Crunchyroll has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Delta Air Lines that brings anime streaming to Delta’s entire fleet, making it the first major U.S. airline to offer dedicated anime programming through seatback screens and personal device streaming.
This innovative collaboration allows passengers traveling with Delta to enjoy a vast library of anime content directly from their seats or personal devices. Over 50,000 episodes from more than 2,000 anime titles will be available across over 900 aircraft, beginning in 2025. Passengers will get access to a rich variety of programming that spans numerous genres, including adventure, fantasy, comedy, and slice-of-life.
Key Takeaways
- Delta becomes the first major U.S. airline to partner with Crunchyroll, offering anime content across 169,000 seatback screens on over 900 aircraft.
- The content library includes over 50,000 episodes from more than 2,000 anime titles, totaling approximately 25,000 hours of entertainment.
- Delta SkyMiles members gain exclusive perks, including 24-hour Crunchyroll trials when they connect to Delta Sync Wi-Fi services.
- Accessibility across platforms: Passengers can watch anime either via traditional seatback entertainment systems or through their personal devices when connected to Delta’s Wi-Fi network.
- This partnership underscores anime’s rising popularity in the U.S., and places Delta at the forefront of unique in-flight content offerings.
Enhancing the In-Flight Experience
According to Crunchyroll, the entire initiative is designed to elevate the passenger experience and cater to a growing audience of anime fans in the U.S. and globally. Delta’s move to incorporate anime into its entertainment lineup is part of a broader strategy to diversify content and meet evolving passenger preferences.
Connect and Watch with Ease
To access anime content, travelers can use Delta’s state-of-the-art seatback entertainment or stream directly on their personal devices via the airline’s Delta Sync Wi-Fi platform. The inclusion of 24-hour trials for SkyMiles members encourages more passengers to experience Crunchyroll’s offerings even after their flight.
For more details, passengers can explore Crunchyroll’s official offerings at Crunchyroll.com.
World’s Largest Anime Streaming Service Takes Flight with Delta Air Lines in Groundbreaking 2025 Deal
Crunchyroll has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Delta Air Lines that will revolutionize in-flight entertainment for anime fans across the globe. This collaboration brings the world’s largest anime streaming service directly to Delta’s extensive fleet, making anime content available to millions of passengers during their travels. I find this partnership particularly significant because it represents the first major U.S. airline deal to feature dedicated anime programming through a specialized streaming platform.
Unprecedented Scale and Accessibility
The partnership positions Delta as the leader in anime entertainment among U.S.-based airlines, offering the widest in-seat anime availability in the industry. Passengers will gain access to Crunchyroll content through more than 169,000 seatback screens distributed across over 900 aircraft in Delta’s fleet. This extensive reach ensures that anime enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite shows regardless of which Delta flight they board.
Delta Sync Wi-Fi enhances the experience further by enabling personal device streaming for passengers who prefer watching on their own smartphones, tablets, or laptops. This dual-access approach accommodates different viewing preferences while maximizing convenience for travelers. The integration through personal devices also allows passengers to use their existing Crunchyroll accounts and continue watching series from where they left off at home.
Strategic Response to Growing Global Demand
This collaboration reflects a significant shift in how U.S. airlines approach content curation and passenger entertainment. Delta’s decision to partner with Crunchyroll demonstrates recognition of the rapidly expanding global appetite for Japanese anime content. Airlines traditionally focused on mainstream Hollywood productions and general entertainment offerings, but this partnership acknowledges anime’s massive international following.
The timing aligns with anime’s continued growth in Western markets, particularly among younger demographics who represent a substantial portion of air travelers. Crunchyroll’s partnership extends beyond simple content licensing, potentially opening doors for future collaborations between streaming platforms and airlines. This move could influence other carriers to explore similar partnerships with specialized content providers.
For frequent travelers who are anime fans, this partnership eliminates the need to download content before flights or worry about limited data plans during travel. The service launches later in 2025, giving both companies time to optimize the technical integration and content selection. This development follows other strategic partnerships in the anime industry, including Crunchyroll’s collaboration with language learning platforms that demonstrate the service’s commitment to expanding anime accessibility across different industries and use cases.
