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Delta upgrades 4 of its newest transatlantic routes, bringing big growth to NYC, LA

Jan. 27, 2023
5 min read
Delta upgrades 4 of its newest transatlantic routes, bringing big growth to NYC, LA
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Just a few months after announcing nine new transatlantic routes, Delta Air Lines is back with an exciting update.

The Atlanta-based carrier plans to upgrade four of these new long-haul flights to year-round service, a carrier spokesperson tells TPG. The international flights that'll be flown year-round include:

  • Los Angeles — London.
  • Los Angeles — Paris.
  • New York — Berlin.
  • New York — Geneva.
CIRIUM

When Delta first announced these flights in September, the airline unveiled a big summer-focused expansion, designed to capitalize on the increased demand for transatlantic vacations during the warmer months and school breaks.

That's why the airline had originally scheduled all of the aforementioned flights to end on Oct. 27, 2023, and possibly return in the following summer season.

However, demand has seemingly been strong enough to support the upgrade to year-round service. Delta will load the additional flights into its schedule over the weekend, and the new frequencies will be available for purchase by Monday, Jan. 30.

Perhaps most interesting is the expansion of flights to Geneva, which will be a brand-new pin on Delta's route map when flights commence on April 10. Delta last flew to the Swiss city 30 years ago, in 1993.

Equally exciting for Delta customers is the transatlantic expansion in two of Delta's big coastal hubs. Los Angeles hasn't been connected to Europe with Delta flights since March 2020, so this is welcome news for loyalists based in Southern California who prefer the convenience of a nonstop flight to Europe.

Delta hasn't flown from L.A. to London since October 2015, and the carrier will go up against multiple daily flights available on American, United and British Airways in the market. Delta's transatlantic joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic also operates up to three daily flights between the two cities.

Meanwhile, Air France and Air Tahiti Nui connect L.A. and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), and Delta's service will supplement what's offered by the former carrier, another one of its transatlantic joint venture partners. In addition, budget carrier French Bee flies from LAX to Paris Orly (ORY), a secondary airport serving the French capital.

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ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Delta's network growth in Southern California comes as the airline invests billions of dollars into its hub at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In 2022, Delta celebrated the opening of a brand-new Sky Way headhouse, a state-of-the-art flagship Sky Club and modernized terminal facilities in L.A.

More infrastructure upgrades are in the works, with a new airside connector to the Tom Bradley International Terminal opening soon.

Delta is also increasing its transpacific service from L.A., with the recent addition of three weekly flights to Tahiti, and its first-ever service to New Zealand, which was just announced and launches on Oct. 28.

Meanwhile, in New York, Delta continues to defend its position as the city's No. 1 airline. Adding service to the German capital's new Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and Geneva gives flyers more nonstop options from the Northeast.

Just like in L.A., Delta is investing in major terminal improvements at its hub at Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This includes 11 new gates, two new Sky Clubs and a refreshed check-in area.

Other improvements in the works include redesigned roadways and terminal frontage that'll help streamline the dropoff and pick-up experience.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

In addition to Berlin and Geneva flights, Delta is adding year-round service to London Gatwick Airport (LGW), beginning on April 10.

Plus, the carrier announced last week that it's adding a third daily flight from JFK to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on May 25. This additional frequency will operate daily through the summer, though the final service date of the extra flight hasn't been announced yet.

Though much of the focus is on increasing hub connectivity, Delta is also boosting one of its most unique transatlantic routes.

The 4,539-mile flight from Orlando to Amsterdam launched in 2018 and operated year-round until being suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Delta brought it back late last year on a winter-seasonal basis, and now the carrier will load it into the schedule for another winter season beginning on Oct. 28, 2023.

The carrier will deploy the 282-seat Airbus A330-300 on the route, which features all four of Delta's signature cabins: Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+ and economy.

For more about Delta's network, check out:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
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  • Intro Offer
    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

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    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees