Cheap Delta Air Lines Flights

Delta Air Lines is one of the leading U.S.-based airlines, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and operates flights to over 300 destinations in more than 60 countries worldwide. Founded in 1924, Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, providing passengers with an extensive global network. Its fleet includes a variety of aircraft, from wide-body Airbus A350 planes for long-haul flights to narrow-body Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s for shorter routes.

In 2013, Delta earned the title of the world’s largest airline by passenger numbers. The airline enhances passenger experiences through various cabin options; for example, "Delta One" offers fully lie-flat seats and exclusive meal selections, while "Delta Comfort+" provides additional legroom and complimentary snacks. Delta’s legacy is also celebrated through its history, with its first aircraft now on display at the Southern Museum of Flight. The airline’s SkyMiles loyalty program allows passengers to earn miles that can be redeemed for future flights, and Delta continues to focus on sustainability efforts, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in the coming years.

According to Delta Airlines' current procedures, passengers on domestic flights within the United States are recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. While check-in must be completed 30 minutes before departure, this time extends to 45 minutes for passengers with checked baggage or at certain special airports. All passengers must be present at the departure gate 15 minutes before takeoff.

For international flights, longer time periods apply. Passengers must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, complete check-in at least 1 hour before departure, and be present at the departure gate 45 minutes before takeoff.

Delta Airlines offers passengers various check-in options. Online check-in service begins 24 hours before the flight. This service ends 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 1 hour before departure for international flights. Passengers can also check in and receive mobile boarding passes through the Fly Delta mobile application.

At the airport, passengers can check in, print boarding passes, and drop off their luggage using self-service kiosks or curbside stations available at certain U.S. locations. These services generally do not require additional fees.

It should be specifically noted that each airport may have its own additional requirements or different practices. Therefore, passengers are advised to check the specific procedures for their departure airport on Delta's official website before their travel.

Hand Luggage

Passengers can bring one carry-on bag (maximum dimensions 22" x 14" x 9") and one personal item (purse, laptop bag, etc.). The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Basic Economy passengers are still allowed these same carry-on allowances. All carry-on items must be able to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat.

Checked Baggage

For domestic flights within the United States, Delta typically allows passengers to check bags with maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weight up to 50 pounds. First checked bag usually costs $30, and second bag costs $40 for Main Cabin. Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and certain credit card holders may receive free checked bags. International baggage allowances may vary by route and cabin class.

Special Luggage

- Sports Equipment: Golf bags, skis, and snowboards can be checked as regular baggage but must meet size and weight requirements
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carried on if they fit in overhead bins; larger ones can be checked or may require an extra seat
- Pet Carriers: Small dogs, cats, and birds can travel in-cabin in approved carriers under the seat. For larger pets, Delta Cargo service is required
- Fragile/Valuable Items: Delta recommends keeping valuable items, medications, and essential documents in carry-on luggage

Delta Air Lines offers several seat selection options depending on your fare class and loyalty status. In Main Cabin (Economy), seat selection is typically available after ticket purchase, though some Basic Economy tickets may not include advance seat selection (seats are automatically assigned at check-in). Preferred Seats, which are standard seats in favorable locations like exit rows or forward cabin areas, can be purchased for an additional fee. Comfort+ seats offer extra legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, and are complimentary for Delta SkyMiles Medallion members based on their status level, while other passengers can purchase these seats for an additional fee.

For First Class and Delta One (international business class) passengers, seat selection is included with the ticket purchase. Delta SkyMiles Medallion members get complimentary access to preferred seats based on their status level, with Diamond and Platinum members having the earliest access to seat selection. Passengers can select or change their seats through Delta's website, mobile app, or with the help of a Delta representative. For families traveling with children under 15, Delta makes efforts to seat them together, though it's recommended to select seats when booking to ensure this.

The Delta SkyMiles program has multiple membership tiers: Basic Member (entry level), Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, and Diamond Medallion. Members earn miles based on ticket price and Medallion status, rather than distance flown. Basic members earn 5 miles per dollar, while higher tiers earn more: Silver (7x), Gold (8x), Platinum (9x), and Diamond (11x). To reach Medallion status, members need to earn both Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) AND Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). For example, Silver requires 25,000 MQMs or 30 MQSs and $3,000 MQDs, while Diamond requires 125,000 MQMs or 140 MQSs and $15,000 MQDs.

