Connecting to Delta WiFi in three steps
Delta's in-flight WiFi, called Delta WiFi, connects you through a portal that appears automatically when you open your browser. Open any app or website on your phone, tablet, or laptop once the plane reaches cruising altitude. A login screen should pop up — if it doesn't, go to any website (like google.com) and you'll be redirected. Select "get your free guide" or "Connect Now", choose whether you're a SkyMiles member or a first-time user, and follow the prompts to enter your name and email. The connection usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes after you confirm.
If you're a Delta SkyMiles member, you can sign in with your frequent flyer number and password instead of entering your details again. SkyMiles members get free WiFi on all Delta flights; non-members can purchase a one-day pass, monthly pass, or annual subscription. The pricing changes periodically, so check Delta's website before your flight if you want to know the exact cost.
Once you're connected, you can use email, messaging apps, and web browsing. Video streaming and large downloads are throttled on most plans, so expect slower speeds for those activities. The connection is stable enough for work calls and video meetings on most flights, though turbulence and distance from the aircraft's antenna can cause brief drops.
Key Takeaways
- Open any website on your device after takeoff and you'll be automatically directed to the Delta WiFi login page.
- SkyMiles members connect free with their frequent flyer number; non-members can buy a pass for the flight or a longer period.
- Email, messaging, and web browsing work well; video streaming is slower and may not work depending on your plan.
- If the login page doesn't appear, try visiting google.com or another website to trigger the redirect.
What to do if the login page doesn't appear
If you open your browser and no login screen appears, the WiFi network may not be broadcasting yet or your device may not be connecting to it. Go to your device's WiFi settings and look for a network name starting with "Delta" or "Viasat" (the company that provides Delta's service). Select that network and connect to it. Then open your browser and visit any website — the login page should appear within a few seconds.
If you still don't see the login page, try "forgetting" the Delta WiFi network in your settings and reconnecting to it. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the info icon next to the Delta network, and select "Forget This Network". On Android, long-press the network name and choose "Forget". Then reconnect and try opening a website again. If the network doesn't appear at all, the WiFi may not be active yet — this sometimes happens during boarding or if the plane is still climbing to cruising altitude.
Troubleshooting a slow or dropped connection
Delta WiFi can slow down or disconnect temporarily for several reasons. The aircraft's antenna has limited range and signal strength, so your connection may weaken if you're sitting far from the fuselage or near the tail. Moving your device slightly or holding it differently can sometimes improve the signal. If you're streaming video or downloading large files, the network may throttle your speed intentionally — this is normal and not a malfunction.
If your connection drops entirely, try disconnecting from the WiFi network and reconnecting. Go back to your device's WiFi settings, forget the Delta network, and reconnect to it. Then open your browser again. If the problem persists, restart your device's WiFi radio by turning airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off again. If you're still unable to connect after these steps, the WiFi system may be experiencing a temporary outage — this is rare but does happen. Contact a flight attendant to report the issue.
Using Delta WiFi on multiple devices
You can connect multiple devices to Delta WiFi during the same flight, but each device needs to go through the login process separately. Your phone, tablet, and laptop can all be connected at the same time. However, if you're using a free pass or paid pass, the bandwidth is shared across all your devices, so connecting multiple devices will slow down each one.
If you're a SkyMiles member, your free WiFi works on any device you own — you don't need to buy separate passes for each one. Just log in with your SkyMiles number on each device. Non-members who buy a one-day pass will need to purchase a separate pass for each device if they want to use more than one at a time, or they can log out of one device and log in on another to switch between them.
Connecting through the Delta app instead of a browser
You can also connect to Delta WiFi through the official Delta Air Lines app instead of using your browser. Open the app, go to the WiFi section, and select "Connect to WiFi". The app will guide you through the same login process. Some users find this method faster because the app remembers your login information if you've used it before, so you may not have to enter your details again on future flights.
The app method works the same way as the browser method — you'll still need to be a SkyMiles member or purchase a pass. The advantage is that the app can notify you when the WiFi is available and ready to connect, rather than you having to remember to check manually. If you prefer using your browser, that works just as well.
What you can and cannot do on Delta WiFi
Delta WiFi supports email, web browsing, messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage, and video calls through apps like Zoom and FaceTime. You can work on documents, check social media, and stream music on most plans. However, video streaming through Netflix, YouTube, and similar services is either blocked or heavily throttled depending on your pass type. Large file downloads and uploads are also slow.
Some websites and services may not load properly due to the network's filtering. If you encounter a site that won't work, try a different browser or wait until you land. The connection is strong enough for most work tasks, but don't expect the same speed you'd get on home WiFi or a coffee shop network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for Delta WiFi every time I fly?
Only if you're not a SkyMiles member. SkyMiles members get free WiFi on all Delta flights with their frequent flyer account. Non-members can buy a one-day pass, monthly pass, or annual subscription. If you fly Delta regularly, an annual pass is usually cheaper than buying individual passes each time.
Can I use my home WiFi password to connect to Delta WiFi?
No. Delta WiFi is a separate network that has nothing to do with your home internet. You'll create a new login through the Delta portal using your name and email, or sign in with your SkyMiles number if you have one. There's no password involved — just a one-time login per flight.
Why is my video call freezing or dropping?
Delta WiFi can handle video calls, but the connection is shared with hundreds of other passengers and is slower than typical home internet. If too many people are using the network at once, your call may lag or disconnect. Try moving to a different seat closer to the fuselage, or wait until fewer people are actively using the network. Turning off your camera and using audio-only can also help.
What happens to my connection when the plane lands?
Your WiFi connection will drop automatically once the plane lands and the system shuts down. You don't need to do anything — just reconnect to your airport or home WiFi when you're ready. If you purchased a one-day pass, it remains valid for 24 hours from when you first connected, so you can use it on another Delta flight within that time if needed.
Can I use Delta WiFi if I'm not a passenger?
No. You must be on a Delta flight to access Delta WiFi. The network is only broadcast from the aircraft during flight. If you're in the airport, you'll need to connect to the airport's WiFi network instead.