Category Archives: Delta Air Lines

At Delta’s Seattle hub, a new experience for international travelers

Delta Air Lines followed Alaska Airlines in celebrating the IAF at Seattle/Tacoma:

International customers arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will soon experience more comfort and convenience than ever, as the airport unveiled a gleaming new facility at a reception for media as well as community and business leaders.

“Delta customers will surely enjoy the benefits that this gorgeous, state-of-the-art International Arrivals Facility will bring to their travel journeys,” said Eric Phillips, S.V.P. ‐ Airport Customer Service and Cargo, who participated in the event. “As Seattle’s largest global airline and the largest future user of the IAF, Delta is committed to enhancing the customer experience in ways that will serve Seattle well into the future, while also helping to meet the growing regional demand for international service out of this gateway for business and tourism.”

Delta unveils state-of-the-art International Arrivals Facility at SEA-TAC

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Delta has been closely engaged with the Port of Seattle on the construction of the IAF since teams broke ground in 2017. The airline serves more international destinations from Seattle than any other carrier; by August, Delta will offer nearly 45 weekly nonstop flights to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. Delta’s transatlantic flying from Seattle has grown particularly significantly, with almost 50 percent more seats available today compared to 2019. Delta offers more than 140 daily departures to nearly 50 destinations from SEA overall.

The 450,000 square foot facility, slated to open to customers this spring, will increase the airport’s number of internationally capable gates from 12 to 20 and more than double passenger capacity to 2,600 passengers per hour (up from 1,200 today). Located east of the current A Concourse, the new space will feature baggage claim and customs processing areas as well as a new security corridor that will allow dual use of gates on the A Concourse for international and domestic arriving flights.

New amenities such as nursing rooms and pet relief areas will provide a more comfortable experience while passing through customs, and enhanced technologies will ensure faster passport check clearance, reducing the average customer connection time by approximately 15 minutes.

A Delta Boeing 767-300 flying over Seattle, Washington.

And while the building’s modern features and conveniences take center stage, the IAF also provides a memorable front door to the Pacific Northwest by highlighting regional art, a focus on sustainability, and dramatic views: the facility features an 85-foot-high aerial walkway – creating a connection to the S Concourse – that offers a great look at Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.

Delta suspends its codeshare agreement with Aeroflot

Delta Air Lines has suspended its codeshare agreement with Aeroflot. Aeroflot and other other Russian businesses are being isolated due to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

“We have removed our code from Aeroflot-operated services beyond Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport and removed Aeroflot’s code from Delta-operated services from Los Angeles and New York-JFK,”

Delta to add three routes to Hawaii

Delta Air Lines is adding new or restored routes to Hawaii:

Beginning Nov. 19, Delta will be the only airline to offer daily nonstop flights from Atlanta to Maui as well as from Detroit to Honolulu. On Dec. 17, the airline will also begin daily nonstop service from New York-JFK to Honolulu.

Westin Maui, Hawaii

More Delta customers can book year-end Hawaii holiday getaways, thanks to new service beginning this winter to Honolulu from Detroit and New York and to Maui from Atlanta.

In total, Delta will offer 18 daily nonstop flights to four Hawaiian destinations from seven U.S. cities. The airline’s complete winter schedule to Hawaii includes:

Ten peak-day departures to Honolulu from seven U.S. destinations – Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City and Seattle
Four peak-day departures to Maui from Atlanta, Los Angeles and Seattle
Two peak-day departures each to Kona and Lihue from Los Angeles and Seattle

Hot meals and more: What can you expect on your next Delta flight?

Delta Air Lines has made this announcement:

As Delta begins to welcome record numbers of customers back on board, the airline has already started to transform travel in order to meet evolving customer expectations. Below, Delta’s E.V.P. and Chief Customer Experience Officer Allison Ausband outlines what’s on the horizon in the months ahead.

Throughout an extraordinary and unpredictable two years, Delta has continued to innovate to meet evolving customer expectations. The upcoming holiday weekend marks the official start of the spring travel season, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming record numbers of customers back on board. Whether you never stopped traveling or you’re looking forward to snacking on Delta’s signature Biscoff cookies during your first flight back, you probably have questions about what you can expect on your next Delta trip.

