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Delta Air Lines

One of the world's largest airlines, headquartered in Atlanta

  • United StatesCountry
  • DLIATA Code
  • DALICAO Code
  • SkyTeamAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is one of the world’s largest airlines and a founding member of SkyTeam, flying from Atlanta and other US hubs to six continents. Every fare, even Main Basic, includes a full-size carry-on, but domestic checked bags cost $45 for the first bag. This guide covers Basic vs Classic vs Extra, bag fees and limits, power banks, SkyMiles and how Delta compares with United and American.

Delta began in 1925 as a crop-dusting company, carried its first passengers in 1929 and is based in Atlanta. It is a founding member of SkyTeam and has joint ventures with Air France–KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air and LATAM; its joint venture with Aeromexico ended in January 2026.

Delta Air Lines flights to Atlanta
Photo: Lance Asper / Unsplash

Check-In and Atlanta Connections

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on the website and the Fly Delta app, which also tracks your checked bags.

At Atlanta, the Plane Train links every concourse, so connections are quick despite the airport’s size. Allow extra time for security during morning peaks.

Power Banks on Delta Flights

Delta follows US FAA rules for lithium batteries:

  • Power banks and spare batteries must go in your carry-on or personal item, never in checked bags.
  • Batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed without approval.
  • Batteries of 100–160 Wh need airline approval, with a maximum of two per passenger.
  • If your carry-on is gate-checked, take out power banks first.

If you connect to a partner airline such as Air France, KLM or Korean Air, that airline’s stricter rules may apply on its flights.

Families, Special Assistance and Pets

Families with young children are seated together at no extra cost where possible, and infants under two can travel on an adult’s lap on domestic flights.

Special assistance can be requested in advance. Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin for a fee on many flights.

How to Find Cheap Delta Flights

Delta Air Lines flights to New York
Photo: Miltiadis Fragkidis / Unsplash
  • Price Basic honestly: it includes a carry-on, but no seat choice or changes, so Main Classic can be worth the extra.
  • Compare New York airports: fares from JFK and LaGuardia can differ a lot, and Newark is worth checking on other airlines.
  • Travel midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often cheaper.
  • Use a SkyMiles card: a free first bag can save $90 on a round trip.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Delta next to United, American and others.

Delta vs United vs American Airlines

The three big US network airlines each lead a different global alliance.

DeltaUnitedAmerican
Largest hubAtlantaChicago, Denver and HoustonDallas/Fort Worth
AllianceSkyTeamStar Allianceoneworld
LoyaltySkyMilesMileagePlusAAdvantage
Transatlantic partnerAir France–KLM, Virgin AtlanticLufthansa GroupBritish Airways

See our United Airlines guide and American Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Atlanta

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta is about 16 km south of downtown. MARTA trains connect the airport with the city in about 20 minutes.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Delta Air Lines a Good Airline?

Yes. Delta is often rated among the most reliable US airlines, with a huge network, strong premium cabins, free Wi-Fi for members and miles that never expire. Bag fees are high, so price in your bags before you book.

For more options, see our Virgin Atlantic guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against the Delta baggage and fees page. Fees change, so check the official Delta Air Lines website before you travel.

SkyTeam & Airline Partnerships

Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam (2000). You can connect onto partners such as Air France, KLM, Korean Air and Aeromexico on one ticket and earn SkyMiles across the alliance.

Learn more about SkyTeam

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Delta runs joint ventures with Air France–KLM and Virgin Atlantic across the Atlantic, Korean Air across the Pacific and LATAM in South America. Its joint venture with Aeromexico ended on 1 January 2026 after a US Department of Transportation order, though the two still codeshare as SkyTeam partners.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Atlanta is Delta's largest hub, and Delta also has hubs in Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Popular Delta Air Lines Routes

Delta's busiest routes link Atlanta with New York, Los Angeles and Orlando, New York with Los Angeles, and its hubs with Paris and London. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Delta Air Lines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Delta sells most cabins in three versions: Basic, Classic and Extra. Main Cabin Basic (the old Basic Economy) is the cheapest and most restricted. Main Classic and higher fares have no change fees on most trips; you pay only any difference in fare.

If you cancel a Main Basic ticket, you get back only part of its value as a credit after a cancellation charge, and it can't be changed on the day of travel. Cancelled Classic tickets usually return their full value as an eCredit.

