Delta Air Lines Review: Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, and More

Delta Air Lines is one of the oldest U.S. carriers and certainly one of the most respected. If you’re considering flying with Delta, then keep on reading this review, which covers all aspects of Delta’s service and operations.

You can drill down into Delta’s fare types and check out the amenities offered in each cabin class. Finally, avoid any nasty surprises such as baggage fees and unexpected charges by reading ahead.

Basic Info

Airline: Delta Air Lines
Alliance: SkyTeam Alliance
Category: Legacy domestic and international airline
Frequent Flyer Program: Delta SkyMiles
Tagline: “Keep Climbing”
Daily Flights: 4,000 (not including alliance partners)
Fleet: 991
Main Hub: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Other Key Hubs and Markets: Amsterdam, Bogota, Boston, Detroit, Lima, London-Heathrow, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Santiago (Chile), São Paulo, Seattle, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo
Destinations: More than 290 (on 6 continents; not including alliance partners)

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Delta SkyMiles is the loyalty program for Delta Air Lines, through which members are rewarded with miles whenever they fly with Delta or its partner airlines, whether they’re SkyTeam members or outside it.

You can also earn miles for everyday purchases such as shopping, dining out, and spending on certain credit cards.

Delta frequent flyers can work their way up the membership tiers to get to Medallion elite status. Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond are the 4 tiers of Medallion elite status. Diamond Elite status, as you might have guessed, is the highest publicly available status possible, offering the greatest benefits such as upgrades and premium boarding.

Hot Tip: Check out our post on the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Loyalty Program with information on the ins and outs of their program.

Delta’s Ticketing Options

Delta offers 6 fare types that have different predeparture benefits and inflight experiences (covered later in this article).

Basic Economy (Domestic and International Flights)

As with other large U.S. airlines trying to compete with low-cost carriers, Delta offers a basic economy fare that gives you your seat, a piece of carry-on baggage, and a personal item. That’s it!

You cannot select your seat, as it is assigned at check-in. This means there are no guarantees you’ll be seated with your travel companions, either.

Basic economy tickets cannot be changed, and upgrades are not permitted. Keep this in mind when booking. Basic Economy tickets also do not earn SkyMiles nor do they earn credit toward SkyMiles Medallion status.

Main Cabin (Domestic and International Flights)

Main Cabin is Delta’s standard economy product, which provides the ability to select your seat before check-in. Your baggage allowance is 1 piece of hand luggage plus a personal item. Some international flights also include an allowance of 1 checked bag.

With a Main Cabin fare, you have the ability to change your ticket or upgrade (subject to fare difference) and you can also cancel your ticket anytime before boarding and receive an eCredit. You also benefit from earlier boarding privileges than those passengers flying Basic Economy. For more about the differences between these 2 fare types, check out our article comparing Delta Basic Economy vs. Main Cabin.

Delta Comfort+ (Domestic and International Flights)

Delta Comfort+ (sometimes styled Delta Comfort Plus) is Delta’s preferred seating in economy with extra legroom and dedicated overhead bin space. Comfort+ passengers receive upgraded snack options as well as complimentary beer, wine, and spirits on most flights on which there’s beverage service in the Main Cabin. Otherwise, benefits are the same as in the Main Cabin. For more information, check out our head-to-head comparison of Delta Comfort+ vs. Delta First Class.

Premium Select (Select Long-Haul International Flights)

Delta’s premium economy offering is available on select aircraft and routes and gives passengers access to SkyPriority privileges. You’re also provided a premium amenity kit and a memory foam pillow, a plush blanket, and noise-canceling headphones onboard.

Premium Select passengers are permitted to bring 2 pieces of checked luggage and have the ability to change or upgrade their tickets.

Delta One (International Long-Haul and Transcontinental Flights)

Delta One is the moniker for Delta’s business class cabin. Passengers have access to Delta One Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and SkyPriority services. On board, you have lie-flat seats, a premium amenity kit, and an enhanced dining experience.

Passengers can bring 2 pieces of checked luggage and change or upgrade their tickets.

First Class (Domestic and Select International Flights)

Available on domestic and short-haul flights only, First Class gives passengers access to SkyPriority for priority check-in, baggage handling, security, and boarding. They can also access Delta Sky Club lounges if connecting to an international flight in Delta One.

On board, passengers can take advantage of wider, more spacious seats and also bring 2 pieces of checked luggage.

Delta Air Lines Baggage and Other Fees and Add-Ons

Delta Baggage Fees

Carry-On Allowance:

Passengers in all cabins are permitted to bring 1 personal item and 1 standard carry-on bag for free.

