These days, no matter which airline you fly, traveling around the U.S. can seem remarkably similar — and not all that glamorous. Yet, there are a few key differences among each of the major U.S. airlines, and understanding them can turn a mediocre experience into a positive one. Delta Air Lines — based at the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta — is one of the largest carriers in the U.S., with other hubs in Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. If you’re planning an upcoming trip on Delta, be sure to check out these five helpful tips before you book.
If You Want Flexibility, Avoid Basic Economy
To combat growing competition from ultra-low-cost carriers (ULLCs), Delta became the first legacy airline to introduce basic economy in 2012, a move that other legacy airlines followed. Basic economy fares are Delta’s lowest-priced option, so they could be a good choice if you’re traveling on a budget. But in exchange for low prices, they come with restrictions.
Notably, most basic economy fares on Delta cannot be modified, so if there’s a chance your travel plans may change, you should avoid this option. However, basic economy tickets can be canceled for a future travel credit on Delta, minus a fee of $99 to $199, depending on the ticket.
On Delta, basic economy also doesn’t come with seat selection. Your seat will be automatically assigned at check-in, and you may not be seated with any travel companions. Plus, you’ll be in the last group to board, which means overhead bin space for your carry-on bag may not be available. You also won’t earn any award miles, and if you’re an elite flyer on Delta (which Delta calls Medallion status), you won’t be eligible for upgrades.
Understand Your Upgrade Options
For most travelers, a standard (nonbasic) economy ticket for Main Cabin on Delta is a solid choice. Delta markets itself as a more premium carrier, which means travelers receive complimentary soft drinks and snacks, free in-flight messaging (and often free Wi-Fi), and seatback entertainment screens on the vast majority of aircraft (with the exception of Boeing 717 and regional aircraft marketed as Delta Connection).
Still, you may be looking for an elevated travel experience, so it helps to understand your options:
• Delta Comfort+: These are seats toward the front of the Main Cabin that offer a few extra inches of legroom and dedicated overhead bin space. If you purchase Delta Comfort+, you’ll also get priority boarding, complimentary alcoholic beverages in flight, and upgraded snacks.
• Delta Premium Select: This is Delta’s version of premium economy, available on select long-haul international flights. You will be seated in a separate cabin that offers wider seats with more legroom, deeper recline, and footrests. This option also comes with priority check-in and boarding and an elevated complimentary meal service.
• First Class: This cabin is offered on flights within North America and on shorter international flights to the Caribbean and northern South America. It offers wider seats with more legroom at the front of the cabin, along with a dedicated flight attendant, priority airport services, free checked baggage, and meals on flights over 900 miles during mealtimes.
• Delta One: The airline’s take on business class, Delta One is available on long-haul international flights. Each Delta One seat reclines into a fully flat bed, and some aircraft even feature suites with closing doors. Delta One customers receive all the bells and whistles: multicourse meals, plush bedding, amenity kits, and complimentary lounge access, among other perks.
If you’re looking to upgrade, Delta typically allows travelers to pay cash or to cash in miles if you’re a member of the SkyMiles loyalty program. Be sure to download the Fly Delta app, as Delta sometimes offers special upgrade deals in the app.
Know How To Maximize SkyMiles
If you’re flying Delta, you should sign up for the SkyMiles loyalty program since it’s completely free to join. You’ll earn at least 5 miles per dollar on Delta flights (with the exception of basic economy), and the miles you earn can be used toward flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more.
Plus, you can also take advantage of Delta’s partnerships to earn even more miles. For example, link your Starbucks Rewards membership or your Lyft account to earn SkyMiles every time you buy coffee or take a ride-share. Delta also announced in 2023 that it would be introducing free in-flight Wi-Fi to anyone who’s signed up for SkyMiles.
Pro tip: When you’re looking to redeem your miles toward free flights, keep an eye out for SkyMiles flash sales. The amount of miles you need typically has a fixed value based on the cash fare, but these occasional sales often represent a much greater value.
Keep Tabs on Your Baggage
If you plan to check bags when flying Delta, the Fly Delta app will definitely come in handy, because Delta is one of the few airlines to offer real-time baggage tracking. You’ll get a notification once your bag is checked in at the airport and again when it’s loaded on the plane — offering valuable peace of mind.
Delta is also one of the only airlines to offer a baggage delivery guarantee. If your checked bags don’t arrive on the carousel within 20 minutes of your flight’s arrival at the gate, use this form to submit your information and receive 2,500 SkyMiles for the inconvenience.
Consider a Credit Card for Elite-Like Perks
Like pretty much every airline these days, Delta charges fees for checked baggage (which are waived for elite flyers or those who upgrade to Delta One, First Class, or Delta Premium Select). If you’re traveling in the Main Cabin or Basic Economy on Delta, you can also avoid bag fees by signing up for one of Delta’s co-branded credit cards with American Express.
For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card (with a $150 annual fee, as of 2024) offers one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight people traveling on the same reservation — which can represent a significant savings even if you only fly Delta occasionally.
Delta’s credit cards also come with a few valuable perks — ones you don’t have to be an elite flyer who spends thousands of dollars with the airline to get. For example, receive priority boarding with the Gold Card or complimentary SkyClub access with the Reserve Card ($650 annual fee). Plus, these cards offer a 15% discount on all Delta-operated award tickets.
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