Delta flyers will soon see a new boarding order for their flights, effectively eliminating one category and downgrading a benefit for SkyMiles Diamond Medallion members.
Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallions will no longer get a boarding category to themselves starting in May 2024.
The Atlanta-based carrier announced a new numbered boarding zone lineup that will go into effect starting on Wednesday, May 1.
Diamond Medallion and Sky Priority Gives Way to Numbered Categories
Under the current boarding order, flyers are categorized in one of nine different categories based on their booked service class or elite status with Delta Air Lines or another SkyTeam carrier. Diamond Medallions are currently allowed to board immediately after first class flyers and those who require preboarding.
When the new numbered boarding procedure begins, preboarding travelers will still get on the aircraft first, which includes customers needing additional time or assistance, active military members, and Delta 360 elites. Boarding Zone 1 will still belong to Delta One and domestic first class customers, but the changes begin at Boarding Zone 2.
In a semi-downgrade, Diamond Medallion members will now board at the same time as Delta Premium Select guests in the second zone. Premium Select is only available on select flights, meaning Diamond elites will still have their own boarding zone on most domestic flights.
Travelers who are traveling with a car seat or stroller will still be allowed to board after Boarding Zone 2, followed by Delta Comfort+ customers in Boarding Zone 3. Sky Priority boarding – which includes flyers who pay for the service along with elite members of partner airlines – will now be known as Boarding Zone 4.
Travelers in the three Main Cabin groups will be shuffled into Boarding Zones 5, 6, and 7, respectively. Zone 5 will belong to low-tier members of SkyMiles and Delta’s partner frequent flyer programs, along with corporate travelers and those who hold a Delta American Express credit card. All other main cabin customers will board in Zone 6 or 7, while basic economy flyers will still board last.
The move is one of several minor shakeups taking place at Delta ahead of the summer travel season. The carrier is also launching new uniform prototypes for their crew members made by The Gap which promise to “feature details that pay homage to the airline’s brand identity and heritage.”
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