Delta Airlines
check_circle VerifiedDelta Airlines is one of the largest American airlines and is headquartered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It has one of the largest network hubs in the world and flies to over 325 destinations in 64 different countries. What began as Huff Daland Dusters, a crop dusting service, later became Delta Air Services with passenger flights starting in June 1929.
2013 saw Delta become the world's largest airline in terms of scheduled passengers, and the second largest in terms of revenue passenger-kilometers.
The company has worked extensively to make sure that customers have perks on most (if not all) planes in its fleet.
Passengers in the wide-bodied Boeing 766 are guaranteed to have wireless Internet available. Other models of planes may have Wi-Fi, but this feature has to be added to some planes (especially the fleet of Airbus and smaller narrow-bodied models).
Delta Sky Magazine, which is published by MSP Communications offers customers a wide variety of items to be perused in-flight.
Keep reading for pros and cons, plus Delta reviews from real customers.
The Good
- Rewards Program
- Payment Options
- Lots of Destinations
- Varied Fleet
- In-Flight Food and Beverages
- Customer Service
- On-Time Flights
Rewards Program
There is a lot to like about Delta's SkyMiles rewards program. It is one of the only airlines in the industry to not let its customers' frequent flier miles expire. This perk for returning customers provides the potential for significant value over time.
Additional perks that come with being a SkyMiles member include flight upgrades, vacation packages, and other amenities.
There are no blackout dates for Delta's SkyMiles program.
Transparency is an important component of Delta's packages. Their travel insurance (offered through Allianz) is straightforward, easy-to-understand, and is perfect for nearly every passenger.
Payment Options
Another positive aspect of flying with Delta is that you are able to pay for a flight with sources of credit other than a credit card. Another payment option that could be used, for example, is Bill Me Later.
Lots of Destinations
Delta has a wide array of destinations available for its clients. Their network of partners makes it easy for customers to get anywhere in the United States.
In some states, it was also possible to get to smaller cities through some of their partners. For example, we found that Moab, UT (a popular tourist spot) has scheduled service with SkyWest and Delta.
Varied Fleet
Another thing that separates Delta from their competition is their fleet of planes. Several Airbus and Boeing models are used in its wide-bodied fleet, and come with Wi-Fi, LCD displays (as of 2012), and AC power for laptops (on some planes).
Many narrow-bodied planes, mainly used for smaller connecting flights, also have Wi-Fi and other entertainment options available for customers.
In-Flight Food and Beverages
The carrier has an extensive meal service for its flights, and any flight over six hours has a complimentary meal.
There is a wide variety of beverages available on flights. Alcoholic beverages include wine, beer, and some other liquor varieties that vary in price based upon the flight.
Also, all non-alcoholic beverages (including soda and coffee) are free.
Customer Service
A customer service experience with Delta is most likely to be positive. The website is filled with information that potential fliers may ask. It is simple to contact customer support via Domestic Flight Booking service number (800-221-1212), to ask specific questions about prices for purchasing a ticket. This is also a great place, along with their website, to get information about travel insurance.
On-Time Flights
As per Flightstats.com, Delta flights arrive on-time roughly 87% of the time. Compared to other top airlines, this is very competitive.
The Bad
- Baggage Fees
- Upgrade Issues
Baggage Fees
Let's face it; airlines can have a lot of problems when it comes to baggage. The largest complaints with Delta seems to stem from checked baggage fees. Some customers complained about the second checked baggage fee of $35. When customers take a carry-on that should be checked, some became offended at the complimentary free baggage check after check-in.
Upgrade Issues
Going overseas, some customers had issues with the economy upgrade perks to their ticket. When the economy comfort perks had been "overbooked," customers were issued a refund, but often complained at not getting the experience that they had originally paid for.
Overall, these complaints were to be expected when flying in general, and most customers were pleased with their Delta experience.
The Bottom Line
We have the utmost faith in recommending Delta as an airline. We really liked the company's outstanding reputation with customers and the SkyMiles rewards program. It's very rare to find an airline that doesn't let your frequent flier miles expire. However, with Delta, your coverage will vary. There are some changes between the SkyMiles 2015 plan and the 2014 plan and these depend upon the flight purchased and where your flight is going.
Delta is also environmentally friendly. In 2008, they started using a Pre-Kote, a surface treatment to prevent corrosion on its aircraft.
Overall, we feel like Delta is on the cutting edge in terms of customer service and its SkyMiles Program.
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User Reviews
Star Rating
895 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
SkylarPickens
Delta is a great airline. I flew with them to Disney and I loved the service and the flight was smooth.
Allison Hall
No matter what glitches may occur, Delta always gets us where we're going and if we have any issues they're always eager to resolve them. Typically, we receive excellent service.
Mikayla Ralston
I usually fly Delta. I always get the tickets through Priceline or some other discount retailer, but I enjoy flying Delta.
Susanna Collins
The customer service was amazing. I felt at ease during the flight. Not many complaints
Madison Kneiss
Delta customer service is always very professional and their website is easily navigated. Highly reccommend
Samiya Moreno
I love the customer service and great flight attendants! I honestly loved the amount of space I had on the flight.
Asia Bui
I flew with Delta Airlines recently andthey have such good prices and my plane ride was such good quality and all of the service workers were so nice!
Jimmy Hall
Delta Airlines is one of the best Airlines that anyone can fly on the rides are very nice and smooth.
Kimsreview
I am a loyal Delta Diamond member. I travel a lot for work and for pleasure and I very rarely fly anything else.
TINKERBELLE
The airplane from Newport News, Virginia to Philadelphia, Pa. was very claustrophobic! I can compare the size of the craft to riding in a closet! I had a panic attack! As soon as I arrived in Philadelphia, I ran to the bathroom to vomit and then to a kiosk to drink water!
