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Delta Air Lines updates its Covid-19 policies after the C.D.C.’s new guidance.

Many airlines have canceled a spate of flights during the busy holiday travel season, blaming staff shortages caused by a spike in infections.

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By Lauren Hirsch

• Dec. 29, 2021

Delta Air Lines has updated its policies for workers who get sick with the coronavirus, soon after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shortened its recommended isolation period for Americans infected with Covid-19.

Delta was one of the first companies to adapt to the updated guidance, which it had publicly called on the C.D.C. to do. The Biden administration and major companies have said shortening the isolation period will help keep society functioning, but unions have worried it could allow companies to pressure employees to come back to work.

The airline’s new policy, dated Tuesday, provides five days of paid leave for workers who test positive for the coronavirus to isolate, according to an internal communication to company leaders obtained by The New York Times. And it encourages, but does not require, a Covid test to go back to work, going a step further than the C.D.C. guidance, which does not include a recommendation for additional testing. Delta’s new protocols make no mention of whether returning employees should have improving symptoms, as suggested by the C.D.C.

Many airlines have had to cancel a spate of flights during the busy holiday travel season, blaming staff shortages caused by a spike in infections. Delta and other airlines asked the C.D.C. last week to update its isolation recommendations, which some public health officials said were outdated. Delta warned that the 10-day isolation period that the C.D.C. put in place last year could “significantly impact” its operations as the Omicron variant of the virus rapidly spreads, and it suggested a five-day isolation period with an “appropriate testing protocol.”

A spokesman for the airline said Delta is “strongly recommending our people get tested prior to returning to work, regardless of symptoms (or absence of).” He did not say whether the airline would request to see the results of any test. Delta requires all employees to wear masks in work areas, in airports and on flights.

Delta will extend its five days of Covid-specific paid time off, which it offers only to fully vaccinated individuals, by two additional days if an employee tests positive at the end of the initial isolation period, according to the memo. It previously offered 10 days of paid leave for workers with Covid.

The airline also put in place new guidelines for workers who are exposed to Covid for long periods of time without the protection of masks. (The guidelines echo new parameters outlined by the C.D.C.) Those who have received a booster shot or are recently fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine. Those who are unvaccinated or who received their primary shots longer ago should quarantine for five days after a high-risk exposure.

Delta said that 97 percent of its work force is vaccinated. While other carriers, like United Airlines, have mandated vaccines for their work force, Delta has opted to charge unvaccinated workers an additional $200 a month to remain on the company’s health plan.

Some scientists have been critical of the C.D.C.’s decision to shorten the isolation period without a requirement for testing. The Association of Flight Attendants is asking airlines to require a negative test for employees at the end of a five-day isolation period. It is also asking that unvaccinated workers be required to abide by a 10-day isolation period and that employees be provided with high-quality masks for at least five days after returning to work.

Lauren Hirsch joined the New York Times from CNBC in 2020, covering business, policy and mergers and acquisitions.  Ms. Hirsch studied comparative literature at Cornell University and has an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. More about Lauren Hirsch

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Delta Carry-On Size, Liquid Policy & Other Important Restrictions

Delta carry-on size (dimensions), weight restrictions for carry-on bags, weight restrictions for checked luggage, my recommended carry-on, rules for “special items”, delta personal item size, delta connection flights, the tsa 3-1-1 rule, delta food policy, delta airlines carry-on policy: pet fees, tsa-approved pet carrier for delta airlines, prohibited items:, restricted items:, frequently asked questions about delta’s carry-on policy.

If you have an upcoming flight with Delta and are planning to travel with just carry-on luggage , you’ll need to be up to speed with Delta’s carry-on policies.  Each airline’s rules are slightly different, so don’t just assume that what works for one will work for all airlines.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Delta’s carry-on policy. This includes Delta’s carry-on size and weight limits, liquid policy, personal items, pets, and prohibited items.

Delta Airlines Carry-On Rules

Delta allows you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard with you at no additional charge. The only restriction is that your personal item must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Delta’s carry-on bag size limit is 22″ x 14″ x 9″. These dimensions include the wheels and handles of your carry-on bag.

If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, Delta has carry-on sizers located near the ticket counter.  These templates will help you make sure your carry on bag will fit in the overhead bin before you get to the gate.

As a rule, Delta doesn’t impose weight restrictions on a carry-on bag.   But there are a couple of international exceptions to this rule, including:

• Singapore – Changi International Airport (SIN): Carry-on bags cannot exceed 15 lbs. (7kgs)
• Beijing – Capital International Airport (PEK): Carry-on bags cannot exceed 22lbs. (10kgs)
• Shanghai – Pudong International Airport (PVG): Carry-on bags cannot exceed 22lbs. (10kgs)

I fly Delta almost every week into and out of many airports and I have never had them weigh my carry on bag for domestic or international flights. I have not flown to Singapore, Beijing or Shanghai on Delta, so I can’t speak to the weight restrictions on those routes.

Weight restrictions with checked luggage vary by cabin, destination, and medallion status. The general rule of thumb is if you don’t have medallion status you are allowed up to a 50 lb. weight limit per bag. If you have Delta medallion status, you are allowed up to 70 lbs. per bag for domestic flights and 50 lbs. per bag for international flights.

However, Delta One, First, and Business passengers are allowed up to 70 lb limit per piece regardless of Medallion status.

