Delta Air Lines

{{Main|History of Delta Air Lines}}

The history of Delta Air Lines began with the world's first aerial crop dusting operation called Huff Daland Dusters, Inc. The company was founded on March 2, 1925, in Macon, Georgia, before moving to Monroe, Louisiana, in the summer of 1925.{{cite web|url=https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/founding|title=Founding|website=www.deltamuseum.org|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001235928/https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/founding|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live}} It flew a Huff-Daland Duster, the first true crop duster, designed to combat the boll weevil infestation of cotton crops.{{cite web|url=https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/aircraft-by-type/crop-duster/Huff-Daland-Duster|title=Huff Daland Duster, 1925-ca.1948|website=www.deltamuseum.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002171508/http://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/aircraft-by-type/crop-duster/Huff-Daland-Duster|archive-date=October 2, 2019|access-date=October 2, 2019}} C.E. Woolman, general manager and later Delta's first CEO, led a group of local investors to acquire the company's assets. Delta Air Service was incorporated on December 3, 1928, and was named after the Mississippi Delta region.{{Cite book|title=Delta: The History of an Airline|last=Lewis and Newton|publisher=University of Georgia Press|year=1979|location=Athens, Ga.|pages=20–21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/leaders|title=C.E. Woolman|website=Delta Flight Museum|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414091209/http://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/leaders|archive-date=April 14, 2019}}{{cite web |last=Gay |first=Charles |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Delta's history: From dusting crops to connecting the world |url=https://news.delta.com/deltas-history-dusting-crops-connecting-world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717125757/https://news.delta.com/deltas-journey-timeline |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2023 |publisher=Delta News Hub}}

Passenger operations began on June 17, 1929,{{cite book|last1=Norwood |first1=Tom |last2=Wegg |first2=John |title=North American Airlines Handbook |publisher=Airways International |location=Sandpoint, Idaho |year=2002 |edition=3rd |isbn=0-9653993-8-9 |page=40}} from Dallas, Texas, to Jackson, Mississippi, with stops at Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana. By June 1930, service had extended east to Atlanta and west to Fort Worth, Texas.{{cite web|url=https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/first-flights|title=First Flights|website=www.deltamuseum.org|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001235937/http://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/first-flights|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live}} Passenger service ceased in October 1930 when the airmail contract for the route Delta had pioneered was awarded to another airline, which purchased the assets of Delta Air Service. Local banker Travis Oliver, acting as a trustee, C.E. Woolman, and other local investors purchased back the crop-dusting assets of Delta Air Service and incorporated as Delta Air Corporation on December 31, 1930.{{cite web|url=https://deltamuseum.org/delta-history/founding|title=Founding-From Huff Daland Dusters to Delta Air Lines|website=deltamuseum.org|access-date= June 26, 2024}}

Delta Air Corporation secured an airmail contract in 1934, and began doing business as Delta Air Lines over Mail Route 24, stretching from Fort Worth, Texas, to Charleston, South Carolina.{{Cite book|title=Delta: The History of an Airline|last=Lewis and Newton|publisher=University of Georgia Press|year=1979|location=Athens, Ga.|pages=28–29, 43}} Delta moved its headquarters from Monroe, Louisiana, to its current location in Atlanta in 1941.{{Cite news|url=http://www.deltamuseum.org/docs/site/brochure/headquarters_booklet_2019edits.pdf?sfvrsn=2db8be21_2|title=Historic Aerospace Site: Delta Air Lines Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia|work=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001235958/http://www.deltamuseum.org/docs/site/brochure/headquarters_booklet_2019edits.pdf?sfvrsn=2db8be21_2|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live}} The company name officially became Delta Air Lines in 1945.{{cite web|url=https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/timeline/decades/1940|title=1940s|website=www.deltamuseum.org|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001235925/https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/timeline/decades/1940|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live}} In 1946, the company commenced regularly scheduled freight transport. In 1949, the company launched the first discounted fares between Chicago and Miami. In 1953, the company launched its first international routes after the acquisition of Chicago and Southern Air Lines.{{cite web|url=https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/family-tree/chicago-southern-air-lines|title=Chicago & Southern Air Lines|website=www.deltamuseum.org|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428062154/http://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/family-tree/chicago-southern-air-lines|archive-date=April 28, 2019|url-status=live}} In 1959, it was the first airline to fly the Douglas DC-8. In 1960, it was the first airline to fly Convair 880 jets. In 1964, it launched the Deltamatic reservation systems using computers in the IBM 7070 series. In 1965, Delta was the first airline to fly the McDonnell Douglas DC-9.

By 1970, Delta had an all-jet fleet, and in 1972 it acquired Northeast Airlines. Trans-Atlantic service began in 1978 with the first nonstop flights from Atlanta to London. In 1981, Delta launched a frequent-flyer program. In 1987, it acquired Western Airlines, and that same year Delta began trans-Pacific service (Atlanta to Portland, Oregon, to Tokyo). In 1990, Delta was the first airline in the United States to fly McDonnell Douglas MD-11 jets. In 1991, it acquired substantially all of Pan Am's trans-Atlantic routes and the Pan Am Shuttle, rebranded as the Delta Shuttle. Delta was now the leading airline across the Atlantic.{{cite web|url=https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/timeline/decades/1920|title=Delta Timeline|last=Delta Flight Museum|website=www.deltamuseum.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414091215/http://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/timeline/decades/1920|archive-date=April 14, 2019|access-date=October 2, 2019}}

In 1997, Delta was the first airline to board more than 100 million passengers in a calendar year. Also that year, Delta began an expansion of its international routes into Latin America.{{cite web | title=1990s-Delta History | url=https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/timeline/decades/1990 | publisher=Delta Flight Museum | access-date=May 13, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513215208/https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/delta-history/timeline/decades/1990 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |url-status=live}} In 2003, the company launched Song, a low-cost carrier.

