As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, staying online has become an essential part of our daily lives. Even when we’re soaring through the skies, we want to remain connected to our loved ones, catch up on work, or simply scroll through social media. Delta Air Lines, one of the largest airlines in the world, offers inflight WiFi on many of its flights. But how much does it cost, and is it worth the investment?
Understanding Delta’s Inflight WiFi Options
Delta offers two types of inflight WiFi: Gogo and Viasat. Gogo is the more widely available option, covering over 3,000 aircraft across Delta’s fleet. Viasat, on the other hand, is available on select flights, primarily on Delta’s Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737-900ER aircraft.
Gogo Inflight WiFi
Gogo’s inflight WiFi is available on most Delta flights, including domestic and international routes. The service uses a combination of cellular and satellite technology to provide internet access at 30,000 feet. Gogo’s speeds are generally slower than Viasat, but still fast enough for browsing, emailing, and social media.
Gogo Inflight WiFi Pricing
The cost of Gogo’s inflight WiFi on Delta flights varies depending on the route and the type of device you’re using. Here are the current prices:
- 1-hour pass: $7
- 24-hour pass: $19
- Monthly pass: $49.95 (auto-renews every 30 days)
Viasat Inflight WiFi
Viasat’s inflight WiFi is available on select Delta flights, primarily on newer aircraft. Viasat uses a satellite-based system to provide faster speeds and more reliable connections. Viasat’s speeds are generally faster than Gogo, making it ideal for streaming and online gaming.
Viasat Inflight WiFi Pricing
The cost of Viasat’s inflight WiFi on Delta flights is as follows:
- 1-hour pass: $10
- 24-hour pass: $29
- Monthly pass: $69.95 (auto-renews every 30 days)
How to Purchase Inflight WiFi on Delta
Purchasing inflight WiFi on Delta is a straightforward process. Here’s how:
- Once you’ve boarded the plane and the seatbelt sign is off, open your laptop or mobile device and connect to the “gogoinflight” or “viasat” network.
- Open your web browser and navigate to the Gogo or Viasat portal.
- Select your desired WiFi plan and enter your payment information.
- Once you’ve completed the purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your WiFi credentials.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Delta’s Inflight WiFi
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of Delta’s inflight WiFi:
- Choose the right plan: If you only need to check your email or scroll through social media, the 1-hour pass may be sufficient. However, if you plan on streaming or working online, the 24-hour pass or monthly pass may be a better option.
- Use a VPN: When using public WiFi, it’s always a good idea to use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data.
- Download content before your flight: If you plan on watching movies or TV shows during your flight, consider downloading them before you board. This will help you avoid using up your data allowance.
Is Delta’s Inflight WiFi Worth the Cost?
Whether or not Delta’s inflight WiFi is worth the cost depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a frequent flyer who needs to stay connected for work or other purposes, the monthly pass may be a good investment. However, if you’re only taking a short flight and don’t need to use the internet, the cost may not be justified.
Alternatives to Delta’s Inflight WiFi
If you’re not willing to pay for inflight WiFi, there are a few alternatives you can consider:
- Download content before your flight: As mentioned earlier, downloading movies, TV shows, and music before your flight can help you stay entertained without using up your data allowance.
- Use your phone’s offline mode: Many apps, including social media and email clients, offer offline modes that allow you to use them without an internet connection.
- Bring a book or magazine: Sometimes, the best way to pass the time on a flight is to simply bring a book or magazine.
Conclusion
Delta’s inflight WiFi is a convenient option for staying connected at 30,000 feet. While the cost may seem steep, it’s worth considering if you need to stay online for work or other purposes. By understanding your options and choosing the right plan, you can make the most of Delta’s inflight WiFi and stay connected on your next flight.
| WiFi Provider | 1-hour Pass | 24-hour Pass | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gogo | $7 | $19 | $49.95 |
| Viasat | $10 | $29 | $69.95 |
Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the route and type of device.
What is Delta’s inflight WiFi and how does it work?
Delta’s inflight WiFi is a service that allows passengers to stay connected to the internet while flying. The service uses a combination of satellite and air-to-ground technology to provide internet access on most Delta flights. The WiFi signal is transmitted from the plane to a network of ground stations or satellites, which then connect to the internet.
The WiFi service is available on most Delta flights, including domestic and international routes. However, the availability and quality of the service may vary depending on the flight route and the type of aircraft. Passengers can check the Delta website or mobile app to see if WiFi is available on their specific flight.
How much does Delta’s inflight WiFi cost?
The cost of Delta’s inflight WiFi varies depending on the flight route and the type of device being used. For domestic flights, the cost is typically $16 per flight for a laptop or tablet, while mobile devices are charged at a lower rate of $8 per flight. For international flights, the cost is typically $28 per flight for a laptop or tablet, while mobile devices are charged at a lower rate of $18 per flight.
It’s worth noting that Delta offers a variety of pricing options, including a monthly subscription plan for frequent flyers. The subscription plan costs $49.95 per month and provides unlimited WiFi access on all Delta flights. Passengers can also purchase a day pass for $19.95, which provides 24 hours of WiFi access.
Can I purchase Delta’s inflight WiFi before my flight?
Yes, passengers can purchase Delta’s inflight WiFi before their flight. In fact, purchasing WiFi before the flight can often result in a lower cost. Passengers can purchase WiFi on the Delta website or mobile app, and the cost will be charged to their credit card.
Purchasing WiFi before the flight also ensures that passengers can get online as soon as the plane reaches cruising altitude. This can be especially useful for passengers who need to stay connected for work or other important reasons.
Can I use my Delta SkyMiles to purchase inflight WiFi?
Yes, Delta SkyMiles members can use their miles to purchase inflight WiFi. The cost of WiFi in miles varies depending on the flight route and the type of device being used. However, in general, the cost is around 4,500 miles per flight for a laptop or tablet, and 2,500 miles per flight for a mobile device.
Using SkyMiles to purchase WiFi can be a great way for frequent flyers to stay connected without incurring additional costs. However, it’s worth noting that the value of SkyMiles can vary depending on how they are used, so passengers should carefully consider whether using their miles for WiFi is the best option.
Is Delta’s inflight WiFi fast enough for streaming?
Delta’s inflight WiFi is generally fast enough for browsing the internet, checking email, and staying connected on social media. However, the speed may not be sufficient for streaming video or other high-bandwidth activities. The WiFi speed is typically around 10-20 Mbps, which is comparable to a slow home internet connection.
While it may not be possible to stream video in high definition, passengers can still use the WiFi to stream music or watch lower-quality video. Additionally, Delta offers a variety of free entertainment options on its flights, including movies, TV shows, and music.
Can I use Delta’s inflight WiFi to make phone calls or send texts?
Delta’s inflight WiFi does not support voice calls or texting. However, passengers can use the WiFi to send emails, instant messages, and other types of data-based communication. Additionally, many airlines, including Delta, offer free messaging services that allow passengers to send texts and make voice calls using their mobile devices.
It’s worth noting that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits the use of cell phones for voice calls on commercial flights. However, passengers can use their devices in airplane mode to access the internet and stay connected.
Is Delta’s inflight WiFi secure?
Delta’s inflight WiFi is a public network, and as such, it may not be as secure as a private network. However, Delta takes a number of steps to ensure the security of its WiFi network, including encrypting data and using firewalls to block unauthorized access.
Passengers can also take steps to protect themselves when using the WiFi, such as using a virtual private network (VPN) and keeping their devices and software up to date. Additionally, passengers should be cautious when accessing sensitive information, such as financial data or personal identifiable information, while using the WiFi.