Delta’s Popular Seatback Map Is Getting an Upgrade — Here’s Why

A popular in-flight activity is becoming more accessible.

By Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta

Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on October 31, 2024

Close The seat back in-flight entertainment on board a Delta flight . Photo: Courtesy of Delta

A popular in-flight activity is becoming more accessible.

Delta Air Lines recently announced that its in-flight map would soon have new features to make it more accessible to low-vision passengers. 

The newest version of the map will feature a special accessibility mode that has high-contrast colors, such as a black, white, and gray option which makes it easier to track a flight’s progress, the airline shared in a post. The main version of the map will still be the traditional satellite.

The accessible option will also feature larger texts and buttons, have additional zoom controls, and be supportive of people who are color blind. Delta says it is planning to launch a voice narration feature that would utilize artificial intelligence. 

“We are proud to be the first airline to launch this technology, setting the standard for inclusive travel experiences across the industry,” Delta’s Managing Director of Customer Experience – In-Flight Entertainment, Delta Studio and Wi-Fi, Ekrem Dimbiloglu said in the post. 

In preparation for the launch of the new accessibility features, Delta hosted members of the airlines Disability Advisory Board, as well as Guiding Eyes for the Blind to demo and evaluate the new features. 

The in-flight map has become a popular standalone entertainment option for passengers. Delta shares that 45 percent of passengers interact with the map each month, and that 20 percent of those customers are watching the map exclusively throughout the entire flight. The map has multiple viewing options, where users can see the duration of the flight left, where the airplane currently is flying and even a virtual view of what is happening from the flight deck window. 

The airlines’ in-flight system, called Delta Studio, provides entertainment to more than 165,000 seat back screens that passengers can watch. This includes over 300 movies, television shows, and more.

Airlines have been increasing accessibility options for passengers. For example, United Airlines recently changed its booking policy to reduce extra charges for passengers with wheelchairs.