On September 14, 2005, the company filed for bankruptcy, citing rising fuel costs.{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2005/09/12/daily17.html | title=Delta files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy | first=Rachel Tobin | last=Ramos | work=American City Business Journals | date=September 14, 2005 | access-date=July 21, 2019 | archive-date=March 31, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331183701/https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2005/09/12/daily17.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2005/09/14/news/fortune500/delta/ | title=Delta Air Lines files for bankruptcy | first=Chris | last=Isidore | work=CNN | date=September 15, 2005 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721161533/https://money.cnn.com/2005/09/14/news/fortune500/delta/ | archive-date=July 21, 2019 | url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/delta-files-for-bankruptcy/ | title=Delta Files For Bankruptcy | first=Gina | last=Pace | work=CBS News | date=September 14, 2005 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721161532/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/delta-files-for-bankruptcy/ | archive-date=July 21, 2019 | url-status=live}} It emerged from bankruptcy in April 2007 after fending off a hostile takeover from US Airways and its shares were re-listed on the New York Stock Exchange.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-delta-bankruptcy/delta-exits-bankruptcy-after-19-month-restructuring-idUSWNAS850820070430 | title=Delta exits bankruptcy after 19-month restructuring | first=Chris | last=Reiter | work=Reuters | date=April 30, 2007 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721161534/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-delta-bankruptcy/delta-exits-bankruptcy-after-19-month-restructuring-idUSWNAS850820070430 | archive-date=July 21, 2019 | url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/delta-air-lines-emerges-from-bankruptcy | title=Delta Air Lines exits bankruptcy | first1=Aude | last1=Lagorce | first2=Padraic | last2=Cassidy | work=Marketwatch | date=April 30, 2007 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721161530/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/delta-air-lines-emerges-from-bankruptcy | archive-date=July 21, 2019 | url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/04/30/news/companies/delta_bankruptcy/index.htm | title=Delta exits bankruptcy with planes full | first=Chris | last=Isidore | work=CNN | date=April 30, 2007 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721161530/https://money.cnn.com/2007/04/30/news/companies/delta_bankruptcy/index.htm | archive-date=July 21, 2019 | url-status=live}}

The acquisition of Northwest Airlines was announced on April 14, 2008. It was approved and consummated on October 29, 2008. Northwest continued to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta until December 31, 2009, when the Northwest Airlines operating certificate was merged into that of Delta.{{cite news | title=Delta, Northwest approved to fly under single operating certificate | url=https://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2009/12/delta-northwest-approved-to-fly-under-single-operating-certificate/13205/1 | first=Rebecca | last=Heslin | work=USA Today | date=December 31, 2009 | access-date=April 30, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413073916/http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2009/12/delta-northwest-approved-to-fly-under-single-operating-certificate/13205/1 | archive-date=April 13, 2014 | url-status=live}} Delta completed integration with Northwest on January 31, 2010, when their computer reservations system and websites were combined, and the Northwest Airlines brand was officially retired.{{cite news | title=Delta-Northwest Merger's Long and Complex Path | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/business/19air.html | author=Jad Mouawad | work=The New York Times | date=May 18, 2011 | url-access=subscription | access-date=February 7, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331010155/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/business/19air.html | archive-date=March 31, 2017 | url-status=live}}

{{main|List of Delta Air Lines destinations}}

Delta and its worldwide alliance partners operate more than 15,000 flights per day. Delta is the only U.S. carrier that flies to Dakar, and along with competitors United Airlines and American Airlines, are the only two U.S. carriers that fly to Stockholm and Copenhagen, respectively.{{Cite web |last=Noëth |first=Bart |date=November 25, 2021 |title=United Airlines nonstop service between Stockholm and New York returns for 2022 |url=https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/united-airlines/united-airlines-nonstop-service-between-stockholm-and-new-york-returns-for-2022/ |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=Aviation24.be |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105221340/https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/united-airlines/united-airlines-nonstop-service-between-stockholm-and-new-york-returns-for-2022/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Direct (non-stop) flights from New York to Dakar - schedules - FlightsFrom.com |url=https://www.flightsfrom.com/JFK-DSS |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=www.flightsfrom.com |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406205207/https://www.flightsfrom.com/JFK-DSS |url-status=live }}

Delta currently has nine hubs:{{cite web | url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/delta/delta-hubs-around-the-world | title=Where Travelers Can Find Delta Air Lines Hubs |last=Mcardle|first=Molly| work=Travel + Leisure |publisher=Dotdash Meredith|location=New York| date=February 23, 2018 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721014953/https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/delta/delta-hubs-around-the-world | archive-date=July 21, 2019 | url-status=live}}

• Atlanta: The airline's largest hub serving the Southern and Eastern United States and as its main gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Home to Delta's corporate headquarters, as well as Delta TechOps, the airline's primary maintenance base.{{cite news | last=Yamanouchi | first=Kelly | title=Delta says Atlanta hub is world's most profitable, poised for growth | url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/airport/delta-says-atlanta-hub-world-most-profitable-poised-for-growth/xUR4xD5UzE7aA3hVrTkyKK/ | newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |location=Atlanta|publisher=Cox Media Group| date=December 17, 2015 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721161530/https://www.ajc.com/blog/airport/delta-says-atlanta-hub-world-most-profitable-poised-for-growth/xUR4xD5UzE7aA3hVrTkyKK/ | archive-date=July 21, 2019 | url-status=live}}
• Boston: Delta's secondary transatlantic hub. It offers service to destinations in Europe and North America.
• Detroit: One of Delta's two Midwest hubs. It is the primary Asian gateway for the Eastern United States and it also provides service to many destinations in the Americas and Europe.
• Los Angeles: Delta's secondary hub for the West Coast. It offers service to cities in Latin America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and major domestic cities and West Coast regional destinations.
• Minneapolis/St. Paul: One of Delta's two Midwest hubs. It is the primary Canadian gateway for the airline and also serves many American metropolitan destinations, many regional destinations in the upper Midwest, and some select destinations in Europe and Asia.
• New York–JFK: Delta's primary transatlantic hub. The hub also offers service on transcontinental "prestige routes" to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• New York–LaGuardia: Delta's second New York hub. Delta's service at LaGuardia covers numerous East Coast U.S. cities and several regional destinations in the U.S. and Canada.
• Salt Lake City: Delta's hub for the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. Delta's service covers most major U.S. destinations and several regional destinations in the U.S., emphasizing the Rocky Mountains and select destinations in Canada and Mexico, and select cities in Europe, Hawaii and Asia.
• Seattle/Tacoma: Delta's primary West Coast hub. The hub serves as an international gateway to Asia for the Western United States. Delta service also includes many major U.S. destinations as well as regional destinations in the Pacific Northwest.{{cite web |url=http://airchive.com/blog/2014/06/17/delta-launches-seattle-hong-kong/ |title=Delta Launches Seattle-Hong Kong, and Seattle Hub - June 17, 2014 |publisher=airchive.com |access-date=June 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621061046/http://airchive.com/blog/2014/06/17/delta-launches-seattle-hong-kong/ |archive-date=June 21, 2014 |url-status=live}}

{{Excerpt|Delta Connection|paragraphs=1}}

Delta is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:{{cite web |title=Partner Airlines {{!}} Delta Air Lines |url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/airline-partners/overview |access-date=October 25, 2023 |website=delta.com |publisher=Delta Air Lines}}{{cite web | url=http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/delta-air-lines-dl |title=Profile on Delta Air Lines | website=CAPA | publisher=Centre for Aviation|access-date=October 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030164915/http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/delta-air-lines-dl |archive-date=October 30, 2016|url-status=live}}

