A Complete Guide to Choosing Delta Airlines Flights
Learn everything essential about Delta Airlines, including its history, routes, alliance partnerships, fare options, booking tips, and check-in procedures. This comprehensive guide helps travelers make informed decisions when booking Delta flights, ensuring a smooth travel experience with detailed insights into fares, hubs, and flight operations.
Your Essential Guide to Booking Delta Airlines Flights
Delta Air Lines has maintained its status as one of the top airlines worldwide after merging with Northwest Airlines over ten years ago. Although American Airlines currently holds the largest position following its merger with US Airways, Delta continues to be a global leader in the aviation industry.
Established on May 30, 1924, Delta was originally known as Huff Daland Dusters. The airline commenced operations on June 17, 1929, after Collett E. Woolman acquired it and renamed it Delta Air Service.
Flight services and offerings from Delta vary based on the route and class you choose.
- Flight Network and Alliances
Delta operates as part of the SkyTeam alliance, which includes carriers like Air France, Korean Air, Aeromexico, China Eastern, and KLM. The airline also partners with Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, GOL, and Virgin Australia through codeshare agreements. These partnerships enable Delta to offer tickets worldwide, often marketed under the Delta brand.
- Hubs and Focus Cities
Key Delta hubs include Detroit, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis. Focus cities also include Austin, Nashville, and Cincinnati, especially if you’re flying from smaller airports, increasing the likelihood of traveling on a Delta-operated aircraft.
- Economy Options: Basic vs. Standard
Delta was the pioneer among major US airlines to introduce a Basic Economy fare, aimed at competing with ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier. While Basic Economy passengers sit in the same area as standard economy travelers, they don’t get assigned seats until check-in and can’t make ticket changes or upgrades. However, they are permitted to bring one standard-sized carry-on and a personal item. Checked bag fees remain consistent for both fare types domestically and internationally, with international routes to Europe and North Africa charging $60 for the first checked bag. Upgrading from Basic to Standard Economy varies in cost depending on the route and dates, sometimes offering significant value.
Booking a Delta Flight
Most Delta tickets are purchased through third-party sites like Hopper, Hipmunk, or CheapAir, though official airlines' platforms often offer better deals. Comparing prices across multiple sources ensures you get the best fare.
Check-in Procedures for Delta Flights
You can check in via Delta’s website within 24 hours of departure, choosing to print your boarding pass or receive an electronic version. The Fly Delta app also facilitates automatic check-in and sends a reminder 24 hours before your flight, issuing a mobile boarding pass after confirming travel requirements.