ChanceyParker
I’ve gone several times to Chicago on these flights. Easy access and great service.
Eriel Joyner
Somewhat pricey, but great quality. Smooth flight, nice snacks, comfy seats, nice flight attendants.
valerie reed
The people working were exceptional. O sound using the app made things smoother and I was able to catch my flights on time.
Sdmobley
Good trip home in January to Florida. Ever flight on time even with nasty weather
Nicole Mondares
I always fly Delta Airlines when I go travel. Definitely would recommend for short flights. It gets you through!
Brianna bourgeois
My experience in purchasing the ticket proved to be a little more challenging then expected. However once the tickets were purchased there were no problems and the flight went well.
Violet Acosta Stewart
When I went to Las Vegas I had absoloutley no trouble. It was an easy flight, there were no problems and we got there right on time.
Madelyn
We flew delta airlines to Las Vegas. With only 1 hour layover at fall fort worth. Our flight was quite crowed and uncomfortable. The staff could have been a little more helpful and a LOT more polite. I was not satisfied with this airline.
Wendy Liu
The staff gave quick, friendly service at the terminal counter. The boarding process was well organized and I could actually understand their announcements which is seldom the case for other airlines I have flown. The plane was clean with comfortable seating which was roomy enough, but could have been a bit better. Service during the flight was also friendly. The seat back entertainment center was a plus for our long flight, which included games and several newer movies we had not seen.
Michael Taylor
Have used several times on longer cross country flights. Always a good experience ...... except when my luggage on a flight to Phoenix got there the next day. I was real professional in cargo shorts and flip flops.
Jimmy Hall III
Delta Airlines is a very nice airline it's a smooth ride to any destination you are going to.
Donna
Always very helpful, plane always clean, very cheerful staff
Kathleen Sloan
If the departure times were on time that would be a great start.
Zac Cannon
Delta has great planes that are spacious. Ticket pricing is reasonable and fair. I have flown with Delta on many group flights with our All-State Band on several occasions.
Mrs.LadyTee
Delta Airlines is my go to airline. I am just a bit disappointed in the bag fees that have been introduced. Generally a very easy process booking any flight and the prices are usually good.
Ella Lansford
It Always is comfortable and the biscoffs mmmmmm I love traveling on delta including because it was for 7 hours
Tiffany I
Flight attendants are always great. I prefer Delta when flying. However, they’re generally higher than other airlines.
Dorrie2001
Delta always has the best customer service. Flight is always safe, and it has the least layovers. I always trust flying with Delta!
fabulous_finn
If you have to fly, fly Delta! I have found their service to be more than satisfactory. My flights were comfortable (even in coach!) and I enjoy riding on their larger planes, as I can watch just about any movie I want.
Jackson Roth
Terrible loading procedures....my band mates and I had many broken instruments due to negligence and we weren't compensated. Do not use Delta
Mickey Mangum
I have flown Delta many times. As far as the actual travel goes, it's fine. However, many times I have had my luggage misplaced. This has been a recurring theme. You will get where you want to go, but your luggage may not.
Matthew Hall
Gets me from point A to point B. Great customer service, any issues my family has ever had have been fixed.
Laurie Massie
Easy to book fairs, super friendly customer service, great military rates! Thanks so much!!
Georgia Kibler
I’ve flown on this airline many times and they are almost always on time, but if they aren’t, they always give adequate information about updates
MICHAEL
Friendliness of flight attendants and pilots and desk agents
Anita
Delta is reliable; of course, seats are too small.
Kathy Wong
They'r give good service,announced the deflate and give water to guest.
Bob Raiche
They are generally on time but your luggage takes a beating
Sara
over-all experience with Delta has been good, lately their on-time departure rate has improved. Hope to see continuous on-time departure.
Katie
I have flown several times via Delta. Cleanliness and customer service has always been great from the moment we board. As a military spouse I truly appreciate the respect and service shown to those who serve.
Debbie Fish
Great service, friendly flight attendants. Only compliant is on how the planes are loaded, should do back to front, windows to aisles. The first people on the plane toward the front cause jams and make it take longer to board
Cathy Sewall
Love Delta! We use to fly they a lot! Loved the way the captain use to take interest in the child passengers! Would give them coloring books and plastic wings! There lunch for the long trips were good! Good verity of drinks! They had complimentary earbuds, blankets, and pillows! Not to mention my favorite part, was the little clubs they had in airports so you didn’t have to sit out in waiting area for flight! Like I said it’s been a while,..... but they are always my favorite airline!
DAVID HADAWAY
I love Delta Airlines! Their customer service is second to none and timeliness is outstanding. I try to fly Delta whenever possible.
Nyla
Trips with this company were stress free. The process to book the flight was very easy and simple. I will fly with them again.
Frantzlida
Delta is one of my favorite airlines. Their customer service is unmatched and the food is amazing.
Dayjah
I had an amazing experience flying with Delta. I was a first-time flyer and was very nervous, but the workers helped me to feel comfortable. While in the air they gave out free snacks and also the turbulence was not too bad as well.
Danelle
I took a flight with delta a couple weeks ago and I really enjoyed the fact they had a great selection of movies to watch.
Kelsey Rosier
I had an amazing experience with this airline. Customer service is amazing and I felt comfortable.
Ariyana Miller
Delta always provides a pleasurable flying experience. Very smooth flight with complementary snacks and beverages makes for any flight to be great.
Beth Christensen
Delta Airlines consistently provides comfortable and enjoyable flights. My family and I always love their movie selection and on top of that, there is no competing with their Biscoff-type cookies. I fly for the cookies. (Not exactly, but there's truth to that.) Finding affordable flights is really important to us as well, and Delta is awesome at providing those as well. :)