{{div col|colwidth=17em}}

• Aerolíneas Argentinas{{cite web | url=https://finchannel.com/delta-aerolineas-argentinas-partnership-launches/52682/travel-biz-news/2015/12/ | title=Delta-Aerolíneas Argentinas partnership launches | first=Sarah | last=Lora | publisher=The Financial | date=December 1, 2015 | access-date=October 18, 2023 }}
• Aeroméxico{{cite web | url=https://news.delta.com/delta-aeromexico-partnership-increase-transborder-seat-offering-more-30 | title=Delta-Aeromexico partnership to increase transborder seat offering by more than 30% | date=October 2, 2023 | publisher=Delta News Hub | access-date=October 19, 2023 }}
• Air Europa
• Air France
• airBaltic{{cite web|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/airbaltic-delta-codeshare-agreement|title=airBaltic and Delta Air Lines announce codeshare agreement|publisher=Aerotime Hub|date=November 16, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023}}
• China Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• El Al{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231218-dllycodeshare|title=Delta / El Al codeshare partnership from Jan 2024|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=December 18, 2023}}
• Garuda Indonesia
• Hawaiian Airlines
• ITA Airways{{cite web | author=Staff Writer | date=December 20, 2021 | title=Delta Air Lines, ITA Airways Sign Codeshare Agreement | url=https://news.delta.com/delta-and-ita-airways-launch-codeshare-partnership | access-date=October 19, 2023 | publisher=Delta News Hub }}
• Kenya Airways{{cite news | url=https://news.delta.com/delta-air-lines-kenya-airways-expand-partnership-offer-more-travel-options-across-us-and-africa | title=Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways expand partnership to offer more travel options across US and Africa | author=Staff Writer | date=August 7, 2023 | publisher=Delta News Hub | access-date=October 19, 2023 }}
• KLM
• Korean Air{{cite web | url=https://pro.delta.com/content/agency/cn/en/news/news-archive/2018/june-2018/delta-and-korean-air-enhance-codeshare-flights-in-the-u-s-.html | title=Delta and Korean Air Enhance Codeshare Flights in the U.S. | publisher=Delta Air Lines | date=June 14, 2018 | access-date=October 19, 2023 }}
• LATAM Airlines{{cite web | url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/airline-partners/latam | title=LATAM Partnership | Delta Air Lines | publisher=Delta Air Lines | access-date=October 19, 2023 }}
• Rex Airlines{{cite web |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/rex-delta-tie-the-knot-after-virgin-divorce-20220502-p5ahth |title=Rex, Delta tie the knot after Virgin divorce |publisher=Afr.com |date=May 2, 2022 |access-date=May 6, 2022 |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502065746/https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/rex-delta-tie-the-knot-after-virgin-divorce-20220502-p5ahth |url-status=live }}
• Saudia{{cite web|url=https://news.delta.com/delta-signs-codeshare-agreement-saudia|title=Delta signs codeshare agreement with Saudia|publisher=Delta Air Lines|date=October 2, 2024}}
• Scandinavian Airlines{{cite web | url=https://www.sasgroup.net/newsroom/press-releases/2024/sas-expands-its-summer-program-to-include-atlanta/ | title=SAS Expands ITS Summer Program to Include Atlanta}}
• Seaborne Airlines{{cite web | url=https://www.seaborneairlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Delta-Seaborne-codeshare-July-14-2016-ENG.pdf | title=Delta-Seaborne-codeshare-July-14-2016-ENG.pdf | date=July 18, 2016 | access-date=October 19, 2023 | publisher=Seaborne Airlines }}
• Shanghai Airlines
• Transavia{{cite web | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-announces-codeshare-partnership-with-transavia-300229326.html | title=Delta announces codeshare partnership with Transavia | publisher=PR Newswire | date=March 2, 2016 | access-date=October 19, 2023 }}
• Vietnam Airlines{{cite web | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-welcomes-vietnam-airlines-into-skyteam-alliance-96039959.html | title=Delta Welcomes Vietnam Airlines into SkyTeam Alliance | publisher=PR Newswire | date=June 10, 2010 | access-date=October 19, 2023 }}
• Virgin Atlantic{{cite web | url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/airline-partners/virgin-atlantic | title=Virgin Atlantic Partnership | Delta Air Lines | publisher=Delta Air Lines | access-date=October 19, 2023 }}
• WestJet{{cite news | url=https://pro.delta.com/content/agency/us/en/news/news-archive/2018/july-2018/delta-and-westjet-to-create-new-transborder-joint-venture-.html | title=Delta and WestJet to Create New Transborder Joint Venture | publisher=Delta Air Lines | date=July 19, 2018 | access-date=October 19, 2023 }}

{{div col end}}

{{Excerpt|Delta Air Lines fleet}}In the first quarter of 2025, Delta expanded its fleet with the addition of nine aircraft, including Airbus A321neo and A350-900 models. The airline also introduced new international routes, such as service from Atlanta to Marrakech, and resumed previously suspended routes, including New York–JFK to Tel Aviv.

Delta underwent a cabin branding upgrade in 2015.{{Cite news |date=December 8, 2014 |title=Delta Redefines Cabin, Upgrades Premium Economy Options |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-redefines-cabin-upgrades-premium-economy-options-300005921.html |access-date=October 19, 2023}} Availability and exact details vary by route and aircraft type.

;Delta One

File:Delta One Suites (41341308490).jpg -->]]

Delta One is the airline's premier business class product, available on long-haul international flights, as well as transcontinental service from New York–Kennedy to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Delta One features lie-flat seating on all aircraft types and direct aisle access from every seat on all types except the Boeing 757-200 (in which only a special sub-fleet of approximately 20 aircraft feature lie-flats) and in their 'type 35L' ex-LATAM A350s (which use a 2-2-2 layout).{{cite web|url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/aircraft/boeing/757-200|title=Boeing 757-200 Aircraft Seat Maps, Specs & Amenities: Delta Air Lines|website=www.delta.com|language=en|access-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402175107/https://www.delta.com/us/en/aircraft/boeing/757-200|archive-date=April 2, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=DL Airbus A350-900 (type 35L) |url=https://www.aerolopa.com/dl-35l |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=AeroLOPA {{!}} Detailed aircraft seat plans |language=en}} The Boeing 767-300ER seats, designed by James Thompson, feature a space-saving design whereby the seats are staggered such that when in the fully flat position, the foot of each bed extends under the armrests of the seat in front of it. On the Airbus A330 cabins, Delta One features the Cirrus flat-bed sleeper suite by Zodiac Seats U.S., configured in a reverse herringbone pattern.{{cite web |url=http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/delta/45973/ |title=Delta Revitalizing Boeing 747-400 Fleet with New Interiors |publisher=Multivu.prnewswire.com |date=September 2, 2010 |access-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425165206/http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/delta/45973/ |archive-date=April 25, 2011 |url-status=live}}

All seats are also equipped with a personal, on-demand in-flight-entertainment (IFE) system, universal power-ports, a movable reading light, and a folding work table. Passengers also receive meals, alcoholic beverages, an amenity kit, bedding, and pre-flight Delta Sky Club access.{{cite web | title=Customer Experience Fact Sheet | url=https://news.delta.com/customer-experience-fact-sheet | publisher=Delta Air Lines | date=October 6, 2017 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721015057/https://news.delta.com/customer-experience-fact-sheet | archive-date=July 21, 2019 | url-status=live}}

