Fourteen years ago, Delta Air Lines began an unprecedented run. Each year, Business Travel News (BTN), the leading global source of business travel intelligence, has named Delta the number one carrier for business travelers. Now, as Delta enters its centennial year, it’s clear they’re doing something right.
But why does Delta win year after year? Let’s break it down.
Listening and Delivering: Delta’s Secret Sauce
Airlines live and die by feedback. Business Travel News surveys corporate travel professionals to rank airlines on critical attributes like customer service, network partnerships, distribution, and in-flight experience. Delta consistently comes out on top. Why? Because they listen.
“Our approach has always been to listen to feedback from our corporate and travel agency partners, act quickly, and listen again to continue to improve,” says Steve Sear, EVP of Global Sales and Distribution at Delta. “We’re 100,000 employees strong, working towards one common purpose: providing a safe, reliable, and holistic travel experience for every single one of our customers.”
Delta doesn’t just listen; they act. Unlike competitors who pulled back on corporate travel, only to change course later, Delta has remained steadfast in its commitment to business travelers.
Investing in the Traveler Experience
It’s one thing to promise an exceptional travel experience. It’s another to deliver it, year after year. Delta is doing both, and they’re putting their money where their mouth is.
Here’s how they’re raising the bar:
- Airport Upgrades That Actually Matter: Delta has invested over $12 billion to improve the journey from curb to claim. Think dedicated Delta One check-ins and lounges at JFK and LAX. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, they added nearly 2,700 seats to their Delta Sky Club lounges.
- Wi-Fi That Works – And It’s Free: Delta is bringing fast, free Wi-Fi to every flight. Connectivity shouldn’t be a luxury, especially for professionals who need to stay plugged in.
- Resilient Teams, Reliable Service: Travel disruptions happen, but Delta’s resilient teams consistently minimize the impact on customers, keeping reliability front and center.
Why Business Travelers Choose Delta
It’s not just about the perks; it’s about trust. Corporate travelers know that when they fly Delta, they’re supported by a carrier that values their time and business. From the seamless booking experience to the in-flight comfort and service, Delta’s holistic approach ensures that every touchpoint meets the needs of the modern business traveler.
The Big Picture
In a world where some airlines treat corporate travel as an afterthought, Delta remains the gold standard. They’ve mastered the art of blending feedback, innovation, and consistency to create an experience that’s second to none.
The question isn’t why Delta has won for 14 years straight. It’s who, if anyone, can stop them from winning for 15.