Delta Airlines boarding process changes: how will it work and when does it come into effect?

Delta Airlines’ boarding process will undergo minor changes on 1 May. The changes are aesthetic, with boarding groups being replaced with boarding zones, as shown in this graphic published by the airline.

What changes might customers notice?

The ‘pre-boarding’ group (i.e., the first people able to board the plane) still includes “customers needing more time or assistance” and “Active military members.” However, Delta 360° members will be able to board with this other passenger. What is Delta 360°? According to the airline, these are flyers who are invited to join the exclusive program, described as their “most loyal SkyMiles Members.”

After the pre-boarders, Delta will invite ‘Zone 2′ to board which includes Diamond Medallion Members and on “certain aircraft” those flying in the Delta Premium Select Cabin. Early Access customers, meaning “customers traveling with car seats and strollers,” will board next. After, the numbered zones will be called up for boarding one by one.

A big week for Delta Airlines

In addition to announcing these changes to the boarding process, Delta hosted passengers for an eclipse experience they are not likely to forget. The airline’s two flights taking off from Austin and Dallas, Texas, with the destination of Detriot, Michigan, provided passengers with a unique view of the eclipse.

And that’s not all. Delta “curated” an eclipse playlist to get their passengers in the spirit and hosted “conversations with Delta meteorologists Warren Weston and Dave Samuhel about what to expect on board the unique flights.” Once on the plane, the airline distributed swag bags to all the passengers which included “ISO-certified eclipse viewing glasses from Warby Parker, limited-edition Sun Chips – which were on sale to the general public for only four minutes – and Delta-branded swag including special-edition solar eclipse socks.”

Although many customers did not book the flight to view the eclipse, one passenger said: “It didn’t matter if you were an astronomy expert or a first-time eclipse enthusiast about the eclipse or not, they really made this flight one to remember.”