These days, no matter which airline you choose to fly, traveling around the United States can feel quite similar and not exactly glamorous. However, there are a few notable differences among the major American airlines, and understanding these can transform a mediocre experience into a positive one. Delta Air Lines, headquartered at the world's busiest airport in Atlanta, is one of the largest carriers in the country, with additional hubs in Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. If you're planning an upcoming trip on Delta, be sure to check out these 5 helpful tips before you book your flight. Let's get to it!
Unlocking Delta: a guide to SkyMiles, upgrades, and more
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1. If you prefer versatility, steer clear of basic economy
To address the growing competition from ultra-low-cost carriers, Delta became the first major airline to introduce basic economy fares in 2012. This move was later followed by other legacy airlines.
Basic economy fares are Delta's lowest-priced option, making them a good choice for travelers on a budget. However, these fares come with certain restrictions. Most notably, basic economy tickets on Delta cannot be modified, so if there's a chance your travel plans may change, this option may not be suitable for you. Nevertheless, basic economy tickets can be canceled for a future travel credit on Delta, though a fee of $99 to $199 will apply, depending on the ticket.
In addition, basic economy fares on Delta don't include seat selection. Your seat will be automatically assigned at check-in, and you may not be seated with any travel companions. Moreover, you'll be in the last group to board, which means the overhead bin space for your carry-on bag may not be available. It's also important to note that you won't earn any award miles, and if you're an elite flyer on Delta (known as Medallion status), you won't be eligible for upgrades.
2. Familiarize yourself with upgrade opportunities
For the majority of travelers, a standard (non-basic) economy ticket for Delta's Main Cabin is a solid choice. Delta positions itself as a more premium airline, which means passengers receive complimentary soft drinks and snacks, free in-flight messaging (and often free Wi-Fi), and seatback entertainment screens on the vast majority of their aircraft (with the exception of Boeing 717 and regional jets marketed as Delta Connection).
However, if you're seeking a more elevated travel experience, it's beneficial to understand your options:
- Delta Comfort+. These seats are located towards the front of the Main Cabin and offer a few extra inches of legroom and dedicated overhead bin space. When you purchase Delta Comfort+, you'll also get priority boarding, complimentary alcoholic beverages during the flight, and upgraded snacks.
- Delta Premium Select. This is Delta's version of premium economy, available on select long-haul international flights. You'll be seated in a separate cabin that has wider seats with more legroom, deeper recline, and footrests. This option also comes with priority check-in and boarding, as well as an elevated complimentary meal service.
- First Class. This cabin is offered on flights within North America and on shorter international flights to the Caribbean and northern South America. It provides wider seats with more legroom at the front of the cabin, along with a dedicated flight attendant, priority airport services, free checked baggage, and meals on flights over 900 miles during mealtimes.
- Delta One. The airline's take on business-class, Delta One, is available on long-haul international flights. Each Delta One seat reclines into a fully flat bed, and some aircraft even feature suites with closing doors. Delta One customers receive all the perks: multicourse meals, plush bedding, amenity kits, and complimentary lounge access, among other benefits.
If you're looking to upgrade, Delta typically allows travelers to pay cash or to cash in miles if you're a member of the SkyMiles loyalty program. Be sure to download the Fly Delta app, as Delta sometimes offers special upgrade deals in the app.
3. Learn how to make the most of your SkyMiles
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If you're a frequent flyer with Delta, it's a good idea to sign up for their SkyMiles loyalty program. It's completely free to join, and you'll earn at least 5 miles for every dollar you spend on Delta flights (excluding basic economy fares). These miles can then be used towards future flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more.
In addition to earning miles on your Delta flights, you can also take advantage of the airline's various partnerships to boost your mileage earnings. For instance, you can link your Starbucks Rewards account or your Lyft account to your SkyMiles membership, allowing you to earn extra miles every time you purchase coffee or use a ride-sharing service. Delta also recently announced that they'll be offering free in-flight Wi-Fi to all SkyMiles members starting in 2023.
One pro tip to keep in mind when redeeming your SkyMiles is to look out for special flash sales. While the standard redemption rate for flights is typically fixed based on the cash price, these occasional sales can sometimes represent a much greater value, allowing you to get more for your miles.
4. Stay on top of your baggage situation
If you plan to check bags when flying with Delta, the Fly Delta app will definitely come in handy. This is because Delta is one of the few airlines that offer real-time baggage tracking. You'll receive a notification once your bag is checked in at the airport and again when it's loaded onto the plane. This provides valuable peace of mind.
Delta is also one of the only airlines that offer a baggage delivery guarantee. If your checked bags don't arrive on the carousel within 20 minutes of your flight's arrival at the gate, you can use this form to submit your information and receive 2,500 SkyMiles as compensation for the inconvenience.
5. Explore the possibility of a credit card for elite-like benefits
Delta, like many other airlines, charges fees for checked bags. However, these fees are waived for elite flyers or those who upgrade to Delta One, First Class, or Delta Premium Select. Main Cabin and Basic Economy travelers can also avoid these bag fees by signing up for one of Delta's co-branded credit cards with American Express.
For instance, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, which has a $150 annual fee, provides one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 people on the same reservation. This can result in substantial savings, even if you only fly Delta occasionally.
Delta's credit cards also come with valuable perks that aren't limited to elite flyers who spend a lot with the airline. For example, the Gold Card offers priority boarding, while the Reserve Card ($650 annual fee) provides complimentary SkyClub access. In addition, these cards offer a 15% discount on all Delta-operated award tickets.
The secret to a smooth takeoff: book affordable parking with ParkingNearAirports.io!
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- Fast Service. In contrast with on-site airport parking, which can take quite a long time, off-site parking offers you the convenience of driving directly to the entrance and having a staff member pull your luggage out of your vehicle and load it into the shuttle. Then they will park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
- Convenience. When people travel, they may be stressed about making it to the airport on time. If you use off-site parking, you will definitely make your travel experience more convenient, as you use the service of a private company. Even though you may be able to park on-site at the airport in a short-term or long-term airport parking lot, consider using an off-site parking lot service.
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