Delta Amps Up In-Flight Entertainment, Expands Bluetooth Connectivity, and Fosters SkyMiles Collaboration with Uber
Headline: Delta Cranks Up Connectivity: Bluetooth Coming to Planes in 2026Subhead: Say goodbye to tangled cords and hello to a more streamlined flight experience.
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Delta Air Lines is about to take a giant leap forward in passenger convenience. In 2026, the airline will be rolling out Bluetooth connectivity on more planes and cabins, allowing passengers on its newer aircraft to seamlessly pair their Apple AirPods or other wireless listening devices with the inflight entertainment system.
The announcement came during a Wednesday keynote presentation at the Las Vegas Sphere, held as part of CES - one of the world's largest consumer electronics shows and among the largest conventions each year in Las Vegas.
The Scene at CES
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As part of the presentation, Delta executives unveiled these expanded Bluetooth capabilities as part of a larger inflight entertainment system overhaul on its new planes. The plans include snazzy, higher-quality seatback screens and a brand-new, ad-free streaming partnership with YouTube.
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First-Class Upgrades? Not So Fast...
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Interestingly, Delta's Bluetooth upgrades aren't just for big spenders in first class - the technology will be available for every passenger on the new planes, regardless of their cabin or ticket class.
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Which Planes Get Bluetooth?
For now, Bluetooth is only available for a select few Delta planes. Specifically, passengers can only pair their wireless devices on a limited number of Airbus A321neo jets in the first-class cabin.
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But Delta's latest plans indicate that this technology will soon be expanding to more aircraft. The carrier is planning to install the new Bluetooth-compatible systems on future Airbus A350-1000 jets, A321neos beginning in mid-2026, and eventual deliveries of the yet-to-be-certified Boeing 737 MAX 10.
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Bigger Tech Improvements
Delta's Bluetooth announcement was just one part of a bigger tech revamp the carrier revealed in Vegas. Past years have seen Delta use CES to debut other major technological innovations, like their plans to make inflight Wi-Fi free - a perk now available on more than 700 Delta jets for passengers with a SkyMiles membership.
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The expanded Bluetooth connectivity that Delta passengers will start seeing in 2026 is made possible by all-new seatback entertainment systems the carrier will debut on certain new aircraft expected to join the fleet. The 4K HDR QLED screens will offer a "theater-like viewing experience."
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The carrier also announced a partnership with streaming giant YouTube, which will enable passengers to access ad-free YouTube Premium and YouTube Music while in flight via the seatback screens or personal devices through the complimentary Wi-Fi.
Additionally, the new screens will come with a "Do Not Disturb" function, allowing passengers to alert flight attendants when they'd rather not be disturbed for in-flight service. The system will also offer translation services, enabling passengers to hear in-flight announcements in their preferred language.
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Uber and SkyMiles Rewards
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Delta also had good news for SkyMiles members who frequently use ride-hailing service Uber. A new partnership between the two companies is slated to launch later this spring, allowing customers to earn SkyMiles on Uber rides.
Once it's live, the arrangement will include 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports, 2 miles per dollar spent on premium rides, 3 miles per dollar spent on Uber Reserve rides, and 1 mile per dollar spent on eligible restaurant and grocery orders. More details about the partnership are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
A New 'AI Concierge' on the Fly Delta App
If you can't seem to escape the clutches of AI, Delta has a special treat for you. The airline announced plans to infuse its Fly Delta mobile app with an AI tool dubbed "Delta Concierge" this year. This new addition will offer passengers additional guidance and tailored recommendations throughout their travel journey.
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The AI might offer information about passport or visa requirements, suggest packing tips based on weather forecasts at a destination, and plenty more. The move is part of a broader trend among U.S. airlines investing in improving mobile app features to give customers more options for bag tracking, rebooking, filing lost luggage claims, and receiving timely notifications.
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New Cabin Designs
This year will also see some eye-catching changes in Delta's cabin designs as the company debuts updated interiors on new jets and retrofits existing aircraft in the coming years.
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Delta used its CES presence to celebrate its 100-year anniversary and showcase its vision for the future, combining innovation and nostalgia in a major way.
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- Delta Air Lines is introducing Bluetooth connectivity on its planes in 2026, allowing passengers to pair their wireless devices with the inflight entertainment system.
- The airline announced this expansion as part of a larger inflight entertainment system overhaul on its new planes, featuring snazzy seatback screens and a streaming partnership with YouTube.
- Bluetooth connectivity will be available for all passengers, not just first-class, on the new planes that will be introduced.
- For now, Bluetooth is only available on a select few Airbus A321neo jets in the first-class cabin, but the technology will expand to more aircraft in the future.
- Delta also plans to install the new Bluetooth-compatible systems on future Airbus A350-1000 jets, A321neos beginning in mid-2026, and eventual deliveries of the Boeing 737 MAX 10.
- The new seatback entertainment systems will offer a "theater-like viewing experience" on 4K HDR QLED screens.
- The expanded Bluetooth connectivity and YouTube streaming partnership are part of a broader tech revamp being rolled out by Delta.
- SkyMiles members who frequently use Uber will soon be able to earn Miles on Uber rides, with 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports, 2 miles per dollar spent on premium rides, 3 miles per dollar spent on Uber Reserve rides, and 1 mile per dollar spent on eligible restaurant and grocery orders.
- The Fly Delta mobile app will feature an AI tool called "Delta Concierge" this year, offering passengers additional guidance and tailored recommendations throughout their travel journey.
