Delta Air Lines Airline Guide

Delta Air Lines is one of the leading domestic airlines in the US that also flies to over 60 countries, operating over 5,000 flights every day, making it the largest airline in the world (in terms of passenger numbers). Delta Air Lines runs Delta, Delta Shuttle, Song and Delta Connection and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Delta Air Lines has hubs in 10 cities around the world, including New York, Paris and Amsterdam.

Search for cheap Delta Air Lines flights on our flights page.

Check-in

From 24 hours before departure, you can check in online and print your own boarding pass. When flying from certain airports you can now go paperless by having an eBoarding Pass delivered to your mobile device. If you've checked in online, you can drop your checked baggage at the Baggage Drop. Alternatively you can check in at an airport kiosk, or at curbside check-in which is available at around 100 US airports. For most domestic flights within the US you'll need to check in at least 30 minutes before departure. For departures outside the US you'll need to check in 60 minutes before departure. This varies in a few cases so it pays to double check before you set off; for example when travelling to/from Istanbul you'll need to check in three hours before take-off.

Luggage restrictions and security

Hand luggage: All passengers may carry on one bag that fits easily in the Carry-on Baggage Check (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) and one extra personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop bag. Coats, umbrellas, and special items such as pushchairs and wheelchairs don't count as personal items - they're freebies.

Checked luggage: If you are travelling from outside the US, in most cases you can take one bag free of charge. Charges for a second checked bag vary depending on where you are flying to and from, but on flights from Europe, a second bag will cost approx. £63. If you are travelling within the US you'll be charged $25 (approx. £15) for the first bag and $35 (approx. £22) for the second. Each bag can weigh no more than 23kg (50lb) with dimensions not exceeding 157cm (L+W+D), but check before you travel as there are some exceptions to this rule. If you wish to track your bag's location while you're travelling, you can do so on the Delta website or with the Fly Delta app, by entering your Bag Tag number (given to you at baggage check-in).

Families, elderly and disabled

You don't have to purchase a ticket for an infant (under two years old) who will be sitting on your lap, as long as you're travelling within the US. When travelling outside the US, all infants need a ticket, regardless of whether they'll occupy a seat and the price is usually about 10% of the adult fare, plus any taxes and surcharges. Delta does not offer discounted child fares within the US, but for international flights, child fares are likely to be discounted, depending on the age of the child. Children from the age of five can travel solo through Delta's Unaccompanied Minor Program, for which there will be a fee of $100 (approx. £63).

Delta can provide assistance to passengers with special needs during check-in, boarding and in transit. You'll need to let the airline know in advance, and check in at least one hour early.

Selecting a seat

When you check in online or at an airport kiosk, a seat will automatically be assigned to you. Alternatively, when checking in on a standard Economy fare you can purchase any available Preferred Seat (fees vary depending on seat location and flight destination). These seats include bulkhead seats, emergency exit row seats and aisle and window seats towards the front of the plane. Economy seats have a 32" (81cm) seat pitch.

In-flight food and entertainment

On a Delta flight you will be able to watch films and TV programmes either on an overhead screen or on a personal monitor. Some flights have Delta on Demand which gives you a choice of up to 300 films, HBO programmes, 18 channels of live satellite TV, games and over 4,500 songs. Meals and snacks are complimentary depending on your route and class; you won't usually get a meal unless your flight is longer than five hours. Sky Magazine is published monthly. In-flight wi-fi internet access is also available on many flights within the US through Delta Connect.

Pets, sports gear and musical instruments

In most cases, pets may travel with you in the cabin for a one-way fee, or can travel as checked-in baggage except during the summer or extreme weather conditions. However, animals - with the exception of service animals - cannot travel as checked or carry-on baggage on flights to and from the UK, but must travel as cargo. Most sports equipment can be checked in as hold baggage, although extra baggage fees may apply to overweight or oversized items. Musical instruments can be checked in normally as cabin baggage or hold baggage, or you can purchase an extra seat for large musical instruments and other fragile items.

Alliances and air miles

Delta Air Lines is one of the four founding members of the SkyTeam alliance and lets you collect air miles through SkyMiles. You can also join the Delta Medallion Program and gain benefits such as complimentary upgrades and Preferred Seats, priority check-in and waived baggage fees.

Search for cheap Delta Air Lines flights on our flights page.

Contact

Call 0871 22 11 222 (UK reservations) or visit www.delta.com.