Delta Air Lines will tweak its boarding process a bit as of late next week, with one change I wasn’t expecting to see.
In this post:
Delta will start boarding Delta 360s with Zone 2
Delta 360 is Delta’s invitation only elite status. It’s even more exclusive than American Concierge Key or United Global Services, with a pretty small membership base. The status comes with several perks, including better soft treatment across the board.
In May 2024, Delta overhauled its boarding process, and as part of this, the airline introduced pre-boarding for its Delta 360 members, which wasn’t previously offered. Specifically, under the current system, pre-boarding is available for customers needing extra time and assistance, active military members, and Delta 360 members, and then boarding for premium cabin passengers starts.
However, it seems that this didn’t last for long, as the policy will be changing after roughly a year. Starting on May 16, 2025, Delta 360 members will board in Zone 2, with Diamond Medallion members, after first class. The airline hasn’t given any reason for this policy change, other than to say that pre-boarding is being reserved for those who need extra time, and active duty military.
I’m curious what prompted this policy change
Each airline takes a slightly different approach toward boarding, so it’s not like there’s a right or wrong system. Here in the United States, boarding has largely become not just about efficiency, but about monetizing the process, and recognizing elites and credit card holders.
So it’s interesting to contrast the policies of the other two “major” US airlines when it comes to elite boarding vs. premium cabin boarding:
- American boards Concierge Key members, and then premium cabin passengers
- United boards Global Services members, then Premier 1K members, then anyone with a pulse, and then premium cabin passengers (okay, I’m kidding slightly on the pulse part, but United has a lot of pre-boarding groups)
Delta will be alone in not pre-boarding its invitation only elite members. And it’s not even that Delta 360 members will board with first class, but they’ll even board after first class.
One certainly wonders what is prompting this policy change. Did it just cause more confusion than it was worth, with many people not knowing what Delta 360 is? Or what other possible explanation is there?
Personally, I think the best solution is probably somewhere in the middle. I’m not a fan of endless boarding groups, though at least boarding Delta 360 members with premium cabin passengers seems fair, no?
Bottom line
As of May 16, 2025, Delta will be downgrading boarding for its Delta 360 members. While they can currently pre-board ahead of first class passengers, they’ll soon only be allowed to board after first class, with Diamond Medallion members.
I don’t have a terribly strong opinion on whether certain elite members should board ahead of first class, though I am a bit surprised to see this cut after just a year, since this priority boarding benefit was only added in May 2024. It’s quite a contrast to what you see at United, in terms of priority.
What do you make of Delta downgrading boarding for Delta 360 members?
I just flew 2 legs of a trip on Delta first class yesterday. They boarded the diamond medallion members first, along with active military and those needing extra time. Then they boarded first class and premium members. Thought it was interesting as I’d never noticed / seen that before!
Tell your most important customers, that spend the most with your airline, that, when they occasionally book a coach ticket, they are no better than lower level elites and just above the credit card folks.
Not very smart.
Will someone be so kind to explain EXACTLY WHAT Delta 360 is and how the privileged few attain that status? Nobody seems to know, and most don't care, but I am not getting the kerfuffle over boarding!
Guess you are unaware of the "rare air" at 35,000 feet that cures all ills, so what required a WC pre'board, voila, is cured! It's miracle!
Definitely think it should be with first class. With all it takes to reach 360 status, it seems unfair to put them after first class. And clearly by "them" I do not have that status.
As a Delta 360 Member for the past few years, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that we have been moved to Zone 2 Boarding. Both United and American in their similar programs have pre boarding. I would encourage Delta Leadership to see the difference in service level and recognition between Global Services, Concierge Key and 360. I was Global Services for 8 years, am currently Concierge Key and 360, and 360 is by...
As a Delta 360 Member for the past few years, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that we have been moved to Zone 2 Boarding. Both United and American in their similar programs have pre boarding. I would encourage Delta Leadership to see the difference in service level and recognition between Global Services, Concierge Key and 360. I was Global Services for 8 years, am currently Concierge Key and 360, and 360 is by far the weakest of the three. If we are truly appreciated and valued as Delta states we are in their communication, I found it odd to read that we have been downgraded to Zone 2. It is not the end of the world to board in Zone 2, but the symbolism of the downgrade is not lost on me. Given how few 360s Delta has, I was very surprised.
Please let Delta know how you feel. I agree with you.
What if I am in the Russian military? I also think if you need extra time, go lady. Let the rest of us finish boarding and all the old and people with kids can take their time and not hold the rest of us up
What’s the purpose then of 360? Taking away a benefit. Also, let military board in their normal zone. it’s a career choose. Then pre board teachers, doctors. DL is an airline, so honor “brand loyalty” observers. I’m just a Platinum, so I won’t benefit much.
