Delta Air Lines has introduced a new way for passengers to engage with sports during flights. The airline partnered with DraftKings to launch SkyPicks, a free prediction game that lets SkyMiles members test their knowledge of upcoming matches. The feature rolled out on planes equipped with Delta Sync Wi-Fi and focuses on skill-based contests rather than any form of wagering.
Partnership Background
The collaboration builds on an announcement first teased by Delta at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2025. Officials confirmed the details this week, clarifying that the experience stays within the realm of traditional games. Delta’s chief marketing and product officer emphasized a preference for proven, low-risk formats already familiar to travelers through other onboard offerings.
Executives noted that data guided the decision toward skill-based activities that combine sports interest with entertainment. The approach avoids any real-money elements, deposits, or financial stakes. This keeps the activity aligned with existing inflight games such as those from The New York Times.
How SkyPicks Works
Passengers connect to Delta Sync Wi-Fi on their personal devices to access the game. They sign in with an existing DraftKings account or create one, then select a league to unlock questions about specific games or groups of matches. Each contest typically includes eight to twelve questions mixing player comparisons and outcome predictions.
Users submit their selections and can adjust them until the relevant match begins. Contests occur twice weekly, allowing participants to join upcoming rounds even if their preferred team’s game falls on a different day. Prizes consist of Delta gift cards awarded to top performers in individual contests and monthly leaderboards.
- Log into Delta Sync Wi-Fi and open SkyPicks.
- Sign in or create a DraftKings account.
- Choose a league and answer the questions.
- Submit picks and track results for prizes.
Availability and Requirements
SkyPicks starts with Major League Baseball games and will expand to National Football League matchups later this year. Only SkyMiles members aged 21 and older can participate, and access requires one of the 1,240 Delta aircraft fitted with the airline’s Wi-Fi service. The game operates exclusively on personal devices rather than seatback screens.
Delta positions the feature as its tenth onboard entertainment option. It joins existing partnerships that include content from FOX, YouTube, and The New York Times, along with the airline’s own Sky Hopper game that also offers gift card prizes.
Looking Ahead
Delta has stated it has no current plans to introduce real-money gambling options on its flights. The focus remains on expanding engaging, risk-free activities that appeal to sports fans and frequent travelers alike. Additional details on the airline’s broader Wi-Fi investments are expected soon.
The move reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience through targeted partnerships. By keeping the activity free and skill-based, Delta aims to foster greater connection with sports without introducing financial elements. Travelers on equipped flights can now add sports predictions to their list of inflight diversions.