Over 50,000 Episodes and 2,000 Anime Titles Coming to Delta’s Entertainment System
Delta’s new partnership brings an impressive catalog to passengers, featuring over 50,000 episodes spanning more than 2,000 unique anime titles. This collection delivers approximately 25,000 hours of content directly to seatback screens, making long flights significantly more entertaining for anime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Diverse Genre Selection for Every Passenger
The content library covers an extensive range of genres, ensuring something appeals to every traveler’s taste. Popular categories include romance, fantasy, action, and shonen series, all carefully selected to accommodate viewers at different levels of anime familiarity. This thoughtful curation means passengers won’t feel overwhelmed by complex storylines or cultural references they might not understand.
Fan favorites dominate the anticipated lineup, with titles like Solo Leveling, Demon Slayer, and Dragon Ball expected to feature prominently. Classic films such as Akira may also appear alongside Crunchyroll’s original productions, creating a balanced mix of beloved series and fresh content.
Setting Industry Standards
This initiative represents the largest and most comprehensive seatback anime offering launched by any U.S. airline to date. Delta’s commitment to providing this extensive library demonstrates how streaming partnerships can enhance the travel experience beyond traditional movie and TV show offerings.
While the complete title list remains unpublished, Crunchyroll’s collaboration efforts and massive content library suggest frequent updates and diverse selections will keep the entertainment fresh. The streaming service’s extensive catalog allows for regular rotation of titles, preventing passengers from exhausting available content even on frequent flights.
I expect this partnership will appeal particularly to younger demographics and international travelers familiar with anime culture. However, the careful genre curation and inclusion of entry-level content means even passengers new to anime can discover something engaging during their journey.
The sheer volume of available content addresses a common airline entertainment complaint: limited options for longer flights. With 25,000 hours of anime available, passengers on transcontinental or international routes can easily find series to binge-watch throughout their entire journey without running out of fresh material.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45f0je6ajPp0
Free 24-Hour Crunchyroll Trial Exclusively for Delta SkyMiles Members
Delta SkyMiles members can now unlock a special 24-hour Crunchyroll trial simply by connecting to Delta Sync Wi-Fi during their flight. This exclusive perk gives loyalty program members full access to Crunchyroll’s premium streaming library on their personal devices, both in-flight and after landing.
The trial activates when SkyMiles members log into Delta’s onboard Wi-Fi system using their account credentials. Once connected, they receive immediate access to thousands of anime titles, including the latest seasonal releases and classic series that typically require a paid subscription. This means members can start watching their favorite shows at 30,000 feet and continue the experience seamlessly once they reach their destination.
What Makes This Partnership Stand Out
This collaboration significantly enhances the value proposition of Delta’s loyalty program. Few airlines offer entertainment partnerships that extend beyond the flight experience, making this Crunchyroll integration a distinctive advantage for frequent Delta travelers. I’ve observed how Crunchyroll continues expanding partnerships to reach new audiences, and this airline collaboration represents another strategic move in that direction.
The 24-hour window provides ample time for members to explore Crunchyroll’s extensive catalog without feeling rushed. Whether someone’s a longtime anime fan or curious newcomer, they can sample multiple series and potentially discover new favorites during this extended trial period. The timing works particularly well for long-haul flights where passengers have several hours to dive into content.
Delta passengers who aren’t SkyMiles members can still access anime content through the airline’s seatback entertainment systems, but they miss out on the personalized streaming experience that comes with using their own devices. The trial also doesn’t carry over after landing for non-members, creating a clear incentive to join Delta’s loyalty program.
For travelers already subscribed to Crunchyroll, this partnership offers added convenience during flights without requiring separate login processes or worrying about data usage on personal mobile plans. The Delta Sync Wi-Fi handles the streaming, ensuring smooth playback even at cruising altitude.
