NEW Rules for Flying on Delta Airlines

Are you planning some trips and trying to find which airline is best to fly with? We get it — we’ve been there, and that’s why we’re here to help!

When you fly, you’ve got a lot of different options, especially if you’re located near a large airport like Orlando International (MCO). While it’s completely up to you to decide what airline is best for you and your trip, we’ve got a lot of members of our team who are loyal to a particular airline and fly them whenever they can. For some of us, that’s Delta, and if you’re planning to fly with them in 2026, there are some new rules you need to know about to have a safe flight!

Become a SkyMiles Member

While being a SkyMiles member is something we’ve recommended for years since it’s totally free and gets you LOADS of perks, it’s even more important to be a member in 2026, because as the cost of everyday life keeps going up, you might as well get benefits and perks where you can!

One of the biggest perks of being a SkyMiles member is getting to use that free wifi on board! While more and more airlines are beginning to offer free wifi rather than requiring you to pay for it, we’ve found that Delta’s wifi is one of the best out there. Yes, you may still hit dead spots every now and then since you’re tens of thousands of feet in the air, but I just used it recently on a flight and it was incredible! We do recommend bringing some backup activities though just in case the wifi doesn’t work, but the fact that it doesn’t cost anything extra and works most times? Yes please, that’s a deal.

Did you know that you can also connect your SkyMiles account to other accounts in your life to get you more points and perks? You can get a Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card to earn miles faster on Delta purchases, as well as everyday items. Plus, if you book Vacation Packages, hotel stays, vacation rentals, car rentals, or cruises through Delta, you can also earn LOTS of miles. Finally, there are TONS of SkyMiles partners you can connect your account with, like Starbucks, Hertz, over 1,000 retailers, and multiple different restaurants. Earning points just for spending money we were going to spend anyway? Yes please!

3 Unspoken Rules for Flying on Delta Airlines

The Price May Be Higher, But It’s For Your Experience

Delta Airlines’ tickets can often be astronomically high, especially when compared to budget airlines flying the same routes, but there’s one very important thing to remember — you’re paying a higher price for a higher-end experience.

On Delta Airlines, Flight Attendants often give out free headphones for those who forgot theirs, as well as (sometimes) free mini pillow and blankets to use on longer flights or late flights. The seats, even in economy, are often way roomier and more comfortable, and you don’t feel like you’re packed into the plane line sardines, no matter how far back in the plane you are.

They also offer in flight snacks and drinks for no additional charge (unless it’s alcohol or an actual meal, not just a snack), which is more than what a lot of budget airlines do. If you’re someone who prefers for your flight to be comfortable, full of in-flight entertainment, and a more pleasant experience overall, no matter how long or short it is, splurging on a ticket is likely the best way to go. Now, if you’re like me and fly on a budget constantly, you may find you don’t need these fancier additions and are okay with flying with the basics — for me, I travel light and the bar is on the GROUND. Just get me there safe and don’t like, punch me in the face, and I’m happy!

Special Alert! You’re Gonna Want an AirTag if You Are Flying With Delta Airlines

Premium Seats Could Be Changing

If you’re someone who typically pays for a Business Class seat, or even First Class, you need to know that your premium seat may start to cost more, or at least change names, in the new year.

Back in July, it was reported that Delta was studying ways to split up its premium cabins even more, basically exploring how it can generate more revenue by pricing the best seats higher. In an earnings call earlier this year, Delta President Glen Hauenstein said, “Premium has certainly been where our margins have continued to expand, and so we’re highly focused on continuing to provide improved service to those customers and more segmentation.”

What exactly could this look like? Well, do you remember years ago when the main economy cabin started to be split up into regular economy seats that don’t allow seat changes, ones with extra legroom, etc.? Yep, those changes are basically on the way to the premium cabins as well. Hauenstein declined to give any details on what these potential changes could look like, but did say that Delta was testing some possibilities on customers and surveying travelers, because they want to “make sure that customers understand what we’re putting in the market and that they find value in it.” Therefore, keep an eye out for additional announcements in the coming year so you’re not caught off guard when you fly.

Your Next Delta Flight Could Look VERY Different

TSA Changes

This last one affects pretty much everyone flying, but it’s still extremely important to note since it drastically changes the way you go through security, In the past year, there have been numerous changes to the way you go through TSA at airports all around the country, so let’s recap those quick before you get ready to fly.

The biggest change is that you no longer have to take your shoes off to go through TSA, which saves a lot of time for travelers, especially those with mobility issues. You also now must have a Real ID to travel through security, but if you don’t have one, you’ll likely be brought to a separate line and asked additional questions to verify your identity. However, some airports are also now accepting digital documentation, such as mobile driver’s licenses, at some airports. To do this, download your state’s official DMV app, scan or enter your physical driver’s license, and complete the identity verification steps, but know that this isn’t available at all airports at this time.

TSA also issued a ban on packing portable chargers with lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage due to fire hazard concerns, but you can still pack them in your carry-on. New Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)-2 Units are currently being installed in domestic airports, which means taking fewer things out of your bags, and TSA is also looking to open dedicated lines for families soon.

 

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

No matter where you’re planning on traveling to, we’re here to help keep you updated on travel news to make your life easier, so stay tuned to AllEars!

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