Delta Airlines to offer free entertainment to all fliers

Delta Air Lines wants to distinguish itself from the other major U.S. carriers, and what better way than to give out freebies?

Starting July 1, passengers on nearly every Delta flight can watch and listen to movies, television shows and music through their own digital device or seat-back entertainment system for free. That includes fliers in coach seats.

Delta passengers in coach now must pay $6 for recently released movies and $1 for premium television channels such as HBO. That is similar to the entertainment options on Virgin America’s “Red” entertainment system.

But starting next month, Delta’s entertainment system, Delta Studio, will offer complimentary access to up to 300 movies, 750 television shows, 100 foreign films, 2,400 songs and 18 channels of live satellite TV — not just for first-class or business-class fliers but for passengers in coach seats. The entertainment system is offered in nearly 90% of Delta’s fleet.

With a dramatic slide in fuel costs over the last two years, most airlines are enjoying record profits. That has freed up money for carriers to try to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Delta spokeswoman Liz Savadelis said the move to offer free entertainment was intended to “invest in the customer experience” and make Delta distinct from its rivals.

There is still a charge — starting at about $5 — to access Wi-Fi for passengers who want to get their onboard entertainment outside of Delta Studio.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

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