Delta Air Lines to enhance seatback screen gaming, expand Bluetooth, and establish SkyMiles partnership with Uber

Delta Air Lines is jumping on the Bluetooth bandwagon. Starting in 2026, the Atlanta-based airline will begin rolling out Bluetooth connectivity to more aircraft and cabins, allowing passengers on its newest aircraft to pair Apple AirPods or other wireless listening devices with their inflight entertainment systems.
Delta announced its new Bluetooth plans during a keynote Tuesday at the Las Vegas Sphere as part of CES, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics shows. It is also one of the largest conferences in Las Vegas each year.
As part of the demonstration, Delta executives revealed that these enhanced Bluetooth capabilities will be part of larger inflight entertainment system enhancements on its new aircraft, including new, higher-quality seatback screens and the just-announced wireless Ad streaming partnered with YouTube.
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Additionally, the airline announced a new partnership with ride-hailing service Uber, which will launch later this spring and allow customers to earn SkyMiles miles for rides.
Delta Air Lines expands seat back Bluetooth connectivity
Today, Delta Air Lines passengers can only pair their wireless Bluetooth devices to a small portion of the airline’s seatback screens on board. Specifically, only in first class on Airbus A321neo jets.
As TPG reported in 2022, this limited Bluetooth deployment is part of a trial as Delta considers expanding the technology to more aircraft and more cabins. Since then, airlines—Delta among them—have increased their investment in seatback screens. Of course, Bluetooth-enabled headphones are becoming more and more popular.
Which Delta aircraft will be equipped with Bluetooth?
Now, something to note: So far, Delta has not announced any plans to deploy Bluetooth across its entire fleet. The airline said on Tuesday the technology would start appearing on some new planes delivered next year.
Specifically, a senior executive said on Tuesday that Delta Air Lines plans to install the new technology on future Airbus A350-1000 jets as well as A321neos starting in mid-2026. It also plans to eventually deliver the Boeing 737 MAX 10, which has yet to be certified.
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That said, every cabin on these planes will have Bluetooth, so whether you’re flying on Delta One or basic economy, you’ll be able to pair your AirPods.
In some ways, the airline is following in the footsteps of United Airlines, which has announced plans to equip more than 800 of its aircraft with Bluetooth capabilities by 2032.
Las Vegas announces bigger tech improvements
For its part, Delta Air Lines’ Bluetooth launch is part of a larger inflight entertainment overhaul the airline launched Tuesday at the Sphere, the company’s brand that adorns the world-famous Las Vegas venue.
Delta Aviation has used CES to announce other major technological innovations in the past few years. Back in 2020, CEO Ed Bastian first revealed the airline’s plans to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi during his keynote speech – currently aboard Delta’s SkyMiles program on more than 700 aircraft. Free service is provided to members’ passengers.
Delta passengers will begin seeing expanded Bluetooth connectivity in 2026 via a new seatback entertainment system that the airline will debut on certain new aircraft it plans to add to its fleet.
The 4K HDR QLED screen will provide what Delta calls a “theater-like viewing experience.”
This isn’t just a hardware change.
The airline announced a new partnership with streaming giant YouTube on Tuesday that will allow passengers to access ad-free YouTube Premium and YouTube Music in-flight via seatback screens or via free Wi-Fi on their personal devices.
Delta’s new screens will also feature a “Do Not Disturb” feature that will allow passengers to alert flight attendants when they don’t want to be woken up for in-flight service. The system will also provide a translation service so passengers can hear in-flight announcements in their preferred language.
“Whether it’s through fast, free Wi-Fi, our industry-leading seatback screens or any other personalization channel in Delta’s digital ecosystem, we’re committed to delivering SkyMiles members create a seamless and rich experience.
This “next generation Delta synchronized seatback experience” is part of a partnership announced by Delta Air Lines with aerospace company Thales Avionics.
New Uber partnership
Delta Air Lines also had good news Tuesday for SkyMiles members who frequently fly with Uber.
Later this spring, the airline and ride-hailing company will launch a new partnership that will allow SkyMiles members to link their accounts with Uber and drive through eligible Earn Delta miles on rides and deliveries.
Once live, SkyMiles revenue on Uber will include:
- Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on UberX rides to and from the airport
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on premium rides
- Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Uber Reserve rides
- Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on qualifying restaurant and grocery orders
The companies plan to announce more details about the partnership in the coming weeks.
Mobile apps get artificial intelligence “concierge service”
At the same time, there will be no major product launches in 2025 without AI-related innovation.
Delta said it will add Delta Concierge artificial intelligence tools to the Fly Delta mobile app this year, which will provide passengers with additional instructions and recommendations while traveling or, as the company puts it, “throughout the trip.” Contextualized guidance and tailored advice”.
This could mean an AI “concierge” providing information about passport or visa requirements, or packing tips based on the destination’s weather forecast.
The move comes as airlines across the U.S. devote significant resources to improving their mobile apps, giving customers more ways to track bags, rebook, submit lost bag claims, and more through “live activity” Function to get notified of important notifications”.
For Delta specifically, these hardware and software improvements will be accompanied by an updated cabin interior look expected to debut on some new aircraft later this year, with plans for existing aircraft in the coming years. Make a transformation.
The company used its CES appearance to simultaneously celebrate its 100th anniversary (with an exhibit inside the Sphere) and promote its vision for the future.
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