's the fact that Delta is working to have free inflight WiFi by 2021. WiFi service is one way the airline is hoping to boost customer appreciation. The airline currently offers WiFi service but charges $16 per day when traveling in North America. Furthermore, frequent flyers can opt to pay $599.99 for a year of service. However, the good news is that by 2021 these fees will be eliminated and all passengers will be able to enjoy WiFi service free of charge.
Conclusion
Finally, let's be clear - this is NOT a sponsored article. However, from my own point of view in covering aviation news, it does seem like Delta Air Lines is making all the right moves when it comes to trying to make their customers happy.
How do you think Delta compares with the other U.S. airlines? Is it a very distinct service or is there more that can be done?