I called the 360 desk and the agent encouraged me to tell other 360s to voice our concern. I personally think this is one of the few 360 perks that I value and to me it is a very simple thing to do for your most valued customers.
My last flight every person who boarded as D360 was greeted by the GA “thank you for being diamond” soooo if they weren’t enforcing it and it was mostly diamonds who think they are top tier, good riddance.
I'm all for letting military pre-board. Delta GAs call for "Active Duty Military Service Members with valid ID" to board, but it's sad when you just know that some jump up being military wannabees, and the GAs never check for a valid ID. Just like the GAs rarely stop somebody from boarding with Zone 1 or 2 when they're Zone 5 or 6. I've seen GAs announce pre-boarding for anybody needing extra time down the...
I'm all for letting military pre-board. Delta GAs call for "Active Duty Military Service Members with valid ID" to board, but it's sad when you just know that some jump up being military wannabees, and the GAs never check for a valid ID. Just like the GAs rarely stop somebody from boarding with Zone 1 or 2 when they're Zone 5 or 6. I've seen GAs announce pre-boarding for anybody needing extra time down the jetway, only to watch completely healthy, normal passengers board without any issue. This is the same at the SkyClub lounges, where they have a general line and a line for Delta One, Diamond, etc. Most just line up in whatever line is shorter, and the reps rarely ever check tickets.
As one other commenter stated. All of these line or early boarding benefits are meaningless if they're not enforced! It's so frustrating. This is the first year I've hit Diamond; I'm not expecting to ever get an invite for 360. And I feel like my status means squat to Delta when they don't enforce the benefits.
Maybe they should go alphabetically, because who really cares, the plane dose not leave until everyone is on the plane. We are all aware their is a class system, juat give them “im better than you” t shirts and be done with it.
In all due respect I am guessing you don't fly much for business. It is a big benefit to be able to get on the flight quickly and get settled especially when trying to juggle work calls and zooms. And frankly is a nice perk for frequent flyers.
I have no problem with Delta's change in boarding as long as I have the reserved/paid seat that have reserved
The boarding process has become nonsense.
Pre-boardimg is a joke, edpecially when we talk about the # of wheelchairs needed yet miracuously not needed when deplaning.
If we stuck by cabin and elite, and made you pay for preboarding before the genersl boarding, much of this crap would stop
Tell me about your last deployment, asshole.
It is his right to have an opinion and most non-entitled military feels the same. While he might be an ass, it is obvious you are. Disagree if one must yet avoid being an idiot
Apparently they don’t know anything. Tell them.
Not sure that matters. You knew you could be deployed when you took the job. And stop saying you volunteered. No, volunteers don't get PAID. It would be like a firefighter saying he gets special treatment because he puts out a fire
That is a bad move. This is the reason I stopped flying United. That boarding order is active duty military/global service, people needing special assistance, families with children, 1K, then group one. No call out for premium cabin passengers. This is the reason I switched to Delta because they order their premium cabin before zone one. They should just board premium cabin and 360 at the same time. Ahead of zone one or two these...
That is a bad move. This is the reason I stopped flying United. That boarding order is active duty military/global service, people needing special assistance, families with children, 1K, then group one. No call out for premium cabin passengers. This is the reason I switched to Delta because they order their premium cabin before zone one. They should just board premium cabin and 360 at the same time. Ahead of zone one or two these people pay so much money for special treatment and then they get slighted. Delta is very expensive and they’re aging equipment is starting to wear, though their service and catering is still the best (for a US Airline)
Correction, customers needing extra time is zone 3.
I’m in my 3rd year as a 360 member. The true perks are a great dedicated help desk that has the latitude to do almost anything, the Porsche transfer is fun for my kids and the pre boarding was nice recognition. There never is more than a few on any flight so I don’t really understand the need for the change.
I thibk it would be nice to have some perk level above Diamond...
I’m in my 3rd year as a 360 member. The true perks are a great dedicated help desk that has the latitude to do almost anything, the Porsche transfer is fun for my kids and the pre boarding was nice recognition. There never is more than a few on any flight so I don’t really understand the need for the change.
I thibk it would be nice to have some perk level above Diamond but there is nothing different.
Overall I feel there is no better airline to fly as when there is an interruption Delta goes to extraordinary efforts to get my issue resolved.
Interesting perspective. Some 360 members dont fly or spend the money to fly yet get the privilege because they are the company contact with Delta. Why should they get this above oeople who actually fly?