If you are looking for a great carry-on bag when flying Delta, I recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner. I have used this carry-on for years and brought it with me on many Delta flights.

It’s durable, reasonably priced, and holds everything I need for shorter trips (3-4 days). Plus the spinner wheels make it very easy to get through the airport quickly and effortlessly.

This carry-on bag has been sizer bin tested to accommodate overhead bin space on most major US airlines.

Case Dimensions:

• H: 21 in. W: 14 in. D: 9 in.

Note: If fully expanded it may not meet overhead bin size limits, so be careful to not overpack.

Delta will allow you to travel with some “special items” which do not meet their checked or carry-on size or weight dimensions. You will want to talk with the gate agent upon checking in to address the needs and characteristics of your special item. The gate agent will help you check your special item and determine if any extra fees will apply.

“Special items” may include:

• Strollers and Child safety seats
• Sporting Equipment
• Musical Instruments
• Medical Equipment & Wheelchairs
• Fragile items
• Perishable Items & Imported Merchandise

Delta’s carry-on policy allows you to travel with a free personal item in addition to one piece of carry-on luggage. Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, blanket, shopping bag, or a similar-sized item.

Personal items must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Underseat dimensions are 20 x 15 x 11 inches (55 x 38 x 28cm) on most Delta aircraft.

In addition to your carry-on bag and personal item, you can bring the following items with you:

• A jacket and umbrella
• Food or drink purchased after clearing the security checkpoint
• Duty-free merchandise
• Special items like strollers, child restraint seats, or assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches

If you happen to be flying on a Delta Connection flight with fifty seats or less (such as a CRJ 200), Delta’s policy states that you can bring a personal item with you, but not a carry-on bag, due to limited overhead space.  Personal items must be able to fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

All carry-on bags within Delta’s size restrictions will be gate checked, free of charge, during the boarding process and returned upon deplaning.   

However, despite this “official rule” there are some bags you can carry on a regional jet.  Check out our article on the best carry-on luggage for regional jets for a list of options, including under-seat luggage.

Delta Liquid Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline.  Delta doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the TSA.

It’s also important to note that the rules for bringing a “liquid” in your carry-on bag differ from those that govern what you can bring in your checked luggage. Liquids in a carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a 1 quart-sized container. Anything larger must be placed in your checked luggage.

• All liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or smaller.
• All liquids must be in a resealable quart-sized clear plastic bag removed from your carry-on during the TSA screening process. 
• Special exceptions are in place for items such as medication, formula, breast milk, etc.
• Food and Drinks purchased once you have cleared TSA checkpoints are not included in these restrictions.

The TSA 3-1-1 rule provides the parameters for how passengers can bring liquids on an airplane in their carry-on.

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and are enclosed in a sealed one-quart-size bag. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste , shampoo, conditioner, perfume , mouthwash, deodorant , and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security checkpoint.

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment .

The TSA also sets the rules for what type of food you can bring on the plane . There are two different scenarios pertaining to food: 

• The food you bring with you from home, and
• The food you buy at the airport after you have gone through security.

When bringing food with you from home, an important thing to note is the classification of liquid vs. solid foods.  

The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.   This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule , which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

Here’s a link to the TSA website advising what food can be brought with you on your Delta flight.  This applies to food you are bringing from home through security.  

Once you get through security, you can bring just about any food or beverage on the plane that you buy at the airport. The one exception is alcohol. You cannot bring open alcohol on the plane with you. You can bring a sealed bottle of alcohol purchased at the airport (such as a duty-free shop), but you are not allowed to open or consume alcohol on the plane unless it is provided by Delta.

Delta Pet Policy

Delta may not charge for your carry-on bag, but they will charge for your carry-on pet.

If you are going to bring a pet on board with you, it must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. You will also have to call Delta in advance to tell them you are bringing a pet with you and confirm that they are allowed on your flight.

Delta generally allows up to 2 pets in business/first class and up to 4 in the main cabin. Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. So if your pet meets Delta’s pet requirements , contact  Delta Reservations  in advance to arrange to bring your pet on board.

Pets in cabin kennels will count as your one carry-on item.  In addition to the kennel, you can bring one personal item onboard the aircraft.

Here is a chart showing the pet fees Delta charges each way.   Double them for a round-trip flight.

If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an airline-approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Delta’s pet policy .

I have traveled with 2 dogs over the last 10 years, one was a 20 lb. Shih Tzu-Bichon (in the picture above) and another is a 12lb. Chihuahua mix. We used the Sherpa pet carrier when bringing them on a flight with us and it worked great!

Features mesh panels so your pet can breathe easily, a non-slip shoulder strap, locking zippers, and a rear storage pocket for treats and other goodies.