The integration process appears straightforward from a technical standpoint. SkyMiles members simply connect to the aircraft’s Wi-Fi network, authenticate with their loyalty account, and receive automatic access to the Crunchyroll trial. No additional downloads or complicated setup procedures are required, which removes potential friction points that could discourage usage.
This partnership arrives at a time when airlines are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate their loyalty programs beyond traditional perks like priority boarding or lounge access. Entertainment partnerships provide tangible value that members can immediately experience and appreciate, especially during the often mundane experience of air travel.
The timing of this announcement also aligns with anime’s growing mainstream popularity in North America. Crunchyroll has reported steady subscriber growth over recent years, indicating strong demand for anime content among diverse demographics. By partnering with Delta, the streaming service gains exposure to travelers who might not have otherwise considered trying their platform.
From Delta’s perspective, this collaboration adds a modern, tech-savvy element to their SkyMiles program that appeals particularly to younger demographics. The partnership demonstrates the airline’s understanding that entertainment preferences are evolving, and passengers value access to specialized content during travel.
The 24-hour trial duration strikes a practical balance – long enough to provide genuine value and exploration time, but short enough to encourage conversion to paid subscriptions for those who enjoy the experience. This approach benefits both companies by creating potential new Crunchyroll subscribers while enhancing Delta’s loyalty program appeal.
Advanced Entertainment Technology Powers the Anime Experience
Delta Airlines has strategically upgraded its entertainment infrastructure to deliver a premium viewing experience that rivals home streaming setups. The airline’s fleet now features cutting-edge entertainment screens equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, intuitive touch navigation, and seamless personal device integration. These technological improvements create an immersive environment where passengers can enjoy high-quality anime content without compromising on visual or audio fidelity.
Comprehensive Streaming Ecosystem Integration
The airline positions Crunchyroll alongside established streaming partners including Paramount Plus, DirecTV, and Spotify, creating a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem. This strategic partnership placement demonstrates Delta’s commitment to offering diverse content options that cater to different passenger preferences and demographics. Passengers gain access to thousands of anime episodes and series through multiple viewing methods, ensuring flexibility regardless of their preferred device or seating arrangement.
Content accessibility spans both traditional seatback screens and Delta’s innovative Wi-Fi-powered Delta Sync platform. This dual-platform approach accommodates various passenger behaviors and technical preferences, whether travelers prefer the convenience of built-in screens or the familiarity of their personal devices. The Delta Sync platform leverages high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity to stream content directly to smartphones, tablets, and laptops, eliminating the need for pre-downloaded content or storage concerns.
Curated Experience Design for Air Travel
Delta and Crunchyroll have developed a specialized viewing experience that acknowledges the unique constraints and opportunities of air travel. The curated content selection allows passengers to either dive deep into a single series during longer flights or sample multiple shows during shorter journeys. This flexibility addresses the varying flight durations across Delta’s route network, from quick domestic hops to extended international flights.
The platform’s design considers factors like flight turbulence, limited personal space, and varying attention spans that characterize air travel. Content recommendations and interface layouts are optimized for the airline environment, making it easy for both anime newcomers and dedicated fans to find suitable entertainment options. The system supports seamless transitions between episodes and series, accommodating interruptions from meal service, turbulence, or passenger movement.
Delta’s investment in advanced entertainment technology extends beyond simple content delivery. The airline has recognized that superior in-flight entertainment serves as a significant competitive advantage in the increasingly crowded U.S. aviation market. While competitors focus primarily on basic connectivity and standard entertainment options, Delta’s partnership with specialized streaming services like Crunchyroll demonstrates a more sophisticated understanding of passenger entertainment preferences.
The technical infrastructure supporting this partnership includes:
- Enhanced server capacity
- Improved content delivery networks
- Optimized streaming protocols designed specifically for aviation environments
These behind-the-scenes improvements ensure consistent playback quality even during peak usage periods when multiple passengers access streaming content simultaneously.