We recently sat down with Allison Ausband, Delta’s E.V.P. and Chief Customer Experience Officer, to explain some of the ways Delta has already transformed travel and outline what’s on the horizon in the months ahead.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE TO EAT AND DRINK ON BOARD THESE DAYS?

Allison: We’re continuing to bring back elements of the onboard experience we know our customers have missed. Starting in March, First Class customers on select flights 900 miles or greater will again enjoy hot meals featuring local ingredients and favorite items. Menu highlights include ginger beer-braised osso bucco, wild mushroom ravioli, chicken cacciatore and French bread pizza. Additionally, customers can enjoy barbecue beef short ribs from Atlanta favorite Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q on select flights departing Atlanta. Our desserts will also delight, with sweets like ricotta cheesecake, frozen Greek yogurt with cherry syrup, and a strawberry, rhubarb and pretzel tart (the tart is my favorite!).

Because we know our customers love having more choices, we’re also bringing back four snack options to every flight starting this month. You’ll be able to choose among Biscoff cookies, almonds, Rold Gold pretzels and USDA-certified organic bars from Kate’s Real Food; we’re currently offering their dark chocolate cherry and almond bar.

This is the latest in a series of intentional steps we’ve been taking since April 2021 to reintroduce the service Delta is known for. We started with introducing new beverages and snacks, meals from top U.S. restaurants in Delta One on premium coast-to-coast routes, and fresh meals to First Class customers across our domestic system.

We’ve also introduced unique beverages on board from diverse and sustainable suppliers, including vodka from Du Nord Social Spirits, America’s first Black-owned distillery, and new, sustainable canned wine from the award-winning winemaker at Imagery Winery.

Our specially curated menus and beverage options will wow customers as we continue to create an onboard dining experience that builds on our premium service and culture of innovation.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BOARDING PROCESS?

A: We’re always aiming to make your journey through the airport as easy as possible. Last fall, we brought back our boarding zones for a quicker and easier boarding process, and we’ve started bringing back our Sky Priority boarding lanes, which we know our SkyMiles Members have missed. Customers are invited to board according to boarding zones that correspond to their Medallion Status, Sky Priority, Delta SkyMiles American Express Card or cabin. We’ve also reinstated our popular virtual queuing for users of the Fly Delta app to help make this process even more seamless.

Thanks to Delta’s partnership with TSA, qualifying customers in Atlanta and Detroit can opt in to make use of new facial recognition technology that provides the ability to check bags, pass through security and board their flight completely hands-free through use of their digital identity (SkyMiles Member number, passport number and Known Traveler Number).

IS THERE RELIABLE WI-FI ON BOARD SO I CAN WATCH A MOVIE OR CATCH UP ON EMAILS?

A: We know how important fast-streaming and reliable Wi-Fi is for our customers. More than half of our domestic mainline customers now have access to fast-streaming connectivity for only $5 per flight – no matter the duration – through our new partnership with Viasat. In fact, Delta’s onboard Wi-Fi is now up to two times faster than it was in 2020, a big step forward and just one way we are keeping you connected on board. And if you’d rather get comfortable with a new box office hit, favorite show, or meditative content through our seatback screens, there is something for everyone to discover through Delta Studio – we now have over 350 movies for customers to choose from.

I HAVEN’T BEEN TRAVELING AT MY USUAL PACE – WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY MEDALLION STATUS?

A: We’ve got you covered. We proactively extended Medallion Status to Jan. 31, 2023, and rolled over all Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) for the second year in a row. We also extended Status earn on Award Travel with Delta for an extra year, which will give our loyal Members an even bigger head start to earn 2023 Medallion Status.

WHEN DO MY ECREDITS EXPIRE?

A: We know that flexibility continues to be important right now. That’s why Delta is giving customers another unmatched, industry-leading eCredit extension through 2023. Customers will be able to rebook their ticket by Dec. 31, 2023, for travel throughout 2024.

WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS EXPECT IN THE MONTHS AHEAD?

A: Additional improvements to the overall customer experience will roll out in the months to come including introducing new, state-of-the-art aircraft into the Delta fleet family, opening the two largest Delta Sky Clubs in our network in LAX and LGA as we open ultramodern terminals at those airports, as well as ushering in a new era of onboard entertainment, just to name a few. You’ll also see more sustainable commitments come to life this month, starting with our new Delta One amenity kits, made by Mexican artisans, created especially for Delta. You can rest assured that Delta is hard at work to ensure we deliver an elevated experience that’s better for you, your journey and our world – with operational reliability that is unmatched in the industry. Safe travels, and let us know what you think after your next trip back.

