Is Delta Airlines a 5-star airline?

The Airline Passenger Experience Association ranked Delta as one of 25 global airlines worthy of a five-star rating out of about 500 passenger airlines surveyed.



As of 2026, Delta Air Lines is officially certified as a 3-Star Airline by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization. This rating is based on an evaluation of the quality of its airport and onboard products, including seats, amenities, food, and staff service. While a 3-star rating might sound "average," it is common for major U.S. legacy carriers (United and American also hold 3-star ratings) due to the vast and varied nature of their fleets and domestic operations. However, Delta is widely considered the most "premium" and awarded airline in the U.S., frequently winning titles like "Best Airline in North America" from Skytrax and topping the Wall Street Journal's annual airline rankings. In 2026, Delta also received the APEX Five Star™ Global Airline award, which is based on verified passenger feedback and recognizes its high standards in Wi-Fi, entertainment, and customer satisfaction. While not a "Skytrax 5-star" carrier like Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines, Delta remains the gold standard for operational reliability and premium service in the North American market.

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The World's Top Airlines of 2023, according to Skytrax
  • Singapore Airlines.
  • Qatar Airways.
  • ANA All Nippon Airways.
  • Emirates.
  • Japan Airlines.
  • Turkish Airlines.
  • Air France.
  • Cathay Pacific. EVA Air.


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In the competition of Delta versus United, there isn't a clear winner. Delta charges less baggage fees and makes basic economy more tolerable for a frugal traveler. United, on other hand, has a stronger loyalty program, cheaper award prices and a stronger presence when it comes to global connections.

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“With independently verified passengers serving as the final judges, Emirates continues to set the highest echelon bar of airline experience by winning the APEX Official Airline Ratings™ Global Five Star rating every single year without fail,” APEX CEO Dr.

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Which airlines are designated as 5-star?
  • ANA All Nippon Airways.
  • Asiana Airlines.
  • Cathay Pacific Airways.
  • EVA Air.
  • Garuda Indonesia.
  • Hainan Airlines.
  • Japan Airlines.
  • Lufthansa.


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Most On-Time Major U.S. Airline Delta is the most on-time airline in the U.S. It's just that simple. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 83% of Delta flights arrived on time in 2022 – more than 3 percentage points higher than its U.S. competitors.

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Delta Air Lines has four official elite status tiers, with its highest being Diamond Medallion. You may not know there's an invitation-only membership tier called Delta 360°. It's reserved for Delta's biggest spenders and most influential travelers.

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Additionally, in its annual ratings for 2022, APEX has reaffirmed Air Canada as a Five-Star Global Airline in the APEX Official Airline Ratings, based on customer feedback.

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Delta Air Lines is the largest by revenue, assets value and market capitalization.

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Bottomline. Skytrax has downgraded Lufthansa's rating from a 5-star airline to a 4-star airline as per their rating system. One of the principal inputs, at the time, for Lufthansa being awarded this was a new business class product, which was still at least three years from entering service.

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Institutional investors hold a majority ownership of DAL through the 72.10% of the outstanding shares that they control. This interest is also higher than at almost any other company in the Airlines industry.

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