The size of the personal item is undisclosed on Delta’s website, and the carry-on piece must not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

If an infant is traveling on the lap of an adult, then any seat or bassinet would be considered part of the adult’s hand luggage allowance.

Infants are not eligible for any hand luggage allowance unless a seat has been purchased.

Stroller Check Policy

Strollers are not counted toward standard checked baggage and can be checked for free at check-in or at the gate.

Delta Checked Baggage Allowance:

Maximum weight allowance: 23 kilograms (50 pounds) for Basic Economy, Main, and Delta Comfort; 32 kilograms (70 pounds) for Premium Select and Delta One.

Max size allowance: Linear dimensions of 157 centimeters (62 inches)

Hot Tip:

When talking about baggage allowances, many airlines refer to “maximum linear dimensions” or something similar. This is merely the number you get when you add the length, width, and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you have a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

Premium Select and Delta One passengers can bring 2 pieces of checked baggage for free (regardless of route).

For economy flights, your checked bag allowance depends on the specific route that you are flying. Certain routes have specific baggage allowances, and to get the most accurate information, you can view the most up-to-date details on Delta’s baggage policy here. For flights within the United States and Canada, you pay $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second bag, $150 for the third checked bag, and $200 for any additional checked bags. Up to 10 bags may be checked per passenger.

If you hold certain Delta American Express credit cards or have Delta elite status, you may qualify for 1 or more free checked bags.

Hot Tip:

View our dedicated article on Delta Air Lines baggage fees for more information and tips on how to avoid paying these charges!

Other Delta Fees and Add-Ons

Domestic Change Fee: $0

International Change Fee: $0

Same-Day Change: $75

Reward Flight Changes: $0

Cancellation: When canceling an itinerary with travel originating from North America, you receive an eCredit. For travel originating from outside of North America, the remaining value of your fare (minus the cancellation fee of up to $500) are refunded to you as an eCredit. These must be redeemed on a future flight with Delta within 1 year from the original issue date, and any fare difference may apply. For more information, see our dedicated piece about how to cancel a Delta flight.

Exclusions/Waivers:

• No charges apply to Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members for same-day changes.
• Basic economy fares cannot be changed regardless of status.

Tickets issued by Reservations Department: $25 in select European countries. Free for all other origins.

Seat Selection: No charge (excluding basic economy where no seat selection is possible)

Unaccompanied Minor: $150 (per one-way route)

Lap Infant: 10% of the adult fare for international flights (free for flights within the U.S. and Canada)

Transporting a pet as a carry-on:

• To or from U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico: $125 per way
• To or from U.S. Virgin Islands or international: $200
• To or from Brazil: $75

Refreshments On Board

For all flights over 250 miles, passengers receive complimentary snacks and soft drinks including Starbucks coffee.

For flights where complimentary meals and beverages are not offered, the following can be purchased:

• Sandwiches and platters: $8.99 to $10.99
• Snacks: from $3.99
• Beer: from $8
• Wine: $9
• Spirits: $9

How To Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Travel Expenses

Each of the Capital One cards below allows you to redeem miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days):

TOP PICK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome Offer

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

There are also several Delta co-branded credit cards that come with free checked bags that are worth looking at, especially if you regularly fly Delta.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

50,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $600

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card. The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• $100 Delta Stays Credit: You can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
• Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

Cons

• Moderate annual fee
• Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles^® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• With Send & Split^®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Frequent Delta travelers will enjoy this card's bonus categories, benefits, and ability to reach higher levels of elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $720

Annual Fee

$350

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card can be a great option for those seeking additional ways to obtain a higher level of status — or to maintain their current status — with the airline.

A key feature of this card is the ability to earn bonus Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) that are essential for earning Delta status. This could help you get closer to earning a handful of valuable benefits with the airline.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on Delta purchases
• 3x SkyMiles per $1 spent on purchases made directly with hotels
• 2x SkyMiles per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets

Cons

• $350 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $350 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

70,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $840

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.
• 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.

Cons

• $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
• No bonus categories other than Delta purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion^® Year to the Delta Sky Club^® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+^®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping when you fly with Delta.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Delta Seat Specs and Inflight Amenities

Seat Specs

Delta has 25 different types of aircraft with varying seat specs. We’ve listed details of a few of their planes below (including their Airbus and Boeing fleet), but if you want to check out the specifics for your next flight, you can see a full list of all 25 plane variations here.

