Is Delta OK to fly?

In a certified rating by Skytrax, Delta received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on the quality of Delta's airport and onboard product offerings, as well as the staff service its passengers receive.



Delta Air Lines is widely considered one of the safest and most reliable carriers globally in 2026. Statistically, Delta maintains a superb safety record, having avoided a fatal passenger crash in its modern history. The airline has invested billions into Safety Management Systems (SMS) and predictive maintenance technology to identify mechanical issues before they become hazards. Delta also consistently ranks high for operational performance, often leading U.S. "Big Three" carriers in on-time arrivals and low cancellation rates. While no airline is immune to minor mechanical delays or turbulence, Delta’s rigorous pilot training and modern fleet make it a top choice for safety-conscious travelers. The airline is IOSA-registered and follows stringent international standards, ensuring a high level of passenger security and peace of mind on both domestic and transcontinental routes.

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Generally, Delta is a good airline for travelers who want a comfortable flight experience overall at a cost that's in line with its service and offerings. Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

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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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Delta Airlines Weaknesses
  • Relies on one market. The nature of the business that Delta Airlines runs is that its biggest market is just North America, which accounted for around 82% of total revenue in 2021. ...
  • Higher attrition rate. ...
  • Aircraft concerns.


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Verdict. The revamped main cabin service is a game-changer for economy fliers and firmly puts Delta into the top-tier of main cabin options for long-haul travelers.

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The rankings determined that Delta had the lowest rate of cancellations, delays, mishandled luggage and denied boardings among U.S. carriers. Delta has been honored as one of the World's Most Admired Companies for the 9th year in a row by Fortune, ranking higher on the list than any other airline.

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Delta has been named the World's Most Admired Airline by Fortune, with the company ranking No. 1 across the board in the industry for values including innovation and people management. Delta also rated higher than any other airline on the overall list of Most Admired Companies, climbing to No. 12 this year.

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Delta, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines are tied for No. 2 in passenger comfort. WalletHub names Envoy, a regional airline owned by American, as the safest airline.

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In its list of the 20 overall safest airlines for 2023, U.S. based airlines which made the cut include Alaska Airlines in eighth place, Hawaiian Airlines in 12th, United Airlines in 14th, American Airlines in 19th and Delta Air Lines in 20th, according to Airlineratings.com.

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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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Delta primarily uses its wide-body aircraft on long-haul flights to Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and South America. Its Airbus A330s, Boeing 767-300ERs, and Boeing 767-400ERs mainly operate on flights to Europe, while the Airbus A350-900 mainly operates on flights to Asia and Oceania.

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Overall Rankings: The Best Airlines in the U.S.
  • Delta Air Lines.
  • Spirit Airlines.
  • SkyWest Airlines.
  • United Airlines.
  • Alaska Airlines.
  • Hawaiian Airlines.
  • JetBlue.
  • Envoy Air.


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Delta Air Lines was named one of the Most Innovative Companies Worldwide by Fast Company, in part due to its use of RFID technology to track customer bags in real time which earned it the No. 6 spot among travel companies.

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Most complaints seem to focus on flight delays, poor service, and high luggage fees, but those are the same complaints that have been directed at the airline industry at large for years.

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With Preferred Seats, your flyers can select where they'd like to sit—aisle, exit row or window— near the front of the plane, at no extra cost. This is just one more complimentary perk your travelers receive simply by flying Delta.

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Whether choosing to upgrade your seat to a premium cabin or selecting a different seat, you have the ability to choose an available seat that works for you and your travel companions.

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Seat Class: Delta Airlines offers different seat classes, including economy, premium economy, business class, and first class. Economy class tickets tend to be more affordable, while premium cabins come at a higher price. The perceived cheapness of Delta tickets may be related to booking in economy class.

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