Delta Airlines is one of the largest American airlines and is headquartered at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Delta has one of the largest network hubs in the world and flies to over 325 destinations in 64 different countries. They began as Huff Daland Dusters, a crop dusting service. Later, the company became Delta Air Services and started doing passenger flights in June 1929. In 2013, they became the world's largest airline in terms of scheduled passengers, and the second largest in terms of revenue passenger-kilometers. They have worked extensively to make sure that customers have perks on most (if not all) of the planes in its fleet. In its wide-bodied planes, the Boeing 766 are guaranteed to have wireless Internet available for its customers. Other models of planes may have Wi-Fi, but they had to add this feature to its planes (especially the fleet of Airbus and smaller narrow-bodied models). They also have the Delta Sky Magazine, which is published by MSP Communications. Their customers can purchase a wide variety of items from this magazine online, after perusing a wide selection of items while in flight.

• Rewards program
• Payment options
• Destinations
• Fleet
• Beverages
• On-time percentage

There is a lot to like about Delta's SkyMiles rewards program. They claim to be one of the only airlines in the industry to not let its customers' frequent flier miles expire, which provides their regular customers with the potential for significant value over time. There are additional perks that come with being a SkyMiles member, including 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.

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.

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.

Another thing that separates Delta from their competition is their fleet of planes. They have several Airbus and Boeing models in its wide-bodied fleet, which have Wi-Fi, LCD displays (as of 2012), and AC power for laptops (on some planes). Many of their narrow-bodied planes, mainly used for smaller connecting flights, also have Wi-Fi and other entertainment options available for customers.

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. They also have an extensive meal service for its flights, and any flight over six hours has a complimentary meal. Also, all non-alcoholic beverages (including soda and coffee) are free.

A customer service experience with Delta is most likely to be positive. Their website is filled with information that potential fliers may ask. It is simple to contact them through their Domestic Flight Booking service number (800-221-1212), and 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.

As per Flightstats.com, Delta flights arrive on-time roughly 87% of the time. Compared to other top airlines, this is very competitive.

• Baggage fees
• Upgrade issues

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 their checked baggage fees. Some customers complained about the second checked baggage fee of $35. When some customers take a carry-on that should be checked, some customers became offended at the complimentary free baggage check after check-in.

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.

We have the utmost faith in recommending Delta as an airline. We really liked their outstanding reputation with customers. Another thing that is very positive is their 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.