Approved for use on most major airlines and the small and medium sizes are included in Sherpa's exclusive Guaranteed on Board program.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous materials. Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked baggage on all flights. The rules for these items are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Here is a list of items that are strictly prohibited on Delta flights:

• Aerosol products (such as cooking spray or anti-static spray)
• Household Cleaners such as bleach, drain cleaners, or pesticides 
• Car Batteries
• Fireworks or explosives
• Ammunition, gunpowder, black powder, mace, and pepper spray
• Torch or blue flame lighters and all lighter refills
• Fuel (gasoline or sterno cans)
• Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)
• Pocket knife
• Paints, stains, or lubricant 
• “Strike-anywhere” matches 
• Safety razors and straight razor blades
• Hoverboards, balance gliders, self-balancing boards, or motorized riding suitcases that use lithium or lithium-ion batteries 
• Items with refrigerants including refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, or dehumidifiers

The following items are not considered “dangerous goods” and are allowed when packaged properly, in accordance with TSA regulations:

• Ammunition, Explosives, or Firearms
• Battery or Fuel-Powered
• Food or Alcohol Transportation
• Personal Care & Medical Items
• Robotics, Machine, Household Items & Other  
• Sporting & Leisure Goods
• Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, Marijuana
• Knitting/ scissors
• Hiking or trekking poles
• Hair dryer/Straightener
• Sunscreen/bug spray
• Food as a carry-on
• Fishing hooks
• Fragile glass items

A complete list can be found on the FAA and TSA websites.

Delta allows you to bring 1 personal item and 1 carry-on with you onboard your flight.

No. Delta allows you to bring on 1 personal item and 1 carry-on at no additional charge.

Delta has no weight limit except for select flights to Asia, such as Singapore, Beijing, and Shanghai.

No. Even though Delta has a weight restriction for some destinations, they typically don’t weigh your carry-on bag. They pay more attention to the size of the carry-on rather than the weight.

Delta’s under-seat dimensions are 20x15x11 inches (55x38x28cm) on most of their aircraft.

Yes. If you travel to a country/airport with a duty-free store and purchase items sealed in clear plastic bags, you can travel with those items as a carry-on.

Certain types of razors are permitted in your carry-on while others are not. In general, electric and disposable razors are permitted. Safety razors, straight razors, and razor blades are not. This article will help you understand the various rules for different types of razors including electric razors, straight razors, safety razors, disposable razors, and razor blades.

There is no charge to carry a bag when you buy a Delta Basic Economy fare.  The carry-on rules are the same for all classes of service.  The main difference is with a Basic Economy ticket, you will be one of the last to board, so overhead space will be limited.

Related Articles

• Delta Delay and Cancellation Compensation
• How to get a Refund from Delta
• Delta Premium Select Review (DTW to HND)
• Guide to Delta Airline Hubs
• Delta Airlines Standby Policy

Tim is a business road warrior and avid leisure traveler who has flown over two million miles in the air and spent well over a thousand nights in hotels. He enjoys sharing tips, tricks, and hacks to help readers get the most out of their travel experience and learn how to “travel like a pro”!

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What Delta’s New COVID-Related Policies Mean for You

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As the novel coronavirus continues to disrupt air travel to an unprecedented degree, Delta and other airlines have hurried to adjust policies, schedules and communication to help customers. However, it can feel overwhelming to find answers to simple questions like "What is Delta’s cancellation policy?" in the face of these ever-changing conditions.

Here we’ll break down Delta’s coronavirus response, from change and cancellation policies to extensions for Medallion elite members. We’ll also explain what these new rules mean for you — and how to make the most of them.

» Learn more: Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program: The complete guide

Change and cancellation policies

Delta has joined other airlines in permanently eliminating change fees on domestic flights, excluding basic economy fares. This means you can change your ticket to an earlier or later date without incurring a hefty fee, though you will still have to pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.

In terms of canceling your ticket, Delta has generally been offering free cancellations on new bookings in 2020, though this policy is constantly changing. Check this page for the most recent updates.

Schedule changes

With fewer and fewer passengers, airlines have been cutting routes and canceling flights at a breakneck pace. If you have a flight planned in the short term (for some reason), there’s a good chance that Delta will change your schedule.

Generally, airlines will automatically rebook you on another flight (usually on the same day) and ask for your confirmation to accept the changes. If no other flights are available, Delta should refund your payment. Here’s the language from the Department of Transportation : "If your flight is canceled and you choose to cancel your trip as a result, you are entitled to a refund for the unused transportation — even for nonrefundable tickets."

What does this mean? You’re not obligated to accept changes made to your itinerary because of a canceled flight. Call Delta and speak to a representative about finding an alternative schedule or canceling your itinerary altogether.

» Learn more: What to do if an airline changes or cancels your flight

Medallion elite member extensions and benefits

Delta has joined other U.S. airlines in extending 2020 Medallion elite status through 2021, regardless of how much you fly in 2020. So if you earned Silver Medallion status for 2020 (by flying in 2019), you’ll keep this status through Jan. 31, 2022. No action is required — this extension will automatically be applied for all current elites.

Adding another interesting wrinkle to this offer, Delta will allow Medallion Qualification Miles earned in 2020 to roll over to your 2021 qualification year. So if you earn 10,000 MQMs in 2020, you’ll start 2021 with those 10,000 already applied to earning 2022 status.

Note, however, that Medallion Qualification Dollars don't roll over, making this offer less appealing and generous than it first seems, since for many, MQD thresholds are harder to hit than MQMs.

Finally, unused Medallion drink vouchers will be extended for six months. We might not mention such a small change under normal circumstances, but we could all use a few extra vouchers once this is over.

Overall, these changes are only positive for Delta elites, who won’t have to worry about weighing the benefits of earning status with the risks of flying in 2020.

Inflight service changes

If you do find yourself needing to fly this year, Delta has made many changes to the inflight experience to reduce risk and increase comfort. These include:

Suspending most food and beverage service to reduce contact for crew and passengers.

