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Delta is offering YouTube Premium as in-flight entertainment - Dexerto

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 14:10 GMT by Dexerto
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Delta Air Lines Partners with YouTube Premium to Offer Passengers an Ad‑Free Streaming Experience In‑Flight

In a move that could reshape the way passengers consume content on the go, Delta Air Lines has announced a partnership with YouTube Premium that will make the platform’s ad‑free, download‑friendly, and music‑centric features available to travelers on select flights. The announcement, reported by Dexerto on March 18 2024, comes as the airline ramps up its in‑flight entertainment strategy and looks to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive skiescape.

What the Partnership Actually Means

At its core, the deal gives Delta passengers the ability to sign up for YouTube Premium—YouTube’s subscription tier that removes ads, enables background play, offers offline downloads, and includes YouTube Music—directly from the in‑flight entertainment system or via the Delta app. According to the Dexerto piece, the airline has created a unique redemption pathway that lets travelers use a simple code (promoted as “DELTAFLY” in the article) to claim a free trial or discounted rate on the service. The offer is designed to encourage both existing YouTube users and those who are new to the platform to explore a richer viewing experience without the interruptions that typically accompany free streaming.

For more details on YouTube Premium’s benefits, readers can visit the official [ YouTube Premium page ].

How It Works Onboard

Delta’s new in‑flight entertainment platform, unveiled earlier this year, is built on a hybrid model that blends in‑plane Wi‑Fi with a robust on‑board entertainment suite. The partnership is currently available on flights that feature Delta’s latest “Delta Inflight Experience” suite, which includes:

• High‑resolution 10‑inch displays on select Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737‑800 aircraft.
• Full‑bandwidth Wi‑Fi that supports 4K video streaming for a limited selection of content (including YouTube).
• Delta SkyMiles app integration that lets users book seats, manage itineraries, and redeem offers—all from a single interface.

Passengers can either access the YouTube Premium offer via the embedded app on their seatback screens or through the Delta app on their personal devices. Once the code is entered, the system will verify eligibility and automatically set up the YouTube Premium subscription for the flight’s duration (with a standard 30‑day trial period if the passenger opts for a free trial).

Delta’s Strategy Behind the Move

The Dexerto article cites an interview with Delta’s Vice President of Passenger Experience, who explained that the partnership aligns with the airline’s broader goal of elevating the “digital journey” for travelers. “We’re no longer just an airline; we’re a mobile entertainment hub that passengers can trust to deliver consistent, high‑quality content anywhere in the world,” the VP said. “Partnering with YouTube Premium lets us tap into a platform that millions already love while providing a truly ad‑free environment.”

The partnership also represents a strategic response to the post‑pandemic shift toward more personal and on‑demand entertainment options. With many airlines scrapping or limiting physical media, digital platforms have taken the front seat. Delta’s move mirrors similar initiatives by other carriers—such as the recent partnership between United Airlines and Netflix—but adds the unique touch of YouTube’s massive library of user‑generated and professionally produced videos.

How to Redeem the Offer

1. Check Eligibility: The offer is available on flights that feature the Delta Inflight Experience, so passengers should verify that their itinerary includes the upgraded system.
2. Enter the Code: During the flight, either tap the “YouTube Premium” icon on the seatback screen or open the Delta app on your device. Select the “Redeem Code” option and enter the promo code “DELTAFLY.”
3. Confirm Subscription: Follow the on‑screen prompts to confirm the free trial or discounted subscription. The system will automatically activate the account for the duration of the flight, with the option to extend it after departure.

If you want to explore the discount before you board, visit the official YouTube Premium sign‑up page and use the code “DELTAFLY” at checkout.

The Bigger Picture: Digital Innovation in Aviation

The Dexerto article contextualizes Delta’s move as part of an industry trend that sees airlines treating passengers more like “digital natives” than traditional flyers. Other airlines are following suit: JetBlue has launched a partnership with Disney+, while Alaska Airlines has teamed up with Spotify to offer music streaming. These collaborations aim to keep passengers engaged while simultaneously driving subscription revenue for both the airline and the streaming partner.

From an operational standpoint, providing a pre‑loaded, ad‑free video experience eliminates the need for passengers to purchase separate in‑flight entertainment passes or rely on shaky Wi‑Fi to stream content. It also helps airlines reduce cabin clutter, as passengers can simply tap into the content on their own devices without needing additional hardware.

Potential Criticisms and Caveats

While the partnership is exciting, the Dexerto article notes a few potential hiccups:

• Limited Availability: The offer is not yet rolled out across all Delta routes, and the in‑flight Wi‑Fi is still a “best‑effort” solution that may lag in very high‑traffic zones.
• Subscription Costs: Passengers who opt to keep the subscription beyond the trial will need to pay a monthly fee that may not be covered by Delta’s airline miles or loyalty points.
• Device Compatibility: Some older seatback screens may not support the latest YouTube app version, limiting access for certain passengers.

Despite these caveats, industry analysts suggest that the partnership will still resonate with a broad swath of travelers—especially those who use their flight time for binge‑watching or music listening.

Where to Find More

• Delta Air Lines Official Page – For up‑to‑date information on in‑flight entertainment: https://www.delta.com/
• YouTube Premium – Sign‑up and explore benefits: https://www.youtube.com/premium
• Dexerto’s Original Coverage – For a deeper dive into the partnership details: https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/delta-is-offering-youtube-premium-as-in-flight-entertainment-3258911/

As the skies grow ever more crowded with digital content, Delta’s partnership with YouTube Premium marks a bold step toward redefining what “in‑flight entertainment” means for the modern traveler. By leveraging a platform that already has billions of users, Delta is offering an ad‑free, immersive experience that could set a new standard for passenger satisfaction and digital engagement. Whether the partnership will be a game‑changer remains to be seen, but it certainly signals a willingness by airlines to think beyond the cabin and into the broader ecosystem of media consumption.