Delta CEO wants U.S. to put convicted unruly passengers on ‘no-fly’ list

From Reuters:

“Delta Air Lines wants the U.S. government to place passengers convicted of on-board disruptions on a national “no-fly” list that would bar them from future travel on any commercial airline.”

Delta flies Team USA to Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 on first-ever Team USA-only charter

Photos from the Team USA sendoff for the 2022 Olympics at LAX in Los Angeles, Ca., on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. (RANK STUDIOS)

Photos: Delta Air Lines. At the Delta-hosted LAX send-off event athletes walked a red carpet and boarded their aircraft in a private hangar.

Team USA athletes departed Thursday from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, carried by Delta’s first-ever, Team USA-only charter flight.
Delta celebrated the team with a red-carpet send-off event at LAX and created a Team USA-tailored in-flight experience for U.S. Olympians to enjoy as they journey to compete on the world’s biggest stage, beginning Feb. 4.
The global carrier will carry Team USA Paralympians to the Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 on Feb. 25 from LAX.

Elated Team USA athletes took off Thursday morning aboard a Delta charter flight from Los Angeles to connect them with their dreams of representing the United States at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

Above Copyright Photo (all others by Delta): Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-941 N411DX (msn 1991) (Team USA) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956601.

This marks the latest leg of Delta’s eight-year journey as Team USA’s official airline that runs through the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, of which Delta is a founding partner. Delta will also carry the 2022 U.S. Paralympic Team to Beijing in February ahead of the Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, set to begin March 4.

Team USA athletes typically travel based on their individual schedules and do not travel as a team to the Games, Delta is taking full advantage of this unique opportunity to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Beijing-bound A350-900 flights are operating as a charter to meet Chinese government entry requirements.

Team USA Sendoff Employees Cheering

“These athletes will be competing and representing the United States without family, friends or fans in the stands. So, we’re determined to make this first Team USA-only charter an unforgettable experience – one where athletes feel as special during their journey as we feel proud watching them compete,” said Tim Mapes, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

“Each team member reflects the resilience and perseverance we’ve all had to dig deep to find over the past two years, and that have long been the hallmark of Delta people worldwide. These shared values are why we’re especially proud to celebrate Team USA athletes on their journey to the world’s biggest sporting stage. For all of us at Delta, it’s a privilege to connect these athletes with their dreams,” Mapes added.

At the Delta-hosted LAX send-off event, more than 200 athletes, coaches and trainers walked a red carpet and boarded their aircraft in a private hangar. The global carrier also created a Team USA-themed, customized in-flight experience for the athletes to enjoy en route to Beijing, including:

Personalized meals created by Delta partner chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo – with input from Team USA nutritionists and a Team USA chef – featuring local, fresh and seasonal ingredients that are also high in protein. Options include an array of acclaimed Italian-American fare like chicken cacciatore and herb-crusted salmon, as well as snacks such as individual charcuterie platters, Greek yogurt and dried fruits.
New amenity kits featuring sustainable, wellness-focused products.
Custom flight attendant uniforms that include a Team USA x Delta branded mask, shirt, and apron for each member of the in-flight crew.
Team USA athlete spotlights featured on seat-back entertainment screens showcasing exclusive interviews, playlists, and favorite Olympic and Paralympic moments from U.S. athletes.
Handwritten messages of encouragement and cheer from Delta employees, also displayed in a mural installed at LAX and digitally throughout the airport.

Team USA Send Off On Board Amenities

ABOUT DELTA’S FLAGSHIP A350-900 CARRYING TEAM USA

Team USA Sendoff Delta A350-900 Flight Crew

From enhanced cabin humidity that reduces the effects of jetlag to LED ambient lighting that creates a calming atmosphere, Delta’s A350-900 is packed with features to make sure Team USA arrives ready to compete.

Athletes too excited to rest can stay connected with loved ones on the ground with free messaging, or surf a catalog of box-office hits, wellness content and award-winning shows on high-definition seat-back entertainment screens. When not forging new friendships with other team members on their once-in-a-lifetime charter, athletes can chill online using high-speed Wi-Fi.

