Over the past few years, Delta Air Lines has become a prominent presence at CES, consistently delivering high-profile announcements. This year, the airline took things up a notch by hosting its updates at the iconic Sphere. Among the highlights are an AI-powered assistant within its mobile app and an upgraded in-flight entertainment system featuring 4K HDR displays and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, Delta SkyMiles members will soon enjoy free access to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music during flights. These exciting updates were revealed at CES 2025.
The new AI assistant, called Delta Concierge, will launch throughout the year. It allows users to interact via voice or text. While this may not seem revolutionary in the era of advanced language models, the focus is on delivering proactive support. For instance, it will notify travelers about upcoming passport expirations and visa requirements. Over time, it will also provide destination-specific updates, such as local weather alerts.
Delta Concierge will further assist passengers by offering guidance to bag drop areas, Sky Clubs, and departure gates, making the travel experience smoother and more personalized.
Innovation or Catchup? Delta Air Lines New Features at CES 2025
Delta’s new updates feel practical but not groundbreaking. Many features seem more like standard expectations than game-changers. For example, checking passport expirations or guiding travelers to their connecting gates doesn’t exactly require advanced AI.
The seatback entertainment system, which Delta calls the first cloud-based in-flight experience, will roll out in 2026. It promises significant upgrades with 4K HDR QLED displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and 96 terabytes of onboard storage for movies, music, and TV shows.
However, Delta appears to be catching up to competitors. United Airlines, for instance, already offers 4K screens and Bluetooth on its refreshed fleet. While United’s system isn’t cloud-connected, that may not matter much to fliers, especially with United’s entire fleet set to feature Starlink internet. Still, Delta differentiates itself with plans to provide free YouTube Premium and Music, something United doesn’t yet offer.
As is tradition at CES, Delta also revealed a forward-looking concept: partnering with Airbus on the next test phase of the fello’fly project. Inspired by geese flying in formation, the project aims to save energy by having planes fly together. While intriguing, this concept faces significant regulatory hurdles, making it unlikely to see real-world application anytime soon.
