Delta led among U.S. airlines in Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural Verified Air Travel Awards, with first place wins in five categories rating the best airline and airport experiences across the globe. A “strong reputation for its consistency, loyalty program and customer service” earned Delta the Best U.S. Airline award.

“We continue to make significant investments throughout every point in our customers' travel journey to deliver the elevated experiences they want and deserve,” said Allison Ausband, E.V.P. and Chief Customer Experience Officer. “These recognitions are a testament to each of those efforts and to the Delta people who go above and beyond in bringing these experiences and innovations to life.”

After researching and selecting the nominees, FTG surveyed 5,000 of the most well-traveled people in the hospitality industry to determine the winners, with results validated and backed by its experts and 66-year-old Star Ratings system.

In addition to “Best U.S. Airline,” Delta took the top spot for:

Best Domestic Business Class

Flying Delta One “gives you access to the new Delta One lounges, Missoni amenity kits with Grown Alchemist products … and a 180-degree flatbed seat.”

Delta’s most premium travel experience starts on the ground with access to the Delta One Lounge, Delta Sky Clubs and Sky Priority services. On board, the Delta One cabin’s luxurious details elevate the travel journey, from plush bedding and Missoni-designed amenity kits, to more beverage options and a regularly refreshed and seasonally inspired onboard menu.

Best U.S. Airline Lounge: JFK Delta One lounge

“The first lounge dedicated to Delta One passengers debuted in June with an expansive 39,707-square-foot space that includes a year-round terrace, nine relaxation pods, eight shower suites and a full-service brasserie.”

The first-of-its-kind Delta One Lounge at JFK offers an exclusive and elevated experience for Delta’s most premium customers. With fine dining, spa-like wellness treatments, valet services and more, Delta One ticketholders can curate their experience based on what their travel day is calling for. The airline opened its second Delta One Lounge at LAX on Oct. 10.

Best Loyalty Program

“The complimentary SkyMiles program gives members free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights (and soon international ones), miles without expiration dates and the ability to earn miles with more than 20 partners.”

Delta simplified its SkyMiles Program in 2024 while also offering new and enhanced ways for customers to earn toward Status. A SkyMiles membership also unlocks fast, free onboard Wi-Fi, available today on most domestic flights and select long-haul international routes.

Best Airline App

“The user-friendly app allows you to upgrade your seat, receive the latest gate and flight changes, track your bags, navigate airports, locate Sky Club lounges and more.”

A comprehensive update of the Fly Delta app this past May introduced a slate of new and updated features, functionality and experiences, including an all-new Help Center view, always-available access to boarding information and connectivity to the Virtual Assistant.

Also noteworthy are Delta’s investments in the following award-winning areas:

• Innovation of the Year — Transportation Security Administration: The TSA was recognized for the rollout of its facial recognition technology, which Delta leverages through Delta Digital ID. This time-saving, industry-first technology debuted in 2021 at Delta’s Detroit and Atlanta hubs and is now available at six of Delta’s hubs, with the most recent launch in Salt Lake City. Digital ID gives Delta customers access to the dedicated TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID lane for the fastest experience, letting them move through the checkpoint without showing a physical government ID.
   
• Best U.S. Airport — LaGuardia Airport: The recent $8 billion overhaul at LGA included a $4 billion investment from Delta to completely transform and modernize Terminal C into a state-of-the-art facility spanning 1.3 million square feet and featuring 37 gates across four concourses.

This recognition adds to the list of Delta’s many accolades as America’s most awarded airline. In 2024 alone, Delta has been recognized by J.D. Power as the top-ranked airline for First/Business and Premium Economy Passenger Satisfaction; by Cirium as the most on-time airline in North America; and by The Points Guy as the best U.S. airline — just to name a few.  

About the Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Air Travel Awards

Forbes Travel Guide’s luxury travel experts researched the best airlines and airports to determine the nominees for its inaugural Air Travel Awards. Winners were decided by an invitation-only survey of 5,000 of the most well-traveled people in the hospitality industry, including luxury travel advisors and FTG’s most frequent fliers, its incognito inspectors and training team. See the full story and list of winners.