The A350-900 features 32 award-winning Delta One Suites, 48 Delta Premium Select seats, 36 Comfort+ seats and 190 seats in main cabin.

Delta is the official airline of Team USA on the road to Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026 and LA28. The partnership with Team USA furthers the global airline’s longstanding support for sports — and its proud history supporting Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Delta served as a past sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in its hometown of Atlanta in 1996 and Salt Lake City in 2002.

Team USA Send off Keep Climbing A350-900

Team USA Sendoff LAX Hangar

Team USA Sendoff A330 Livery LAX Hangar

Team USA Sendoff LAX Hangar

Team USA Sendoff A350-900 Takeoff

Delta Air Lines aircraft slide show (Airbus):

Delta Air Lines aircraft photo gallery:

Delta moves forward on a more sustainable and people-first future for air travel

Delta is accelerating its efforts to build a more sustainable and people-first future for air travel. Starting this month, the airline will refresh its onboard product offerings with artisan-made amenity kits, recycled bedding, reusable and biodegradable service ware and premium canned wine. Together, the products will reduce onboard single-use plastic consumption by approximately 4.9 million pounds per year – that’s roughly the weight of 1,500 standard-sized cars – and significantly increase Delta’s support of minority- and women-run businesses.

“Decisions we make on every aspect of our product are opportunities to make good on two core promises: to deliver exceptional customer experiences and build a better future for people and our planet,” said Allison Ausband, E.V.P. and Chief Customer Experience Officer. “These latest additions deliver something unique to our customers, reduce our environmental impact and enable job creation for the communities we serve around the world.”

Over the past year, Delta has deepened its relationships with suppliers in key markets, which allows the airline to serve more locally sourced menu items, and introduced a beverage lineup that spotlights the first U.S. Black-owned distillery, Du Nord Social Spirits.

“Delta has always put people at the center of everything we do,” said Amelia DeLuca, V.P. of Sustainability. “It’s this people-first focus that led Delta to source new products onboard that reduce waste, bolster diverse suppliers and build communities. We want to protect our planet and the people on it, and the products we provide onboard are the latest way we’re living out this commitment.”

Delta One® Amenity Kits by Someone Somewhere, Featuring Grown Alchemist Skincare Products

Delta has tapped Mexican apparel brand Someone Somewhere to create the amenity kits for customers seated in Delta’s premium Delta One cabin. Someone Somewhere is a Certified B Corporation that combines Mexican traditional handcrafts with innovative products, and Delta’s partnership with the brand has created jobs for more than 250 people in five of Mexico’s most vulnerable states.

The new amenity kit eliminates five single-use plastic items such as zippers and packaging, reducing plastic use by up to 90,000 pounds on an annual basis. Someone Somewhere’s artisanal production processes also eliminate waste and utilize regenerated cotton.

The new kits will launch onboard beginning February and will contain sustainable, wellness-focused products including a Someone Somewhere eye mask, Grown Alchemist natural lip balm and hand lotion, and a Humble Co. bamboo toothbrush. Both Grown Alchemist products onboard will transition to aluminum packaging in April 2022.

Delta One® Bedding Made from Recycled Materials

Delta’s soft, comfortable and premium bedding sets are now made with more than 100 recycled plastic bottles, which will use 25 million recycled bottles annually. The airline is among the first to use 100% recycled polyester (rPET) bedding and – combined with the new use of reusable bedding packaging – will reduce single-use plastic use by up to 260,000 pounds per year. The sets began appearing on board in December 2021.

Refreshed Service Ware

Delta continues to overhaul its onboard service ware globally by introducing products made from natural and recycled materials to replace and reduce plastic usage. When the project is complete later this year, the transition will reduce annual plastic use by up to 4.3 million pounds.

Delta now offers bamboo cutlery for domestic First Class fresh packaged meals and on select international flights. Later this year, all international Main Cabin customers will also see new dishware made from biodegradable material, bamboo cutlery and a premium paper placemat.

This is the latest step in reducing single-use plastic items onboard. In 2018, Delta removed a variety of single-use plastic items onboard, including stir sticks, service ware wrappers, and straws.

Imagery Estate Winery Premium Canned Wine

Delta will now serve two new aluminum-canned wines from Imagery Estate Winery, a premium Sonoma winery led by award-winning winemaker Jamie Benziger. In 2019, Jamie was named Best Winemaker at the International Women’s Wine Competition and named to Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 list.