Blocking middle seats to improve social distancing.

Managing premium cabin upgrades at the gate to ensure that "getting upgraded" doesn’t mean "sitting closer to someone."

Reducing service at SkyClub lounges.

These changes are not unique to Delta, but it can be comforting to see the airline do what it can to make flying at least somewhat less risky. It will be interesting to see how these policies change if the pandemic threat diminishes and planes begin filling again.

Travel credits and other expiring benefits

Delta has extended the expiration on currently held eCredit travel vouchers through the end of 2023 for travel through 2024. This is a great move by Delta to ensure none of its customers feel pressure to book travel in the near future.

Other extended benefits include:

Benefits from Delta’s co-branded American Express cards , including companion certificates, flight credits and Sky Club guest passes are all automatically extended through the end of January 2023.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Want to learn more? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice:

A beginner’s guide to points and miles Ask a Points Nerd: What positive travel trends could come from coronavirus? Complete guide to the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 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.

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Resources for Coronavirus International and Regional Travel Requirements   

As our mutual customers begin to plan for future business or leisure travel, they often have questions regarding travel restrictions, entry requirements, required documentation or health and quarantine requirements. Delta is committed to providing the information our mutual customers need to prepare for a safe and secure trip.

Regional Travel Requirements on delta.com

Delta updates Regional Travel Requirements  on delta.com daily, to ensure customers are aware of any restrictions in place at both the customer’s origin and destination. Delta also recommends to always check the destination state’s or country’s website for quarantine policies and exceptions. Some travelers may be exempt from these restrictions.

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Travel Agencies should use Timatic and the IATA Travel Centre as a reference to answer travel-related questions such as travel restrictions and documentation, entry requirements or health and quarantine requirements, etc.

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Latest Coronavirus (Covid-19) Travel Regulations

The IATA Timatic team is in constant communication with governments and airlines around the world to ensure all travel documentation as well as health restriction checks requirements and rules are kept up to date in real-time.  Learn more See the latest travel restrictions per country via the  IATA TravelCentre.

Please note: Delta is not responsible for the accuracy of the information on either site and suggests that if customers have additional questions, they should check with the respective embassy or consulate and visa office of the country involved with their travel itinerary, for further details.

Contact IATA  if you would like to integrate Timatic into your operations.

Contact Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations for any additional assistance. 

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.

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Inbound International Flights

You may carry duty free liquids in secure, tamper–evident bags, more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if:

• The duty free liquids were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.
• The liquids are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and do not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening.
• The original receipt for the liquids is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.

The items inside the secure, tamper-evident bags must be screened and cleared. Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

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When severe weather or other uncontrollable events impact your flight and travel dates, you may be able to change your trip with no change fee.

We understand you may have questions about your upcoming travel. We’re working around the clock to care for you on your travel journey.

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Information current As of June 7, 2024

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Your change fee is waived if you:

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Delta Launches Interactive Travel Requirements Map to Take More Stress Out of Planning Your Next Trip   

• New tools on Delta.com offer at-a-glance look at travel requirements, COVID testing and additional features to make planning travel easier
• Latest way Delta is using technology to address customer feedback and lead industry efforts to help customers return to travel

Navigating ever-changing travel requirements can be tricky, but Delta is making it easier to plan and book your next trip by bringing detailed travel requirement information, an updated look at where we fly, and a seamless connection to booking into a single  easy-to-use tool on Delta.com.

A new interactive map gives customers the power to search, view and click-to-book their desired destination all in one place, giving them full control and a better understanding of current requirements and what to expect upon arrival. This new functionality, powered by Smartvel, allows Delta teams to deliver the best experience possible even before customers return to travel.

The tool gives insight into quarantine and testing requirements, travel forms and paperwork, local health information, local COVID-19 guidelines, and links to necessary forms and applications needed prior to travel. Customers can have confidence in Delta’s industry-leading connectivity to take them where they want to go, and know the airline will prioritize their health and safety throughout the journey.

“We are focused on ways we can make planning your next trip as simple and personalized as possible,” said Rhonda Crawford, Vice President – Global Distribution and Digital Strategy. “As we shared at CES, Delta’s future is rooted in the intersection of technology and the customer experience. We want customers to have full control over their journey, and that begins with a digital-first experience that is easy to navigate and packed with the information you need to know before you travel.”

This intelligent map and search tool aggregates the most updated travel requirements from the U.S. and around the world into an intuitive user interface. Delta is making it easier than ever to quickly find information on travel conditions in your favorite destinations, what you can do to prepare and what you can expect when you land.

The data is carefully curated from national and local government agencies and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to give customers a comprehensive picture of what they need to know. And several enhancements are already in the works, as we’re currently evaluating how we can provide:

• Detailed information on negative COVID-19 test result requirements – effortlessly giving insight into what is needed and where you can go to get a COVID test prior to travel
• Different ways to access to the new travel restrictions map using the Fly Delta App on your phone or tablet in addition to Delta.com – giving you all the critical information you need at your fingertips
• Personalized pre-flight emails that keep you up to date on the information you need to know about your destination

Technology to take the stress out of travel

At CES, the airline laid out a vision to bring technology front and center in the customer experience to reduce stress and offer a more personalized experience. Since the onset of the pandemic, Delta has used digital solutions to quickly and intelligently address customer pain points brought on by COVID-19, including:

• Implementing dynamic technology to automatically unblock middle seats for parties of three or more, so customers traveling as a group can sit together, even as we continue to block the sale of middle seats on our aircraft.  
• Expanded self-service technologies like  Apple Business Chat  – a tool aimed at reducing customer wait times to address issues with their reservation.

