Delta rolls out Sync seatback entertainment system

Delta Air Lines has expanded its personalised seatback entertainment system to more than 330 aircraft, transforming traditional screens into smart TV-style experiences. Olivia Palamountain reports

One year after debuting Delta Sync seatback on the first A321ceo, customers travelling on more than 330 Delta aircraft can now enjoy the personalised experience that makes the airline’s seatback screens feel more like a smart TV while offering a host of day-of-travel tools for SkyMiles Members designed to streamline their travel journey.

Delta Sync seatback now operates across five fleet types: A321ceos, A320s, A319s, most 75Ds and many 738s, representing 40% of in-flight entertainment usage. The airline has 165,000 seatback screens – the most among US carriers.

“SkyMiles Members have logged in more than a million times,” says Julieta McCurry, VP of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Strategy. “Access to Delta Sync seatback improves the overall experience, with logged-in members reporting higher satisfaction.”New features include a “My Flight” hub displaying real-time tracking and connection details, a dedicated kids’ entertainment section, and visible seat numbers during boarding. The system also alerts passengers to free wifi availability and enables customer feedback via QR codes.

The airline has also partnered with BBC News, adding the channel to its live TV lineup from September. “BBC Studios has been a valued partner to Delta for many years, working with us to bring diverse and premium content to travelers of all ages,” says Ekrem Dimbiloglu, managing director, In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity. “We’re proud to elevate the partnership in a new way by adding BBC News to our live TV lineup and strengthening our commitment to offering global content to our customers as they travel to destinations around the world.”Free wifi, presented by T-Mobile, now covers 90% of Delta’s domestic fleet and is expanding internationally. Rather than reducing seatback screen usage, the airline reports increased content consumption from 2023 to 2024, with passengers preferring a multi-device experience similar to home viewing.