Delta will offer Imagery’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay onboard starting with select coast-to-coast flights this month and will expand to all domestic flights later this year. The wine’s aluminum packaging reduces annual plastic use by up to 250,000 pounds. Imagery’s wines are also sustainably grown, as certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

Delta has a longstanding commitment to sustainable air travel and continues to deliver offerings and experiences that are good for our customers and for the world. The airline’s inaugural ESG report highlights its intention to be a catalyst for global change.

RDU’s main runway has reopened

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) made this announcement:

RDU’s main runway (5L/23R) has reopened. Delta Connection flight DL 5501 landed safely around 9 p.m. on Friday, and while taxiing to the terminal, left the paved area and became stuck in the grass adjacent to the runway. There were no injuries to the crew members and passengers on board.

Delta anticipates weather-related flight cancellations despite changes to 5G roll out

Delta Air Lines is planning for the possibility of weather-related cancellations caused by the deployment of new 5G service in the vicinity of dozens of U.S. airports, starting as early as Wednesday. The FAA, which regulates airlines, has issued numerous notices that restrict flight activity near airports where this new deployment of 5G service in the C-band spectrum could cause limited interference with altitude instruments on aircraft under various weather conditions that aircraft safely operate in today. As such, Delta is taking the necessary steps to ensure safety remains the priority in compliance with FAA guidelines.

Telecom companies agreed Tuesday to limit the scope of Wednesday’s planned 5G deployment and will delay implementation around certain U.S. airports. While this is a positive development toward preventing widespread disruptions to flight operations, some flight restrictions may remain.

“We appreciate the decision to limit the rollout of this service near airports,” E.V.P. and Chief of Operations John Laughter said Tuesday. “We believe industries can grow, innovate and co-exist for the benefit of consumers. That’s why we’re continuing to work with the FAA, the FCC and the telecom industry to find a practical solution that will allow for the rollout of 5G technology while preserving safety and avoiding flight disruptions.”

Delta is committed to proactively communicating with customers whenever possible about a cancellation or delay due to low visibility weather conditions that impact a 5G-affected airport.

Waivers: Delta will issue fare-difference waivers in advance of cancellations. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of those waivers as an option to reschedule their travel to a day and time that may not be impacted.
Automatic Rebooking: If a flight is canceled, affected customers will be automatically rebooked on the next available flight. Whenever possible, Delta teams strive to cancel flights far enough in advance to notify customers before arriving at the airport.
Itinerary Updates: Delta will send updates on itinerary changes directly to a mobile device or by email. Customers need to provide their contact information during booking or via My Trips online to enable this communication.
Self Service: Customers are encouraged to download and use the Fly Delta app or visit delta.com to check their flight status and manage their rebooking with convenient self-service options.

When cancellations become necessary as a last resort, Delta works to make changes that impact the fewest customers with the shortest delays. We apologize to customers for any disruption to their travel plans. As always, Delta people are working at airports, on board and behind the scenes at the airline’s Operations and Customer Center to help our customers get where they need as safely and quickly as possible, no matter the circumstances.

Delta has joined other airlines in seeking a delay by the Federal government of the deployment of this new 5G coverage into the C-band spectrum until more protections and assurances against potential interference with aircraft radio altimeters exist. Radio altimeters are a critical piece of technology that inform many aircraft functions and gives pilots what they need to fly airplanes safely, especially during critical phases of flight.

The impact on air travel could be immediate and significant, directly impacting passenger travel and cargo shipping. “The nation’s commerce will grind to a halt,” the CEOs of major carriers, including Delta CEO Ed Bastian, wrote in a letter coordinated by Airlines for America to government officials, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the chair of the Federal Communications Commission.

Delta has been evaluating its aircraft systems to ascertain whether those planes are safe to fly near airports where the 5G service is being rolled out. At the same time, we are committed to remaining fully compliant with the guidance of the FAA.

“Safety is, and always has been Delta’s number one priority – without it, nothing else matters,” Laughter said.

We're thrilled to partner with @TeamUSA and support its journey to the Olympic and Paralympic Games over the next seven years.

What better way to wish them luck than with a new livery? 🇺🇸✈ pic.twitter.com/LvyjPOzYQG

— Delta (@Delta) December 17, 2021