No one is giving Ben credit for the headline
Glad you flagged this The headline is very clever.
Too much on the military. No reason to board before their normal group. Too Much jingoism
I don't think it's jingoism to reward those who put in the work to dedicate time and effort to service of our country.
Also, in nearly 30 years of flying commercially, I don't think there's been a single instance where I noticed active duty service members boarding, let alone in excess.
Fly out of DCA sometime. It’s often 15-20 people between military and DOD.
Yes, too much of those dirty military folks. Have the peasants board last. The extra minute you must wait for those men and women to board must be dreadful for you. This has been a nice gesture since 9/11 and I thank them for that, especially when I traveled extensively over a 31 yr career.
There were probably too many 360 passengers throwing their luggage in first class overhead on the way in, or pushing their way in front of veterans and the disabled.
They all sit in First Class so of course their luggage will go in the overhead there. Do you think 360s are spending the money needed to qualify flying coach??
For a supposedly rare occurrence, seems there is always someone who boards when the 360 announcement is made including from my very small, two airline, regional airport. They don't check like they don't check for military ID.
I imagine that many - if not most - 360s are flying in the front of the plane anyway, so they likely will be boarding in Zone 1...gasp!
I feel that the best way to board the plane is from back to front
No. This has been researched to death. The fastest way to board is by mod 10 (i.e., rows 9, 19, 29, 39, 49 board together, followed by rows 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, etc., adjusted for smaller planes),
... followed by no boarding groups whatsoever.
Back to front is super inefficient.
If Delta would only enforce the policies they have, things would get better... and Premium.
It seems that many 'don't hear' or understand when it's preboarding and Zone 17 rushes up with the GA saying nothing. I wish there could be a way to ask people if they need pre boarding time or we could have European style gates that simply beep red when you scan a boarding pass against your Zone.
Only...
If Delta would only enforce the policies they have, things would get better... and Premium.
It seems that many 'don't hear' or understand when it's preboarding and Zone 17 rushes up with the GA saying nothing. I wish there could be a way to ask people if they need pre boarding time or we could have European style gates that simply beep red when you scan a boarding pass against your Zone.
Only issue with military is that they show ID, appreciate the service but so often they are in vacation clothing so if taking a well deserved break, they should show ID.
The problem is they have zone 1 and most people would assume zone 1 is the first to board, but it's not. Keep it simple stupid.
360 members are probably flying in premium cabins anyways so I would think the change isn't that drastic, just one step "down".
If you have Delta 360 because you fly a lot, or because you spend a lot, you'll board earlier than zone 2... so, that makes sense to me... why do they need to let someone who rarely flys board first?
Why not just tell them they can board any time when they get status - and not make any announcements at the gate?
1. "Delta 360" is an incredibly opaque term that unless you are in the weeds of frequently flying would absolutely be very confusing to hear over the airport intercom and not something you'd assume is the top tier status like "Platinum Medallion", and suspiciously sound like a potentially lower class than "Delta One"
2. There can't be so many Delta 360 flyers that it's really gumming up the first class boarding process, can there?
As a 360 for the past 5 years I felt the change to pre-boarding 360's was a very positive development in the program (which in general significantly lags the CK experience). Being able to avoid the general scrum when they call "Zone 1", considering that Zone 1 passengers congregate and don't formally queue, is a clear benefit.
I'm lucky to be in my second year as a 360. While early boarding is a nice benefit, I can honestly say that it was only called out maybe 50% of the time. Otherwise the GA's went straight from military to zone 1. Sometimes I'd ask the GA why it was missed. Many times they'd tell me the only board by zone numbers. Other times they apologized that they missed it. What made it stranger...
I'm lucky to be in my second year as a 360. While early boarding is a nice benefit, I can honestly say that it was only called out maybe 50% of the time. Otherwise the GA's went straight from military to zone 1. Sometimes I'd ask the GA why it was missed. Many times they'd tell me the only board by zone numbers. Other times they apologized that they missed it. What made it stranger is that nowhere on the boarding pass did it show 360, and the zone number always showed zone one, if in first, and zone 2 if in economy. When they scan the boarding pass, they see the 360 status, but not before. So, it was confusing all around. It was nice to never have to fight with anyone for overhead space, but weird to try and make it work like it was supposed to.
Presumably most of the time 360 members would be in first/business, particularly if it's the most exclusive of the US3. The issue has gotten to be with premium cabins IFFs that can afford to buy premium when they do travel that immediately get in the lanes with PreBoard and often the first to board and then you in row 2 with your bags over row 4.
The boarding should be, extra time, military, family small children.
