By the end of summer, Delta's free Wi-Fi is set to be available on most transatlantic flights.

Delta Air Lines anticipates that its jets on many transatlantic routes will soon offer fast, complimentary Wi-Fi by this summer's end. However, it may take up to another year for the airline to extend free internet access to its entire fleet.

Since the beginning of 2023, the Atlanta-based airline has been dedicated to providing free Wi-Fi on its planes, requiring only a SkyMiles membership for connectivity.

Initially, Delta aimed for a full fleet rollout by the close of 2024, but limitations in satellite coverage have delayed the timeline to 2025, as first reported by TPG in March.

"We're actively continuing the rollout and are making solid progress," stated Delta CEO Ed Bastian during the company’s second-quarter earnings call last week.

Shifting focus to international travel

Delta initiated its Wi-Fi rollout by prioritizing its mainline domestic fleet; the airline has already implemented the service, provided by Viasat, on its Airbus A319s, A320s, A321s, as well as Boeing 737s and 757s—along with a significant number of its A220s.

Currently, the airline is directing its efforts towards enhancing its wide-body international fleet—especially the jets operating on routes between the U.S. and Europe, which are particularly busy this summer.

"Our current priority is equipping our international fleet," Bastian noted last week. "We expect the transatlantic routes to be mostly operational by the end of summer, within the next few months."

Paris and Nice are set to have Wi-Fi ready by the time of the Olympics.

This week, Delta started testing the service on the majority of flights connecting the U.S. and France, including those to and from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Nice.

Testing commenced on Monday. Upon completion, travelers should be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, according to a spokesperson for TPG.

Focus moving forward

More international routes are anticipated to be introduced after successful testing concludes.

Gaps in satellite coverage primarily impact Delta's Asia-Pacific routes, but the airline is collaborating with Viasat to make these routes operational by 2025.

Additionally, the airline is concentrating on outfitting its regional jets and remaining mainline aircraft, particularly the Boeing 717 fleet, "over the next 12 to 18 months," Bastian stated last week.

As reported by TPG last November, Delta is partnering with Hughes Network Systems to provide gate-to-gate Wi-Fi on over 400 of its 717s and regional jets.

Currently, more than half of Delta's passenger capacity has access to complimentary Wi-Fi.

For flights without free Wi-Fi, you can purchase access. Curious if your flight offers fast, free service? Visit delta.com/wifi, or look for the "fast-streaming Wi-Fi" label when booking your flight.