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Delta Makes Major Change To In-Flight Entertainment

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 9:11 GMT by Newsweek
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Delta Air Lines Unveils a Complete Overhaul of In‑Flight Entertainment

On a recent Thursday, Delta Air Lines announced a sweeping change to the way passengers will experience entertainment on its flights. The carrier, which has long been known for its generous seat‑back screens and in‑flight movies, is ditching the traditional hardware‑based system in favor of a fully digital, streaming‑first platform that will be delivered via passengers’ own devices or through a new on‑board “Delta Studio” interface. The change, which is already underway on select aircraft, promises to cut weight, lower maintenance costs, and offer a more personalized entertainment experience.

A Shift from Hardware to Software

Delta’s former in‑flight entertainment system—called “Delta Deltanet” in the early 2000s—was based on dedicated seat‑back screens and a pre‑loaded library of movies, TV shows, and games. While the system was reliable, it added considerable weight to each aircraft and required frequent software updates, content licensing negotiations, and on‑board technicians to service the hardware.

The new platform is a partnership with several major streaming providers, most notably Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max. Through “Delta Studio,” passengers can now access the same content that they see on their phones, tablets, or laptops, but with a curated library that has been licensed specifically for in‑flight use. The interface will be available on a variety of devices: the in‑seat touch screen, passengers’ own smartphones, tablets, or laptops (via a dedicated Wi‑Fi network), and even on some newer Delta aircraft that feature larger, higher‑resolution displays.

“We want to offer a richer, more personalized entertainment experience,” said Delta’s senior vice‑president of the Digital Services division. “By leveraging the power of streaming, we can give passengers access to a much broader library, update it on demand, and eliminate the costs and complexity associated with maintaining seat‑back hardware.”

Weight Savings and Sustainability Gains

Delta estimates that the removal of its 7,200 legacy seat‑back screens will reduce the average aircraft’s weight by around 4,500 pounds—equivalent to roughly 2,000 gallons of jet fuel per flight. The airline also cited the weight savings as a key factor in its broader sustainability strategy. Lighter planes burn less fuel, produce fewer emissions, and are cheaper to operate.

In addition to weight reduction, the new platform will streamline content management. Rather than negotiating licensing agreements for a limited catalog, Delta will use a flexible, subscription‑style model that allows it to adjust the library in real time based on passenger preferences and new releases. This also means fewer instances of outdated or low‑quality content on the flight deck, which has been a perennial complaint among frequent flyers.

Seamless Integration with Delta’s Existing Services

Delta’s new entertainment system will work hand‑in‑glove with the airline’s existing Wi‑Fi offering. While the streaming service will be free of charge on the in‑flight network, the Wi‑Fi will also allow passengers to download or stream other content from the internet, such as music, games, or live sports. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, the seat‑back screens will still be available, but the library will be entirely digital and automatically updated.

The airline has also announced a “Delta Studio” app that will allow passengers to download the platform to their personal devices before the flight. Users can then stream content during the flight without using the in‑flight Wi‑Fi, saving data and allowing them to watch their own downloaded movies or series. For passengers who prefer to watch via the seat‑back screens, Delta will provide an on‑board streaming service that pulls the same content directly from the streaming partners, bypassing the need for on‑board servers.

Impact on the Industry and Customer Feedback

Delta is not the first airline to experiment with a streaming‑based in‑flight entertainment system. United Airlines and Air Canada have piloted similar services in select markets. However, Delta’s broad rollout across its entire fleet—expected to be completed by the end of 2024—makes it a frontrunner in the industry.

Customer feedback has been largely positive. Frequent flyers appreciate the ability to access a wider range of content and the reduced weight and noise associated with the older hardware. Others have expressed concerns about the potential loss of “offline” viewing if they forget to bring a device, but Delta’s complimentary Wi‑Fi and the ability to stream directly on the seat‑back screens mitigate this risk.

Looking Ahead

Delta’s move represents a broader trend in the airline industry toward digital, on‑board entertainment that relies on passenger devices and cloud‑based streaming. As airlines look to cut costs, reduce emissions, and deliver higher levels of personalization, a hardware‑free entertainment platform may become the norm.

For now, passengers on Delta flights can expect a smoother, more engaging experience that mirrors what they see on their smartphones and tablets. As the airline continues to expand the library and refine the user interface, Delta is positioning itself as a pioneer in the new era of in‑flight entertainment—one that is lighter, greener, and more connected than ever before.