Delta Air Lines' in-flight experience is poised to get much better. The airline announced Thursday that it will begin testing free in-flight Wi-Fi as soon as next week.
Starting Monday, May 13, customers on approximately 55 domestic flight segments a day will have an opportunity to browse the web, check email, shop online, message friends and stay updated on social media at no charge, Delta said. However, the initial test will not support content streaming so the binge-watching will have to wait.
Passengers on flights being tapped for the test run will be notified ahead of their trip via email and a Fly Delta app push notification.
Delta currently charges $16 for a full day of in-flight Wi-Fi.
The two-week pilot-which will take place across all cabins on select short-, medium- and long-haul routes-is aimed at helping Delta understand customer experience preferences, system performance and customer feedback.
"Customers are accustomed to having access to free Wi-Fi during nearly every other aspect of their journey and Delta believes it should be free when flying, too," said Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Director of Onboard Product, in a statement. "Testing will be key to getting this highly complex program right-this takes a lot more creativity, investment and planning to bring to life than a simple flip of a switch."
Dimbiloglu said it's likely that several more test phases will be needed.
"As with any test in uncharted territory, Delta will rely heavily on customer and employee feedback to navigate how to best make free in-flight Wi-Fi a reality," he added.
Last year, Delta CEO Ed Bastian hinted that free in-flight Wi-Fi was coming. "I don't know of anywhere else, besides in an airplane, that you can't get free Wi-Fi. We're going to make it free," he said during a Skift Global Forum conference in September.
Delta also recently announced an expanded partnership with delivery startup Roadie to help quickly reunite passengers with delayed luggage.
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