Each Medallion tier offers increasing benefits. Silver members get complimentary access to Preferred Seats, free first checked bag, and priority check-in. Gold adds priority security lane access, priority boarding, and waived same-day flight changes. Platinum members receive complimentary Comfort+ upgrades shortly after ticketing and Choice Benefits (like Regional Upgrade Certificates). Diamond, the highest tier, gets the best upgrade priority, complimentary Clear membership, more Choice Benefits, and Sky Club access. All Medallion members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to First Class on domestic routes, with priority based on their status level. SkyMiles miles never expire, and can be used for award travel on Delta and partner airlines, seat upgrades, Sky Club access, and merchandise.

Delta's meal service varies by cabin class and flight length. In Main Cabin on domestic flights under 900 miles, they offer complimentary snacks (like Biscoff cookies, pretzels, or almonds) and beverage service including soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine, and spirits. For flights over 900 miles, passengers can purchase fresh meals and snack boxes through Delta's Flight Fuel program. First Class and Delta One passengers receive complimentary premium meals on eligible flights, with menus often featuring seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. Comfort+ passengers receive enhanced snack services and complimentary alcoholic beverages. For international long-haul flights, all passengers receive complimentary meals, with premium cabins offering multi-course dining experiences.

Delta offers special meal options that can be requested at least 24 hours before the flight, including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free, diabetic, and child meals. In Delta One and First Class, passengers can pre-select their meal choices through Delta's website or app before their flight. Delta partners with well-known chefs and restaurants to create their premium cabin menus, and they offer a selection of premium wines curated by their Master Sommelier. During the beverage service, Delta offers name-brand sodas, juices, and bottled water, along with a selection of spirits, wines, and craft beers. Coffee service features Starbucks coffee.

Delta Air Lines offers an extensive in-flight entertainment system designed to enrich the travel experience. Delta Studio®—the airline’s entertainment platform—boasts over 1,000 hours of free content, accessible via seatback screens or personal devices, including popular movies, TV shows, podcasts, and games. For a tailored experience, passengers can enjoy live TV channels such as CNN and ESPN, along with a broad range of music options from Spotify, including curated playlists and exclusive podcast series. The system also features partnerships with MasterClass and Paramount+ for additional high-quality educational and cinematic options.

Delta recently introduced Delta Sync, an upgraded entertainment platform featuring smart-TV-like functionality, which enhances ease of access and interactivity. Delta Sync includes "The Passport Sessions," an exclusive music docuseries with Spotify, exploring the cultural connections between “twin cities” like Miami and Medellín through collaborative music projects. In addition to entertainment, Delta Sync supports fast, free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members, allowing travelers to stay connected throughout their journey on most U.S. domestic flights.

Delta Air Lines offers in-cabin pet travel options for small cats, dogs, and household birds on select flights, with a limit of two to four pets per cabin class. Pets must stay in a well-ventilated, leak-proof carrier that fits under the seat and remains there for the entire flight. Carry-on pets incur an additional fee: $95 for U.S. domestic flights, $75 for flights to and from Brazil, and $200 for international flights. However, certain destinations—such as the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Hawaii—restrict in-cabin pet travel due to regional regulations. Delta’s Main Cabin allows up to four pets, while First and Business Classes limit in-cabin pets to two per flight.

For larger pets, Delta currently restricts cargo pet shipping to military and State Department personnel relocating under official orders. Specific kennel and health certificate requirements apply, with seasonal limits to ensure safe travel in extreme weather. For all international pet travel, it’s important to confirm the required documentation based on destination, including additional health and rabies certificates in some cases. Delta also has breed restrictions for dogs with short snouts, such as bulldogs, due to potential breathing challenges.

Delta Air Lines' Sky Club lounges offer a premium lounge experience, available at numerous domestic and international airports for travelers with qualifying Delta SkyMiles status, select American Express cardholders, or those in Delta One class. Sky Club members can access facilities such as comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks (including alcoholic beverages for those of age), high-speed Wi-Fi, and quiet workspaces. Recently, Delta expanded its Sky Club network, adding exclusive lounges in major hubs like New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), with upcoming openings tailored exclusively for Delta One customers. To manage overcrowding, Delta has implemented features such as real-time occupancy tracking through the Fly Delta app in key locations like Atlanta and Detroit.

Access to Sky Club lounges has seen new restrictions in recent years, particularly for those flying on Basic Economy tickets, who cannot enter the lounge unless they have an eligible American Express card. Delta's Executive and Individual Membership options also come with costs and entry limits for guests, while select American Express cardholders now have capped annual complimentary visits, with additional entries at a fee. Additionally, entry is generally limited to three hours before departure or layover, though this is waived for Delta 360 and lifetime Sky Club members.