Delta will let customers and employees choose a new European destination for its summer 2026 schedule through a Route Race contest that runs through August 29. SkyMiles members and Delta employees can cast votes in the Fly Delta app. The winning destination will be added to Delta's summer 2026 schedule. Delta serves over 300 destinations and this summer operated its largest transatlantic schedule and its first nonstop flight to Sicily. Airlines typically select routes using trend analysis and market research, and involving customers and employees increases the likelihood of a popular new route.
Delta Air Lines is trying something new. It's letting customers, as well as its employees, choose a new destination for its summer 2026 schedule. The airline recently announced that it would host the first-ever "Route Race" contest, which kicks off Monday and runs through August 29. It will let loyalty program members, SkyMiles Members, and Delta employees vote on a new European destination. The winning destination will be added to Delta's schedule next summer.
"SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does," said Paul Baldoni, Delta's senior vice president of network planning in a press release. "The Route Race is a celebration of their influence, giving our community a voice in where they want to fly next and inviting them to help shape Delta's global network."
Traditionally, airlines choose their destinations by analyzing trends, using market research, and staying competitive with what flights other airlines are offering. According to AeroTime, many airlines will frequently add European flights in the summer, so the new addition will likely already be in line with demand. Plus, since customers and employees are the ones deciding where to fly, the chances that the new destination will be a popular one seem fairly high.
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