Is Delta a Good Airline?

Delta Air Lines has consistently ranked as one of the top airlines in the U.S., earning accolades for reliability and service. In NerdWallet's 2025 rankings of the Best Airlines, Delta secured third place, following American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. And that's hardly all.

Delta claimed second place for best airline elite status program, behind only American Airlines. If you prioritize the inflight experience (like entertainment and snacks), there's no better airline than Delta. Delta regularly takes the top spot for best in-flight entertainment. And if your top criteria is arriving on-time, Delta is your best bet. NerdWallet rated Delta as the most reliable airline for the period of July 2023 to June 2024, excelling in on-time performance, low flight cancellation rates, and minimal mishandled bags.

Delta continues to innovate and enhance its customer experience. Here are some updates expected in the months and years ahead:

• Delta Concierge: Later this year, Delta will launch an AI-powered digital assistant within the Fly Delta app. Delta Concierge will provide personalized travel assistance, including reminders for expiring passports and visa requirements.

• YouTube Partnership: Starting this summer, Delta SkyMiles members can enjoy complimentary access to YouTube Premium (ad-free content) during flights.

• Improved In-Flight Entertainment: Beginning in 2026, Delta will roll out cloud-based in-flight entertainment systems featuring 4K HDR QLED seatback screens. Passengers will also enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, a “Do Not Disturb” mode, and announcement translations for a more tailored in-flight experience.

» Learn more: The smart money guide to Delta SkyMiles

Seat classes

The airline offers a variety of seat classes to cater to different budgets and preferences:

• Basic economy: A Delta basic economy seat is located in the main cabin, but it’s nonrefundable and non-upgradable. Seats are assigned only after you’ve checked in. The fare class also has a few other limitations, including that Delta Sky Club members flying on basic economy tickets cannot enter.

• Main cabin: Passengers with a Main Cabin boarding pass have more flexibility. You can select your preferred seat within the Main Cabin of the plane, have access to upgrades and can change your trip details without additional fees.

• Comfort Plus: In addition to selecting your own seat, the Delta Comfort Plus seat class gives you up to 3 inches of additional legroom and provides your own assigned overhead bin. No more hunting for overhead storage for your carry-on luggage on a full flight.

• Premium Select: If you have a long-haul route on a widebody aircraft, a Delta Premium Select seat gives you greater comfort during your flight. This includes more recline, an adjustable footrest and a wider seat. Premium Select passengers also receive exclusive amenities and enhanced food and beverage options.

• Delta One: Travelers who are looking for a luxury business class experience might enjoy the Delta One seat class. It’s available on certain long-haul domestic and long-haul international flights. Delta One passengers are assigned a dedicated in-cabin attendant for a duration of their flight, in addition to a 180-degree bed seat, curated meals and complimentary beverages, and luxury amenity kits.

• First class: Delta offers first class passengers a dedicated in-flight attendant. You’ll also receive priority boarding and deplaning, up to 8 inches of additional legroom and additional reclining features.

Making Delta reservations

Booking a flight with Delta Air Lines is straightforward with the Fly Delta app or on its website. You can also find Delta Air Lines on various third-party travel booking websites, potentially at different pricing. Members of the Delta SkyMiles Loyalty Program can also browse available flights using their award miles.

» Learn more: The guide to booking award flights on Delta Air Lines

Check-in

Check-in is available up to 24 hours before departure via:

• The Fly Delta app.

• The Delta website.

• The curbside desk.

• A check-in kiosk.

• The Delta counter.

To check in in person, you’ll need your boarding pass and a government-issued identification.

Boarding

Delta’s boarding order prioritizes passengers by seat class and SkyMiles Medallion status.

Delta offers pre-boarding for active duty military and customers who need additional assistance or time to board, such as elderly passengers and families with young children. Delta 360 members also board with this group.

Delta One customers (if the aircraft offers Delta One seats) and first class passengers board next, followed by Diamond Medallion members and Premium Select (on certain aircraft).

Delta Comfort Plus customers are then welcomed onto the aircraft, and other SkyPriority members follow. Then, there are separate boarding groups for main cabin passengers, followed by basic economy boarding as the last group.

Once you're in the air

Even with a basic economy fare, Delta's in-flight experience is unmatched. It's easily the best of the major airlines in terms of its in-flight experience, standing out for offerings including free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members on most of its domestic mainline aircraft.

Movies, TV shows and other activities like MasterClass are free on its seatback screens — and headphones are free too.

For flights over 250 miles, everyone gets complimentary snacks and drinks — no matter your fare class. Exact snacks vary, but expect to choose from some sort of chips, granola bars or Delta's signature Biscoff cookies.

The Delta SkyMiles program is free to join and offers substantial value for frequent flyers. Members earn miles on flights, co-branded credit card purchases, and other partner activities. While SkyMiles never expire, dynamic pricing can make it challenging to predict award flight costs.

Delta earned second place in NerdWallet’s 2025 airline elite status rankings, thanks to its robust Medallion benefits. However, note that basic economy fares do not accrue miles or status credits.

» Learn more: The quick start guide to points and miles

What are my SkyMiles worth?

Nerdwallet values Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents, but with some strategic redemptions, you can squeeze more value out of each mile. There are no blackout dates, and you won't lose miles due to account inactivity — they never expire so long as your account remains open.

Delta uses a dynamic pricing model for its award flights, so it's harder to know what an award fare will cost you prior to searching for a specific flight.

General cost

While not a total splurge, Delta is on the slightly more expensive side. However, baggage costs can be offset using a Delta co-branded credit card that offers free checked bags.

» Learn more: Which airlines have the best (and worst) fees?

Safety ratings

AirlineRatings.com assessed the safety of 435 airlines, based on factors like:

• The airline’s crash and serious incident reports.

• Aviation audits from the airline’s governing and industry bodies.

• Safety initiatives and more.

Its latest report revealed that Delta was in its top 20 list of safest airlines, ranking 14th.

Reliability

Delta excels at is its on-time performance. Based on our analysis, Delta is the most reliable airline during the period from July 2023 to June 2024. Delta Air Lines performed the best in on-time percentage, flight cancellation rate and mishandled bags for the time period analyzed.

During that time 83.8% of Delta flights arrived on time. Contrast that with the worst offender of all the major airlines, JetBlue, which landed just 68.7% of its flights on-time.

Delta lounges

The airline's own lounges, called Delta Sky Club, are some of the best airline lounges in the business, offering travelers a premium space to relax, refuel, and recharge.

Among the most notable of them is the Los Angeles (LAX) Delta Sky Club, which has an open-air terrace providing stunning views of the tarmac and runway.

There are a few ways to access a Delta Sky Club, including flying in first or business class on Delta or one of its partners.

Another way to get in? Holding certain credit cards.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card are among those cards that provide cardholders with access to Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on a Delta operated or Delta marketed flight. Though, there is a limit on how many visits you can make per year unless you hit a certain spending threshold. Terms apply.

Delta customer satisfaction

In a certified rating by Skytrax, Delta received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on the quality of Delta’s airport and onboard product offerings, as well as the staff service its passengers receive. Other factors in the rankings include:

• Seats.

• Amenities.

• Food and beverage options.

• In-flight entertainment.

• Cleanliness.

Delta Air Lines remains a strong choice for travelers seeking reliability, comfort, and consistent service. With its innovative new features debuting in 2025 and beyond, Delta continues to enhance the travel experience while maintaining its position as one of the most dependable airlines in the industry.

Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.