In August 2016, Delta announced the introduction of Delta One Suites on select widebody fleets. The suites will feature a door to the aisle for enhanced privacy, as well as improved storage space, a larger IFE screen, and an updated design. The suites rolled out on the Airbus A350 fleet, first delivered in July 2017, followed by installation within the Boeing 777 fleet.{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2022 |title=The Secrets To Get On Delta Upgrade List |work= |url=https://airlinespolicy.com/blog/how-to-get-on-delta-upgrade-list/ |access-date=October 20, 2023 }}{{cite news |last= |first= |date=July 13, 2017 |title=Delta Takes Delivery of First Flagship Airbus A350-900 |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-takes-delivery-of-first-flagship-airbus-a350-900-300488019.html |access-date=October 20, 2023 }} Delta's Airbus A330-900, which began revenue service for the airline in July 2019, also features Delta One Suites.{{cite web |date=August 16, 2016 |title=Delta introduces world's first all-suite business class with Delta One suite |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-introduces-worlds-first-all-suite-business-class-with-delta-one-suite-300313959.html |access-date=October 20, 2023 |publisher=PR Newswire}} Also in July 2019, Delta began retrofitting a new seat on the 767-400ER, which featured increased privacy and design similar to Delta One Suites, though without a privacy door.{{cite web |date=June 24, 2019 |title=Press Release: Delta rolls out latest cabins to Europe and South America |url=https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2019/06/press-release-delta-rolls-out-latest-cabins-to-europe-and-south-america/ |access-date=October 20, 2023 |website=runwaygirlnetwork.com}} These seats lack a door due to the 767's smaller cabin width.

;First Class

File:A220 First Class (44703804685).jpg]]

First Class is offered on mainline domestic flights (except those featuring Delta One service), select short- and medium-haul international flights, and Delta Connection aircraft. Seats range from {{convert|18.5|to|20.75|in|cm}} wide and have between {{convert|37|and|40|in|cm}} of pitch. Passengers in this class receive a wider variety of free snacks compared to Main Cabin, as well as free drinks and alcohol, and full meal service on flights {{convert|900|mi}} and longer. Certain aircraft also feature power ports at each seat and free entertainment products from Delta Studio. First Class passengers are also eligible for priority boarding.

;Premium Select

File:A350- Interior - Premium Select (37095459120).jpg]]

In April 2016, Delta CEO Ed Bastian announced that a new Premium Economy cabin would be added. Since renamed to Premium Select, this cabin will feature extra legroom; adjustable leg rests; extra seat pitch, width, and recline; and a new premium service. Delta introduced it on its new Airbus A350, first delivered in fall 2017, to be followed by the now-retired Boeing 777.{{Cite news |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Delta Premium to debut in 2017 |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-premium-to-debut-in-2017-300356734.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729172838/https://news.delta.com/delta-premium-select-debut-2017 |archive-date=July 29, 2019}} In October 2018, Delta announced that it would be selling first class seats on domestically configured Boeing 757 aircraft flying transatlantic routes as Premium Select.{{cite web |url=https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2017/11/22/delta-starts-selling-757-recliners-as-international-premium-economy/ |title=Delta starts selling 757 recliners as international premium economy |date=November 22, 2017 |access-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204195156/https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2017/11/22/delta-starts-selling-757-recliners-as-international-premium-economy/ |archive-date=December 4, 2018 |url-status=live}} Delta's A330-900, delivered in 2019, also offers Premium Select.{{Cite news |last=Yamanouchi |first=Kelly |date=November 17, 2018 |title=Delta orders another 10 Airbus A330 jets |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/business/delta-orders-another-airbus-a330-jets/BCBDLnkcoVWxtN0EmY98ZL/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510122226/https://news.delta.com/delta-orders-10-additional-a330-900neos-replace-older-widebody-jets-facilitate-measured-growth |archive-date=May 10, 2022}} In 2021, Delta began retrofitting many of its 767-300ER and older A330 aircraft with Premium Select.{{Cite news |last=Silk |first=Robert |date=May 5, 2021 |title=Delta upgrading Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 fleets |work=Travel Weekly |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Delta-Air-Lines-Premium-Select-retrofit |url-status=live |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411125726/https://news.delta.com/elevated-experiences-await-delta-premium-select-coming-more-aircraft |archive-date=April 11, 2022}}

;{{visible anchor|Delta Comfort+}}

File:Interior of Delta Air Lines Airbus A321.jpg]]

Delta Comfort+ seats are installed on all aircraft and feature {{convert|34-36|in|mm}} of pitch; on all Delta One configured aircraft, {{convert|35-36|in|mm}} of pitch and 50 percent more recline over standard Main Cabin seats.{{cite web |title=Delta Comfort Plus {{!}} Delta Air Lines |url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/onboard/onboard-experience/delta-comfort-plus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728032634/https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/onboard-experience/delta-comfort-plus.html |archive-date=July 28, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |publisher=Delta Air Lines}} Additional amenities include: priority boarding, dedicated overhead space, complimentary beer, wine, and spirits on flights {{convert|250|mi}} or more, and complimentary premium snacks on flights {{convert|900|mi}} or more. Complimentary premium entertainment is available via Delta Studio, with free headsets available on most flights. On transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX/SFO, Delta Comfort+ passengers also get Luvo snack wraps. Certain Medallion members can upgrade from Main Cabin to Comfort+ for free right after booking, while other customers can upgrade for a fee or with SkyMiles.{{cite web |title=All the Ways to Upgrade |url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/program-resources/ways-to-upgrade |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721161534/https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/support/faqs/booking-your-trip/delta-comfort-plus-faqs.html |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |publisher=Delta Air Lines}}

;Main Cabin

File:A350- Interior - Main Cabin (23645006548).jpg]]

Main Cabin (Economy Class) is available on all aircraft with seats ranging from {{convert|17|to|18.6|in|cm}} wide and {{convert|30|to|33|in|cm}} of pitch. The main cabin on some aircraft has an articulating seat bottom where the seat bottom moves forward in addition to the seat back tilting backwards when reclining.{{Cite news |date=January 25, 2010 |title=Delta to Invest in Customer Experience, Fleet Efficiency |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-to-invest-in-customer-experience-fleet-efficiency-82600907.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716012123/http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=43&item=870 |archive-date=July 16, 2011}}

Main Cabin passengers receive complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on all flights {{convert|250|mi|km}} or longer. Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase. Complimentary meals and alcoholic drinks are provided on long-haul international flights as well as selected transcontinental domestic flights, such as between New York–JFK and Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.{{cite web |title=Main Cabin {{!}} Delta Air Lines |url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/onboard/onboard-experience/main-cabin-economy-class |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513073135/http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/onboard-experience/main-cabin-economy-class.html |archive-date=May 13, 2017 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |publisher=Delta Air Lines}}{{Cite news |date=February 16, 2017 |title=Delta Debuts Free Main Cabin Meals in 12 Markets |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-debuts-free-main-cabin-meals-in-12-markets-300408747.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721161635/https://news.delta.com/delta-debuts-free-main-cabin-meals-12-markets |archive-date=July 21, 2019}} As part of Delta's Flight Fuel buy on board program, meals are available for purchase on other North American flights {{convert|900|mi|km}} or longer.