Customers tell us they want more simplicity as they manage the challenges imposed by the pandemic across all steps in their journey.

Flying made simple

Delta also want customers to feel confident when booking, knowing they can easily change their travel plans. That’s why we permanently eliminated change fees for U.S. domestic travel, excluding Basic economy fares, beginning in 2021. For any tickets purchased through December 2020, Delta is also waiving change fees for both domestic and international travel.

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I typically prefer Delta over American. After head-to-head flights, the rival airline is growing on me.

• I recently flew back-to-back on American Airlines and Delta Air Lines in domestic economy.
• Delta has better WiFi options, but I prefer the in-flight entertainment set-up on American.
• Neither is a dealbreaker. My future bookings will likely be based on price and convenience.

There were few flight options out of the tiny Tallassee, Florida, regional airport I lived near growing up, but my family mostly flew Delta Air Lines .

Its good customer service and usually on-time flights have kept me as a fan of the airline well into adulthood.

However, Delta recently changed its SkyMiles program to rely on money spent rather than miles flown — pointing to a desire to attract more high-dollar travelers. This has made loyalty less important to me.

I've since spent more time on mainline rival American Airlines , which has a huge operation out of the New York City airports I now live by. While it used to disappoint, I'm slowly becoming a fan.

To compare American to my old favorite, I recently flew back-to-back on both airlines in domestic economy class . I found them to be different but the same, so I'd book either again if the price is right.

My American and Delta flights journeyed between New York's LaGuardia Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas.

I booked back-to-back flights to and from a recent work trip in May. The outbound flight lasted about four hours, and the return flight was about three and a half hours.

The Delta outbound was on an Airbus A220, while the American return was on a Boeing 737-800.

The Airbus plane is smaller than the 737, but both represent the standard cabin equipped onto most of each airline's respective narrowbody fleets.

According to Delta , its narrowbody fleet boasts over 161,000 seatback screens across 850 aircraft, with the TVs being added to Airbus A319s, Airbus A320s, and Boeing 737-800s by the end of this summer.

American , meanwhile, has retrofitted many of its narrowbody Airbus and Boeing planes with uniform cabins. Known as "Project Oasis," t his simplifies the fleet, and the extra seats generate more revenue — though legroom was reduced as a result.

Each ticket was basic economy with a random seat to keep things as apples-to-apples as possible. I ended up in the middle seat on both.

I paid as little as possible for both flights, meaning I didn't add on bags or seats and only brought a carry-on. The Delta flight was about $180, while the American flight was about $160.

Despite my unfortunate luck, both 30-inch-pitch seats were plenty spacious enough for my 5'3" self. Delta's seat was wider.

I'm short and small, so I fit into most airline seats — even the cramped 28-inch-pitch ones on Spirit and Frontier.

Still, the 30 inches may be cramped for taller travelers and I recommend upgrading to American or Delta's respective extra-legroom seats.

Some flyers may also consider that American's 737's seat width is more than an inch slimmer than Delta's A220, though this didn't bother me.

Other seat similarities included a sturdy tray table, adjustable headrests, power ports, and a seatback pocket.

The mesh pocket on American was more aesthetically pleasing, but Delta's was bigger.

I also liked that both airlines had the outlet under the seat in front as it's easier to reach than when it's located under my own seat.

The padding on my American and Delta flights was comparable, as well as the overall inflight service and reliability.

Both of the flights departed perfectly on time, and I got the expected drink and snack.

While I expect that of Delta, American's reliability left me stranded overnight in Colombia in 2021 after a last-minute flight cancellation, with no information about why.

That experience left a sour taste in my mouth, but American has slowly earned back my trust. Since the fiasco, my flights have been on time, and new technologies like the customer service chat box have helped with communication.

I also particularly liked the full-sized window in the rear lavatory of Delta's A220.

The aft lavatory is exclusive to Delta's A220. The other US operators flying the A220 — JetBlue Airways and Breeze Airways — do not have the unique "loo with a view."

Besides the window, there were two other key differences between the mainline competitors: inflight entertainment and WiFi access.

Seatback screens and fast WiFi are becoming the norm on mainline narrowbody aircraft in the US as airlines continue to spruce up the inflight experience.

However, American and Delta have different strategies for implementing these two key amenities.

Most people I've talked to say they prefer the seatback screens common on Delta's jets — but I like prefer the tablet holder on American.

American saves weight — and therefore, costs — by installing tablet holders on the seatback rather than screens. The holders can be used to stream American's IFE to a personal device.

Some people prefer the convenience of Delta's already-installed screen, which would be handy if I forgot my tablet or didn't pre-download any content.

When I travel, I bring my own pre-downloaded content and like the holder's viewing angle better than propping my tablet on the tray table.

I pretty much only watch shows like Survivor, Big Brother, House of Villians, or any other competition reality show.

These aren't widely available on aircraft, especially not any current seasons. So I like that I can pre-download my shows and watch them on the actual seatback.

For WiFi, Delta had an entirely free option available to SkyMiles members. American's complimentary option was only 20 minutes.

