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Delta First in the Air

Leading the industry .

1925   Huff Daland Dusters, which formed the roots for Delta, founded in Macon, Ga. It was the world's first aerial crop-dusting company. For more information, see Founding .

1945 Delta is first airline to fly living vegetable plants (160,000 tomato plants).

1946 Delta is first airline to fly nonstop Chicago-Miami, initially with Douglas DC-4 planes.

1946  First airline to offer gift certificates for flights. Introduces a "Gift-Trip Certificate" for Christmas season 1946.

1954 First airline to supplement visual inspection of aircraft parts with a portable x-ray machine to examine interior structures. 

1955 Delta pioneers extensive development of the hub-and-spoke system in the 1950s. Using Atlanta as a cross-connecting point, Delta expands service choices and frequencies for medium and smaller southeastern communities to distant, larger cities and each other, beyond what they could support with direct, point-to-point flights.

Arriving and departing flights were scheduled for operational efficiency in Atlanta, where passengers connected to other flights. Eastern Air Lines also began to group flights by connecting times at ATL, and by 1955, between the hours of noon and 2 p.m. — the "noon push" — Atlanta was the busiest air transfer hub in the world.

1957  First airline to begin jet training of personnel (March 12).

1959 Delta is first airline to launch Douglas DC-8 jet service.

1959 First airline to offer complimentary meals on discounted coach flights.

1960 First airline to launch Convair 880 jet service

1961 Flies first nonstop service from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

1961 Delta links California and the Caribbean with first jet service from California to Montego Bay and Caracas.

1962 A Delta DC-8 is the first commercial plane to fly Los Angeles-Atlanta in less than 3 hours (02:57:11). 

1965 Delta is first airline to launch Douglas DC-9 service.

1966 Delta is first with Lockheed L-100 Hercules all-cargo planes.

1973 First airline to simultaneously operate three of the first generation wide-bodies jets—the L-1011 , Douglas DC-10 and Boeing 747 .

1975 First airline to offer its own air express service, a new high priority, guaranteed cargo service called Delta Air Express.

1979 First airline in the world to board one million passengers in one city in one month (Atlanta in the month of August).

1980 First airline to make a major move from film to video in-flight entertainment, equipping its entire transatlantic L-1011 fleet in the early 1980s.

1983 First major U.S. carrier to meet new federal standards reducing flyover noise in airport neighborhoods.

1988 Delta is the first major airline to recognize children with a program just for them. Upon boarding, children (ages 2-12) receive a Disney character visor, activity magazine and enrollment card for Delta’s Fantastic Flyer program. Members are mailed a quarterly magazine, posters, patches and stickers. Dusty, the Delta Air Lion mascot, sends annual birthday cards and replies to letters. Onboard, special children’s meals and Pawberry Punch, a blend of apple, grape and cherry juices, are available.

1991 Delta is first to offer MD-11 jet service in U.S.

1991 First online aircraft maintenance information system in the airline industry, called Technical Operations Publishing System (TOPS). 

1992 First U.S. airline with moving maps in the cabin showing aircraft’s position and route.

1993 Delta Connection is the first program to use regional jets in North America.

1993  First  airline to publish business events immediately throughout its enterprise, such as passenger checking in, bag being scanned at each point of its travel, a flight pulls out from the gate, or a flight arrives. Hundreds of millions of events that happen every day are shared via Delta's Digital Nervous System (DNS).

1993  First airline with Web-based access to real-time flight operations and passenger information, including the first Flight Diverted displays that show actual locations of diverted flights, particularly critical during the U.S. air traffic grounding after terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. 

1994   First airline to install Gate Informational Display Screens (GIDS) in airports, made possible by the development of Delta's DNS in 1993. 

1994   Introduces Rapid Redemption, the airline industry's first program allowing frequent flyers to instantly redeem mileage for free tickets or upgrades.

1994  First airline with extensive use of robotic technology for handling cargo when Delta's new international cargo building opened in Atlanta. Cargo was automatically weighed, stored, retrieved and routed within the facility using 24 automated guided vehicles.

1995 First U.S. airline to fly smoke-free worldwide, when Delta banned smoking on all its flights. (Muse Air was first U.S. airline to fly smoke-free from 1982-1985; Northwest Airlines was first to ban smoking on all North American flights in 1988.)

1995 Introduces the airline industry’s first seasonal menus. See Delta NewsDigest July 14, 1995 article (PDF) .

1996 Delta is the first airline to offer in-seat power.

1996 First airline to offer live broadcast television programming. See our blog post .

1997 First airline to board more than 100 million passengers in a year.

1997 First airline to offer spa cuisine, partnering with chefs from health resorts in the U.S. and Europe. See this Delta NewsDigest Nov. 7, 1997 article (PDF) .

1998 Delta and SwissCargo forge the first international cargo alliance.

1998   First airline to install automatic defibrillators on board all of its aircraft.

2000   Delta enhances its Digital Nervous System (an airline "first" in 1993) with the airline industry's first commercial messaging, making it easier to send customers proactive information, such as flight changes caused by weather events.  

2000  Develops a new Customer Care system for gates and boarding processes, based on a new Cornerstone Gate Processing software application, which receives a Computerworld Smithsonian Award. The new system tr acks the status of every seat on a flight, whether it is sold, reserved, if the passenger has checked in and whether they have boarded. It shortens flight boarding times and improves customer service and security. 

2003 First U.S. airline with prerecorded audio flight information at the gate.

2003 Delta’s Technical Operations in Atlanta is first in the airline industry to achieve OSHA Star status for exemplary record of occupational employee safety and health.

2004 First airline to offer mileage gift cards.

2006 Delta is National Safety Council's 2006 Occupational Industry Leader—the first airline recognized.

2006 First major airline with in-seat, on-demand movies, games and live TV on a large portion of its domestic fleet, beginning with flights between JFK and the West Coast.

2007 First U.S. airline to offer customers the opportunity to help offset carbon emissions associated with air travel.

2007 First airline with a comprehensive onboard recycling program for aluminum cans, newspapers, snack containers and water bottles.

2008 First U.S. airline to announce In-flight Wi-Fi  for its domestic mainline fleet; Wi-Fi goes live on Delta Shuttle flights on December 16.

2009   Only U.S. airline (since Pan Am) to serve six continents with introduction of nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia.

2010  First U.S. airline to offer real-time customer support through Twitter. Initially, six agents provided rebooking, flight information, airport details and other services through the @DeltaAssist handle.  

2010 Launches airline industry's first social media "ticket window," allowing customers to purchase tickets directly from Facebook and other social media sites. The app was decommissioned in 2012.

2010 Delta is the only U.S. airline with single-booking service for commercial and private jet service, through subsidiary Delta Private Jets .

2011 First major carrier to allow customers to track their checked bags from check-in, aircraft loading and arrival at baggage claim.

2011 First airline with mobile baggage tracking via Fly Delta app .

2011 Delta Connection offers world’s first in-flight Internet service on regional aircraft.

2012 Purchases an oil refinery, becoming first airline to produce its own jet fuel.

2013 Delta Cargo launches Logistics Manager software for real-time tracking of all freight, an industry first for passenger airlines.

2013  First to announce that customers can use their portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet on November 1. On December 9, Delta is first mainline carrier to allow PED use below 10,000 ft. to passengers traveling on mainline and regional aircraft.

2014  First U.S. airline with full flat-bed seats and direct aisle access in BusinessElite on all widebody international flights

2015   First U.S. airline to accept Apple Pay for ticket purchases via  Fly Delta app .

2016   Real-time bag tracking via the  Fly Delta mobile app . Customers now have a map view of their bag's last scanned location, tapping on pins and a suitcase icon to follow their bag's journey and to access text information about the location of their bag. Delta was the first airline to offer this level of visibility. 

2016  First U.S. airline to offer a spa at its airport lounge (Seattle in October, then New York-JFK in December)

2017  Opens first biometric self service bag drop in the U.S. Four self service machines at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) allow customers to check their own bags; one of the machines is used to test facial recognition technology to match customers with their passport photos through identification verification, a first for U.S. carriers. 

2017  First U.S. airline to offer video chat with a Reservations team.

2017  First U.S. airline with an all-suite business class. The Delta One Suite  with a closing door is introduced on the Airbus  A350 .

2017  First U.S. airline to fly the Airbus A350 .

2018   Delta launches first biometric terminal in the U.S., in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), at Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal (Terminal F) in Atlanta. Customers flying direct to an international destination have the option of using facial recognition technology from curb to gate: kiosk check-in, checked baggage, TSA checkpoint identification, boarding flights in Terminal F and CBP processing for international travelers arriving into the U.S. 

2018 Delta is the first U.S. passenger airline to provide real-time tracking for all shipping containers, called unit load devices (ULDs). New Bluetooth tracking technology replaces manual tracking of ULDs that move cargo shipments, baggage and mail globally.

2019 First airline to use Apple's Messages app with customers for on-the-go assistance. Apple Business Chat test rolls out to select customers in June, and integrates into the Fly Delta app for all customers in Fall 2019.

2019  First U.S. passenger airline to offer 24/7 door-to-door parcel delivery nationwide with Delta Cargo's DASH Door-to-Door  service.

2020  Delta launches innovative solution for pet travel with CarePod, a state-of-the-art pet travel carrier with many industry-leading features including real-time updates for customers throughout the journey and the world's first built-in hydration system for pet travel carriers.

2020  First airline to explore first-of-its-kind wearable robotic exoskeleton to bolster employee strength and safety.

2020  First U.S. airline to fly with cargo on the main deck of the aircraft by removing the seats of a Boeing 777-220ER , thus enabling more than 10,000 pounds of additional cargo capacity – an increase of more than 35% more weight per flight. The cargo carried included medical and PPE equipment, pharmaceuticals, home office supplies, U.S. mail and food during the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

2023 First major U.S. airline to introduce fast, free Wi-Fi for all , in partnership with T-Mobile. The experience was available on most domestic mainline aircraft as of Feb. 1, with full availability on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024.

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Delta Air Lines - statistics & facts

Delta - operating performance, sustainability in delta airlines, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Delta Air Lines - revenue passengers 2003-2022

Delta Air Lines' passenger load factor 2008-2022

Delta Air Lines: revenue passenger miles 2008-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Passenger Air Transport

Leading airlines in the U.S. based on passenger numbers 2023

Passengers boarded by the largest U.S. air carriers 1990-2023

Most well-known airline brands in the United States 2023

Further recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Leading airlines ranked by brand value 2023
• Premium Statistic Market value of selected airlines worldwide 2023
• Premium Statistic Leading airlines in the U.S. based on passenger numbers 2023
• Premium Statistic Most profitable airlines in the U.S. 2023
• Basic Statistic Leading airlines in the U.S. by domestic market share 2023-2024
• Basic Statistic Passengers boarded by the largest U.S. air carriers 1990-2023
• Basic Statistic U.S. airlines - total operating revenue streams 2004-2023
• Premium Statistic U.S. airline industry - passenger revenue 2009-2023

Leading airlines ranked by brand value 2023

Leading airlines worldwide in 2023, ranked by brand value (in million U.S. dollars)

Market value of selected airlines worldwide 2023

Market value of selected airlines worldwide as of May 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Number of passengers carried by selected airline groups in the United States in 2023

Most profitable airlines in the U.S. 2023

Operating revenue of selected airline groups in the United States in 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

Leading airlines in the U.S. by domestic market share 2023-2024

Domestic market share of leading U.S. airlines from March 2023 to February 2024

Number of passengers boarded by the largest U.S. air carriers from 1990 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

U.S. airlines - total operating revenue streams 2004-2023

Total operating revenue streams of U.S. airlines from 2004 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

U.S. airline industry - passenger revenue 2009-2023

Passenger fare revenue generated within the U.S. airline industry between 2009 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

• Premium Statistic Delta Air Lines - operating revenue 2008-2022
• Premium Statistic Delta Air Lines' operating expense 2008-2022
• Premium Statistic Delta Air Lines: net income 2008-2022
• Basic Statistic Delta Air Lines' total assets 2007-2022
• Premium Statistic Delta Air Lines' full-time equivalent employees 2008-2022

Delta Air Lines - operating revenue 2008-2022

Delta Air Lines Inc.'s operating revenue from FY 2008 to FY 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Delta Air Lines' operating expense 2008-2022

Delta Air Lines Inc.'s operating expense from FY 2008 to FY 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Delta Air Lines: net income 2008-2022

Delta Air Lines Inc.'s net income or loss from FY 2008 to FY 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Delta Air Lines' total assets 2007-2022

Delta Air Lines' total assets from 2007 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Delta Air Lines' full-time equivalent employees 2008-2022

Delta Air Lines' full-time equivalent employees from 2008 to 2022

• Premium Statistic Delta Air Lines - revenue passengers 2003-2022
• Basic Statistic Delta Air Lines: revenue passenger miles 2008-2022
• Basic Statistic Delta Air Lines' available seat miles 2008-2022
• Basic Statistic Delta Air Lines' passenger load factor 2008-2022

Number of passengers boarded by Delta Air Lines from 2003 to 2022 (in millions)

Delta Air Lines Inc.'s revenue passenger miles from FY 2008 to FY 2022 (in millions)

Delta Air Lines' available seat miles 2008-2022

Delta Air Lines Inc.'s available seat miles from FY 2008 to FY 2022 (in millions)

Delta Air Lines' passenger load factor 2008-2022

Delta Air Lines' passenger load factor from FY 2008 to FY 2022

Competitors

• Premium Statistic American Airlines Group - operating revenue 2009-2022
• Premium Statistic American Airlines - passenger enplanements 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Revenue of Southwest Airlines 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Southwest Airlines - revenue passengers 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic United Airlines Holdings - operating revenue 2009-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of revenue passengers of United Airlines 2014-2022

American Airlines Group - operating revenue 2009-2022

American Airlines Group's operating revenue from FY 2009 to FY 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

American Airlines - passenger enplanements 2014-2023

Number of passengers enplaned by American Airlines from FY 2014 to FY 2023 (in millions)

Revenue of Southwest Airlines 2010-2023

Southwest Airlines Co.'s operating revenue from FY 2010 to FY 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

Southwest Airlines - revenue passengers 2011-2023

Southwest Airlines' revenue passengers carried from FY 2011 to FY 2023 (in millions)

United Airlines Holdings - operating revenue 2009-2022

United Airlines Holdings Inc.'s operating revenue from FY 2009 to FY 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Number of revenue passengers of United Airlines 2014-2022

Number of passengers boarded by United Airlines from FY 2014 to FY 2022 (in millions)

Customer service

• Premium Statistic Airline satisfaction on economy/basic economy flights in North America 2024
• Premium Statistic American customer satisfaction index scores for airlines in the U.S. 1995-2024
• Premium Statistic Punctuality rate of airlines in North America 2023
• Premium Statistic U.S. airlines by rate of customer complaints 2022

Airline satisfaction on economy/basic economy flights in North America 2024

North American airline satisfaction index scores* on economy/basic economy flights as of March 2024

American customer satisfaction index scores for airlines in the U.S. 1995-2024

American customer satisfaction index scores for airlines in the United States from 1995 to 2024

Punctuality rate of airlines in North America 2023

On-time performance of selected airlines in North America in 2023, based on percentage of punctual flights

U.S. airlines by rate of customer complaints 2022

U.S. airlines ranked by rate of consumer complaints in 2022 (per 100,000 enplanements)

Special Focus: Sustainability

• Premium Statistic Delta Air Lines' GHG emissions 2022
• Premium Statistic Delta Air Lines' hazardous waste generation 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Aviation industry: main purchasers of SAF 2023

Delta Air Lines' GHG emissions 2022

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of Delta Air Lines from 2017 to 2022 (in million metric tons CO₂ equivalent)

Delta Air Lines' hazardous waste generation 2015-2022

Hazardous waste generated by Delta Air Lines from 2015 to 2022 ( in metric tons)

Aviation industry: main purchasers of SAF 2023

Main purchasers of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as of February 2023, by total offtake volume (in billion liters)

Further reports

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Simple Flying

When did delta air lines operate its first flight.

Born nearly a century ago, Delta Air Lines has become one of the world's powerhouses in the aviation industry.

• Delta Air Lines took its inaugural flight on June 17th, 1929, from Dallas, Texas, to Jackson, Mississippi.
• The first flight was conducted by pilot J. D. "Johnny" Howe, with only one passenger onboard.
• Delta's early success was attributed to its focus on business travelers.

On June 17th, 2029, Delta Air Lines will celebrate a century of operating commercial flights in the United States. On that date in 1929, the airline took off from Dallas, Texas, en route to Jackson, Mississippi, while stopping at Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana, along the way. Since then, Delta has become a powerhouse in aviation globally, with a fleet of 966 aircraft operating in 57 countries and 301 destinations on 954 routes.

High ambitions

According to Delta Flight Museum, the Travel Air S-6000-B departed at 08:00 and took five hours to complete the historic 427-mile journey. The total time also includes a 30-minute layover in Monroe for lunch .

The S-6000-B was a high-wing, single-engine monoplane. Delta acquired a unit with registration number C8878 and serial number 988. Former Delta general manager C.E Woolman highlighted that the aircraft could accommodate five passengers, a pilot, toilet facilities, and space for hand luggage. Furthermore, the cabins remained warm in cold weather, but fliers could still see the natural wonders below.

Previously, the company was a crop-dusting company named Huff Daland Dusters. In fact, it was the first commercial agricultural flying company in the United States. However, Woolman took over the company in 1928 and had grander visions. Along with relaunching the business as Delta Air Service, he planned to venture into passenger operations. Therefore, he took on the S-6000-B for this purpose.

Before Delta's incorporation, his team had some experience flying passengers in Peru. Woolman was determined to venture into regular passenger services with his new operation.

This pioneering route meant Delta became the first airline to offer an air service between Dallas and Jackson. This first flight was conducted by Arkansas airman J. D. "Johnny" Howe.

Howe had six years of experience in the air and had previously worked as an agent for the Travel Air Company. Moreover, he was one of the first people in the country to earn a commercial pilot's license, making him the perfect man for the job.

Delta’s first passenger flight only had one passenger onboard, John S. Fox, who worked as the airline’s operation manager. He was alone onboard the flight because Delta did not publicly announce the new service until June 16th, when all facilities were equipped and ready. The airline's competitors were rumored to be venturing into flights between Atlanta, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama, over the same route to Dallas. So, Delta quickly snapped at the launch to gain an edge within the industry.

The sole passenger received a warm welcome from Jackson Mayor Walter A. Scott. Later that evening, the two met with community leaders at a banquet in the city. It was on the return journey that more passengers were hosted onboard. On June 18th, 1929, a group of Jackson officials took the chance to be part of Delta's new project.

Paul Chambers, president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, A.F. “Gus” Hawkins, Jackson city commissioner of aeronautics, and L.E. Foster, executive vice president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, joined Fox.

The westward trip had a layover once again in Monroe. This time, the travelers were welcomed by city, parish, and chamber of commerce figures. They had lunch at improvised tables in the field's hangar before heading to Dallas.

These guests apparently had an excellent experience, mainly flying at approximately 5,000 feet. After arriving at their destination in Texas, the Jackson officials sent the following telegram, as shared by the Delta Flight Museum.

“First westward trip Delta Airways big success. Arrived at three-forty, twenty minutes ahead of schedule after four hours flying time. I had wonderful receptions at Monroe, Shreveport, and Dallas. I believe the establishment of this line will mean much to Jackson in a commercial way. Had delightful trip, this being the only real way to travel.”

Compared to other current US airlines

Just a quick comparison. When did other US airlines have their first flights?

• United Airlines - April 6, 1926, between Pasco, Washington and Boise, Idaho
• American Airlines - 1926 between St. Louis and Chicago, operated by the one and only Charles A. Lindbergh.
• Southwest Airlines - June 18, 1971, between Dallas Love Field and Houston Intercontinental Airport

Growing the market

The next day, this group returned to Mississippi on the same aircraft. Monroe would once again play a part in the experience of Delta's new passenger service. While taking a break in northern Louisiana, the carrier picked up its first-ever paying customer. This passenger was W.C. Walsh, a factory representative for Dodge Brothers' motor cars.

Altogether, fares from Dallas to Jackson were $47.25 ($844 as of September 2023) for a single flight or $90.00 ($1,609 as of September 2023) for a round trip. This tri-weekly service consisted of three eastbound flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and three westbound flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Most of these early passengers of the carrier were businessmen needing to get across the country quickly. Leisure trips were rare during the time, as flying was still very much a luxury. Woolman shared that 80% of the firm's customers were men with briefcases that were flying in an attempt to speed up their business.

Delta retiree Wallace Harmon shared that the company had no marketing department at the time. Despite this, the airline managed to make do with what it had. It placed adverts in local newspapers and participated in events such as air shows. Additionally, top salesman C.E Woolman built excellent links in local and national communities along with government officials.

Also, there was a traffic manager in larger cities from the middle of the 1930s. This employee would go to hotels and check the brochure racks to ensure the airline's timetables were there. They would also make calls on the hotel porter as that was the contact that guests would call to get airline reservations.

Growth ever since

Delta Air Lines has evolved ever since to become one of the world's most widely recognized airline brands. The company is a powerhouse, with nearly a thousand aircraft on its fleet (and many more to come, as you can see in the video below).

As of September 2023, Delta markets 33,036 weekly flights and offers over 4.5 million weekly seats in flights, according to data from Cirium. Unfortunately, Delta Air Lines no longer operates its first route, Dallas-Jackson. This service is currently only served by American Airlines through its subsidiaries Envoy Air, PSA Airlines, and SkyWest Airlines, which operate the route 44 times a week.

What do you think about Delta Air Line’s inaugural flight? Do you have any curious information you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comments below.

Delta’s new nonstop Orlando-to-London Heathrow flight takes off this winter

Floridians can now enjoy greater connectivity to Europe with new seasonal service from Orlando to London Heathrow starting Oct. 26. With the addition of this route, Orlando will become Delta’s only direct service from the Sunshine State to the U.K and Delta’s 8th destination served nonstop from London for the winter season. Delta’s new route will also complement Virgin Atlantic’s existing Orlando to London Heathrow daily service. 

Additionally, the new route from Orlando (MCO) to London Heathrow (LHR) bolsters Delta’s expanding network between Florida and Europe, with current winter service from Orlando to Amsterdam and the newly announced service from Tampa to Amsterdam.

“In partnership with Virgin Atlantic, our new route between Orlando and London seamlessly connects two diverse destinations, offering customers a wealth of experiences on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. “Floridians can explore London’s historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and enjoy world-class dining, while Londoners can escape to the sunny beaches and world-famous attractions of Orlando.” 

This seasonal route will operate four times weekly until Mar. 29 using an A330-900neo featuring Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin experiences. Customers can expect Delta’s best-in-class service and a uniquely premium onboard experience as they travel across the Atlantic. Delta One customers can stretch out in a lie-flat seat and enjoy premium amenities like plush bedding made from recycled plastic bottles, more beverage options and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal. Customers flying in Delta Premium Select will have more space to relax and stretch out, with a wider seat, deeper recline, an adjustable footrest and leg rest. 

All customers can enjoy a wide selection of in-flight entertainment options via Delta Studio movies, TV series, music, podcasts and more – as well as onboard Wi-Fi and free mobile messaging to stay connected. As Delta continues carrying out its industry-leading commitment to bringing free, streaming-quality connectivity to its entire global fleet, Wi-Fi service may vary on flights as the airline transitions each aircraft to the necessary equipment. Customers can visit delta.com/wifi to find the specific Wi-Fi service offered on their flight. 

Delta’s flights to and from the U.K. are operated in conjunction with joint venture partners Virgin Atlantic, Air France and KLM. Together, Delta and Virgin Atlantic will operate up to 187 weekly flights from London Heathrow to 14 destinations in the U.S. this winter, including Miami, Tampa and Orlando in Florida and Delta’s hubs in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York-JFK, Seattle and Salt Lake City. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic operates year-round service from Manchester and seasonal service from Edinburgh to Orlando.  

For more information and to book flights, visit  delta.com .  

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Delta Announces Exciting New Routes, Including Aruba, Orlando, London, and More

Going from Florida to London just got easier.

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Delta Airlines recently announced the start of new services around the world, including Aruba, London, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and more. Floridians seeking a European getaway will now have an easier route. Travelers will be able to fly from Orlando, Florida , to London's Heathrow Airport directly on Delta. The flight will operate as a seasonal, winter service from October 26, 2024 through March 29, 2025. Delta will operate the flight four times weekly on an Airbus A330-900neo which features the Delta One Suites and Delta Premium Select cabins, according to a release .  This is the latest expansion of Delta's Europe to Florida connection, as the airline previously announced a new route from both Tampa Airport and Orlando Airport to Amsterdam. Amsterdam serves as a major hub for KLM Airlines, which along with Delta, is a partner in the Sky Team Alliance.  “Our new route between Orlando and London seamlessly connects two diverse destinations, offering customers a wealth of experiences on both sides of the Atlantic Floridians can explore London’s historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and enjoy world-class dining, while Londoners can escape to the sunny beaches and world-famous attractions of Orlando,” Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India Matteo Curcio shared in a statement to T+L.  Delta also announced an expansion of flights from the airline’s hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP). The airline will fly its "largest-ever winter Latin schedule" with new flights to Aruba and St. Maarten. The airline will operate new direct flights to Aruba on Friday and Sunday from MSP, and new flights to St. Maarten (SXM) on Thursdays and Saturdays. As part of the updated schedule, the airline increased service to Grand Cayman and San Juan, Puerto Rico .  Delta also shared with T+L that the airline would be expanding service to and from their hub in Salt Lake City, Utah. The airline will also begin a new weekly Saturday-only service from New York's LaGuardia Airport to SLC from December 21, 2024 through May 3, 2025.

"These new routes will make it even easier for travelers to experience our effortless access to world-class outdoor recreation, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning landscapes. We look forward to welcoming more visitors and showcasing everything our beautiful destination has to offer," Visit Salt Lake's President & CEO Kaitlin Eskelson shared with T+L.

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The tapestry of human history is varied and vast, with much of it only found in books. However, there are places where the sites of history remain untouched – allowing you to get a sense for what it was like to live in an ancient civilization, be among royalty in a thousand-year-old castle, feel the action of a battlefield and more. No matter what era of history you’re most passionate about, there’s a destination to explore. Explore a few of our favorite destinations that can transport you back in time.

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Who are the Delta gays? How the airline became a haven for the LGBTQ community.

• Delta has become the favored airline in the circles of gay, male-identifying (and predominately upper-middle-class) urbanites.
• Delta’s reputation, seemingly, as the “it girl” gay male carrier is a relatively contemporary development.
• Delta’s multi-year partnership with American Express is not only lucrative for the airline but also reflects a certain high-end image.

When Ben Baxter listens to Viola Davis’s deep yet melodic voice — one that extols the benefits of seeing the world on Delta — he can’t help but be mesmerized. Davis, the iconic Academy Award-winning actress, has been a voice for Delta’s ads on and off since 2017. 

“Gay men have an acute sense of identifying and latching onto ‘star quality,’ and that is also so palpable once you set foot on a Delta plane,” Baxter told me. 

Then, there’s Ryan Scheb, a New York City-based teacher who popped the question to his now-fiance, Phil Tuzynski, inside the LaGuardia Delta Sky Club. 

“I've always loved Delta; my first flight was on the airline back in 1995, and I just kind of always found them to be a step above,” Scheb said. 

Baxter and Scheb belong to a group known as the “Delta gays,” as I call them. They are a fiercely loyal and very vocal contingent, especially on social media. For years while living in New York and now, Los Angeles, I observed — both in person and online — how Delta became the favored airline in the circles of gay, male-identifying (and predominately upper-middle-class) urbanites. 

What was Delta doing that other U.S. airlines weren’t? I set out on a mission to answer the age-old question of how Delta has seemingly captured something so elusive in the gay male community: long-term loyalty. 

I ended up finding that, well, it’s a complicated “situationship.”  

How Delta became the 'it girl'

Delta’s reputation, seemingly, as the “it girl” gay male carrier is a relatively contemporary development. 

In the ’90s and early aughts, Delta didn’t market heavily to LGBTQ+ travelers. That crown belonged to American Airlines. 

