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Delta's Giving You an Enlightening Alternative to Vegging Out on Your Next Flight

Sept. 13, 2018
•
3 min read
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Delta's Giving You an Enlightening Alternative to Vegging Out on Your Next Flight
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Prior to the advent of in-flight Wi-Fi, strapping into a metal tube hurtling across the sky was one of the last remaining places to disconnect from the frenzy of work and life. For a brief moment in time, where movies were loaded into seatback screens yet Gogo wasn't around to keep you synced with Earth's surface, vegging out and savoring the entertainment mere inches from your retinas was totally okay. In fact, it ranked pretty high among life's littlest big pleasures.

Now, that pleasure has competition. Though its intentions are no doubt good, Delta Air Lines has inadvertently introduced a guilt-trip: Passengers will now find LinkedIn Learning courses in flight, free of charge through Delta Studio.

Pardon the bother, but are you utilizing this flight to learn something new? (Photo by the author / The Points Guy)

Let's take a brief look back at what used to be a simple exercise in justification:

  • "Might as well watch a movie! There's nothing else to do!"
  • "I've earned this!"
  • "Honestly, I need to be up-to-speed on the latest Hollywood rumblings. You know, for my career."
  • "Ah, Gogo is down! Guilt-free binge-watching coming right up! Ooh! Biscoff!"
  • "Pretty sure I need to screen at least three more in-flight movies to make these noise-cancelling headphones worth the purchase price."

Now, however, the entire dynamic has changed. Delta asserts that the courses, which are completely free and slated to be updated frequently, are "taught by expert instructors and cover a variety of topics like managing stress, getting things done, communication and career development." You know, things that could totally benefit your life. Things that you'll probably regret missing out on if you just watch the latest Kevin Hart comedy.

Additionally, Delta Studio is featuring a new interview series hosted by LinkedIn Editor-In-Chief Daniel Roth, including in-depth discussions with some of the world's top leaders. For those who prefer text over visuals, written interviews can also be found in the recurring "5 Minutes With" column in Delta's Sky magazine, which spotlights notable leaders in business.

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The last thing you see before you enter the aircraft, er, newfangled learning institution. (Photo by the author / The Points Guy)

Delta Studio is available on more than 600 aircraft via seatback screens and can be streamed by customers via their personal devices on all of Delta's mainline fleet and most regional aircraft. Chris Buckner, Delta's director of onboard product and customer experience, added a really good point on the whole thing: "For professionals on the go, finding the time to learn a new skillset or subject can be challenging. Through our partnership with LinkedIn, Delta customers can access a suite of learning materials at their fingertips — 30,000 feet in the air."

So, basically, there's no excuse to not walk off of your next Delta flight without a wealth of new knowledge. It's been a good run, mindless entertainment!

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.