Delta offers free and paid inflight WiFi options on more than 650 domestic narrowbody planes, including free sessions to SkyMiles members and eligible T-Mobile customers.

American also offers the T-Mobile option and a new complimentary one, though the latter is ad-based and only for a short duration.

The strategy is likely to show people what the WiFi is like and entice them to buy a flight pass, but the up-to-$20 price for internet on my American flight may be a little steep for some travelers.

However, my T-Mobile phone number gives me free and unlimited WiFi on both airlines. It's typically fast and reliable regardless of carrier.

American's WiFi was more reliable on this roundtrip journey, with Delta's cutting out on two separate occasions for about 30 minutes.

To be fair, internet connectivity on planes is always at risk of being choppy due to uncontrollable factors like weather, and I've had the WiFi cut on American, too.

My solution is to just try to avoid working on things that require the internet when I'm flying.

Considering I use T-Mobile WiFi and always bring my tablet to watch shows, neither of the airlines' internet nor IFE setups is a dealbreaker for me.

With my T-Mobile phone number, Kindle Fire, and charging cables, I can work or be entertained regardless of whether I fly American or Delta.

I prefer American's IFE setup, but its economy comfort is so comparable to Delta's that I care more about price and timing.

When I fly, I just want a comfortable seat and somewhere to watch my shows, whether it's a tablet holder or a tray table.

This means I typically will avoid low-cost carriers like Spirit or Frontier unless the price is really enticing. Though, sometimes, if the route is nonstop, the departure time is comparable to a mainline, and the flight is less than two hours long, I'll suck it up to save a buck.

There's also reliability to consider, but American didn't trail far behind Delta in terms of on-time performance in 2023, and it actually beat United.

According to Cirium's annual report, American had an on-time rate of 80.6% in 2023 — an improvement from about 78% in 2022.

Delta's was at 84.6% in 2023, up 1% from the year prior. United was at about 80% last year, down from about 80.5% in 2022, per Cirium.

These days, I'm looking for the most convenient routing, regardless of carrier, and booking the one with the best timing and fare ratio.

For where I need to go, Delta has the most convenient network out of my nearby New York City airports. However, I've noticed the fares are commonly more expensive than American.

If the same nonstop route is cheaper on American, I'll book it.

However, if Delta is $200 more, for example, but it operates the sole nonstop that gets me to my destination several hours earlier than a one-stop on a competitor, then that's a no-brainer for me.

Some may say I'm missing out on the glamour of airline status, but it's nice not to worry about that loyalty anymore.

Having status on an airline is definitely beneficial, from the free checked bags and inflight drinks to the possibility of upgrades to business or first-class. But I don't mind economy and only travel with a carry-on.

For now, I'm happy to just airline hop if it saves me time or money.

• Main content

Protect Your Trip »

Bereavement fares: 5 airlines that still offer discounts.

Several airlines offer help in times of loss.

Bereavement Flights: Discounted Fares

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When you've lost a loved one, the last thing you want to do is search for flights. Travel can be stressful under the best circumstances, but the added mental and financial stress of unexpected travel while grieving can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, the following airlines offer bereavement fares – cheaper flights with flexible booking options – to help make this difficult time easier to manage:

Alaska Airlines

Delta air lines, hawaiian airlines.

Keep in mind, policies on bereavement flights vary by airline, including the requirements to qualify for the fare, the flights a bereavement fare can be applied to and the benefits of said fare. Also note that bereavement flights may not be your cheapest option.

Alaska Airlines offers a bereavement flight option for grieving customers hoping to travel within seven days of the death of a loved one. If you're eligible, you receive a 10% discount off the lowest available fare for your desired trip. Keep in mind that all flights must happen within this seven-day period, so the airline won't match a cheaper rate found outside of this timeframe. Additionally, bereavement discounts cannot be combined with other rate reductions, such as miles or military discounts, so be sure to look at the base cost of a flight when searching for the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines' discounted bereavement fares are available on Alaska Airlines flights and flights operated on behalf of Alaska by Horizon or SkyWest.

Qualifications: The discount is only available to customers who have lost a member of their immediate family. The company classifies immediate family members as any of the following: spouse or domestic partner, child, parent, siblings or half-siblings, grandparents, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew. Stepfamily members and in-laws that fall into these categories are also recognized as immediate family, but cousins and other in-law relatives do not qualify for the discounted rate. Travelers older than 18 must also be Mileage Plan members to qualify for the discount.

To secure a bereavement fare, call the Alaska Airlines reservations and customer service line at 1-800-252-7522. The discounted rate can only be applied to new tickets purchased when calling this number, so don't try to book through the website first. If you have already begun your travel, you will not be eligible for a bereavement flight. All fees and rules associated with the fare will apply to your bereavement flight.

View Alaska Airlines' bereavement travel policy .

Air Canada offers a bereavement discount for any Economy Class fare (excluding Economy Basic) on flights marketed and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express.

Qualifications: Like other airlines, the bereavement policy only applies to immediate family members. You are considered immediate family if you are a spouse, child, parent, sibling, legal guardian or spouse of the legal guardian of the deceased. This includes step, half, in-law and common in-law as well as grand and great-grand relatives. Air Canada's policy is also inclusive of same-sex relationships as well as ex-spouses.