Delta operated a different buy-on-board program between 2003 and 2005.{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2021 |title=Delta Airlines Baggage Policy |url=https://airlinespolicy.com/baggage-policy/delta-airlines-baggage-policy/ |access-date=October 26, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Tatiana |date=July 4, 2003 |title=Buy On-Board Meals? |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/buy-on-board-meals/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401191557/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/buy-on-board-meals/ |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |publisher=CBS News }} The previous program had items from differing providers, depending on the origin and destination of the flight."[https://web.archive.org/web/20031002224732/http://www.delta.com/travel/during_flight/dining/food_for_sale_062003/index.jsp Food Sales Test]." Delta Air Lines. October 2, 2003. Retrieved on September 16, 2009."[https://web.archive.org/web/20040218160420/http://www.delta.com/travel/during_flight/dining/food_for_sale_062003/index.jsp Food Sales]." Delta Air Lines. February 18, 2004. Retrieved on September 16, 2009. Prices ranged up to $10 (${{inflation|USD|10|2004|r=2}} when adjusted for inflation). The airline started the service on a few selected flights in July 2003, and the meal service was initially offered on 400 flights."[http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Mar/10/bz/bz11p.html Delta restoring free food service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102034919/http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Mar/10/bz/bz11p.html |date=January 2, 2015}}." Associated Press at The Honolulu Advertiser. March 10, 2005. Retrieved on December 31, 2012. Delta ended this buy-on-board program in 2005; instead, Delta began offering snacks at no extra charge on flights over 90 minutes to most U.S. domestic flights and some flights to the Caribbean and Latin America. Beginning in mid-March 2005 the airline planned to stop providing pillows on flights within the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America. In addition, the airline increased the price of alcoholic beverages on Delta mainline flights from $4 (${{inflation|USD|4|2005|r=2}} when adjusted for inflation) to $5 (${{inflation|USD|5|2005|r=2}} when adjusted for inflation); the increase in alcohol prices did not occur on Song flights.

;Basic Economy

Basic Economy is a basic version of Main Cabin, offering the same services with fewer flexibility options for a lower price. Examples of fewer flexibility options include no ticket changes, no paid or complimentary upgrades regardless of frequent-flier status, and only having a seat assigned at check-in.{{cite web |title=Basic Economy {{!}} Delta Air Lines |url=https://www.delta.com/us/en/onboard/onboard-experience/basic-economy |access-date=October 25, 2023 |website=delta.com}} As of December 2021, Basic Economy travelers no longer earn award miles (used for redeeming free travel, for example) or medallion qualifying miles (which count towards elite status).{{cite web |last=Chen |first=Eve |title=Delta Air Lines makes big changes to Basic Economy fares, impacting SkyMiles |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2021/12/10/delta-basic-economy-skymiles-changes/6460217001/ |access-date=April 11, 2022 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411130002/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2021/12/10/delta-basic-economy-skymiles-changes/6460217001/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|SkyMiles}}

SkyMiles is the frequent flyer program for Delta Air Lines. Miles do not expire but accounts may be deactivated by Delta in certain cases, such as the death of a program member or fraudulent activity.{{cite web | url=https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/program-resources/program-rules.html | title=Membership Guide & Program Rules | publisher=Delta Air Lines | access-date=February 6, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206011531/https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/program-resources/program-rules.html | archive-date=February 6, 2019 | url-status=live}}

As part of its efforts to improve customer experience, Delta introduced several service upgrades in 2025. These included free Wi-Fi access for SkyMiles members on most domestic flights, expanded Delta Sky Club lounge facilities, and new premium dining options featuring branded offerings such as Shake Shack.{{Cite web |last=Derby |first=Kevin |date=2025-04-10 |title=Delta Reports Q1 2025 Results, Adds 9 New Aircraft and More |url=https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/04/10/delta-reports-q1-2025-results-adds-9-new-aircraft-and-more/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Aviation A2Z |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-07 |title=Delta soars into Centennial year with game-changing innovations at CES 2025 {{!}} Delta News Hub |url=https://news.delta.com/delta-soars-centennial-year-game-changing-innovations-ces-2025 |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=news.delta.com |language=en}}

File:New Delta Sky Club (29840678206).jpg]]

Delta Sky Club is the branding name of Delta's airport lounges. Membership is available through an annual membership that can be purchased with either money or miles. International passengers travelling in Delta One class get free access. Membership can also be granted through top-level Delta status or by being an American Express cardholder with certain exceptions. As of January 2019, Delta no longer offered single-day passes.{{cite web |title=Purchase Membership : Delta Sky Club : Delta Air Lines |url=https://www.delta.com/skyclub/purchasemembership_performRequest.action |access-date=October 23, 2023 |publisher=Delta Air Lines}}

Originally, Delta's membership-based airport clubs were called Crown Room lounges, with Northwest's called WorldClubs.

Exclusive Delta One Clubs for customers travelling in business class are slated to open at New York–Kennedy, Los Angeles, and Boston in 2024.{{cite press release|url=https://news.delta.com/coming-soon-whats-ahead-delta-sky-clubs|title=Coming soon: What's ahead for Delta Sky Clubs|access-date=May 4, 2022|publisher=Delta Air Lines|location=Atlanta|archive-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504141830/https://news.delta.com/coming-soon-whats-ahead-delta-sky-clubs|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|url=https://news.delta.com/look-ahead-delta-debut-premium-lounges-and-more-2024|title=A look ahead: Delta to debut premium lounges and more in 2024|date=February 8, 2024|publisher=Delta Air Lines|location=Atlanta|access-date=May 8, 2023}}

In February 2024, Delta announced a new, more exclusive or premium level of Sky Club lounge aimed at high-spending travellers. The first would be at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, followed by those in Boston's Logan International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport later in the year. In addition to wellness areas, the lounge would offer a full-service brasserie and a marketplace influenced or assisted by a chef that would feature an open kitchen. The move represented a shift away from a standard offering to something closer to a unique experience for each airport and the city in which the lounge was located.{{Cite web |last=Josephs |first=Leslie |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Delta to open a new tier of 'premium' airport lounges this year in high-end travel push |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/08/delta-to-open-new-tier-of-premium-airport-lounges-this-year.html |access-date=February 11, 2024 |website=CNBC |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Delta Is Launching a Premium Tier of Lounges This Year |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/delta-new-premium-airport-lounges |access-date=February 11, 2024 |website=Condé Nast Traveler |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Delta Announces Plans for 'Premium' Lounges, Offering a New Alternative to Sky Clubs |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/delta-announces-new-premium-lounges-8572286 |access-date=February 11, 2024 |website=Travel + Leisure |language=en}}

