Delta gives customers more ways to reclaim the joy of travel

Delta customers can now look forward to industry-first loyalty rewards, digital tools that make it simple and seamless to satisfy travel requirements, more seats to more destinations, and new and classic onboard refreshment options.

Consumer confidence and demand for travel are growing as COVID-19 vaccinations accelerate, and Delta is welcoming customers back with new travel experiences – all while enhancing the Delta CareStandard health and safety commitment the airline has become known for during the pandemic.

Delta is launching new digital resources to make travel planning easier, including an interactive map that is searchable by price and destination type; offering SkyMiles Members the ability to earn up to 75 percent more toward Medallion Status on most ticket types, including Award Travel, in a first for the industry; reintroducing onboard snacks and beverages; and extending the validity of all tickets expiring in 2021 – as well as all new tickets purchased this year – through the end of 2022.

“Our customers have always been the voices that guide us at Delta, and that was amplified during the pandemic,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “During the past year, we transformed our service to ensure their health, safety, convenience and comfort during their travels. Now, with vaccinations becoming more widespread and confidence in travel rising, we’re ready to help customers reclaim their lives.”

More available seats to choose from starting May 1

“While Delta’s decision to block middle seats has given many customers a reason to choose Delta over the past year, the signature hospitality of our employees and the experiences they deliver to customers every day have also deepened their trust in our airline,” said Bastian.

“The relationships we’ve built, together with the knowledge that nearly 65 percent of those who flew Delta in 2019 anticipate having at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by May 1, are what’s giving us the assurance to offer customers the ability to choose any seat on our aircraft, while also introducing new services, products and rewards to support the journey. We take great pride in the trust we’ve built with customers by listening and delivering on what they said was most important, and that is the approach you can continue to expect.”

Since Delta introduced its middle seat block in April 2020, consumer behaviour and vaccination rates have been the baseline for Delta’s decision to remove or extend the block throughout the pandemic. While scientific showed the risk of transmission onboard a full aircraft with everyone wearing a mask is nearly one in a million, Delta was the only airline to continue its middle seat block for an entire year to give customers peace of mind.

Masks will continue to be required and Delta’s industry-leading cleanliness standards will remain in place. Experts at Mayo Clinic and Emory, as well as our own Chief Health Officer Dr. Henry Ting, are helping to guide our way back.

More digital planning power, less guesswork for ever-changing travel landscape

Customers can use a new interactive digital map to search by price or destination type – or use miles to discover somewhere new. This tool is at the centre of Delta’s streamlined digital Travel Planning Centre, a one-stop guide to resources to manage travel restrictions, testing requirements and everything else along the journey as the carrier continues to add service to popular leisure destinations  including Alaska, the Mountain West, beaches and abroad.

More rewards with industry-first Status accelerators and more time to enjoy Card benefits

Delta is making each flight count for more. Starting April 1 through the end of 2021, customers can earn up to 75 percent more toward Medallion Status on most ticket types, including Award Travel – a true industry first. These offers follow Delta’s pace-setting status extension program and ensure Medallion Members can continue to enjoy Status and benefits for flights now and in the future. Members also have more time to plan travel with select Consumer and Business Delta SkyMiles American Express Card benefits extended through June 30, 2022. For more ways to earn Status at home or on the go, Delta also continues to offer special opportunities to get closer to Status on Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve American Express Cards.

More to enjoy with reimagined snacks and beverages, refreshed IFE content and more open Delta Sky Clubs

Snacks are back April 14. After an exhaustive redesign process that included flight attendant feedback and tips from our partners at Mayo Clinic, onboard food and beverage service is taking the first step toward a safe return with classic favourites and new treats. In early June, customers flying in Delta One or First Class on select domestic coast-to-coast flights will see hot food options return, and First-Class customers on other key U.S. routes will enjoy fresh boxed meals beginning in early July. Catch your favourite movies or shows while you sip and snack, and stop by more open Delta Sky Clubs once your feet hit the ground.

Wole Shadare