  • Main Basic Changes and cancellations carry a charge; refunds are a partial credit; no same-day changes.
  • Main Classic and higher No change fees on most trips; fare difference applies.
  • Cancelling a non-refundable Classic ticket Value returned as an eCredit.
  • Refundable fares Cancel for money back.
  • 24-hour rule Tickets booked at least 7 days before departure can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking.
  • How to change or cancel Use My Trips on delta.com or the Fly Delta app.

Delta Air Lines Seat Selection & Additional Services

On Main Basic, seats are assigned after check-in unless you pay to choose one, and you board last. Main Classic and higher include free standard seat selection, and you can buy Comfort+ (extra legroom) or Preferred seats.

Delta's premium cabins include Premium Select (premium economy), First Class on domestic flights and Delta One with lie-flat seats or suites on long-haul routes. Free Wi-Fi is available to SkyMiles members on most flights.

  • Main Basic Seat assigned after check-in unless you pay; boards last; no upgrades.
  • Main Classic Free standard seat selection.
  • Delta Comfort Extra legroom and dedicated overhead space.
  • Premium Select Premium economy on long-haul flights.
  • Delta One Lie-flat seats or suites on long-haul flights.
  • Wi-Fi Free for SkyMiles members on most flights.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Delta Air Lines Baggage Allowance

Every Delta fare, including Main Basic, allows one carry-on bag and one personal item. On domestic US flights, checked bags are paid in Main Cabin; prepaying online is cheaper. On most transatlantic and other long-haul routes, Main Classic includes a checked bag.

Main Cabin bags can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb) and measure 158 cm (62 in). Delta One and First include free bags, and Medallion members and eligible Delta SkyMiles credit card holders get free checked bags.

  • Carry-on (all fares, including Main Basic) 1 carry-on bag plus 1 personal item.
  • Carry-on size Up to 56 × 35 × 23 cm (22 × 14 × 9 in).
  • Domestic US (Main and Comfort) $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second, each way.
  • Long-haul international (Main Classic) Usually 1 free checked bag.
  • Main Basic international Free bag not always included; check your ticket.
  • First and Delta One Free checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lb).
  • Main, Comfort and Premium Select limits 23 kg (50 lb) and 157 cm (62 in) per bag.
  • Free bags Medallion members and eligible Delta SkyMiles Amex cardholders.
  • Paying with miles Standard bag fees can be paid with SkyMiles from most US airports.

SkyMiles: Delta Air Lines Loyalty Programme

SkyMiles is Delta's free loyalty programme. You earn miles on Delta and SkyTeam flights, with Delta credit cards and partners, and redeem them for flights and upgrades. SkyMiles never expire.

Frequent flyers earn Medallion status in four tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Main Basic tickets don't earn miles or Medallion credit.

  • Silver Medallion Priority services and SkyTeam Elite status.
  • Gold Medallion Lounge access on international SkyTeam flights and SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
  • Platinum Medallion Higher upgrade priority and more benefits.
  • Diamond Medallion The top tier, with the highest upgrade priority.
  • Miles never expire Your SkyMiles stay valid.
  • Main Basic Earns no miles or Medallion credit.
Join or log in on the Delta Air Lines website

Delta Air Lines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Delta Air Lines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is DL. It appears in flight numbers (for example DL 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is DAL, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Delta Air Lines part of?

It is a member of SkyTeam. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Delta Air Lines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Atlanta, United States.

04When was Delta Air Lines founded?

The airline was founded in 1925.

05What are Delta Air Lines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Atlanta (ATL) – Main Hub; New York (JFK) – Hub; Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) – Hub; Salt Lake City (SLC) – Hub.

06What is the difference between Delta Main Basic and Main Classic?

Main Basic is Delta's cheapest fare: seats are assigned after check-in, you board last, it earns no miles, and changes or cancellations carry a charge. Main Classic includes free seat selection, earns miles and has no change fees on most trips.

07Does Delta allow a carry-on on Basic?

Yes. All Delta fares, including Main Basic, allow one carry-on bag and one personal item.

08Do Delta SkyMiles expire?

No. Delta SkyMiles don't expire.

Delta Air Lines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Delta Air Lines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.