On November 27, 2001, Delta Air Lines launched SkyBonus,{{cite web |title=Airlines & Airports - Delta New SkyBonus Program Rewards Small-To-Medium Sized Businesses |url=http://www.odysseymediagroup.com/nan/Editorial-Airlines-And-Airports.asp?ReportID=30419 |website=www.odysseymediagroup.com |access-date=September 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015308/http://www.odysseymediagroup.com/nan/Editorial-Airlines-And-Airports.asp?ReportID=30419 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |url-status=live}} a program aimed toward small-to-medium businesses spending between $5,000 and $500,000 annually on air travel.{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skybonus-becomes-official-business-loyalty-program-for-delta-air-france-klm-and-alitalia-in-north-america-117158528.html|title=SkyBonus Becomes Official Business Loyalty Program for Delta, Air France, KLM and Alitalia in North America|publisher=Delta Airlines|access-date=January 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606031745/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skybonus-becomes-official-business-loyalty-program-for-delta-air-france-klm-and-alitalia-in-north-america-117158528.html|archive-date=June 6, 2013|url-status=live}} Businesses can earn points toward free travel and upgrades, as well as Sky Club memberships and SkyMiles Silver Medallion status. Points are earned on paid travel based on various fare amounts paid, booking codes, and place origin or destination.{{cite web| title=Frequently Asked Questions| url=http://skybonus.delta.com/bizCoFAQ.sb| access-date=January 31, 2013| publisher=Delta Airlines| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228172216/http://skybonus.delta.com/bizCoFAQ.sb| archive-date=December 28, 2012| url-status=live}} While enrolled businesses are able to earn points toward free travel, the travelling passenger is still eligible to earn SkyMiles during his or her travel.

In early 2010, Delta Air Lines merged its SkyBonus program with Northwest's similar Biz Perks program.

The key trends for Delta Air Lines are (as of the financial year ending December 31):{{cite web |title=Delta Air Lines Financial Statements 2009-2022 {{!}} DAL |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/DAL/delta-air-lines/financial-statements |access-date=March 22, 2022 |website=Macrotrends |archive-date=April 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405050604/https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/DAL/delta-air-lines/financial-statements |url-status=live }}

Between its mainline operation and subsidiaries, and as of December 2024, Delta employs nearly 103,000 people.https://s2.q4cdn.com/181345880/files/doc_financials/2024/q4/DAL-12-31-2024-10K-2-11-25-Filed.pdf

Delta's 17,500 mainline pilots are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International and are the union's second largest pilot group.{{cite web | title=ALPA's Pilot Groups | publisher=Air Line Pilots Association, International | date=January–February 2025 | url=https://www.alpa.org/en/about-alpa/our-pilot-groups/pilot-groups/delta | access-date=January 2, 2025 }} The company's approximately 180 flight dispatchers are represented by the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA).{{cite web |title=Delta Air Lines agrees tentative deal with flight superintendents. |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Delta+Air+Lines+agrees+tentative+deal+with+flight+superintendents.-a0123682289 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416085033/http://www.pafca.org/faq.asp |archive-date=April 16, 2018 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=thefreelibrary.com}} Not counting the pilots and flight dispatchers, Delta is the only one of the five largest airlines in the United States, and one of only two in the top 9 (the other being JetBlue), whose non-pilot USA domestic staff is entirely non-union.{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304474804576369762641111264#articleTabs%3Darticle | last=Esterl | first=Mike | title=Labor Board Broadens Delta Probe | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=June 6, 2011 | url-access=subscription | access-date=August 3, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805100641/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304474804576369762641111264#articleTabs%3Darticle | archive-date=August 5, 2017 | url-status=live}}

Delta Global Staffing (DGS) was a temporary employment firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. Delta Global Staffing was a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, Inc., and a division of the internal company DAL Global Services.

Delta Air Lines sold majority ownership of DAL Global Services to Argenbright Holdings on December 21, 2018. As part of the sale, Delta dissolved the staffing division of DGS.{{Cite web |title=Our History – Unifi |url=https://unifiservice.com/why-unifi/our-history/ |access-date=October 23, 2023 |website=unifiservice.com |publisher=Unifi Aviation}}

It was founded in 1995 as a provider of temporary staffing for Delta primarily in Atlanta. DGS has since expanded to include customers and businesses outside the airline and aviation industries. DGS now supports customers in major US metropolitan areas.

Delta Global Staffing provided contract workers for short and long term assignments, VMS partnering, VOP on-site management, temp-to-hire, direct placements, and payroll services. DGS services markets such as call centers, customer services and administrative placements, IT & professional recruiting, logistics, finance & accounting, hospitality, and aviation/airline industry.{{cite web |date=September 4, 2008 |title=Delta Appoints Cyril J. Turner President of DAL Global Services |url=https://ir.delta.com/news/news-details/2008/Delta-Appoints-Cyril-J-Turner-President-of-DAL-Global-Services/default.aspx |access-date=October 23, 2023 |website=delta.com}}

File:DeltaAirLinesHQAtlantaGA.jpg

Delta's corporate headquarters is located on a corporate campus on the northern boundary of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, within the city limits of Atlanta.{{cite news| author=William E. Schmidt| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/16/us/delta-loyalists-alarmed-and-bruised-by-mishaps.html| title=Delta Loyalists Alarmed And Bruised by Mishaps| work=The New York Times| date=July 16, 1987| url-access=subscription| access-date=February 7, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625141845/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/16/us/delta-loyalists-alarmed-and-bruised-by-mishaps.html| archive-date=June 25, 2017| url-status=live}}"[http://www.delta.com/help/contact_us/corporate_information/index.jsp Contact Corporate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530042524/http://www.delta.com/help/contact_us/corporate_information/index.jsp |date=May 30, 2008}}." Delta Air Lines. Retrieved October 17, 2008."[https://web.archive.org/web/20080824014251/http://apps.atlantaga.gov/citydir/dpcd/maps/zoning_sheet_14-128.pdf Zoning Ordinance of Atlanta, Georgia Sheet No. 14-128]." () City of Atlanta. Retrieved October 17, 2008. This location has served as Delta's headquarters since 1941, when the company relocated its corporate offices from Monroe, Louisiana, to Greater Atlanta.Markiewicz, David. "[https://www.ajc.com/business/issues-change-but-chamber-rolls-150-years-later/MDgzAWeZp38rBxIpO75MAO/ Issues change, but Chamber rolls on 150 years later] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604115046/http://www.ajc.com/business/issues-change-but-chamber-222782.html |date=June 4, 2011}}." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Retrieved on December 27, 2009."[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB328DD4FBC7A73&p_field_direct-0=document_id Delta Air Lines Started as Crop-Dusting Service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825074331/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB328DD4FBC7A73&p_field_direct-0=document_id |date=August 25, 2018}}". Associated Press at St. Louis Post-Dispatch. September 1, 1988. 11A. Retrieved on December 27, 2009. The crop dusting division of Delta remained headquartered in Monroe until Delta ceased crop dusting in 1966. Before 1981, the Delta corporate campus, an {{convert|80|acre|ha|adj=on}} plot of land in proximity to the old Hartsfield Airport terminal, was outside the City of Atlanta limits in unincorporated Fulton County. On August 3, 1981, the Atlanta City Council approved the annexation of {{convert|141|acres|ha}} of land, an area containing the Delta headquarters. As of 1981 Delta would have had to begin paying $200,000 annually to the City of Atlanta in taxes. In September 1981, the airline sued the city, challenging the annexation on the basis of the constitutionality of the 1960 City of Atlanta annexation of the Hartsfield old terminal."[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=348&dat=19810902&id=uL4IAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IUQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4096,105025 Delta suing City of Atlanta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222128/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=348&dat=19810902&id=uL4IAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IUQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4096,105025 |date=October 27, 2021 }}." Associated Press at Rome News-Tribune. Wednesday, September 2, 1981. p. 10A. Retrieved from Google News (6 of 29) on December 19, 2013. The City of Atlanta was only permitted to annex areas that are adjacent to areas already in the Atlanta city limits.

