Delta has announced they will be offering free mobile messaging for everyone inflight starting on October 1, 2017. Free messaging will be available on all Gogo-enabled Delta flights, including both domestic and international flights. Delta will offer free messaging with the following platforms: iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but not traditional SMS text messaging is not included, as it must be a WiFi enabled messaging service.

Per Delta,

Beginning Oct. 1, Delta Air Lines will become the first U.S. global carrier* to offer free mobile messaging, providing more customers access to free messaging than any other carrier. The airline will also have the most aircraft enabled with free messaging. 

This new, complimentary capability will enable customers to stay fully connected with those on the ground and exchange real time messages in flight with friends, families, colleagues, and clients via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The enhancement is part of Delta’s multi-billion dollar investment in the customer experience.

Bottom Line

As a Delta flyer, I couldn’t be more excited to hear this announcement and think it’s great news not only for Delta but for the airline industry, as the pressure will now be on for the other US carriers including United and American whether or not they’ll start to offer free messaging as well.

For those looking for faster WiFi, Delta is currently installing their new 2Ku WiFi on their A319, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737-900 aircrafts, and then will move to the rest of their domestic fleet.

What are your thoughts about Delta offering free messaging onboard their flights? Feel free to share in the comments below.