If you're hoping to secure a bereavement fare from Air Canada, you will also need to provide supporting documentation as evidence of your loss. This can be any of the following: a copy of the death certificate, the funeral director's statement, the coroner's statement, registration issued by a provincial government, or a letter from the treating physician on official letterhead or a prescription pad. If you go with the last option, make sure the physician knows that the letter will need to clearly define the situation as one of imminent death of your immediate family member. The supporting document should be emailed to [email protected] within seven days of your return flight. If you do not provide this documentation, you may be charged the regular fare price difference for your flight.

Bereavement flights can be booked by calling the Flight Info and Reservations customer support line for Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262. When you request a bereavement fare, you will be required to disclose the name of the family member and your relationship to them. You will be asked to disclose the name of the hospital or residence and the attending physician's name, address and phone number – or the date of the memorial or funeral and the name, address and phone number of the memorial or funeral home.

At first glance, this may seem like more work than it's worth, but Air Canada's bereavement flights come with a far more generous timeframe than most other bereavement flights. To qualify for the reduced fare, your travel must begin within 10 days of booking, a slightly longer timeframe than other bereavement flight options. However, your bereavement travel can extend as long as 60 days. This makes Air Canada's bereavement flights a particularly beneficial option if you will be handling your loved one's estate.

View Air Canada's bereavement travel policy .

Delta offers grieving customers domestic and international bereavement flights. Like other bereavement policies, the bereavement fare can only be secured via phone and is not available to those booking on the website. To secure a bereavement fare, call Delta Reservations at 1-800-221-1212 for domestic flights or 1-800-241-4141 for international flights. You will be required to reserve your ticket on the phone, and you must travel within seven days of the death or imminent death of an immediate family member.

Qualifications: Under Delta's policy, immediate family members include: spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sister, brother, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, stepbrother, stepsister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law. Domestic partnerships are provided the same relations as spouses under this policy.

Delta's bereavement policy offers additional flexibility on the best published fare for your itinerary. Tickets are still subject to availability and no additional discount is provided, but the flexibility provided by the policy can be helpful if you anticipate changes in your travel plans. In order to accommodate changes, the company waives service fees on all outbound and return bereavement flights.

Fare differences when changing a flight may still apply. Bereavement flights are available on Delta-marketed and -operated flights as well as Delta Connection flights. Frequent Delta flyers can also utilize their Medallion Complimentary Upgrades and Complimentary Companion Upgrades to upgrade their flight, both domestic and international. Under Delta's policy, international bereavement flights may be subject to further restrictions and are not eligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards and Upgrade Certificates, which can be used on domestic flights.

Another important restriction to note is that bereavement flights are only available to SkyMiles members. If you are not a SkyMiles member, don't fret. There is no waiting period for enrollment, so you can become a member right before calling Delta Reservations. In addition to being a SkyMiles member, to receive a bereavement fare for your flight you will need to provide the deceased person's name; your relationship to the deceased; the name and phone number of the funeral home, hospital, or hospice; and the name of the doctor (if applicable).

View Delta's bereavement travel policy .

While Hawaiian Airlines offers bereavement fares, they are some of the more restrictive options available. Namely, this is because a bereavement flight can only be booked for neighbor island travel between Hawaiian islands. The official bereavement policy is referred to as "Neighbor Island Emergency Travel." Urgent travel to or from North America or along international routes is not covered under Hawaiian Airlines' bereavement policy, but the airline will waive ticketing fees for phone reservations booked within 48 hours due to the death of a family member. If you are traveling within the state of Hawaii, you may be eligible for one-way, all-inclusive, emergency fare. Single-segment emergency fares are available for $83 in the main cabin and $133 in first class. Emergency fares with a connection are listed as $110 for main cabin tickets and $160 for first class tickets.

Qualifications: To qualify for an emergency fare, you must be traveling within 48 hours of ticketing and be a traveling companion or immediate family member to the hospitalized or deceased. Hawaiian Airlines classifies a traveling companion as someone booked under the same six-letter confirmation code as you, so you may not be eligible for emergency airfare if your travel companion booked separately.

The company classifies immediate family as spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren. Stepfamily members and in-laws are included in the policy, as are adopted children. To secure the emergency fare rate, you will need to book your trip at the normal rate and then submit the required documents – a copy of your ticket, proof of relation, and a death certificate (bereavement) or signed medical waiver form (hospitalization) – online, by fax or by mail. Your documents will be reviewed within seven days following receipt and, if approved, Hawaiian Airlines will refund you the fare difference between the fare you paid and the emergency fare.

Unlike other airlines, Hawaiian Airlines offers a bereavement waiver request should you need to change or cancel an existing booking. If you were unable to travel due to the loss of an immediate family member or traveling companion, you may be eligible for a change fee waiver or ticket refund. In order to submit your request, you will need to fill out a form at HawaiianAirlines.com/CAO and attach the following documents: a copy of the death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate) and a copy of your ticket.

Bereavement waiver requests must be submitted after you have changed or canceled your flight online or by phone. Since this is a request, you will pay the full price for a change or cancellation upfront but will receive a refund of the appropriate amount if your request is approved. Keep in mind that this can take up to 30 days.

View Hawaiian Airlines' bereavement travel policy .