In addition to hosting Delta's corporate headquarters, Hartsfield–Jackson is also the home of Delta TechOps, the airline's primary maintenance, repair, and overhaul arm and the largest full-service airline MRO in North America, specializing in engines, components, airframe, and line maintenance.{{cite web | url=http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/suppliers/delta-techops | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220024534/http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/suppliers/delta-techops | archive-date=December 20, 2013 | title=Capa Centre For Aviation | access-date=May 22, 2013}}

Delta maintains a large presence in the Twin Cities, with over 12,000 employees{{cite news | url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/01/29/delta-minnesota-headquarters/ | title=Delta Air Lines officially opens Minnesota headquarters | work=Minnesota Public Radio News | publisher=Minnesota.publicradio.org | date=January 29, 2010 | access-date=July 7, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726132134/http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/01/29/delta-minnesota-headquarters | archive-date=July 26, 2010 | url-status=live}} in the region as well as significant corporate support functions housed in the Minneapolis area, including the company's information technology divisional offices.{{cite press release |url=http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=43&item=358 |title=MAC Approves Agreement with Delta for 10,000 Minnesota Jobs and 400 Daily Departures from Minneapolis–St. Paul Hub |publisher=News.delta.com |date=January 26, 2009 |access-date=July 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720070151/http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=43&item=358 |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |url-status=live}}

File:2 x Delta A330 tail (4535564116).jpgs with the airline's "widget" logo]]

Delta's logo, often called the "widget", was originally unveiled in 1959. Its triangle shape is taken from the Greek letter delta, and recalls the airline's early history operating in the Mississippi Delta.{{cite news | first=Jad | last=Mouawad | title=On Jet Exteriors, a Parade of Vanilla | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/business/on-the-exterior-of-jetliners-a-parade-of-plain-vanilla.html | work=The New York Times | date=December 23, 2011 | url-access=subscription | access-date=February 7, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610053107/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/business/on-the-exterior-of-jetliners-a-parade-of-plain-vanilla.html?_r=0 | archive-date=June 10, 2022 | url-status=live}} It is also said to be reminiscent of the swept-wing design of the DC-8, Delta's first jet aircraft.{{cite web |url= http://www.famouslogos.us/delta-airlines-logo/ |title= Delta Air Lines Logo |access-date= July 15, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124416/http://www.famouslogos.us/delta-airlines-logo/ |archive-date= March 13, 2017 }}

File:Delta 757-200 N713TW on final approach to Boston Dec 2024 2.jpg

Delta's current livery is called "Upward & Onward". It features a white fuselage with the company's name in blue lettering and a widget on the vertical stabilizer. Delta introduced its current livery in 2007 as part of a re-branding after it emerged from bankruptcy. The new livery consists of four colors, while the old one (called "colors in motion") uses eight. This meant the switch saved the airline money by removing one day from each aircraft's painting cycle. The airline took four years to repaint all of its aircraft into the current scheme, including aircraft inherited from Northwest Airlines.

In 2008, Delta Air Lines was given an award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment (DfE) program for its use of PreKote, a more environmentally friendly, non-hexavalent chromium surface pretreatment on its aircraft, replacing hazardous chemicals formerly used to improve paint adhesion and prevent corrosion. In addition, PreKote reduces water usage by two-thirds and reduces wastewater treatment.

PreKote is also saving money by reducing the time needed to paint each airplane. With time savings of eight to ten percent, it will save an estimated more than $1 million annually.{{cite press release|title=Delta Air Lines Accepts EPA Award for Use of Nontoxic Materials on Aircraft|url=http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=43&item=22|work=Delta Air Lines News Release|publisher=Delta Air Lines|access-date=March 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929110225/http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=43&item=22|archive-date=September 29, 2011|url-status=live}}

Despite having purchased 9.7 million metric tonnes of carbon offsets in 2022, Delta was in the process of moving away from such investments to reduce the company's carbon footprint by the end of March of that year and was instead focusing on reducing emissions from company operations.{{cite interview|last=DeLuca|first=Amelia|date=November 2, 2023|title=Delta Sustainability Chief Discusses Cutting Airline's Footprint and Shift Away From Offsets|interviewer=Rochelle Toplensky|work=The Wall Street Journal|publisher=News Corp|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/delta-sustainability-chief-discusses-cutting-airlines-footprint-and-shift-away-from-offsets-9401a3fb|access-date=November 9, 2023}} In May 2023, Delta Air Lines received a consumer class action lawsuit filed in Central California U.S. District Court over marketing claims that the company is the world's first carbon neutral airline.{{cite news|last=Newburger|first=Emma|date=May 31, 2023|title=Delta Air Lines hit with proposed class action over carbon neutral claims|publisher=CNBC|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/31/delta-air-lines-hit-with-lawsuit-over-carbon-neutral-claims.html|access-date=May 31, 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Greenfield |first=Patrick |date=May 30, 2023 |title=Delta Air Lines faces lawsuit over $1bn carbon neutrality claim |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/30/delta-air-lines-lawsuit-carbon-neutrality-aoe |access-date=May 31, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2023 |title=Delta Air Lines faces possible lawsuit over carbon-neutral claims |url=https://uk.style.yahoo.com/delta-air-lines-faces-possible-093900718.html |access-date=May 31, 2023 |website=uk.style.yahoo.com |language=en-GB}}

