Delta Air Lines announces new boarding process starting in May

FILE - Airbus A330 Delta Airlines. Planes taking off and landing at Leonardo da Vinci airport. Fiumicino (Italy), Oct. 11, 2021.  (Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, is set to revamp its passenger boarding process, announcing a return to numbered zones starting May 1. The airline is shifting away from the categorical boarding system introduced in 2019, opting instead for a more traditional method.

Under the new system, passengers will be assigned to one of eight numbered zones, with the boarding order remaining the same. For instance, pre-boarding and first-class categories will now be referred to as Zone 1. This adjustment aims to provide passengers with clearer guidance during the boarding process.

Delta officials have stated that the decision to revert to numbered zones is driven by the desire to enhance customer experience and streamline the boarding process. By simplifying the method, the airline hopes to reduce confusion and improve efficiency for travelers.

The move comes as part of Delta Air Lines' ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving passenger needs and preferences. As the airline industry continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, carriers are exploring various strategies to enhance operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

Passengers flying with Delta Air Lines after May 1 should expect to encounter the new boarding process, with zones replacing the previously used categories. This change marks a return to a more familiar method of boarding for both airline staff and travelers alike.

For further updates and information regarding Delta Air Lines' boarding procedures, passengers are encouraged to visit the airline's official website or contact customer service representatives.