Delta Air Lines says their domestic check-ins will be made through digital means, due to begin on August 1, 2025. The Atlanta-based carrier will phase out traditional check-in counters at 25 of its largest U.S. airports, adopting a hybrid model of self-service kiosks and “concierge” agents who will help with complicated matters. Passengers with special disabilities or those accompanied by pets now pre-register at least 36 hours before the flight, according to Delta’s newest mobile app.
New Cabin Class Structure Implemented
The airline announced its new five-class configuration, dubbed “Delta Trio,” replacing the previous five-class setup. In October, four fare types will be reduced to three types—Premium (a combination of the Delta One and Premium Select categories), Core (which groups together Comfort+ and Main Cabin fare types), and Basic Economy. This simplification does come with a few changes to benefits: Premium passengers will now have courtesy unlimited lounge access, and Core passengers will now need to pay for premium drinks. Initial analysis points to 17% spikes in fares on ex-Comfort+ routes.
Dynamic Baggage Fee System Implemented
Delta has a new demand-based check bag pricing that varies like airfares. The new algorithm takes into account the popularity of the route, departure time, and status of the passenger for calculating the charges. At peak travel times, standard first-bag fees could top $45 on competitive routes — a 50% increase over current flat rates. Silver Medallion and higher members will also be given one free checked bag, regardless of class of service, much fewer than the two allowed in the past.
Overhauled SkyMiles Earning Structure
Delta is making its biggest loyalty program update since 2023, when it switched to a spend-based rewards system that will become the standard for all members as of Jan. 1, 2026. Miles will be accrued based on the price of the ticket rather than the distance of the flight, with a minimum of 5 miles per dollar spent. The move eliminates bonus categories for international flights and significantly reduces the volume of miles that fliers could have earned for discounted fares. Delta has introduced a 90-day challenge where members can fly a short list of segments before September 30 and earn based on the old award program.
Expanded Basic Economy Restrictions
The airline’s most restrictive fare is even more stripped down today, with no overhead bin access (not even for Medallion members) and boarding in the last group, irrespective of status. And perhaps most importantly, Basic Economy tickets will be entirely non-changeable—the first of the U.S. legacies to do so. Customer service documents suggest these tickets won’t be eligible for same-day flight changes, even with the payment of fees.
New Transatlantic Joint Venture Terms
Delta renegotiated its revenue-sharing agreement with Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic to the detriment of U.S.-based customers. As of November 1, SkyTeam members will lose partner lounge access when flying transatlantic economy and will no longer be able to use upgrade certificates on anything but a Premium cabin. The changes come as Delta plans to drop seven European routes for the winter 2025-2026 schedule.
Biometric Screening Expansion
Reliable sources are saying that after a successful trial run in Atlanta and Los Angeles, Delta will roll out facial recognition technology for boarding at all U.S. hub airports by December. The optional system connects passport photos with boarding passes so passengers can go through traditional document checks. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about data retention, but Delta insisted that the programme is entirely voluntary and that images are deleted after 12 hours.
Customer Reaction and Market Response
Initial response on social media provides a stark contrast, with some frequent flyers bemoaning the loss of valuable elite status benefits and budget travelers applauding the removal of complexity from fare structures. The changes have already affected Delta’s stock (DAL), which was up 2.3% in early trading as analysts lauded cost-cutting strategies.
