Delta Air Lines became a social media and news sensation in recent years for their long-standing program offering aircraft trading cards that pilots can carry to give away to passengers. The program flew under the radar for decades – it launched in 2003 – but has become far more well known over the past few years as passengers go viral asking for them on TikTok and Instagram. Very few people realize that United has them, too.
Pilot yesterday was excited when I asked about the trading cards
byu/RyanLoco indelta
For their 100th anniversary this year, Delta has come out with a new set of trading cards that you can get free from a pilot.
Delta’s is proud to launch a new Centennial-themed trading card collection for customers to enjoy. This collection honors Delta’s milestone as the first U.S. airline to turn 100 with a fresh, eye-catching design – featuring the new Centennial colors and branding – that is sure to captivate customers and collectors alike.
Credit: Delta
The airline will produce more than 5 million cards and the new set is available to pilots starting today. Last year they distributed 3 million cards.
Different cards in the new set include Airbus A220-300, A321NEO, A339 and A359 aircraft and Boeing 717, 737-800, 757-200, and 767-300 aircraft. Delta wholly-owned regional carriers will carry CRJ-900 and E175 cards. There are now 68 different Delta trading cards that have been produced over the last 22 years.
In addition, Delta is including two limited-edition Centennial livery trading cards with the purchase of a physical Delta gift card starting next month.
Here’s how to ask for a trading card. Your best bet is to ask the flight attendants when boarding the aircraft. They can check if you’re able to pop your head into the cockpit and ask a pilot for a card. Of course you can ask a pilot directly whenever you see them, but having a flight attendant inquire on your behalf lets you avoid interrupting them or making yourself unwelcome (they may be busy or in a hurry).
To impress your loved ones, consider gifting them a thoughtful Delta trading card.
@Matt — You still got it! Keep Climbing!
Limited edition cards with a purchase of a gift card? Cool, might just do it for fun.