Delta ups its seat-screen game, expands Bluetooth — and launches SkyMiles partnership with Uber

Delta Air Lines is jumping into the Bluetooth race. Starting in 2026, the Atlanta-based airline will begin rolling out Bluetooth connectivity to more planes and cabins, allowing passengers on its newest aircraft to pair Apple AirPods or other devices. Wireless listening is different from in-flight entertainment systems.

Delta announced its new Bluetooth plans Tuesday during a keynote presentation at the Las Vegas Sphere, held as part of CES, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics shows — and one of the largest annual conventions in Las Vegas.

As part of the presentation, Delta executives revealed these enhanced Bluetooth capabilities will be part of an effort to enhance larger in-flight entertainment systems on their new planes. – will include new, higher-quality seatback screens and the just-announced ad-free streaming feature. cooperate with YouTube.

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Additionally, the airline announced a new partnership with ride-hailing service Uber that will launch later this spring, allowing customers to earn money. SkyMiles on trips.

Delta expands Bluetooth connectivity to seats

Today, Delta passengers can only pair their wireless Bluetooth devices to a small portion of the in-seat screen on the airline’s flights. Specifically, only available in the first class cabin of the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Bluetooth implementations suffer from that limitation, because TPG reports in 2022is part of a test as Delta considers expanding the technology to more planes — and more cabins. Since then, airlines — Delta among them — have doubled the number of in-seat screens. And of course, Bluetooth-enabled headphones are becoming more and more popular.

Which Delta planes will have Bluetooth?

Now, one thing to note: To date, Delta has not announced any plans to deploy Bluetooth across its entire fleet. The airline said Tuesday that the technology will begin appearing on some new aircraft delivered next year.

Specifically, Delta plans to install new technology in the future Airbus A350-1000 jetalong with the A321neos starting in mid-2026, an executive said Tuesday. It is also planned for final deliveries of products that have not yet been certified Boeing 737 MAX10.

That said, Bluetooth will be available in every cabin of those jets, so you’ll be able to pair your AirPods whether you’re flying on Delta One or basic economy fare.

In some ways, the carrier is following in the footsteps of United Airlines, which it announced plans to equip more than 800 of its jets with Bluetooth capabilities by 2032.

Bigger technological innovations were announced in Vegas

As for Delta, its Bluetooth announcement comes as part of a larger inflight entertainment overhaul that the airline announced Tuesday at the Sphere in a major spectacle that saw the company’s branding company adorns the world-famous Las Vegas location.

The past few years have seen Delta use CES to announce other important technology innovations. Back in 2020, CEO Ed Bastian used his keynote to signal for the first time the airline’s plans to offer free Wi-Fi on board – a free service available now. available on more than 700 Delta jets to passengers with SkyMiles memberships.

The expanded Bluetooth connectivity that Delta passengers will begin to see in 2026 is made possible by an all-new in-seat entertainment system that the airline will launch on a planned number of new aircraft. Join the flight crew.

The 4K HDR QLED display will deliver what Delta calls a “theater-like viewing experience.”

And it’s not just hardware changes.

The airline on Tuesday announced a new partnership with streaming giant YouTube, which will allow passengers to access ad-free YouTube Premium and YouTube Music while flying – accessible via seatback screen or personal device via free Wi-Fi.

Delta’s new screens will also have a “Do Not Disturb” function, allowing passengers to notify flight attendants when they do not want to be awakened for in-flight service. The system will also provide a translation service, allowing passengers to listen to in-flight announcements in their preferred language.

“Whether through our fast, free Wi-Fi, our industry-leading seat monitors, or any other personalized channel across the tech ecosystem,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. Delta, we are committed to creating a seamless and enriching experience for our SkyMiles Members.” in a statement ahead of Tuesday’s event.

This “next generation Delta Sync backrest experience” is part of a partnership Delta announced with aerospace company Thales Avionics.

New Uber partnership

Delta also had good news Tuesday for SkyMiles members who regularly take Uber.

Later this spring, the airline and ride-hailing service will launch a new partnership that will allow SkyMiles members to link their accounts with Uber and earn Delta miles for eligible trips and deliveries sue.

Once operational, SkyMiles income on Uber will include:

• 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX trips to and from the airport
• 2 miles per dollar spent on premium trips
• 3 miles per dollar spent on Uber Reserve trips
• 1 mile per dollar spent on eligible grocery and restaurant orders

The companies plan to announce further details about the partnership in the coming weeks.

Mobile app with AI ‘tour guide’

Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be a major product announcement in 2025 without innovation related to artificial intelligence.

Delta said it will add to its Fly Delta mobile app this year with Delta Concierge, an AI tool that will give passengers additional guidance and recommendations when traveling — or, as the company says, “contextual guidance and tailored recommendations” throughout the travel journey.

That could mean AI will provide information about passport or visa requirements or offer packing tips based on the weather forecast at the destination.

The move comes as airlines across the US have invested significant resources into improving their mobile apps, allowing customers more ways to track their bags, rebook their tickets, and rebook themselves. , file lost baggage claims, and get notified about important announcements through features like “live activity.” .”

For Delta specifically, these hardware and software improvements will come with Updated interior interface as the airline’s cabins are expected to debut on several new jets later this year – while there are also plans to retrofit existing planes in the coming years.

The company used its CES appearance as a way to simultaneously celebrate its 100th anniversary – supported by an exhibition inside the Sphere – and promote its vision of the future.

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