Inflight Amenities

Main Cabin (Economy)

Amenities include:

• Access to Delta Studio (films, games, and TV) on your seatback monitor (if available) or your personal device
• Free headphones on international flights; available to purchase on selected domestic flights
• Complimentary snacks (complimentary meals on international flights)
• Complimentary soft drinks including Starbucks coffee (beer and wine on international flights)
• Wi-Fi available for purchase

Delta Comfort+

Upgrade to Delta Comfort+ for up to 4 inches of additional legroom than the Main Cabin and dedicated baggage space above your seat.

Board the plane quicker with SkyPriority boarding and enjoy little extras such as a pillow, blanket, and amenity kit (on applicable flights).

Hot Tip:

Check out our post on Delta Air Lines boarding zones so you know when to expect to board the plane. 

First Class

Amenities include:

• Wider seat plus 8 inches of extra legroom compared to the Main Cabin with 5.4 inches of recline
• Dedicated flight attendant for the cabin
• Power outlets and Wi-Fi (available to purchase)
• Amenity kit
• Pillow and blanket
• Ergonomically designed headphones
• Fine dining (dependent on flight distance)
• Complimentary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Access to Delta Studio (films, games, and TV) on your seatback monitor or your personal device

Premium Select

Amenities include:

• Wider seats, more legroom, adjustable foot and leg rest
• Dedicated flight attendant for the cabin
• Access to Delta Studio (films, games, and TV) on your seatback monitor (up to 13.3 inches)
• Amenity kit from Tumi including Malin+Goetz beauty essentials
• Pillow and blanket
• Premium dining
• Complimentary meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages

Delta One

Amenities include:

• Wider seats, more legroom
• Dedicated flight attendant for the cabin
• Lie-flat bed with Westin Heavenly bedding
• Duvet and pillow
• Delta One Suites with full-height door for privacy (available on selected flights)
• Amenity kit from Tumi including Kiehl’s Lip Balm
• Premium dining
• Complimentary meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages

Delta Customer Satisfaction

Delta is one of the most highly regarded U.S. carriers, winning awards and praised by customers for its professionalism and punctuality. At the time of writing, OAG’s 2023 North America on-time performance results named Delta No. 1 in terms of on-time performance, with 83% of its flights arriiving on time.

The October 2024 Air Travel Consumer Report confirms this, with Delta scoring second (behind only Hawaiian Airlines) in terms of its flights arriving on time at some of the largest airports worldwide.

In terms of cancellations, Delta also scored well, having canceled just 0.8% of its flights. However, cancellations from its codeshare partners brought its overall average down slightly to 1.9%.

Customers rave about Delta’s personnel and their professionalism, particularly for communication from flight crew during flight delays — when many other airlines have been reported to disappear and leave passengers in the dark.

Consumer Rankings, Ratings, Etc.

Skytrax Ranking: 3 Star Airline (out of 5)

Skytrax Customer Rating: 4/10

Tripadvisor Airline Review Rating: 4/5 (average from 63,091 reviews)

Kayak Customer Rating: 8.0/10 (average from 8,755 verified guest reviews)

Safety and Performance

As awarded by AirlineRatings.com, Delta Air Lines has a 7/7 safety record. This utilizes information from the World’s Aviation Governing Body, plus government and crash records. It also considers whether the airline has an IATA Operational Safety Audit Certification.

Awards and Notable Mentions

Delta has received countless awards and accolades, ranging from employment to branding, lounges, and reward scheme recognition.

Fortune: 2024 World’s Most Admired Companies (No. 11 overall, No. 1 airline)

Glassdoor: Best Places To Work in 2024

Business Traveler Awards: Best North American Airline in 2024

Charity Partnerships

Delta has a long history of community involvement and donating to benefit hundreds of charitable causes. These include wellness initiatives (providing meals to food banks), diversity causes (Delta participates in global Pride events), military support, and environmental grants for carbon offsetting.

Delta also encourages its employees to donate through its Matching Gifts to Education program, whereby Delta matches employee donations up to $5,000 per year. We think that’s pretty wonderful!

Final Thoughts

We applaud Delta for its commitment to customer service and satisfaction. Its customer reviews speak volumes about the quality of its personnel.

It may not be the cheapest carrier to fly with, but it’s one of the most reliable carriers when it comes to flight delays and cancellations.

Delta’s policies on fare inclusions and change and cancellation changes are fairly transparent, which is refreshing — many carriers try to bury this deep within the terms and conditions. But we’re not crazy about the international lap infant charge that’s 10% of the adult fare — but at least it’s not the price of a whole ticket!

With countless awards and healthy profits, it seems that Delta Air Lines will “keep climbing,” just as its slogan says.