3 takeaways from Delta's big CES event: Bluetooth, AI, and new seatback screens

• Delta Air Lines unveiled new tech features coming over the next two years.
• Improvements include Bluetooth connectivity for all cabins, new AI tools, and enhanced inflight systems.
• Delta aims to maintain its premium status amid competition from United Airlines.

Delta Air Lines revealed a slew of new customer features coming to its planes soon, from AI support to improved seatback entertainment.

CEO Ed Bastian made the announcement during a splashy keynote address at CES in Las Vegas.

The announcements come as Delta continues to vie for the title of the US' most luxurious airline.

Bluetooth connectivity for every seat

Bluetooth connectivity will be available to premium and economy flyers on select aircraft deliveries from 2026. The amenity was previously only installed in first class on Delta's Airbus A321neo planes.

It joins a handful of other airlines offering Bluetooth to economy cabin flyers, like United Airlines, Spanish flag carrier Iberia, and German leisure carrier Condor.

Also coming new to the cabin in 2026 are enhanced inflight systems with better streaming performance, a "do not disturb" feature, and a seatback translation service. The new screens feature 4K HDR QLED displays, Delta said.

Delta said the new tools will offer better convenience and control. The translation service allows flight attendants to send tailored messages in the flyer's preferred language to their seatback screen.

AI tools

The airline is also adding new AI tools, known as "Delta Concierge," to help travelers ahead of their flight.

Starting in 2025, the app will notify customers when their passports are nearing expiration or if they have specific visa requirements for the destinations they're flying to.

Customers can also see packing guidance based on their destination's weather, and get airport directions to its gates, lounges, and bag drop. The app can also notify customers when a touchless expedited TSA PreCheck lane is available.

The news comes a year after Delta announced at CES 2024 that it would begin offering free WiFi on its aircraft.

Since then, the airline has equipped most of its domestic fleet with complimentary internet. This service is available to SkyMiles members, Delta's free-to-sign-up loyalty program.

Delta's new tech could make it more competitive with United

Delta's new tech is part of its effort to maintain its self-proclaimed "premium" title. The airline boasts luxe DeltaOne Lounges and sliding doors in business class, among other high-class perks.

It has also announced new cabins for its Boeing 757 and Airbus A350 planes, including an upgraded Delta One Suite.

The airline has been capitalizing on the trend of people being willing to pay more for luxury at the front of the aircraft.

But rival United Airlines, whose stock skyrocketed nearly 150% in 2024 and well outperformed its peers, has been a thorn in Delta's side.

As part of its 2021 "United Next" plan, United began installing seatback screens on most of its planes to be more competitive with Delta. This reversed its plan to ditch inflight TVs in the years before.

United also announced that year that all cabins, including economy, on its Boeing 737 Max and some Airbus planes would have Bluetooth.

More recently, in November, United became the first US airline to allow customers to track their luggage AirTag via its app. Delta followed in December.