WestJet offers bereavement fares to travelers experiencing an imminent or recent death in their family. The company defines family as: parent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, child, nephew, niece, spouse, executor, and legal guardian or spouse of legal guardian. The policy is inclusive of same-sex couples as well as grand, step, common law and in-law versions of the listed relatives. Bereavement fares can be applied to WestJet's Econo, EconoFlex and Premium fares, but are not available on the company's partner airlines. Bereavement fares are not available on WestJet Vacations flights either.

Qualifications: To qualify for the bereavement fare, your travel must be completed within 14 days of when your first flight is booked. This includes your return trip. WestJet's bereavement fares are flexible and do not incur change fees. Like most airlines, the company advises that cheaper rates may be available elsewhere on the website, but regular fares are subject to change fees. To book a bereavement fare, you will need to call the company's general inquiries line at 1-888-937-8538. The customer service agent may require some general information at the time of booking, or you may receive a call back if they need to know a little more.

WestJet also offers civic funeral fares, a unique type of bereavement fare for guests traveling to the funeral of firefighters, police officers, military personnel or emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty. These tickets can also be booked by calling the general inquiries line and are subject to the same restrictions as the bereavement fares offered by WestJet.

View WestJet's bereavement travel policy .

Airlines That Don't Offer Bereavement Flights

The following U.S.-based airlines do not offer bereavement fares:

• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Though most airlines will try to accommodate the needs of grieving passengers, only a select few offer special fares to those dealing with a sudden loss. These bereavement flights, also known as bereavement fares, are discounted flexible fares offered by an airline to passengers who need to travel in the event of the imminent death or sudden recent death of a loved one (typically an immediate family member).

Bereavement fares usually provide travelers with a set discount on available flights operated by the airline. Some bereavement policies also provide additional flexibility to ensure customers can accommodate any other unexpected needs in their time of grief. Flights booked at the bereavement fare are typically discounted by a set percentage, though the extent of the bereavement fare discount can vary by airline and season.

Bereavement flights used to be quite abundant and were offered by many different airlines, but in recent years many airlines have done away with this option.

In 2014, American Airlines did away with bereavement fares following its merger with US Airways. Other major airlines stopped this service before that (or never offered it at all). Several airlines and travel experts pointed to an increasing amount of last-minute booking options for travelers – often at lower rates than bereavement fares – than in the past.

Bereavement flights can be a great asset during a time of grief, but they aren't always the cheapest airfare . Today, bereavement fares could get you anywhere from 5% to 25% off a flight, which might seem great at first glance. However, everyday discounted fares, as well as special flight deals offered by airlines or third-party sites, may end up being cheaper than the discount available with bereavement fares. Even the airlines that offer bereavement flights recommend checking current offerings for cheaper rates before booking.

Bereavement fares are only available to immediate family members of the deceased. This typically includes spouses, parents, siblings and children. What qualifies as immediate family varies by airline, so check each airline's policy to ensure you qualify.

Travel on bereavement flights is also subject to time restrictions. Each airline has a window of time in which the bereavement fare is valid. This can be anywhere from 48 hours to 60 days. Also, most bereavement flights must be booked by phone directly with the airline. The discounted fares are typically only eligible for flights on the primary airline and select partner airlines, and they cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

You should note that qualifying for a bereavement fare at the outset is not always the only step to receiving the discounted fare. In order to avoid a regular price fare, you may need to email the airline official documents proving the loss of a loved one. This can include a copy of the death certificate, a coroner's statement or a letter from the treating physician on official letterhead. If you do not provide this documentation, the airline will charge you the remaining portion of the regular fare price, regardless of whether you met the earlier requirements.

The short answer? It depends.

As many travelers know, cheaper flights often come with the caveat that they are not flexible. Bereavement flights have the upper hand in this case. These rates often come with greater flexibility providing you travel within the window set by the airline. They can also be changed without incurring additional fees, a particularly useful asset if you are handling your loved one's estate or if another family emergency comes up. Balancing grief and logistics can be difficult, but bereavement flights can help take some of the stress out of travel.

Assuming you can find a ticket to your destination at the last minute, you are likely to encounter high costs for available tickets. This is because tickets purchased at the last minute are often bought by business travelers who are less restricted by cost, so airlines can charge higher prices for their standard fares. Bereavement fares will provide a reduction on this charge, but many do not allow you to use other discounts or your miles.

Use points and miles: If you are a frequent traveler, consider using your frequent flyer miles . You can redeem points or miles for a flight and will only have to pay the related taxes and fees. If you don't have frequent flyer miles, you may still qualify for other discounts that could be cheaper than the bereavement fare. Be sure to check all available flights for promotions or special discounts – like military or government discounts – and scour discount travel sites like Skyscanner or Kayak for deals.

Consider airfare promos: Keep in mind that discount sites often require sacrificing flexibility and convenience for significantly lower tickets. If you book through these sites, it is likely you won't have the flexibility of a bereavement fare and your options may be limited to late-night, multistop or nonrefundable flights. In this case, travel insurance can help mitigate extra costs should you need to change your discount flight.

In the end, the option you choose should be based on your needs. If price is a concern, you may be better off using frequent flyer miles or booking through a third-party site. If you need a quick flight, your best bet is to find the most direct flight available, which may not be offered by one of the airlines with bereavement fares. But if you're looking for a flexible flight at a discounted rate, a bereavement flight might just be the ticket.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Way to Renew Your Passport
• How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance
• Carry-on Luggage Size & Weight by Airline
• Can I Use My Own Airline Seatbelt Extender?

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