Delta Airlines and DraftKings are taking sports predictions to new heights. The companies are joining forces to launch SkyPicks, a free-to-play sports prediction contest.
SkyPicks is a short, prediction-style contest that lets eligible passengers answer sports questions about real games (for example, “Who scores first?” or “Which team wins?”) and compete on a leaderboard. Contests run several times per week, and top performers can win Delta gift cards awarded weekly or monthly.
The experience is built for flights: you enter while onboard, and you can track results even after landing. It is now available on U.S. domestic Wi‑Fi-equipped flights.
SkyPicks is designed as “gaming, not gambling,” so there are no deposits, buy-ins, wagers, or real-money payouts—just a fun way for sports fans to pass the time and potentially win Delta gift cards.
How to Play SkyPicks on Delta Airlines Flights
SkyPicks is explicitly free-to-play with no financial risk, no use of miles, and no real-money betting—designed to comply with federal rules that prohibit gambling on planes. That’s why Delta Airlines and DraftKings describe it as a prediction contest with gift-card prizes rather than a wagering product.
- Who can play: Passengers aged 21+ who are Delta SkyMiles members.
- Where it works: On U.S. domestic flights equipped with Delta Sync Wi‑Fi.
- How to access: Connect to Delta Sync Wi‑Fi on your phone, tablet, or laptop, then open SkyPicks and log in with your SkyMiles account.
- Account step: You’ll sign in to (or create) a DraftKings account to enter the contest.
- How contests run: Pick a league, answer 8–12 questions about a single game or a set of games, and submit your picks before the contest closes.
- Editing picks: You can edit entries up until the contest deadline, even if that’s after touchdown.
- Prizes: Winners receive Delta gift cards; instructions are emailed after results are finalized.
In the event of a tie, players must predict the total amount of points or runs scored in a game.
Why It’s Legal In the Air (Gaming, Not Gambling)
SkyPicks is explicitly free-to-play with no financial risk, no use of miles, and no real-money betting—designed to comply with federal rules that prohibit gambling on planes. That’s why Delta and DraftKings describe it as a prediction contest with gift-card prizes rather than a wagering product.
The format is completely different from sweepstakes casinos, which allow players to use gold coins and sweeps coins to take part in online casino games. Some even have sports themes. The Delta game is also not the same as prediction markets, which give people the chance to purchase event contracts.
SkyPicks vs. Fantasy Sports: What’s the Difference?
SkyPicks is simpler and shorter than traditional fantasy sports, especially daily fantasy sports (DFS) on platforms like DraftKings.
Here’s how they differ:
Which Sports Are Included in the Delta SkyPicks Game?
Delta Airlines first announced the DraftKings partnership last year (at CES) to enhance in-flight entertainment for sports fans.
SkyPicks joins other onboard perks like streaming and casual games, but it’s unique because it’s a real-time, competitive prediction contest with prizes. Delta is starting with MLB contests and plans to add NFL later in 2026 as the football season begins.
DraftKings has indicated the product could expand to more leagues over time.
How Other Airlines Compare (In-Flight Gaming)
Many airlines offer in-flight games, but most are traditional seatback or system-based titles rather than live, competitive contests tied to real games. Examples include:
- Turkish Airlines — Offers a variety of games on its Planet IFE system, including adventures suitable for adults and kids. Games vary by aircraft.
- EVA Air — Features casino-style games (e.g., Roulette, Slots, Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat, Horse Racing) plus classics like Tetris on its IFE.
- JetBlue — Strong reputation for IFE with seatback screens including games. It provides free high-speed Fly-Fi Wi-Fi across its fleet, enabling personal device gaming.
U.S. carriers like Southwest and American also offer seatback or wireless IFE with basic games on many aircraft.
As of now, none of these match SkyPicks’ format: a free, sports-prediction contest with leaderboards and travel-related prizes available over Wi‑Fi on personal devices.
But one thing is for sure. This game is expected to "take off."
