Starting Tomorrow You’ll Have Free Messaging During Delta Flights, But There’s A Catch

Earlier this week we received the promising news that Netflix wants to partner with major airlines to provide their passengers with free or cheap in-flight streaming of Netflix TV and movies. Now we get even more proof that the airlines are moving into the year 2017. Delta announced that they are offering their passengers free mobile messaging starting tomorrow, October 1st.

Delta airlines will provide passengers in-flight access to iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger on any flight with Gogo Wi-Fi. Previously, Delta charged customers at least $2.95 (prices varied depending on your flight) for in-flight messaging. However, there’s a catch because there’s always a catch. The mobile messaging is actually only “text messaging,” so that means no pictures, videos, audio messages, or GIFs. You still can send emojis. So there’s that.

“We know many of Delta’s customers want or need to stay connected in the air and on the ground, which is why we’re investing in an easy, free way to send and receive messages in-flight through some of the most popular global platforms,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Coupled with our investments in seat-back screens, free entertainment, and High-Speed Wi-Fi, free messaging is one more way customers can choose how to make the most of their time on Delta flights.”

That is absolutely fantastic that you’ll be able to communicate with work, friends, and family to inform them of your travel progress for free. But no GIFs is a real downer.

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[9to5Mac]