The days of being out of contact during a flight are coming to an end.
Delta Air Lines said it will offer free in-flight mobile messaging via iMessage, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp starting Sunday.
On Delta’s planes equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi, passengers will be able to exchange real-time messages with those on the ground via Delta’s Wi-Fi portal web page, according to the airline.
The in-flight messaging will not enable the exchange of photos or video files, however. And some of Delta’s smaller regional jets don’t have Wi-Fi that would enable the messaging.
Among its major legacy competitors United and American, Atlanta-based Delta said it is the first to offer free mobile messaging and will have the most aircraft with free messaging of any carrier.
“We know many of Delta’s customers want or need to stay connected in the air and on the ground,” said Delta’s chief marketing officer Tim Mapes in a written statement.
As airlines turn to technological enhancements to compete for customers, Delta also has been expanding in-flight Wi-Fi and free in-flight entertainment on seat-back screens.
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