At CES 2025, Delta Air Lines took center stage in a big way, unveiling some impressive tech innovations to transform the travel experience. Delta is embracing technology like never before, from AI-powered personal assistants to new partnerships with YouTube and DraftKings. Let’s dive into what’s coming to the skies and how these advancements make air travel smoother and more connected for passengers.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Delta’s AI Concierge: A Personal Travel Assistant
One of the standout announcements at CES was Delta’s new AI-powered Concierge service, which promises to change the way passengers plan and manage their trips. As part of the Fly Delta app, the Delta Concierge will provide personalized travel assistance, including booking rides, managing lounge access, and arranging hotel transportation.
In a demo, Delta showcased the concierge helping a traveler prepare for a business-class trip to Tokyo, offering everything from tips on touchless TSA security options to coordinating an eVTOL air taxi ride to the airport. While not all of these features will be available immediately, the vision is clear: AI will help passengers easily handle travel details, making the entire process more seamless.
However, as with any new technology, there are some hurdles to overcome, particularly in areas like the regulation and development of eVTOL aircraft, which are still in the early stages. So, while the idea of flying to your flight in an electric air taxi is exciting, it’s still a few years away.
YouTube, 4K Screens, and Personalized Content
Delta is also enhancing in-flight entertainment, and it’s not just about movies anymore. The airline has partnered with YouTube to bring curated, ad-free content to its seatback screens and passengers’ personal devices. Delta will offer free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members, further enhancing the entertainment experience.
But that’s not all. Delta also upgrades its seatback screens to 4K HDR QLED displays with Bluetooth audio capabilities, ensuring passengers enjoy high-quality content throughout their flights. Customization options will allow travelers to save their preferences in their SkyMiles accounts, ensuring that every flight feels tailored just for them.
DraftKings and Uber Partnerships: New Ways to Earn Miles
Delta has partnered with DraftKings to integrate fantasy sports and other gaming experiences into the travel process, reflecting the growing interest in sports and gaming. While details on the exact nature of the partnership remain vague, it’s clear that Delta sees gaming as a key part of its future offerings.
Meanwhile, Delta is enhancing its partnership with Uber. Uber customers will now earn SkyMiles on rides and Uber Eats orders of $40 or more, with bonus miles for premium rides. This partnership benefits Delta passengers and strengthens its ties to Uber, especially as its current partnership with Lyft is winding down.
Experiential Keynote at the Sphere
Delta’s CES keynote was as much about entertainment as innovation. The Sphere’s 4D multimedia setup made the event unforgettable, with special effects like the scent of a hazelnut latte filling the room during an Uber segment. Celebrity guests, including actress Viola Davis and former NFL star Tom Brady, helped promote Delta’s new initiatives. At the same time, a surprise performance by Lenny Kravitz concluded the evening with his hit song “Fly Away.”
TF Summary: What’s Next
Delta is taking tech in the travel industry to new heights with its AI Concierge, upgraded in-flight entertainment, and exciting partnerships with YouTube, DraftKings, and Uber. These initiatives reflect Delta’s commitment to making air travel more convenient and personalized. As these technologies evolve, passengers can expect smoother, more enjoyable experiences from check-in to landing. Keep an eye on Delta’s upcoming announcements as they innovate in the skies.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech