Is Delta a Good Airline? What Travelers Should Know

Sarah Rand
·6 min read
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Travelers should research their chosen airline before boarding their flight. For travelers curious about Delta, here is our guide.
Travelers should research their chosen airline before boarding their flight. For travelers curious about Delta, here is our guide.

Delta Airlines is a major commercial leader in both domestic and international travel. The airline is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, but there are bases for Delta in Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Seattle, Boston, Salt Lake City and Minneapolis. Delta was founded in 1925 as the world’s first aerial crop dusting company. But around 1929 Delta had its first passenger flights. So the airline had quite humble beginnings. Since its start in Macon, Georgia, Delta has become one of the most popular airlines in the world.

Delta is the oldest airline operating in the United States (and the sixth oldest in the world), so the company has had plenty of time to perfect air travel services. But perfecting air travel at every level is nearly impossible in today’s world so even the airlines with the best reputations lack in some areas.

Still, Delta is considered one of the top flying options for travelers across the globe and to some, it is the gold standard. So the general consensus is that Delta is a good airline despite changes over the years. But, not every traveler is a match for every airline since each flyers’ criteria are different. We have compiled some of the most important things for travelers to know as they continue to question, is Delta a good airline? Or, better yet, is Delta a good airline to me?

Delta’s Reputation: Is It a Good Airline?

Learn more about how Delta has become known as a good airline. pictured: a Delta aircraft on the tarmac
Learn more about how Delta has become known as a good airline. pictured: a Delta aircraft on the tarmac

Delta Airlines is a good airline with a pretty consistent public reputation. It has consistently placed as one of the top options for travelers in both business assessments and customer reviews. In fact, Delta was named the top U.S. airline of 2023 by the Wall Street Journal, for the third consecutive time and sixth time in seven years. With over 190 million customers in 2023 alone, Delta is on a roll. The company is known for its safety, reliability and innovation. It has also been named one of the best places to work for the eighth year in a row by Glassdoor and Cirium awarded Delta with the operational excellence award for the third consecutive year.

As Cirium confirmed with the Platinum Award for Operational Excellence, Delta also has a strong record for timeliness. The airline leads United States’ airlines in punctuality. This factor is incredibly important since all travelers, if not at least frequent flyers, expect to get to their destination on time. Although delays occur occasionally due to unforeseen circumstances, travelers that select airlines with a good track record are more likely to avoid delays.

But reputation is not everything, quality of experience is also an important consideration to determine if Delta is a good airline. Check out what travelers should know as they select a trusted airline for their vacations, business trips or any travel abroad.

Safety

Delta Airlines has a strong safety record since the company has invested in being a dependable safeguard for travelers. The company even claims that safety is their number one priority. This commitment applies to the health, safety and security of Delta’s community (both employees and customers). Delta even involves itself with countless aviation safety organizations to make that commitment clear.

But as all operating airlines are required to, Delta adheres to FAA aircraft safety policy and laws. To monitor, identify and address operational safety issues, Delta even utilizes a FAA approved safety management system (SMS). The airline also works in accordance with guidelines placed by the CDC and WHO to keep travelers healthy and safe. Delta upholds safety standards which has established the airline as a trustworthy carrier.

Customer Service

Delta’s customer service is widely considered exceptional. The airline’s commitment to its customers is clear, especially due to the company’s informational website. Travelers can find a clear assistance directory through the Delta help center. There are even ways that potential Delta customers can check in on the satisfaction of former (or regular) Delta passengers. Travelers can research customer reviews and comments, which may help them determine if Delta is a good airline for them. In terms of customer reviews, ratings do say that passengers are overall satisfied with the service they receive. Delta is a highly rated airline amongst the general public, so the majority of flyers are returning customers since they think Delta is a good airline.

Amenities

Delta has many impressive amenities to offer to its passengers. Because the airline has both domestic and international flights, some of those offerings will differ. Main cabin travelers can enjoy free snacks and drinks on flights over 250 miles. On long-haul international flights in the main cabin, travelers can expect to receive a complimentary meal and beverage. Beer, wines and spirits are generally available for purchase but not on flights of 251-499 miles.

Travelers booking delta flights also can select their seat for the flight, depending on the flight they are taking. Delta has many cabin classes but classes like basic economy receive the least amenities. Still, they receive free snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic) and the classic Delta service but seats are not assigned until check-in. Compared to some budget airlines, this offering still goes above and beyond the standard for basic passenger amenities.

Entertainment

Delta is known for its entertainment offerings. Its entertainment studio is the airline’s free in-flight entertainment system which travelers can access on the seatback screen in front of them. Delta Studio is free for every class of passenger, from basic economy to the most luxe traveler. This fact alone has propelled Delta to the forefront of competition in terms of in-flight entertainment.

The entertainment screens are available on Delta’s Airbus A321ceo and Boeing 757-200 (75D) aircraft. But the airline is working to bring their entertainment system to all of their passengers, since the majority of aircraft are equipped with the system. Travelers can choose from and enjoy over 300+ movies, live satellite tv, playlists, podcasts and even some games with complimentary earbuds.

While the airline offers free wifi on most domestic flights for Delta SkyMiles members, it already has plans to improve on-flight entertainment. Delta has an upgraded entertainment system called Delta Sync which offers free wifi to Delta SkyMiles members passengers, as well as other improvements. The company aims to make it available on all domestic flights.

So, Is Delta a Good Airline?

Overall, Delta is considered a good airline for travelers that want to travel in comfort. It is a reliable and safe airline with great amenities. Delta is a great choice for travelers that want to get to their destination on time and experience stellar service.