Earlier this month, we announced a new partnership with Delta Air Lines to bring a selection of YouTube videos, podcasts and music playlists onboard, plus an opportunity for travelers to unlock a 14-day free preview of YouTube Premium* on Delta Wi-Fi enabled flights within the U.S. (no form of payment required). To learn about the partnership and how we’re expanding to more places, we spoke with Shilpa Lakshminarayan, Product Partnerships Lead for YouTube Premium Subscriptions.
U.S. airlines are new territory for the partnerships team. How did this come together with Delta and why was it a good fit for YouTube?
Shilpa: We see flights as this amazing, almost showroom-like experience for YouTube and YouTube Premium, where travelers can discover new content and engage with our Premium features. Two things really clicked to make this the perfect moment: first, in-flight WiFi has improved, so you can now have a streaming experience that feels just like it does in your living room. Second, airlines are thinking beyond just getting you from A to B; they’re looking to offer premium, value-added services to improve the travel experience.
And Delta is a perfect match. With 200 million customers a year, they share our passion for creating top-tier entertainment experiences. In fact, we learned that YouTube is a top site passengers visit after logging into Delta’s WiFi. So, it felt very natural to team up. It perfectly captures our respective missions: YouTube shows you the world, and Delta takes you there.
OK, the pre-flight safety demonstration is finished and it’s time for some in-flight entertainment. Walk me through the YouTube experience onboard.
Shilpa: I love this question, because the experience is about so much more than just the flight itself! It really covers the entire travel journey.
It starts as you’re walking through the terminal, where you’ll see our YouTube and YouTube Premium brands at your lounge and gate screens.
As you board the aircraft, you’ll feel the vibe with music playlists from YouTube Music. Then, when you take your seat, you’ll see YouTube Music playlists, podcasts and YouTube creator videos prominently displayed on your seatback screen. There’s a large library of content, including 32 YouTube Music playlists and 20+ hours of amazing creator and podcast content from popular creators like MrBeast, Michelle Khare, Kinigra Deon, and Conan O’Brien.
But the real magic happens when you connect to fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi as a SkyMiles member: you’ll receive a free 14-day preview of YouTube Premium—no credit card required! This unlocks our entire library of content and music, completely ad-free, right on your own phone or tablet.
*Terms & Conditions: Watch up to 14 days of ad-free YouTube with a free preview to YouTube Premium. No form of payment required. New YouTube Premium users only. Available to logged in U.S. SkyMiles® Members age 18+ traveling on select Delta flights originating and landing in the U.S. Google account required. Additional restrictions and terms apply: delta.com/wifi
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