Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury for air travelers—it’s a necessity. And in 2025, Delta Airlines is doubling down on its promise to deliver fast, reliable internet service across both domestic and international flights.
Whether you’re flying cross-country for business or heading overseas on vacation, Delta’s in-flight Wi-Fi options are more robust than ever. This guide breaks down what you can expect in terms of speed, access, pricing, and availability across Delta’s fleet in 2025.
The Basics: Delta’s Wi-Fi Providers in 2025
Delta now partners with two major providers to offer inflight connectivity: Viasat and Intelsat (formerly Gogo). Most domestic narrow-body aircraft (like A321s and 737s) use Viasat, while many international wide-body aircraft (like the A350 and A330) rely on Intelsat for global coverage.
This dual-partner setup allows Delta to expand its Wi-Fi network while maintaining service quality across different routes.
Free Wi-Fi Is Rolling Out Across Domestic Flights
As of mid-2025, Delta has completed its rollout of free Wi-Fi on most domestic mainline flights. This includes nearly all aircraft operating in the continental U.S.
The free Wi-Fi tier allows you to:
- Send messages via iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger
- Access email and basic browsing
- Use select partner sites and travel platforms
Streaming, VPN access, and heavy bandwidth apps still require a premium connection, which is available as a paid upgrade during your flight.
Wi-Fi on International Flights: Not Free Yet
For long-haul international flights, Delta has not yet introduced free Wi-Fi across the board, but the carrier has improved service stability and speeds considerably.
Here’s what to expect:
- Pricing: Starts around $6/hour or $20 for the entire flight (subject to change based on route and provider)
- Speed: Enough for email, browsing, and limited streaming; not ideal for video conferencing
- Coverage gaps: Some over-ocean and polar routes may still experience interruptions
Delta has stated that free Wi-Fi on international flights is part of its long-term roadmap, but hasn’t committed to a firm rollout date as of July 2025.
Devices and Setup
Connecting to Delta Wi-Fi in 2025 is simpler than ever. You don’t need to download a separate app—just follow these steps:
- Enable airplane mode and connect to the onboard “DeltaWiFi” network.
- Open your browser. You’ll be redirected to the Delta Wi-Fi portal.
- Choose free or premium access based on your needs.
- Pay (if required), or log in using your SkyMiles account for free access on domestic routes.
Laptops, tablets, and phones are all supported, and connection speeds vary more by aircraft type than by device.
Business Travelers and VPN Access
One of the most frequent complaints in prior years was the lack of reliable VPN support for remote work. In 2025, Delta has upgraded its infrastructure on many routes to support VPN connections on premium Wi-Fi tiers, especially on business-heavy routes like:
- New York to San Francisco
- Los Angeles to Seattle
- Atlanta to London
While not flawless, performance is noticeably better—especially on newer aircraft equipped with Viasat.
Which Aircraft Offer the Best Wi-Fi?
Here’s a quick reference based on Delta’s fleet:
| Aircraft | Route Type | Wi-Fi Provider | Free Wi-Fi Available | VPN/Streaming Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A321neo | Domestic | Viasat | Yes | Excellent |
| 737-900ER | Domestic | Viasat | Yes | Very Good |
| A220 | Domestic | Viasat | Yes | Very Good |
| A330-900neo | International | Intelsat | No | Moderate |
| A350 | International | Intelsat | No | Moderate |
| 757 | Mixed | Gogo (Legacy) | Limited | Spotty |
Newer planes offer better connectivity across the board. Older aircraft like 757s may still have legacy systems with weaker performance.
Loyalty Program Perks and Free Wi-Fi
Delta SkyMiles members get a smoother Wi-Fi experience:
- Medallion status sometimes unlocks free upgrades to premium Wi-Fi
- SkyMiles login required for free domestic access
- Amex Delta cardholders may receive free or discounted access as part of cardholder benefits (check your card’s perks)
Delta has integrated Wi-Fi access with your loyalty profile, meaning less friction when switching devices mid-flight.
The Future of Wi-Fi on Delta Flights
Delta has committed to making Wi-Fi a key part of its customer experience, not just a luxury for premium cabins. CEO Ed Bastian previously called inflight connectivity “essential infrastructure,” and recent investments reflect that mindset.
Here’s what’s expected by the end of 2025 and into 2026:
- Full rollout of free Wi-Fi on international widebodies (target late 2025)
- Improved streaming bandwidth for all cabins
- Tiered access options for travelers needing more data or faster speeds
As competition heats up from other carriers like JetBlue and United, expect Delta to continue pushing toward 100% fleet-wide connectivity with minimal friction.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Delta’s Wi-Fi offering is stronger than ever, especially on domestic flights where free internet is now a standard feature. International travelers still need to pay, but performance is improving.
Whether you’re working from the sky or just staying in touch while flying, Delta is clearly aiming to make Wi-Fi a dependable, seamless part of your journey.
If you’re planning a Delta flight soon, check the aircraft model and Wi-Fi provider in advance. And if you’re a SkyMiles member or use a Delta credit card, you might already be eligible for premium access at no extra cost.
Delta’s progress shows that in-flight connectivity is no longer an add-on—it’s an expectation. And in 2025, they’re getting a lot closer to delivering on that promise.