Delta’s approach reflects broader industry trends where airlines differentiate themselves through premium passenger experiences rather than competing solely on price. The integration of specialized streaming services creates additional value propositions for frequent travelers who prioritize entertainment options during their journeys. This strategy particularly appeals to younger demographics and international travelers who consume anime content regularly.
The partnership also addresses the growing popularity of anime content across diverse audience segments. By offering Crunchyroll’s extensive library, Delta acknowledges that anime has evolved from a niche interest to mainstream entertainment consumed by passengers across age groups and cultural backgrounds. This inclusive approach to content curation helps position Delta as an airline that understands and responds to evolving passenger preferences.
Advanced connectivity features enable passengers to use personal Bluetooth headphones with seatback entertainment systems, eliminating the need for wired connections or airline-provided headsets. This seemingly minor enhancement significantly improves comfort and audio quality while reducing the spread of germs through shared equipment. The touch-enabled screens respond quickly to user inputs, reducing frustration and improving overall satisfaction with the entertainment experience.
Strategic Partnership Reflects Anime’s Mainstream Growth in America
Crunchyroll’s evolution from a niche streaming platform to a mainstream entertainment force became crystal clear when Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired the service and merged it with Funimation in 2021. I’ve watched this transformation accelerate through strategic partnerships that extend far beyond traditional streaming boundaries, with collaborations spanning from VIZIO smart TVs to now Crunchyroll’s innovative educational partnerships and Delta Airlines.
Anime Breaks Through Cultural Barriers
The airline partnership represents something much bigger than convenient in-flight entertainment. I see this collaboration as concrete evidence of anime’s explosive mainstream growth across America. Major sports teams regularly host anime nights, cultural events showcase Japanese animation prominently, and streaming services compete fiercely for anime content rights. Delta’s decision to feature Crunchyroll content signals that anime has shed its underground status and earned recognition as must-have entertainment for diverse audiences.
Mutual Benefits Drive Innovation
Both companies gain significant advantages from this strategic alliance:
- Delta differentiates itself in an increasingly competitive airline market by offering unique entertainment options that competitors can’t match.
- Passengers get access to exclusive anime content during flights, potentially turning travel time into discovery time for new series and genres.
- Crunchyroll benefits by reaching potential subscribers who might never have considered anime streaming services before their first in-flight viewing experience.
Airlines face mounting pressure to enhance passenger experiences while managing operational costs. I’ve observed how entertainment systems have become critical differentiators, especially on longer domestic and international routes. Crunchyroll’s extensive catalog provides Delta with premium content that appeals to younger demographics and culturally diverse passengers without requiring massive additional investment in original programming.
The partnership also demonstrates how modern entertainment distribution adapts to consumer behavior patterns. Passengers increasingly expect on-demand content variety similar to what they enjoy at home. Traditional airline entertainment often felt outdated compared to personal streaming libraries. By integrating popular streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Delta acknowledges that passenger entertainment expectations have fundamentally shifted.
This collaboration showcases anime’s remarkable journey from subcultural phenomenon to mainstream entertainment staple. I believe we’ll see more airlines following Delta’s lead, recognizing that diverse content libraries attract broader customer bases and enhance overall travel experiences. Crunchyroll’s expansion into airline partnerships proves that anime streaming has matured into a legitimate entertainment category worthy of major corporate investment and consumer attention.
Sources:
Tribune: “Crunchyroll partners with Delta Airlines to bring anime and film streaming to seatback screens”
M9 News: “Delta’s Huge OTT Deal Boosts Flight Entertainment”
ComicBook.com: “Crunchyroll Partners With Delta Airlines to Bring Anime to Your Flight”
TravelPulse: “Delta Adds Anime to In-Flight Entertainment Lineup”
Bleeding Cool: “Crunchyroll Partners with Delta Airlines to Bring Anime to New Heights”
VisaVerge: “Crunchyroll To Launch On Delta Air Lines Flights Later In 2025”
CNET: “Flying With Delta? Crunchyroll Anime Is Coming to Your Flights”
Jalopnik: “Snack On Crunchyroll Anime On Your Next Delta Flight”
