Delta led among U.S. airlines in Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural Verified Air Travel Awards, with first place wins in five categories rating the best airline and airport experiences across the globe.

A “strong reputation for its consistency, loyalty program and customer service” earned Delta the Best U.S. Airline award.

“We continue to make significant investments throughout every point in our customers’ travel journey to deliver the elevated experiences they want and deserve,” said Allison Ausband, E.V.P. and Chief Customer Experience Officer.

“These recognitions are a testament to each of those efforts and to the Delta people who go above and beyond in bringing these experiences and innovations to life.”

After researching and selecting the nominees, FTG surveyed 5,000 of the most well-traveled people in the hospitality industry to determine the winners, with results validated and backed by its experts and 66-year-old Star Ratings system.

In addition to “Best U.S. Airline,” Delta took the top spot for:

Best Domestic Business Class

Flying Delta One “gives you access to the new Delta One lounges, Missoni amenity kits with Grown Alchemist products and a 180-degree flatbed seat.”

Best U.S. Airline Lounge: JFK Delta One lounge

“The first lounge dedicated to Delta One passengers debuted in June with an expansive 39,707-square-foot space that includes a year-round terrace, nine relaxation pods, eight shower suites and a full-service brasserie.”

Best Loyalty Program

“The complimentary SkyMiles program gives members free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights (and soon international ones), miles without expiration dates and the ability to earn miles with more than 20 partners.”

Best Airline App

“The user-friendly app allows you to upgrade your seat, receive the latest gate and flight changes, track your bags, navigate airports, locate Sky Club lounges and more.”

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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