Then first, business, followed by comfort, then all the status members (flying coach) after, then the general boarding zones.
Status is a perk, presumably, because you fly (or spend) alot.
Boarding in the 3rd group leaves plenty of overhead room.
Don't like it, pay for the front...
>The boarding should be, extra time, military, family small children.
>Don't like it, pay for the front...
By your comment though I can't pay for the front, I'm behind three groups of people.
>Status is a perk, presumably, because you fly (or spend) alot.
Well neat, but if I have top tier status, what is the perk when flying first? What is the perk if I have status and I pay for comfort vs the person with no loyalty that does the same once?
There are so few DL 360 members that it's not even worth calling them out. Just stick them in zone 1 or 2 and be done with it.
I have never really understood Delta360 and I fly Delta almost every week. It's just some super secret program that is invite only... Which made me not care.
360 is basically what diamond was 5 or 6 years ago.
Would not be surprised if this decision was quietly reversed.
Priority boarding for the military is insulting because it implies that service members are so fat and inactive that they are disabled. This is even more true since Delta 360 are not in group 1.
I would support moving military to group 2 or even eliminating it until there is an active major shooting war with a country.
To me it's not insulting. Military specially if the Service Member is moving or going on a deployment/vacation during deployment/of Military School away from his duty station, have extra luggage/maybe carry on and/or family members. It helps getting the seated so the rest of the boarding goes smoothly. Serving the country and getting a perk with flying is to me a kind thing to do. Like I mentioned Service members may have various reasons for flying.
It is not insulting. It shows respect for the men and women who have chosen to defend our country. I applaud Delta for boarding them when they do.
Don't forget to give Zelensky pre boarding and thank him for his service. He's even using his own people to defend our imaginary border thousands of miles away from our actual border.
Big thanks to the unknown people behind making the propaganda puppet works. You couldn't openly have pre boarding but you deserve to board with the pilots.
It's only insulting if you see priority boarding as something strictly for the disabled versus a sign of respect and recognition. Are people boarding in first or the highest elite status also fat?
This. I don't know any member of the military who is both decent and able-bodied who wouldn't be embarrassed to board before grandparents (not yet in wheelchairs), parents with children (who aren't infants), or hardworking nurses, teachers, and sanitation workers.
Actual members of the military (both past and present) also know that most of us are idiots who don't deserve special treatment.
If you want to support soldiers, sailors etc., pay em decent salaries,...
This. I don't know any member of the military who is both decent and able-bodied who wouldn't be embarrassed to board before grandparents (not yet in wheelchairs), parents with children (who aren't infants), or hardworking nurses, teachers, and sanitation workers.
Actual members of the military (both past and present) also know that most of us are idiots who don't deserve special treatment.
If you want to support soldiers, sailors etc., pay em decent salaries, don't cut benefits, provide for great work life balance, and don't fire people for being female or queer. That would be showing actual respect, not this respect theater.
If 360 membership is by invitation only, I’m assuming there’s way less 360 members than diamond Status? So why not let them Pre board? You’re Deltas best customers! Plenty of people ‘Pre Board’ who are entitled!
Delta wants you to buy first-class or business-class airfares. I suspect this is part of the unbundled airfares that are rolling out later this year. As far as I know, 360s don't even (at least officially) get higher priority for upgrades.
“… anyone with a pulse” hahaha so true thanks for the laugh
As a 360 member; it was hit or miss at the gates for announcing 360 boarding so not a big loss.
I pay for F. Nobody not in a wheelchair should board before or with me.
What a stupid sense of entitlement.
You still depart the same time with that person in a wheelchair. The longer it takes for them to board the longer you're not departing.
"What a stupid sense of entitlement."
Do you even comprehend the meaning of the word "entitlement?"
If you pay for a specific service, and your payment is accepted, then you are by definition, entitled to that service.
David is right
I get annoyed paying for first class and then watch as entitled top tier status holders take up my overhead space and then walk to row 21.
That's something cabin crew could/should prevent (as I have seen with various carriers).
I have this nagging feeling there are about to be quite a few more 360s. Why?
1. DL never talked about 360 but now there is quite a bit of chatter
2. Now 5 million milers (ok there are few) automatically get 360
3. The whole travel industry tends to canonize ‘everyone a diamond” to pull folks in (witness Hilton where top tier is just a credit card away)
4. UA...
I have this nagging feeling there are about to be quite a few more 360s. Why?
