On this week’s Anime Plus, we talked about Delta’s new Crunchyroll tie-in and what it could mean for travelers. Here is a clear, no-nonsense breakdown so you know what to expect the next time you board.
What Delta actually announced
Delta is partnering with Crunchyroll to add a curated slate of anime to its in-flight entertainment. The rollout is slated for later in 2025, with more than 2,000 titles represented in the library and availability across a huge number of Delta seatback screens. The airline is also tying the experience into Delta Sync on board Wi-Fi.
Seatback screens vs. Wi-Fi access
You should see a Crunchyroll rail appear in the seatback menu once the rollout hits your route and aircraft. Some reports mention a 24-hour Crunchyroll trial for SkyMiles members through the Delta Sync Wi-Fi portal, while others simply note access without specifying membership requirements. Consider that a nice-to-have rather than a promise until Delta publishes a final policy.
How “curated” is curated
This is not the full Crunchyroll app. Expect a handpicked catalog that rotates, leaning toward broad-appeal shows that work for a general audience and various run times. Airlines usually avoid adult content on shared screens, and Crunchyroll has described the collection as tailored for Delta, which suggests family-safe choices.
Why this matters
Anime is no longer a niche inflight option tucked under International. Putting Crunchyroll on tens of thousands of screens normalizes anime alongside big studio films and premium TV. It also lowers the barrier for first-timers who might try a single episode during a short hop, then continue at home if they get hooked. That discovery loop is the real win here.
How it stacks up with other carriers
United recently expanded with Apple TV Plus series on board, adding complete seasons of shows like Severance and Slow Horses. Delta leaning into anime is a different flavor, but the trend is the same. Airlines are partnering with recognizable streaming brands so you can watch without juggling your own downloads.
What you can do right now
- Check your aircraft type when booking. Seatback screens are the most reliable way to get the new rail.
- Pack wired headphones or a Bluetooth adapter. Not every seat supports Bluetooth.
- If you are a SkyMiles member, log into Delta Sync once on board to see if the trial perk is live on your route.
- Short flight strategy: sample a pilot or anthology episode. Long haul strategy: pick a season and pace it between meals.
Delta’s Crunchyroll partnership is a practical upgrade for anime fans and an easy on-ramp for everyone else. We will keep tabs on the rollout and early title lists on Anime Plus, and we will share how the experience feels in the wild once it lands on more routes.
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