Delta Air Lines Reports 450% Surge in International Bookings

(06 Nov 2021)  Delta Air Lines has reported that in the six weeks since the U.S reopening was announced, it has seen a 450% increase in international point-of-sale bookings versus the six weeks prior to the announcement.

Many international flights are even expected to operate 100% full on Monday, 8 November, with high passenger volume throughout the following weeks.

The reopening impacts customers in 33 countries around the world, with Delta serving 10 of those nonstop and more via its global hubs in connection with its partners, including Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.

Delta Airbus A330 reg: N860NW. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

Delta reports that the strong demand is reflected across both leisure and business travelers to popular destinations such as New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Boston and Orlando.

In total, the airline will operate 139 flights from 55 international destinations in 38 countries landing in the U.S. on 8 November, offering more than 25,000 seats.

“This is the start of a new era for travel and for many people around the world who have not been able to see loved ones for almost two years,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO. “While we have seen many countries reopen their borders to American visitors over the summer, our international customers have not been able to fly with us or visit the U.S. All of that changes now. We’re grateful to the U.S. government for lifting travel restrictions and are looking forward to reuniting families, friends and colleagues over the coming days and weeks.”

As consumer confidence in travel returns, Delta is increasing flights this winter from key European cities including London-Boston, Detroit and New York-JFK, Amsterdam-Boston, Dublin-New York-JFK, Frankfurt-New York-JFK and Munich-Atlanta.

Atlanta, Delta’s hometown airport, remains its busiest international hub with 56 daily departures to 39 international destinations. It is followed by the most-visited U.S. city, New York-JFK, which has 28 daily departures to 21 international cities.

U.S. Entry Requirements

Foreign nationals will be permitted to enter the U.S. with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID19 test taken within three days of departure.

Non-vaccinated foreign nationals may enter the U.S. only if they meet criteria for very limited exceptions and commit to post-arrival testing, quarantine and vaccination.

Customers must also provide details to meet U.S. contact tracing requirements.

All customers 2 years of age and older must wear a face covering throughout the journey.