1. DL never talked about 360 but now there is quite a bit of chatter
2. Now 5 million milers (ok there are few) automatically get 360
3. The whole travel industry tends to canonize ‘everyone a diamond” to pull folks in (witness Hilton where top tier is just a credit card away)
4. UA has a slew of GS members…virtually a handful every flight I take
5. The requirements for status go up but the perks are mostly promissory and keep getting watered down. lol try using a DL upgrade certificate. Example, usually msp-Phx, a 3 hour flight, will set you back a Global upgrade certificate
I've been a diamond with Delta since 2015.
This is the fourth or fifth iteration of the boarding process in the last 10 years. I think it's the third or fourth since just before the pandemic.
Anyone remember Delta's brief experiment with Southwest-style boarding signs?
In my experience, about 60% of gate agents NEVER follow the prescribed boarding order. As it stands now, 360 is often not called first. Likewise, diamonds are often invited to...
I've been a diamond with Delta since 2015.
This is the fourth or fifth iteration of the boarding process in the last 10 years. I think it's the third or fourth since just before the pandemic.
Anyone remember Delta's brief experiment with Southwest-style boarding signs?
In my experience, about 60% of gate agents NEVER follow the prescribed boarding order. As it stands now, 360 is often not called first. Likewise, diamonds are often invited to board WITH first-class, not AFTER. Moreover, it's basically all on the honor system since Delta's technology allows a non-360 to board with 360s. It's not like the scanner rejects the boarding pass.
Despite whatever is codified, I suspect the gate agents will continue to do what they want to do. Especially in out-stations.
Yes, DL by choice as an RDU and LGA-origin traveler and I would agree with your assessment. GAs do whatever they feel like that day. No rhyme or reason. It's frustrating, not because I care about getting to my seat first, but because Diamonds and Platinums feel empowered to throw their stuff in the scarce overhead space above F and march back to their seats in Y. I resent having to gate-check my bag when...
Yes, DL by choice as an RDU and LGA-origin traveler and I would agree with your assessment. GAs do whatever they feel like that day. No rhyme or reason. It's frustrating, not because I care about getting to my seat first, but because Diamonds and Platinums feel empowered to throw their stuff in the scarce overhead space above F and march back to their seats in Y. I resent having to gate-check my bag when I am in paid F and I carry a freaking small Samsonite backpack.
As a 360, I felt the announcement at the gate was making too big a deal about using the privilege anyway. Zone 1 or 2 is fine to get some overhead bag space. Once I used it to board with the military group and was heckled by someone. And once a well meaning redcoat at a small station called out for to me to board when I was just standing there, waiting to board with...
As a 360, I felt the announcement at the gate was making too big a deal about using the privilege anyway. Zone 1 or 2 is fine to get some overhead bag space. Once I used it to board with the military group and was heckled by someone. And once a well meaning redcoat at a small station called out for to me to board when I was just standing there, waiting to board with Zone 1. It was an awkward perk — I’ll take the Delta One lounge perk and the SIGNIFICANT increase in upgrade percentages any day.
With just about anyone coming up with a reason to be able to pre-board, it baffles me that they wouldn't tell 360s that they can board at their leisure at any time. Why not just do pre-board and then say "Delta 360s may board any time" and then move on to military and boarding groups. It's just a dumb slight that I would find annoying if I was one.
I’m totally with you on the whole pre boarding process. The number of people who “need” extra time boarding has become a total free pass. I recently watched a passenger walk in with a limp and a cane then miraculously strolled off the plane with the cane under their arm.
That’s half of Southwest’s passengers.
I've been a Delta frequent flyer since 1986. They are Leaps and Bounds ahead of the competition for taking care of their customers. Are they perfect, no, but in my experience, Delta has the best employees
The thing is, 360 is pretty hard to earn, so I suspect a lot of them are usually flying in F/J. So in practice they’re just getting bumped from pre-boarding to Group 1.
This!!! I was 360 for 2 years and don’t recall not being upgraded once when holding 360 so it makes kind of redundant as if you are 360 you are most likely flying first class.
Delta supposedly has a much lower Delta 360 membership than AA Concierge Key or UA Global Services, and is even stingier when it comes to handing it out. Presumably, it doesn't need to offer pre-boarding to 360, because it doesn't have that many in the end.
Maybe the visual of a certain, high profile, politician boarding before people in wheelchairs is the reason for the change.
(And while I have no idea if Delta grants 360 status to politicians, the person in question does come from a wealthy family which could be why the status was granted.)
Sounds like that's the cause, but it seems to me that gifting people like that politician a status like 360 would be very low return for the airline.
Just another one of Delta's degraded decision-making in the Bastian era.
Her family is wealthy so she may have the status irrespective of her political position.
But it could also be because of her status as a politician.