{{Main|Deltalina}}

As part of the re-branding project, a safety video featuring a flight attendant was posted on YouTube in early 2008, getting over 1 million views and the attention of news outlets, specifically for the video's tone mixed with the serious safety message. The flight attendant, Katherine Lee, was dubbed "Deltalina" by a member of FlyerTalk for her resemblance to Angelina Jolie.{{cite news | url=https://www.ajc.com/news/who-deltalina-flashback-2008/5WbYDzscytXwoDPjI91uwK/ | title=Who is Deltalina? Flashback to 2008 | first=Jennifer | last=Brett | work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | date=July 16, 2017 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115234403/https://www.ajc.com/news/who-deltalina-flashback-2008/5WbYDzscytXwoDPjI91uwK/ | archive-date=November 15, 2019 | url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.wired.com/2008/03/deltas-new-safe/ | title=Delta's New Sexy Safety Starlet | first=Joe | last=Brown | magazine=Wired | date=March 26, 2008 | access-date=July 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002215223/https://www.wired.com/2008/03/deltas-new-safe/ | archive-date=October 2, 2018 | url-status=live}} Delta had considered several styles for its current safety video, including animation, before opting for a video presenting a flight attendant speaking to the audience. The video was filmed on a former Song Airlines Boeing 757-200."[https://www.foxnews.com/story/deltas-red-headed-flight-attendant-a-hit-on-youtube-in-airlines-safety-video Delta's Red-Headed Flight Attendant a Hit on YouTube in Airline's Safety Video] ." Associated Press at Fox News. Sunday, March 23, 2008. Retrieved on August 24, 2009.

In 2023, Delta flights arrived at their destination on time 84.72% of the time, compared to the North American industry average of 74.45% per [https://www.cirium.com/resources/on-time-performance/ Cirium]{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}. Delta completed 98.82% of its scheduled flights.{{Cite web |title=These Were the Most On-time U.S. Airlines in 2023 |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/2023-on-time-us-airlines-8421451 |access-date=January 2, 2024 |website=Travel + Leisure |language=en}}{{Dead link|date=February 2025}}

On June 24, 2024, Delta Air Lines was voted 2024 Best Airline in North America and Best Airline Staff Service in North America by Skytrax.{{Cite web |last=James.Plaisted@skytrax.uk |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Qatar Airways World's Best Airline at 2024 World Airline Awards |url=https://www.worldairlineawards.com/qatar-airways-is-named-the-worlds-best-airline-at-2024-world-airline-awards/ |access-date=November 27, 2024 |website=SKYTRAX |language=en}}

== Accidents and incidents ==

{{Main|List of Delta Air Lines accidents and incidents}}

The following are major accidents and incidents that occurred on Delta mainline aircraft. For Northwest Airlines incidents, see Northwest Airlines accidents and incidents. For Delta Connection incidents, see Delta Connection incidents and accidents.

All told, in 14 fatal accidents involving at least one death, 299 passengers and crew died, 11 on two other aircraft died (in two collision accidents), and 16 persons on the ground died (in four accidents).{{cite web|title=Delta Air Lines Accidents and Incidents History at Aviation Safety Network|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/database/operators/6345|website=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=March 3, 2022|archive-date=March 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303194435/http://aviation-safety.net/database/operator/airline.php?var=6345|url-status=live}}

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{{Main|2024 Delta Air Lines disruption}}

In July 2024, Delta canceled over 7,000 flights during a disruption following the 2024 CrowdStrike incident.{{Cite news |last=Franklin |first=Jonathan |date=July 22, 2024 |title=Delta canceled hundreds of flights Monday as it recovers from CrowdStrike failures |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/07/22/nx-s1-5048858/delta-canceles-hundreds-of-flights-recovering-after-crowdstrike-failures |access-date=July 24, 2024 |work=NPR}} The incident closely resembled the 2022 Southwest Airlines scheduling crisis, when a factor outside of the airline's control triggered a resulting mass cancellation event. On Tuesday July 23, 2024, United States Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, announced the Department of Transportation would be launching an investigation into the events that prevented Delta Air Lines from swiftly recovering, as other airlines had.{{Cite web |date=July 23, 2024 |title=US is investigating Delta's flight cancellations and faltering response to global tech outage |url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-outage-delta-air-lines-delays-7361e641fe2c656d7fba06e4a0424c6a |access-date=July 25, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}} Over the course of the event over 500,000 passengers were inconvenienced, according to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, and over 3,000 complaints had been lodged with the government according to the Department of Transportation.{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2024 |title=Delta meltdown: Airline expects cancelations to be 'minimal' days after CrowdStrike outage |url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/delta-cancelations-update-crowdstrike-outage-response-travel-protections |access-date=July 25, 2024 |website=FOX 5 Atlanta |language=en-US}}

Delta has claimed to have lost $500 million due to the outages and associated costs.{{cite news |last1=Sider |first1=Alison |title=Delta CEO Says CrowdStrike Tech Outage Cost It $500 Million |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/airlines/delta-ceo-says-crowdstrike-tech-outage-costs-could-reach-500-million-3b7f5a13 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=July 31, 2024}} The airline has hired David Boies in preparation for litigation against Microsoft and CrowdStrike.

On November 26, 2024, a passenger without a boarding pass bypassed all security protocols and managed to stow aboard a flight from New York JFK airport to Paris.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2024/11/28/delta-airlines-tsa-stowaway-nyc-paris-flight/76639097007/|title=Stowaway sneaks onto Delta Air Lines flight from NYC to Paris; flies without boarding pass|work=USA Today|date=November 28, 2024|first=Saman|last=Shafiq}}

In April 2025, two Delta Air Lines flights experienced incidents in which ceiling panels detached mid-flight, injuring at least one passenger. The events occurred on a Boeing 757 and a Boeing 717, prompting scrutiny of Delta’s maintenance practices and the condition of its older aircraft. Emergency personnel assessed the injured upon landing.https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/04/17/delta-passengers-injured-after-cabin-ceiling-falls-on-two-flights/

That same month, three Delta flights made emergency landings within five days due to cabin pressurization issues. The aircraft either diverted or returned to their departure airports, with crews following established emergency protocols. Although no serious injuries were reported, the incidents raised concerns about the airline’s operational oversight. Delta stated that it provided accommodations for affected passengers and reaffirmed its focus on safety.https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/04/12/three-delta-flights-emergency-landings-due-to-pressurization/

• Air transportation in the United States
• Delta Flight Museum
• Delta Global Staffing
• Delta Ship 41
• List of airlines of the United States
• List of airports in the United States
• Transportation in the United States

{{Notelist}}

;Notes

{{Reflist|30em}}

;Bibliography

• {{cite book |last1= Green |first1=William | first2=Gordon | last2=Swanborough | first3=John | last3=Mowinski |title= Modern Commercial Aircraft |year= 1987 |publisher=Crown Publishers, Inc. |location=New York |isbn= 0-517-63369-8}}

• {{Official website|https://www.delta.com/}}
• {{OpenCorp}}

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