Delta 101: Save $$, Book Smarter
August 9, 2024
You might know which airlines fly out of MLI, but do you know how to really work those airline networks to get the most bang for your buck? We’re spilling the beans and this month we’re focusing on Delta Air Lines. They’re one of the big players (alongside American and United) thanks to their massive global reach, and efforts to provide a premium in-cabin experience.
What is Delta Air Lines?
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest airlines in the world and flies just about anywhere you can think of, from big airports to small ones. For smaller communities like ours, they team up with regional airlines to get you to their major hubs, where you can catch flights to just about anywhere.
How to book
Booking your flight with Delta is similar to other major airlines. The easiest way is through their website or app, but you can also look on sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline. Or, you can call 800-221-1212. Delta is one of the few airlines that do not charge a fee for booking over the phone (at the time of this article).
When you’re booking, pay attention to the different fare options. The cheapest one, Basic Economy, comes with some restrictions like not being able to pick your seat in advance. So, if sitting together is a must, you might want to consider upgrading.
When you book, enter MLI as your starting point and choose where you’re headed. Delta will show you which big hubs you can connect through. Just be careful with connection times — if you’re a seasoned traveler and know the connecting airport well, you have a pretty good idea of how much time you’ll need. But, if you’re traveling with family, through an unfamiliar airport, it’s always best to play it safe and leave plenty of time. Plus, it’ll allow you time to grab a snack or a meal while you wait!
Where Delta flies
Delta Air Lines flies to 290 destinations across six continents. The Quad Cities doesn’t have the population size to fly nonstop to a lot of cities, so Delta partners with smaller airlines to link up smaller cities with their main hubs. From the QC Airport, you can fly twice daily to Delta’s largest global hub, Atlanta (ATL). From there, you can hop anywhere you like. This is known as a hub and spoke network.
How to save $$
There are a few ways to get the best deals with Delta. Start looking early – about 4-6 months in advance, so you have a baseline. Google Flights is handy for checking if prices are trending high or low, and you can set up alerts for price drops.
Check out their latest flight deals to see the best deals from MLI – this is especially helpful if you’re not sure where you want to travel and are open to options that fit your budget. Delta also suggests trying different days and times if your schedule is flexible.
Don’t forget to sign up for Delta’s loyalty program, SkyMiles, to earn miles that can be used for flights and upgrades, get exclusive member-only offers and even discounts on CLEAR® pricing. Like many airlines, Delta also offers a credit card that can help you earn miles quicker on qualifying purchases, as well as give you access to other discounts for booking flights and participating hotel stays.
That’s the scoop on Delta Air Lines. Ready to make the most out of your travels? Start with MLI and you’ll be on your way in no time.