A Comprehensive Guide to Booking Delta Airlines Flights

A Complete Guide to Booking Delta Airlines Flights

Since merging with Northwest Airlines over ten years ago, Delta Air Lines has established itself as one of the largest airlines globally. Currently, American Airlines holds the top spot after its merger with US Airways, but Delta remains among the most prestigious carriers worldwide.

Founded on May 30, 1924, initially under the name Huff Daland Dusters, the airline launched operations on June 17, 1929, after Collett E. Woolman acquired it and renamed it Delta Air Service.

Delta's flight offerings vary based on routes and class selections, giving travelers options suited to their needs.

Here's what you should know before booking Delta flights. This guide helps you select the right ticket type and booking platform.

Flight Network and Alliances
Delta is part of the SkyTeam alliance, which includes airlines like Air France, Korean Air, Aeromexico, China Eastern, and KLM. It also partners with airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, GOL, and Virgin Australia through codeshare agreements. These collaborations enable Delta to offer tickets globally, with flights marketed under the Delta brand even if operated by partner carriers.

Always verify whether your flight is operated directly by Delta or a partner airline. Check for details indicating ‘operated by another airline’ to ensure you're flying with Delta. Sometimes, Delta tickets cover routes where the airline itself doesn't operate the flight, resulting in a hybrid experience where you might switch from a Delta plane to a partner aircraft mid-journey.

Major Hubs and Focus Cities
Delta's primary hubs include Detroit, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis. Focus cities like Austin, Nashville, and Cincinnati also enhance regional connectivity.

Economy Options: Basic vs. Standard
Delta pioneered the first major US carrier to introduce a Basic Economy fare to compete with ultra-low-cost airlines such as Spirit and Frontier. While Basic Economy shares seating areas with the standard fare, differences include later seat assignment issuance, restrictions on ticket changes and upgrades, and a allowance for one personal item along with a standard carry-on bag. Checked baggage fees remain consistent across both fare types domestically and internationally, with charges on European and North African routes at $60 each way for the first checked bag. The Basic Economy fare often offers the lowest price and can be upgraded, with the price difference depending on route and travel dates.

How to Reserve a Delta Flight
Most Delta tickets are purchased via third-party booking sites, with options like Hopper, Hipmunk, and CheapAir. Comparing prices across multiple platforms can help you find the best deal.

Checking in for Your Flight
Online check-in is available within 24 hours of departure through Delta’s website or app. You can choose to print your boarding pass or access an e-boarding pass, depending on the airport. The Fly Delta app also offers automatic check-in, sending alerts 24 hours before your flight, enabling you to accept the federal guidelines and receive your mobile boarding pass directly on your device.