After a controversial AIDS-phobic incident onboard a flight in 1993 and subsequent backlash from the community, American vowed to win back the LGBTQ+ audience. It did so by becoming an official sponsor of several U.S. Pride parades, the first for a major airline. 

“American stands out as the most dedicated and consistent of the carriers,” said Michael Wilke, the founder of AdRespect , a site that rates and catalogs LGBTQ+ advertising. 

American also became the earliest U.S. carrier to implement same-sex domestic partner benefits and to include gender identity in its workplace nondiscrimination policies. 

However, a major shift transpired in the late 2000s.

As Delta began the process of merging with Northwest Airlines, executives in Atlanta wanted to become a much larger carrier and a better carrier. To market those efforts, Delta brought on an ad agency powerhouse, Wieden + Kennedy, famous for its work with big culture labels like Nike and Coca-Cola. 

The agency introduced the “Keep Climbing” tagline , which is still used today. At that time, Delta started to position itself as a premium, more inclusive, and, yes, more progressive airline. And so it began.

Going ‘premium’

“From a marketing perspective, Delta evolved with the times better than other airlines, including American,” said Ed Salvato, an LGBTQ+ tourism expert and marketing professor at New York University. “They started doing the promotion to attract the LGBTQ+ audience, but more importantly, they invested in customer satisfaction.” 

That investment included major enhancements, like becoming the first U.S. carrier to offer fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access in business class on all widebody flights. Delta very much likes to toot its own horn as the “premium” airline, building a reputation over the years through operational reliability, service, and better-than-average airport lounges.

Salvato is convinced that Delta’s focus of “associating with luxury” is what drew the gays in. 

Delta’s multi-year partnership with American Express — which lasts at least through 2029 — is not only lucrative for the airline but also reflects a certain high-end image. It seems like heavy metal credit cards with lounge access will do that. 

And the proof is there: an internal Delta document from January 2024 shows that the airline’s LGBTQ+ customer base has doubled in the past decade, now 12% of total passenger volume. 

Delta executives declined my request for an interview to talk about their inclusivity efforts, but a spokesperson offered the following statement: “Delta is a proud, long-time supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, and we want everyone to feel welcome when flying with us.” 

Two gingers and a rule of culture 

In recent years, a Delta ad depicting two ginger-haired men (who we can only assume to be a couple) was plastered all over jetbridges at Delta hubs nationwide. One is laying their head on the other’s shoulder as they both watch a video together. 

Peter Schlesinger, a Delta loyalist and an associate director of digital based in New York, has a unique social media tradition when boarding. 

“I started taking selfies with the guys (in the ad) when my boyfriend missed our flight, so it was a joke about finding new Delta friends instead. And then I just kept doing it,” he said.

In queer pop culture, Delta also has made the rounds. Take, for instance, “Las Culturistas,” a comedy podcast series hosted by “Saturday Night Live”’s Bowen Yang and actor-comedian Matt Rogers, both gay men. 

In each episode, Yang and Rogers declare, in perfect unison, certain statements to be "Rules of Culture." One of those rules, specifically rule number 43, asserts that “Delta is the queen of airlines.” 

A crack in the gay facade?

For what it’s worth, though, Delta’s actual product these days may not be quite matching its luxury image. 

“For premium travelers, the airline simply no longer has the edge,” said Ben Schlappig, a travel expert who runs the website One Mile at a Time . “Delta has less legroom in first class than competitors, an uncompetitive business class hard product on (select aircraft), and lines out the door to use many lounges.” 

Schlappig, who identifies as gay, believes that other major U.S. airlines have narrowed the gap on Delta in terms of operational reliability and service. 

Then, there’s this analogy. A friend and frequent flier once told me that “Delta is like Equinox,” explaining that like the high-end gym, the airline offers nearly the same products and services as others in a slightly more polished package, which gives the illusion of luxury and affluence. 

In other words, it may not matter if Delta’s experience isn’t quite as good as the marketing indicates. Over the past decade, flying Delta has become something of a status symbol. And for gays, status, exclusivity, and community are often enough.

Chris Dong is a freelance reporter focusing on timely travel trends, loyalty programs, hotels and aviation. When he’s not on the road, Chris calls Los Angeles home after nearly 10 years in New York City. You can follow him @thechrisflyer .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .