Delta Air Lines’ pilot union has set up a website to apologize to customers for the carrier’s declining operational reliability. The site is genuinely useful and comes across as just being intended to help, but the undertone here is very clear. I must say, this is very well played on the part of the union.
In this post:
Delta pilots launch site to show customers they care
JonNYC flags how Delta’s chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has set up a website about Delta’s lack of operational reliability. The URL is deltapilotscare.com (which almost reads like “Delta Pilot Scare” rather than “Delta Pilots Care”), and the intent is to explain to customers why some operational issues happen, and how customers can maximize their odds of having smooth travels.
The website starts with the following message, about how Delta pilots take pride in their jobs, with an explanation of why there might be operational issues:
Delta pilots take pride in providing our customers with the safe, reliable service that you deserve. As you travel with us this summer and beyond, we ask you to please remember the following:
- Delta pilots will continue to prioritize safety – every day and on every flight.
- We have been working on our days off in record numbers to help you get to your destination.
- We empathize and share in your frustration over the delays, cancellations, and disrupted travel plans you experienced. We agree; it is unacceptable.
As we welcome you aboard, we will continue to go above and beyond to get you safely to your destination. Delta prides itself on its premium product, and we want our customers to consistently receive the operational reliability you have come to expect when flying on Delta.
The website then shares a “Smart Traveler Playbook,” with useful tips for how to minimize your odds of things going wrong.
The website even reminds passengers of their rights under the law, even pointing out how customers can complain to the Department of Transportation (DOT) when things go wrong.
That all seems quite lovely, right? So why are Delta pilots doing this?
This is very smart messaging on the part of Delta pilots
If you just read through the above site quickly, you would assume that Delta pilots are just trying to be helpful, and there’s no ulterior motive here. As you can see, pilots don’t actually directly blame anyone for these issues. However, if you go through the site a second or third time, you might notice some things, and two points stand out to me in particular:
- The pilots are saying that the irregular operations being experienced are “unacceptable,” while stating that they’re doing everything they can to operate as reliably as possible; so that’s a pretty clear dig at management, because who else could be blamed?
- There’s a whole section about government websites about operational reliability, including encouraging customers to file a complaint with the DOT if they have a negative experience (and those complaints could ultimately count against Delta, since the number of complaints airlines receive is published)
So what’s going on here, exactly? Back in the day, Delta was known for its operational reliability, and it was a major competitive advantage. The airline even called itself the “on-time machine.” While Delta is still among the most operationally reliable US carriers, it’s not nearly as good as it used to be on this front.
There are many factors that have contributed to this. For example, Delta lost a lot of talent in its operations department during the pandemic, and it never seemed to fully get that back. The airline also hasn’t been investing in technology as much as it could.
However, the biggest issue as of late has been Delta’s inability to recover from operational meltdowns. The main cause of this is Delta’s pilot scheduling software, which creates a ridiculously convoluted system for assigning pilots trips during irregular operations.
This is an interesting reality for pilots. It ends up making it very lucrative for Delta pilots to pick up trips, so they like it. Furthermore, it’s in their pilot contract, so management can’t change the system currently in place, without making it something they can negotiate.
The timing here is likely no coincidence. Delta’s pilot contract becomes amendable as of December 31, 2026, so it seems pretty clear this effort is part of the union’s overall bargaining for a better product. “Oh, you want good operational reliability and a change to the trip assigning system for pilots? That’ll cost you!”
Bottom line
Delta pilots have published a website with the URL deltapilotscare.com, to tell customers how committed they are to operating reliably, and to give tips for what customers can do when things go wrong. That’s all lovely, but what’s interesting here is what the clear motive is.
Delta pilots talk about how the carrier’s operational reliability has become “unacceptable,” and about how customers can file complaints with the DOT if they’re not happy with their experience. This definitely seems clearly targeted at management, and the timing is no coincidence, given that contracts are soon up for negotiation.
What do you make of this website from Delta’s pilot union?
I’ve finally realised that whatever the news clicks for ANYTHING Delta related will always appear here to get a response from the public pest
This article comments page contains as much proof as necessary to confirm that Mr ‘Walter Mitty’ Dunn, is certifiable. The Atlanta Berman Centre medical team is waiting and has a patient file with the name “Dunn” on it.
As a click generator and a circus clown to provide entertainment for the masses, he has exhausted his reasons for delaying the treatment for his Delta addiction. Perhaps this addiction was the reason why Delta reportedly fired him?
And yet you and dozens of other people here don't have the self restraint to just let a person post what they want and ignore them.
it would appear I have all of the control
Yep! That is exactly what Epstein said …. :-)
Walter, if you would like people who post herein to show self restraint when responding to your unsubstantiated claims or accusations, then perhaps you might set us all an example by being honest by posting actual facts and not personal biased opinions …. Yes?
"And yet you and dozens of other people here don't have the self restraint to just let a person post what they want and ignore them."
if only you could understand the irony of you posting this in a reply to someone else ;)
but you truly are this dumb to post something that literally describes yourself in a reply
lol
The Timcel is probably the least self aware person on the interwebs
Funny how Delta pilots have no issue pulling out some random card to cancel a flight with three hundred people on board just to make a point. They don’t care that much then.
Delta is becoming a hot mess.
Again, delta's on time was the best of any airline in May which is pretty reliable to any Rational and objective person and not the Internet crowd that these articles Appeal to
It might be true to say that Delta finished May as the strongest performing major U.S. airline for on-time arrivals, but the first five months of 2026 overall do not clearly establish Delta as the year’s most reliable airline.
January 2026, Delta was well below its usual position—around 6th among reporting carriers.
February and March, Delta did Improved from January, but not consistently number one.
April, competitive but not clearly first overall.
It might be true to say that Delta finished May as the strongest performing major U.S. airline for on-time arrivals, but the first five months of 2026 overall do not clearly establish Delta as the year’s most reliable airline.
January 2026, Delta was well below its usual position—around 6th among reporting carriers.
February and March, Delta did Improved from January, but not consistently number one.
April, competitive but not clearly first overall.
May, Delta only recorded the best on time performance among the large U.S. network airlines, is was beaten by the smaller carriers, leaving it only near the top overall.
Selective data selection and performance claiming does not make for accurate analysis Walter. Time to check into the clinic for your addiction therapy …. Yes?
There is something off in their statement IMHO, and I quote:
*Delta pilots will continue to prioritize safety – every day and on every flight.
*We have been working on our days off in record numbers to help you get to your destination.
If I am a passenger on a DL flight and reading the above, I would feel somewhat concerned. Days off are specifically for pilots for resting and recovering. If a good number of...
There is something off in their statement IMHO, and I quote:
*Delta pilots will continue to prioritize safety – every day and on every flight.
*We have been working on our days off in record numbers to help you get to your destination.
If I am a passenger on a DL flight and reading the above, I would feel somewhat concerned. Days off are specifically for pilots for resting and recovering. If a good number of them are picking additional shifts, wouldn't they contradict themselves? More flying time = less rest time = more chances getting more tired and, hence, possibly more prone to flight and passenger security lapses...
Delta pilots are subject to the same duty restrictions as those at every other airline.
They are ticked because Delta is taking away part of their ability to drop their trips and even higher paying new ones.
if anything, delta is increasing safety by not allowing pilots to keep switching schedules
"if anything, delta is increasing safety by not allowing pilots to keep switching schedules"
right... because this is something Delta planned to increase safety
Rebel, MaxPower, and Tim Dunn walk into a bar. Rebel asks for the most “Premium like United” drink the bar can offer, so the bartender comes back with sparkling grape juice disguised as champagne. MaxPower asks for the most “Rebound like American” drink, so the bartender pulls a 1980s bottle of wine that has turned bad. Tim Dunn asks for the most “profitable like Delta” drink, so the bartender returns with an empty glass and...
Rebel, MaxPower, and Tim Dunn walk into a bar. Rebel asks for the most “Premium like United” drink the bar can offer, so the bartender comes back with sparkling grape juice disguised as champagne. MaxPower asks for the most “Rebound like American” drink, so the bartender pulls a 1980s bottle of wine that has turned bad. Tim Dunn asks for the most “profitable like Delta” drink, so the bartender returns with an empty glass and sticks him with Rebel and MaxPower’s tabs.
Trying to think of a more appropriate heading and future topics.....
Missing bags Subtly Blame United For “Unacceptable” Bag Reliability
Tim Dunn Subtly Blame United Bags For “Unacceptable” Delta Flight Reliability
UA 737-900ER Blame FlightAware For “non existent” EWR-LAX flight
LAX Subtly Blame ORD For “Unacceptable” Midwest Profitability
Tim Dunn Subtly Blame internet For “largest” TPAC carrier name
Runway Subtly Blame EWR For “Unacceptable” Ice cream truck height
Tim Dunn Subtly Blame People of SEA...
Trying to think of a more appropriate heading and future topics.....
Missing bags Subtly Blame United For “Unacceptable” Bag Reliability
Tim Dunn Subtly Blame United Bags For “Unacceptable” Delta Flight Reliability
UA 737-900ER Blame FlightAware For “non existent” EWR-LAX flight
LAX Subtly Blame ORD For “Unacceptable” Midwest Profitability
Tim Dunn Subtly Blame internet For “largest” TPAC carrier name
Runway Subtly Blame EWR For “Unacceptable” Ice cream truck height
Tim Dunn Subtly Blame People of SEA For “Unacceptable” Picking AS before DL
the only headline you need to see is "UA fan nuts can't accept that their airline is second rate and inferior to DL"
UA had the opportunity to overtake DL in BOTH on-time and cancellation rates for all of 2026 but UA couldn't stand that it was a reliable but 4th tier domestic airline so they overscheduled EWR then ORD and SFO so have had the FAA cap operations at their THREE LARGEST HUBS.
what...
the only headline you need to see is "UA fan nuts can't accept that their airline is second rate and inferior to DL"
UA had the opportunity to overtake DL in BOTH on-time and cancellation rates for all of 2026 but UA couldn't stand that it was a reliable but 4th tier domestic airline so they overscheduled EWR then ORD and SFO so have had the FAA cap operations at their THREE LARGEST HUBS.
what an indictment of UA's ability to manage its own operation to have the FAA do what UA mgmt was unable to do.
The FAA gets credit for cutting UA's operation down to a size small enough for it to FINALLY be reliable.
and the real EWR story is that DL is starting EWR-LAX service while UA is still waiting to be given the ok to add flights at EWR while begging to get back into JFK which it stupidly left.
there are at least a half dozen headlines in that reality.
lol
SFO is about to get its arrival capacity increased.
ORD has still has 650 daily flights and will have its numbers go up as summer weather, and later, construction, subside.
EWR has 400 flights a day with UA pax counts up, while DL not only has FAA caps at both LGA and EWR, but also a perimeter rule limiting LGA operations, leaving it as a primarily RJ hub.
But yes, the...
lol
SFO is about to get its arrival capacity increased.
ORD has still has 650 daily flights and will have its numbers go up as summer weather, and later, construction, subside.
EWR has 400 flights a day with UA pax counts up, while DL not only has FAA caps at both LGA and EWR, but also a perimeter rule limiting LGA operations, leaving it as a primarily RJ hub.
But yes, the real story is that DL is starting two domestically-configured flights a day to EWR against premium configured flights on UA, all while UA will be starting 10-ish flights a day from JFK, all with premium-configured planes.
Meanwhile DL is giving up on SEA, realizing they’ll never beat AS, all so they invest a ton of money into LAX to gain a couple of percentage points of share, while AA is only a couple of years from having more gates than DL, and of course while UA has the crown jewel of west coast hubs just a few hundred miles away in SFO.
All of this while DL continues to copy other airlines, unsuccessfully. They use AS for SEA route ideas, they use AA and UA hubs, realizing they’re completely lacking there, for more route ideas, even with completely substandard schedules and aircraft, they use WN for inspiration while they throw some RJs into AUS, they chase UA by adding some more premium seats into aircraft, all while still lagging significantly, they add a couple of routes to Asia, realizing they are being owned by UA there.
The difference is not that DL is an airline preferred by pax. The difference is four fortress hubs, without and cross-city airports for competition. It’s also credit card revenue, and that advantage will be completely wiped out with the new UA-Chase agreement.
just say it.
The FAA has stepped into THREE UA hubs because mgmt couldn't do their jobs of preventing the national ATC system from collapsing due to overscheduling.
Only in your wet dreams - and devoid of any facts - is DL walking away from SEA.
and WTH was UA doing for the past 48 years in not figuring out how to dominate its hubs?
It isn't DL's fault that UA was chasing...
just say it.
The FAA has stepped into THREE UA hubs because mgmt couldn't do their jobs of preventing the national ATC system from collapsing due to overscheduling.
Only in your wet dreams - and devoid of any facts - is DL walking away from SEA.
and WTH was UA doing for the past 48 years in not figuring out how to dominate its hubs?
It isn't DL's fault that UA was chasing hotel and rental car empires and off the wall seasonal international destinations like Mongolia and Greenland while DL built its domestic system.
DL has simply outsmarted UA (and AA) repeatedly at what matters.
It isn't a mistake. It is AA and UA's stupidity and inability to focus on what matters.
get back w/ us when UA gets an industry leading credit card deal.
We'll wait.
because it won't happen with a 4th place domestic network
"preventing the national ATC system from collapsing due to overscheduling."
I don't think managing the obsolete 60 year old tech is UA mgmt responsibility.
But hey, you're Tim Dunn. It's always because United.
If DL was such a great airline and made its profits from people wanting to pay more to fly them, why did DL pull out of NYC to BRU, MUC, GVA?
Don’t say it’s because those are Star hubs, as DL has a (split, inferior) hub in NYC and should be able to compete there.
In Asia, why did DL completely close stations in KIX, PEK, SIN, BKK, MNL, HKG (before reopening with one...
If DL was such a great airline and made its profits from people wanting to pay more to fly them, why did DL pull out of NYC to BRU, MUC, GVA?
Don’t say it’s because those are Star hubs, as DL has a (split, inferior) hub in NYC and should be able to compete there.
In Asia, why did DL completely close stations in KIX, PEK, SIN, BKK, MNL, HKG (before reopening with one flight, years later)?
Why has DL been unable to beat AS in SEA? Why can’t they get much more than 20% share in LAX? Why are they only flying mostly RJs to ATL? Why did AA beat them decisively in DFW?
Surely since DL is such a superior airline, people would pay more to fly them?
Doesn’t sound like such a first rate airline to me.
Sounds like an operation being subsidized by fortress hubs and a temporary credit card revenue advantage.
And this huge domestic deficiency UA has? What is the percentage difference we’re talking about? A couple of percentage points? How will that difference change as UA continues to take delivery of hundreds of narrowbody planes? And even if UA is a point or two smaller, how much bigger is UA in the biggest business centers of the country?
You can nitpick at all of the details you want, Mark.
The simple reality is that Delta has put together a more successful airline in the past 48 years than any other airline in the United States and perhaps the world.
American and United were two of the chosen instruments of the regulated era and yet Delta has managed to grow from 6th largest to the largest airline by revenue and market cap over the...
You can nitpick at all of the details you want, Mark.
The simple reality is that Delta has put together a more successful airline in the past 48 years than any other airline in the United States and perhaps the world.
American and United were two of the chosen instruments of the regulated era and yet Delta has managed to grow from 6th largest to the largest airline by revenue and market cap over the past 48 years.
Delta also has run one of the best operations among US airlines for a longer period of time.
United is still the 4th largest airline in most domestic markets outside of its hubs; that is United's deficiency whether you can see it or not. And it is that deficiency that keeps United from getting an industry-leading credit card agreement
and now, Delta is focused on United's choicest assets which is the West Coast and TPAC. If Delta achieves even a fraction of what it says it will do, it will substantially lower the value of United's brand.
Delta pilots have always stood behind the company far more than they have fought with it. They will absolutely benefit Front Delta's growth on the West Coast and to Asia and the Pacific. They will simply not make near as much money in overtime while Delta's operation will once again return to be industry-leading in all metrics
I didn’t say they’re not number four. You make it sound like a distant number four.
I’m asking what the difference is between the top four, and how much it has changed as UA takes deliveries of hundreds of domestic planes.
Just to correct the record, back in the late 80’s American Airlines used the marketing slogan “The On-Time Machine”. I know it’s hard to believe but back in the late 80´s American was actually on-time.
yep. and then they tried to duplicate at DFW what DL has at ATL and their on-time has been worse than industry for years.
ATL and DFW are polar opposites of what hub airports should be and it shows up in statistics.
It is notable that AA's on-time at CLT soared this spring because they cut the number of flights so it far better fits the operation.
Fewer flights per day make it easier to be on time? Unbelievable Tim.
That depth of analysis likely didn’t help his sub-par DL career
"yep. and then they tried to duplicate at DFW what DL has at ATL and their on-time has been worse than industry for years."
somebody hit happy hour early. ;)
You're going to lose your mind when the new DFW gates open and ATL goes to second place ;)
"yep. and then they tried to duplicate at DFW what DL has at ATL and their on-time has been worse than industry for years."
So you actually admit ATL has worst on time than DFW?
wow. Just wow.
The mental midgets are out in full force.
Anyone that isn't smart enough to realize that
1. DFW was never designed to be a huge connecting hub airport and it serves miserably in that function.
2. ATL was designed to be a massive connecting airport and it serves that role beautifully, efficiently, and reliably.
3. CLT was never designed to handle anywhere near the number of passengers that...
wow. Just wow.
The mental midgets are out in full force.
Anyone that isn't smart enough to realize that
1. DFW was never designed to be a huge connecting hub airport and it serves miserably in that function.
2. ATL was designed to be a massive connecting airport and it serves that role beautifully, efficiently, and reliably.
3. CLT was never designed to handle anywhere near the number of passengers that AA has shoved through it, it has become a very unreliable airport, AA has recently reduced flights through it and CLT's on-time has improved dramatically.
Anyone that doesn't understand those basic principles and see the actual data has no business even commenting on anything related to operational reliability
". DFW was never designed to be a huge connecting hub airport and it serves miserably in that function."
was it designed to do that? No. But frankly, ATL was not built with some grand notion of connection passengers. it grew into that by chance.
Does DFW connect quite well today and is on schedule to pass ATL in daily movements and people? yes.
Speaking of mental midgets -- hey sTD! If...
". DFW was never designed to be a huge connecting hub airport and it serves miserably in that function."
was it designed to do that? No. But frankly, ATL was not built with some grand notion of connection passengers. it grew into that by chance.
Does DFW connect quite well today and is on schedule to pass ATL in daily movements and people? yes.
Speaking of mental midgets -- hey sTD! If you think your little trailer park of an airport is a jewel anywhere, it isn't. Calm down, sparky lol
DFW is nothing perfect but it does connect an enormous amount of people and on track to pass ATL with room to grow at DFW, unlike ATL.
what a spectacular idiot
ATL was PURPOSE BUILT to be a massive connecting airport and it has achieved that far better than anything on the planet
It was not a coincidence.
and, no, DFW is nowhere near to be in the league of ATL in terms of passengers.
It does handle lots of flights with far fewer passengers - mirroring the difference between AA and DL's systems - and THAT is why AA makes...
what a spectacular idiot
ATL was PURPOSE BUILT to be a massive connecting airport and it has achieved that far better than anything on the planet
It was not a coincidence.
and, no, DFW is nowhere near to be in the league of ATL in terms of passengers.
It does handle lots of flights with far fewer passengers - mirroring the difference between AA and DL's systems - and THAT is why AA makes so much less than DL.
RJs are not economical any more. and yet AA's network is full of them.
mental midgets don't understand these weighty concepts and then try to shame others and only prove how deficient in knowledge of the industry they really are
Oh Tim... if this note above had any coherent thought, maybe I'd reply but you're clearly drinking and typing, as usual. So many mental midgets replying to you that use data vs dogmatic opinions. ;)
Funny, you once said those that use insults have the worst opinions and arguments -- so true... your reply literally has absolutely nothing in reply lol. DFW already has more nonstop destinations vs ATL and already has buildings IN...
Oh Tim... if this note above had any coherent thought, maybe I'd reply but you're clearly drinking and typing, as usual. So many mental midgets replying to you that use data vs dogmatic opinions. ;)
Funny, you once said those that use insults have the worst opinions and arguments -- so true... your reply literally has absolutely nothing in reply lol. DFW already has more nonstop destinations vs ATL and already has buildings IN CONSTRUCTION NOW that will make DFW bigger than ATL. It's like you don't even know anything?
you and that refresh rate in the comment section. Have you been waiting for me to type all day like this to me on this article?!
I'm so sorry I've been having a life the last few hours. You should try it
You'll enjoy learning about the history of ATL
it was designed to replicate the recently designed DFW but Atlanta couldn't afford it so the construction timeline was delayed ;)
https://www.airporthistory.org/blue-concourse/how-atlantas-midfield-terminal-could-have-looked-completely-different
When you talk about AA in DFW, you really should add “the hub where DL was chased out by AA”.
and DL took its toys and went to NYC and managed to become the largest airline at LGA and JFK with local markets worth way more than DFW.
Do you ever think through what you write?
DFW is a failure as a connecting airport. ATL - as it actually exists - not the failed dream that Max wants - succeeds spectacularly at what it does.
lol. I don't work from DFW nor is it my favorite airport. but your statements are so obviously stupid and wrong lol
ATL certainly works but you'd have to ignore reality to say DFW has failed at connecting lol
it's only growing bigger... ;)
Tim you're doing it again.
No one is talking about NYC or LGA or JFK but you. All of us are talking about ATL and DFW.
Once Max shared some very interesting insight about ATL and how wrong you are. Now you shift the goal post to NYC.
You alone brought up NYC after you got defeated about ATL.
Hi Tim,
Even though you’re everywhere in the comment sections of some aviation blogs, I can’t find practically any personal information about you. The only place where there’s at least a photo is on SeekingAlpha.
You certainly spark a lot of interest, and in a way, you’re something of an institution.
It’s fascinating how passionate you are about Delta.
I’d be interested to know if you’ve ever worked at or for Delta? Are...
Hi Tim,
Even though you’re everywhere in the comment sections of some aviation blogs, I can’t find practically any personal information about you. The only place where there’s at least a photo is on SeekingAlpha.
You certainly spark a lot of interest, and in a way, you’re something of an institution.
It’s fascinating how passionate you are about Delta.
I’d be interested to know if you’ve ever worked at or for Delta? Are you or were you a frequent flyer? Do you make money at SeekingAlpha, or is that more like a hobby?
Do you consider yourself a fan of Delta, or would you defend another airline as well if it surpassed Delta?
In your opinion, are there areas where Delta falls short compared to its competitors?
Would you like to share anything personal about yourself with us/with me?
yes, you are right.
I am an institution and I am glad that people feel a need to respond to what I write.
I have repeatedly made the invitation to meet people - but in person. If Matthew would be willing to pass along your personal contact information, I will see if we can find a time or place to meet.
as for my "passion" for Delta, I watched the airline industry for years...
yes, you are right.
I am an institution and I am glad that people feel a need to respond to what I write.
I have repeatedly made the invitation to meet people - but in person. If Matthew would be willing to pass along your personal contact information, I will see if we can find a time or place to meet.
as for my "passion" for Delta, I watched the airline industry for years before 1978 when it was deregulated in the US.
I saw the potential that deregulation would bring and bet that Delta would use deregulation to achieve far more than any other airline.
Delta was the red headed stepchild of the industry for the first 50 years of its existence and was 6th largest in 1978.
Now DL is the highest market cap, highest revenue airline on the planet and it is the most profitable in the US.
DL runs a very good airline in addition to business. even w/ all of this talk about reliability, DL's track record of operational leadership in the US airline industry goes well beyond that of any existing airline.
I am also bullish on WN for many of the same reasons - but they have slipped on a banana of late, ICYMI.
AA and UA have both squanded so many opportunities over their 100 years.
and I esp. detest the UA fan club which derives its arrogance from its CEO who runs around with a chip on his shoulder and yet continually gets outstrategized by DL.
I love a good pi88ng match and this place - and others provide it - but most of all I stand up for the truth.
Glad we have crossed paths.
lmao
way to ignore his questions.
Yes, Tim worked for delta and he was also fired by delta. he's never denied it. If you simply look at the titles of his seeking alpha articles, it will answer this question completely
"Do you consider yourself a fan of Delta, or would you defend another airline as well if it surpassed Delta?
In your opinion, are there areas where Delta falls short compared to...
lmao
way to ignore his questions.
Yes, Tim worked for delta and he was also fired by delta. he's never denied it. If you simply look at the titles of his seeking alpha articles, it will answer this question completely
"Do you consider yourself a fan of Delta, or would you defend another airline as well if it surpassed Delta?
In your opinion, are there areas where Delta falls short compared to its competitors?"
The irony of you writing this, sTD: "I am an institution and I am glad that people feel a need to respond to what I write."
You're a laughing stock, not an institution. A very well known laughing stock across the industry but don't kid yourself, sTD lol
"In your opinion, are there areas where Delta falls short compared to its competitors?
You should answer this, sTD. Are you able to? or is your unwarranted pride too much?
"but most of all I stand up for the truth."
except when it conflicts with data and you, per usual, have none.
"I have repeatedly made the invitation to meet people - but in person. If Matthew would be willing to pass along your personal contact information, I will see if we can find a time or place to meet."
1. This isn't Matthew's website. Stop drinking
2. I've invited you to prove who you say you aren't via any website owner. Now you're starting cocktail hours in Terminal E at ATL via gary/lucky/Matt?
I have what you want but can't have.
THAT is solely all you are about.
You are the one that screws up every statement you make that doesn't come out of your paid Cirium account.
Specific to this article, yes, I have the facts.
DL pilots think they are going to harm the company and are simply highlighting how well run DL actually is.
and the pilots are furious that DL decided their trip...
I have what you want but can't have.
THAT is solely all you are about.
You are the one that screws up every statement you make that doesn't come out of your paid Cirium account.
Specific to this article, yes, I have the facts.
DL pilots think they are going to harm the company and are simply highlighting how well run DL actually is.
and the pilots are furious that DL decided their trip dropping and premium trip pickup has gone too far and the company has taken its own contractual actions to cut costs and increase its reliability.
UA's mental midgets try to gloat over a fractional difference in cancellation when UA could have had both an on-time and ccancellation advantage but blew it.
and DL will have a better cancellation rate than UA by the end of the year
but don't come to ATL concourse E looking to try again to prove me wrong.
You're wrong Tim.
My flight from ATL concourse E got canceled last week.
"I have what you want but can't have."
What is that exactly? Your sad life alone?
"Specific to this article, yes, I have the facts."
truly, please use them. we haven't seen them yet.
"DL pilots think they are going to harm the company and are simply highlighting how well run DL actually is."
and yet DOT confirmed that the Pilots were right per your own comment and post. Cancellations are going up month...
"I have what you want but can't have."
What is that exactly? Your sad life alone?
"Specific to this article, yes, I have the facts."
truly, please use them. we haven't seen them yet.
"DL pilots think they are going to harm the company and are simply highlighting how well run DL actually is."
and yet DOT confirmed that the Pilots were right per your own comment and post. Cancellations are going up month on month in the latest data we have. Opening up a wide chasm of cancelled flights vs UA
"but don't come to ATL concourse E looking to try again to prove me wrong."
thanks. I wouldn't touch that cesspool. you have nothing to worry about. So excited for your new friends though! are you really this desperate that some random commenter on a website is about to become your newest buddy?
Since I live in Munich, Germany, it probably won't be possible to meet in person.
I’m also not currently planning any trips (either for work or personal reasons) to the U.S.
In any case, precisely because I (and the community) often disagree with your comments, analyses, and evaluations, it would be interesting to interview you. That would help me better understand your comments.
Maybe Ben could conduct the interview with you and publish it here?
Quote from Matthew Klint (October 2023): “I quite enjoy Dunn’s commentary and the fact that he can always be counted on to put a positive spin on anything Delta-related.”
This quote is, of course, not taken out of context at all. Trust me.
Come to think of it, Tim has been enriching the comment sections of various blogs for at least three years now. How time flies.
Ben - along w/ the rest of them - bring volume based on the facts that I bring to the discussion which send some people, esp. the UA fan nut jobs out in full force when confronted w/ the reailty that UA blew its opportunity to surpass DL in operational relability
UA passed DL in both cancellation and on-time for a couple months – but YTD, on-time UA is back well below DL. UA was...
Ben - along w/ the rest of them - bring volume based on the facts that I bring to the discussion which send some people, esp. the UA fan nut jobs out in full force when confronted w/ the reailty that UA blew its opportunity to surpass DL in operational relability
UA passed DL in both cancellation and on-time for a couple months – but YTD, on-time UA is back well below DL. UA was too focused on cramming flights into ORD and SFO that the FAA had to step in there just as they did at EWR.
UA’s baggage handling ratio is worse than any other US airline and yet we have the mental midgets that want to argue that baggage handling and on-time doesn’t matter but UA’s tiny little cancellation advantage – based on running a much smaller domestic network – esp in major markets – leaves them at #4 in the industry.
out of the big 4.
DL pilots look even dumber than the UA fan nut jobs that infect social media becuse they can’t accept that their airline is not anywhere close to industry leading in anything except arrogance and data manipulation.
Facts? During the first five months of 2026,
Delta flights are 35% more likely to be cancelled than UA.
Delta flights are 0.8% more likely to be on time than UA.
the truth hurts so bad that you have to lie and distort to pretend that UA is better.
It isn't.
UA runs a worse business and airline than DL.
and I just love to respond to your incessant drivel and deflections from that reality
Sorry little DL propagandist here are the numbers.
Mainline Delta flights are 85% more likely to be cancelled than mainline United flights in 2026. UA does a good job of prioritizing flights with more customers during FAA delay programs. Overall, DL's cancellation rate is 35% higher than UA's in 2026 YTD.
DOT stats on 1st five months of 2026
Cancellations/flights = cancellation rate
DL Mainline: 9,638/419,358=0.023
DL Connect: 7,457/253,266 =0.0294
...
Sorry little DL propagandist here are the numbers.
Mainline Delta flights are 85% more likely to be cancelled than mainline United flights in 2026. UA does a good job of prioritizing flights with more customers during FAA delay programs. Overall, DL's cancellation rate is 35% higher than UA's in 2026 YTD.
DOT stats on 1st five months of 2026
Cancellations/flights = cancellation rate
DL Mainline: 9,638/419,358=0.023
DL Connect: 7,457/253,266 =0.0294
DL Total: 17,095/672,624 =0.0254
UA Mainline: 4,194/337,995=0.0124
UA Express: 7,571/285,325 =0.0265
UA Total: 11,765/623,320 =0.0189
"the truth hurts so bad that you have to lie and distort to pretend that UA is better."
It's funny because you post lies then get butt-hurt when you're proven wrong with real data.
Reality is a world you'd be well-advised to live in since you don't currently
not a single soul has EVER said that DL's cancellation rate has deteriorated.
YOU and rebel and the dumb pilot are the ones that manipulate every other statistic to avoid admitting that UA's operation IN TOTAL is inferior to DL's.
and rebel just confirmed what everyone knows which is that UA freeely cancels its mainline domestic flights to manipulate its performance at the cost of its regional jet customers.
Since UA operates a FAR...
not a single soul has EVER said that DL's cancellation rate has deteriorated.
YOU and rebel and the dumb pilot are the ones that manipulate every other statistic to avoid admitting that UA's operation IN TOTAL is inferior to DL's.
and rebel just confirmed what everyone knows which is that UA freeely cancels its mainline domestic flights to manipulate its performance at the cost of its regional jet customers.
Since UA operates a FAR HIGHER percentage of its domestic system on regoinal jets than DL = only AA is worse - they screw hundreds of thousands of passengers just so they can have a paid internet influencer gloat about beating DL mainline.
and all that matters and will matter in 2026 is that DL got tired of UA trash talking everyone else for year after year and decided to bi89 slap UA around.
DL's LAX-HKG and LAX-ORD are both off to strong starts and LAX-EWR is next on deck. A raft of LAX international routes are coming.
DL isn't picking on AA; they are targeting UA at its core - EWR, LAX and TPAC.
and UA isn't doing anything. because the bully that thought it ruled the playground just found out that someone with far more power will use it and the bully is powerless to do anything about it.
THAT is the story of 2026 and the mental midgets that are incapable of accepting that reality have nothing else to do than to cherrypick data in order to gain a fleeting advantage, at best.
and, I will bet that DL will end 2026 with a lower SYSTEM cancellation rate - the way the DOT defines it - than UA.
Will any one of these mental midgets be willing to stand up for their beliefs?
And rebel, we are waiting for you to tell us how UA managed to outperform DL in profits in 1Q2025 and then end up $1.6 billion in the hole by the end of the year? What made the wheels fall off the bus, rebel?
and how much larger will UA's earnings gap be to DL given that UA is finally having to BEGIN to cough up cash to UA employees who have stupidly made no-interest loans to UA for years and years.
"not a single soul has EVER said that DL's cancellation rate has deteriorated."
I literally posted the data backing that exact assertion this morning ;)
Delta's cancel rate doubled from April to May in the summer buildup. I'm excited to see how June looks.
cute try though. You truly are mentally retarded
Pilots rely on gaming the schedules to maximize income. The problem with high earners is that their lifestyle expands to match earnings and even if they make half a million a year any reduction however small due to not being able to pick up revenue maximizing shifts causes significant pain. À Law firm collapsed quit en mass and depleted capital by withdrawing their buy in $500,000 when billing’s dropped and their income dropped from a...
Pilots rely on gaming the schedules to maximize income. The problem with high earners is that their lifestyle expands to match earnings and even if they make half a million a year any reduction however small due to not being able to pick up revenue maximizing shifts causes significant pain. À Law firm collapsed quit en mass and depleted capital by withdrawing their buy in $500,000 when billing’s dropped and their income dropped from a million to $900k. Revenue sensitivity is an issue at both ends of the earnings spectrum
The Timcel is getting SPANKED in the comments today!
Proper business travelers can afford delays…less so cancels. Can’t trust Delta!
Kind of expected a higher degree of collaboration and tact from Delta pilots. Not some tacky / tasteless airing of dirty laundry.
it's not even dirty laundry when DL outperforms its competitors.
they certainly are on cancellations. Well above United and the industry average.
It's really funny how inept you are about real data.
Tim doesn't know what is dirty laundry.
Are you wearing the same Delta t-shirt for the last decade because DL outperforms its competitors?
Good on the pilots. Shame on management. How about pay the passengers for your excessive delays? EU261 would. $250-700. Without financial penalties/incentives, there’s no reason for Ed to care. Take away his $100 million compensation package. What a joker.
Where’s that Delta employee who constantly trolls this website?
A delayed Delta flight in basic economy is better than an on time flight in Q Suites. I don't know what these people are complaining about.
The pilot contract wasn't an issue until recently and this is only because they underestimated their need for pilots. Total block hours went up yet they only hired for attrition for the first quarter last year then stopped hiring completely.
By the time December rolled around they were running in thin margins.
How do we know this was a problem? Delta has already hired over 1000 pilots this year with no plans to stop soon...
The pilot contract wasn't an issue until recently and this is only because they underestimated their need for pilots. Total block hours went up yet they only hired for attrition for the first quarter last year then stopped hiring completely.
By the time December rolled around they were running in thin margins.
How do we know this was a problem? Delta has already hired over 1000 pilots this year with no plans to stop soon despite there not being major fleet growth.
When you run an operation too thin with an ambitious schedule it makes it easy to blame other things that, hilariously, weren't a problem until right before contract negotiations began.
Think about it. Why was the contract not a problem until recently?
@PilotPerson: "Why was the contract not a problem until recently?"
The reason there is a problem only recently (last 12 months or so) is the application of a provision in the contract that wasn't being used as much before. Spend some time reading about 23.M.7 (that's the specific contract paragraph in the pilot's contract).
Here is a breakdown from an investor website (ainvest) that give a decent, "not too far in the weeds" explanation of...
@PilotPerson: "Why was the contract not a problem until recently?"
The reason there is a problem only recently (last 12 months or so) is the application of a provision in the contract that wasn't being used as much before. Spend some time reading about 23.M.7 (that's the specific contract paragraph in the pilot's contract).
Here is a breakdown from an investor website (ainvest) that give a decent, "not too far in the weeds" explanation of what it is, and why it's affecting things now. And it answers why this is an issue today with a contract that was signed over three years ago:
**************
The core of Delta's operational crisis lies in a drastic decline in pilot willingness to accept open trips beyond their regular schedules. According to an internal memo from Ryan Gumm, Delta's Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, the acceptance rate for these extra flights has plummeted to 2%, down from 37% year-over-year as reported in May 2026. This collapse has severely hindered Delta's ability to fill last-minute staffing gaps, forcing the airline to rely on a complex staffing protocol known internally as 23.M.7 which has been activated. This emergency provision, originally intended for occasional use, is now being deployed 10 to 15 times more frequently than last year according to earnings data.
The 23.M.7 system is highly inefficient and costly, often paying premiums to pilots while leaving other scheduling gaps unfilled. As a result, flight operations-related cancellations have risen to 35% of Delta's mainline cancellations, up from just 7% last year according to financial reports. The memo notes that while the company has increased pilot reserve levels and accelerated hiring, the operational structure has not evolved to match the current complexity of the airline's network as executives stated. Delta currently has 20% more pilots than in 2019, yet the union contract mandates the continued use of the problematic 23.M.7 system under certain conditions, exacerbating the operational bottleneck according to management.
Compounding these issues are flaws in Delta's automated crew-calling system, ARCOS. Designed to reduce "nuisance calls" for pilots, ARCOS created smaller call groups, which inadvertently led to a bottleneck where pilots auto-accept trips to remain eligible as analysis indicates. This process slows down the system as trips cascade through the queue, particularly when Delta frequently uses an emergency-style "inverse assignment" process that bypasses seniority. This bypass triggers expensive pay protections under the 23.M.7 contract provision, creating a financial disincentive for pilots to accept trips unless they are guaranteed pay. The situation is further exacerbated by high turnover in Delta's crew scheduling departments, leaving the airline with inexperienced workers who struggle to manage complex scheduling adjustments during irregular operations.
***************
TL/DR: Pilots learned about a year ago that if they only fly their monthly assigned trips, and do no add extra voluntary flying, they can actually get more money in the end when Delta is forced to use paragraph 23.M.7 to cover trips. 23.M.7 is inefficient, doesn't always guarantee a crew will actually get assigned a trip in time (causing cancellations), and Delta management did not anticipate this consequence of the contract language and hire enough pilots.
and the result is that DL exercised its own provisions which allowed it to limit the ability of pilots to pick up extra trips and also gave the company greater abiliity to assign trips which pilots can't back out of.
Of course the DL pilots are ticked.
And let's not forget THEY are the unionized employees that DL is messing w/ while it is the non-union employees that get treated better.
and DALPA looks...
and the result is that DL exercised its own provisions which allowed it to limit the ability of pilots to pick up extra trips and also gave the company greater abiliity to assign trips which pilots can't back out of.
Of course the DL pilots are ticked.
And let's not forget THEY are the unionized employees that DL is messing w/ while it is the non-union employees that get treated better.
and DALPA looks ilke complete fools arguing about DL's operational unreliability when they just posted the best on-time in the industry.
DL on-time for May was 3% better than UA, but DL had a 69% greater cancellation rate than UA for May and 85% greater for YTD. Yikes!
On-time YTD for 1st five months of 2026
1. ALK 80.8%
2. DAL 79.0%
3. UAL 78.4%
4. LUV 76.8%
5. AAL 75.2%
0.8% on-time difference.
Hair-brain Walter Mitty Dunn, posts:
“DL is running a reliable operation and is at or near the top of the industry”.
I ask, which industry? Certainly not the International Airlines Industry!
Well most Americans think that the USA is the only country that exists in this world, so there's no such thing as an international airlines industry.
Management take: double the price of the first flight of the day
indeed, very smart messaging and even with my low expectations, i'm honestly pretty shocked that DL management let it get this far
I'd be interested to know how much of this is tied to having two super hubs in the east, JFK(LGA) and ATL subject to summer storms. Take a huge hub offline for a couple of hours while the airport is shut down and the entire operation suddenly turns into a fecal matter show.
ATL is a far superior operation than many other hubs including all of the Texas and Chicago hubs
The moment they got rid of the smoking areas and the gelato shop in C, they were dead to me.
Credit where credit is due, kinda of, because of the "narrow focus" of Tim's selected hubs ("ATL vs. Texas/Chicago"), and if you only use "on time" as the metric. He's right that ATL beat the Texas/Chicago hubs.
May on-time stats:
ATL - 79.6%
ORD - 77.5%
IAH - 77.4%
DFW - 74.3%
MDW - 73.7%
DAL - 68.6%
Of course, he's conveniently ignoring ALL these hubs, all of which...
Credit where credit is due, kinda of, because of the "narrow focus" of Tim's selected hubs ("ATL vs. Texas/Chicago"), and if you only use "on time" as the metric. He's right that ATL beat the Texas/Chicago hubs.
May on-time stats:
ATL - 79.6%
ORD - 77.5%
IAH - 77.4%
DFW - 74.3%
MDW - 73.7%
DAL - 68.6%
Of course, he's conveniently ignoring ALL these hubs, all of which beat ATL's 79.6%:
BWI - 80.0%
CLT - 83.8%
DEN - 79.9%
EWR - 86.3% <<< BEST IN THE NATION FOR MAY!
IAD - 84.2%
JFK - 82.3%
LAX - 80.1%
MSP - 84.4%
PHL - 81.6%
PHX - 79.7%
SEA - 81.8%
SLC - 85.4%
Based on these DOT numbers, I can draw two conclusions:
1) EWR is actually the best-run and most reliable hub to fly through, according to the May 2026 DOT statistics
2) Fortress hubs where airlines dominate (EWR for UA, ATL for DL, CLT for AA) where (a) the dominating airline is almost solely responsible for the on-time stats, (b) weather is generally not a factor this time of year, and (c) there are no unusual construction projects affecting arrivals, can all be used as a gauge of an airline's "operational competence". ATL (and therefore, Delta) does not stand out as one of the best.
Yes another Tim classic of "Delta is better in XYZ super narrowly scoped thing"
Interesting how Tim mentions the DOT report but conveniently omits the applicable statistic from the report. In fact, he mentions Cancels -- the one statistic that is most applicable -- but only to talk about WN before quickly moving on to other usual rants about EWR vs JFK/LGA and MBR to try and throw a lot at the wall and hoping no one notices his misuse of the data he posts.
First, it's a report...
Interesting how Tim mentions the DOT report but conveniently omits the applicable statistic from the report. In fact, he mentions Cancels -- the one statistic that is most applicable -- but only to talk about WN before quickly moving on to other usual rants about EWR vs JFK/LGA and MBR to try and throw a lot at the wall and hoping no one notices his misuse of the data he posts.
First, it's a report by Operating carrier, not marketing carrier. It's interesting and applicable if you're Southwest or JetBlue with no regional network, but not very useful for network airlines that use regional lift.
But let's just look at Delta vs others.
I'm just going to look at May since you'd expect to see improvements vs YTD numbers before the summer travel peak started accelerating operational issues, like Delta management said it would.
The issue with Delta pilots has been a mix of delays but more about cancellations.
In the report Tim mentions:
Cancels:
AA: 1,324 cancelled flights out of 88,740 = 1.5% cancel rate (pretty lousy but May had a ton of weather at AA hubs shutting down major airports but still lousy)
DL: 1,144 cancelled flights out of 91,955 = 1.24% cancel rate (also pretty bad but not as bad as AA)
UA: 286 cancelled flights out of 74,200 = 0.38% cancel rate (pretty awesome vs DL and AA)
From this alone, the DOT report reaffirms what Delta's management said -- that Delta ops would not get better over the summer. They're deteriorating significantly relative to UA. That is a LOT of cancelled passengers in the month of May for Delta vs United. well into the tens of thousands more impacted passengers.
Flights on time:
AA: 75.1%
DL: 81% (AS is at 82.4% -- No, Delta is not ahead of AS in the latest report in the latest month of reporting and is, in fact, falling behind Alaska)
UA: 79.5%
Yet another great example of Tim using "data" but purposefully omitting the relevant data, glossing over it, then bringing up 6 other unrelated topics to obscure how deliberating he attempts to manipulate Data when he actually even bothers to use it.
Yes, Delta still has major operational issues vs United and they're only getting worse (April was 0.8% cancel rate for DL vs UA at 0.5%)
good on both Ben and Gary for covering this subject.
The DL pilots have nothing to stand on based on actual facts and data. DL is running a reliable operation and is at or near the top of the industry.
Only deception spewing people like Max would construe that the DOT prioritizes any single dataset over any other. They don't. They provide a comprehensive list of metrics, many of which are divided between...
good on both Ben and Gary for covering this subject.
The DL pilots have nothing to stand on based on actual facts and data. DL is running a reliable operation and is at or near the top of the industry.
Only deception spewing people like Max would construe that the DOT prioritizes any single dataset over any other. They don't. They provide a comprehensive list of metrics, many of which are divided between mainline and regional carriers
Whatever lead UA might have had over DL is gone. UA's on-time as a marketing airline is worse than DL as a marketing airline. DL's cancellation rate is now so near to UA's that only a few people would argue that there is any difference in real life.
and it is WN that wins in fewer cancellations but they have a much worse on-time.
UA operates a far higher percentage of its network on regional jets which will always have an inferior level of service to mainline.
The DOT provides the data so consumers can make their own choices as to what matters.
Few people would ding either DL or UA for the level of their operations right now but there never was and certainly is not now a basis for arguing that UA had or has an operational advantage.
They do still lose bags at a far higher rate than DL or WN.
"UA operates a far higher percentage of its network on regional jets which will always have an inferior level of service to mainline."
Completely false. And of the "Big Three" US airlines, it's AA that uses more RJs.
RJs, as a percentage of flights flown:
DL: +/- 26%
UA: +/- 36%
AA: +/- 43%
RJs, as a percentage of seat miles:
DL: +/- 5%
UA: +/- 6%
AA: +/-...
"UA operates a far higher percentage of its network on regional jets which will always have an inferior level of service to mainline."
Completely false. And of the "Big Three" US airlines, it's AA that uses more RJs.
RJs, as a percentage of flights flown:
DL: +/- 26%
UA: +/- 36%
AA: +/- 43%
RJs, as a percentage of seat miles:
DL: +/- 5%
UA: +/- 6%
AA: +/- 10%
You are either really bad at basic analysis, or you work off old information (which also makes you bad at basic analysis), or you really just go out of your way to try to make United look bad - which, again, makes you a propagandist. I think it's all three.
Pilot Paul, perhaps you have discovered the reason why Walter Mitty Dunn, was reportedly fired by Delta …. the lack of sound analytical knowledge?
"Only deception spewing people like Max would construe that the DOT prioritizes any single dataset over any other. They don't. They provide a comprehensive list of metrics, many of which are divided between mainline and regional carriers"
God even knows what you're trying to say. you're the one who brought up the DOT report but yes. Only Delta mainline is impacted by the Delta mainline pilot contract -- remember the one Delta says is causing...
"Only deception spewing people like Max would construe that the DOT prioritizes any single dataset over any other. They don't. They provide a comprehensive list of metrics, many of which are divided between mainline and regional carriers"
God even knows what you're trying to say. you're the one who brought up the DOT report but yes. Only Delta mainline is impacted by the Delta mainline pilot contract -- remember the one Delta says is causing all the operational issues?
But given the pilot issues are causing cancels and that cancellation rate is only ACCELERATING for delta, yes, Tim. No one is lying with stats except you who refuses to even use the one applicable statistic where the Pilot issue is causing the operational issues.
Delta is canceling far more flights going into the summer vs United and the cancel % spread between DL and UA is only growing in United's favor.
If you want to post DOT datasets, sTD, at least understand what they mean for your point before you get called out so easily... yet again
LTD says, "Whatever lead UA might have had over DL is gone."
Wrong again.
Delta flights are 35% more likely to be cancelled than UA.
Delta flights are 0.8% more likely to be on time than UA.
Delta cancelled 17,095 or 2.5% of their flights in 2026 or 5,330 more than UA.
Tim, each side uses and misuses DOT stats for their own arguments. Fine. I read all arguments.
The issue is that Delta has an inferior IT structure that has caught up with them. No interpretation of DL’s financial performance is going to fix that without a massive investment. UA revenue will be pressured by new contracts and labor problems, AA is well just AA. But, DL needs to enter the 21st century when it comes to IT.
Discuss.
Now you can expect Tim to ignore what you said (which was 100% accurate) and pivot to something else in reply - Free Wifi, LAX expansion, A350-1000s, FAA limits on SFO/ORD/EWR, baggage handling, etc. He consistently fails to directly addresses solid arguments like you brought up.
Tim claims to be an airline analyst. He's really just a propagandist.
Delta’s operation is not and never has been inferior to United no matter how much you argue otherwise
See? As predicted, you didn't address any evidence presented to contradict your original assertions, and instead pivoted to something unrelated.
Nobody said United is running a better operation than Delta.
Everyone said Delta isn't running as good an operation as YOU claim, with data (DOT reports) and evidence (Delta pilots' website) to back it up.
Classic propagandist.
Tim and factually correct data have an interesting relationship - by interesting I mean a non-existent relationship.
I'd be curious to know how their software differs from what other airlines use.
Well compared to the shit show of Air Canada pathetic on time performance Delta is amazing.
Lack of competition in Canada, and few regulations mean lots of upset customers.
welp sounds like delta's CASM will be going up!!! enjoy the raise comrade pilots
Gary covered this just before Ben so it is worth copying my response on his website.
The DOT just released the July Air Travel Consumer Report yesterday which includes data through May.
In it, DL went to the best on-time position of all US airlines with a 0.1% lead over AS – which now includes HA.
the shocker is that B6 was just below AS followed with 0.1% separating each of the top 3...
Gary covered this just before Ben so it is worth copying my response on his website.
The DOT just released the July Air Travel Consumer Report yesterday which includes data through May.
In it, DL went to the best on-time position of all US airlines with a 0.1% lead over AS – which now includes HA.
the shocker is that B6 was just below AS followed with 0.1% separating each of the top 3 finishers.
UA was over 2% lower than B6 for 4th place and then AA was just over 1% lower than UA
Now defunct NK was at the bottom of the list but WN was 9th with almost 10% more flights delayed than the top 3.
WN’s performance on cancellation was better than any other big 4 carrier – showing that their strategy to not cancel flights subjects them to more delays. Allegiant did best again followed by B6; perhaps B6 is refocusing their operation and overcoming what was their biggest drawback – their lack of reliability.
UA, DL and AA were separated by about 0.4% in cancellations but even AA had only 1.5% of their flights cancelled.
as usual, UA is at the bottom of the industry in baggage handling.
the “advantage” in reliability that UA supposedly had over DL at the beginning of the year is over.
DL is still cancelling more flights than they historically did but they are just as reliable in on-time if not more so than competitors
The DL pilots like the UA fans will gain no traction in their argument about the lack of reliability of DL’s network because data says otherwise.
it is also worth noting that EWR again was the best performing NYC airport, something UA loves to tout but the difference was just 4% between EWR and JFK on-time for May and both were well above system on-time. Given that WN has a small presence in NYC and they were the laggard in on-time systemwide, it isn’t surprising that NYC’s airports did well overall.
but UA simply traded reliability at EWR for lower on-time at their other hubs including ORD and SFO; IAH didn’t do as well as other hubs but was better than DFW.
DL pilots do not like that DL is limiting their ability to drop their bid schedules and then pick up higher paying trips – a key feature of many US airline pilot contracts. DL is hiring pilots at a faster rate than they wanted but they are having to cover fewer open flights by limiting trip dropping.
Of course DL pilots don’t like what DL has done but it is either apparently allowed by the contract or DL is willing to do it anyway.
the argument that DL’s operation isn’t reliable isn’t even remotely supported by statistics.
Since DL reports its 2nd quarter financials in a week, they will realize they are still the best paid in the industry including with profit sharing that overshadows everyone else in the industry.
and the chances are that DL pilots and the rest of the industry will see far smaller gains on a new contract than were seen in post covid pilot contracts.
17 paragraphs of denial on a topic even Delta management says is not solved and won't be through the summer lol
You need help
nobody including me has denied that DL is not operating at near ZERO percent cancellation rates.
Their on-time is industry leading. Their baggage handling is far better than the competition. They involuntarily deny virtually no one.
You can't stand to admit that DL's pilot staffing issues still make it more reliable than its competitors that are supposedly running their best operation.
In the 1st five months of 2026 Delta cancelled 2.5% of its flights. Passengers were 35% (5,330 more cancellations) more likely to have their flight cancelled on Delta Air Lines than if they flew on United. If you take the regional flights out of it, Delta passengers were 92% more likely to have their flight cancelled than on United mainline because United does a good job of prioritizing flights carrying more passengers during FAA delay...
In the 1st five months of 2026 Delta cancelled 2.5% of its flights. Passengers were 35% (5,330 more cancellations) more likely to have their flight cancelled on Delta Air Lines than if they flew on United. If you take the regional flights out of it, Delta passengers were 92% more likely to have their flight cancelled than on United mainline because United does a good job of prioritizing flights carrying more passengers during FAA delay programs. As for on-time DL was on time 0.8% more often.
Back in 2018 Delta went 243 consecutive cancellation-free days. The days of CEO Richard Anderson and team are long gone.
Tim Dunn - who swears he's always been on the outside, looking in (not a former, nor a current, Delta employee), and somehow has more insights and knowledge than Delta's management and 16,000 Delta pilots.
Long Live King Tim!
Whatever Tim, why don’t UA and AA have their employees setting up websites that basically trash their operational performance? Do you think it’s because they’ve done a better job of managing their people? Like just tell me why you think it is that this happened to Delta?
To be fair I don’t think it’s the case that Delta’s operations are so much worse than the others etc. The problem is Delta advertises that it’s the...
Whatever Tim, why don’t UA and AA have their employees setting up websites that basically trash their operational performance? Do you think it’s because they’ve done a better job of managing their people? Like just tell me why you think it is that this happened to Delta?
To be fair I don’t think it’s the case that Delta’s operations are so much worse than the others etc. The problem is Delta advertises that it’s the best etc. charges a massive premium for it and then consistently doesn’t deliver.
Some days must be rough in your job of protecting Delta on the airline blogs.
Leave spectrum boy go. It's entertaining. I don't know what his issue is. But I bet it's something hard to pronounce.
JonNYC strikes/scoops again!
Between his ability to break stories to his in-depth analysis, the guy is the aviation insider nonpareil!
JonNYC is an actual analyst. He lets the data and facts point to the insights, with no loyalties to any particular carrier.
He doesn't start with a conclusion then try to isolate or skew data to fit it. Jon is a "[New data/info becomes available] >>> [consider context/implication] >>> [reach conclusion]" actual analyst, not a "[Have already formed opinion] >>> [Discover/exposed to new data] >>> [Focus on narrow parts of data only to support Already...
JonNYC is an actual analyst. He lets the data and facts point to the insights, with no loyalties to any particular carrier.
He doesn't start with a conclusion then try to isolate or skew data to fit it. Jon is a "[New data/info becomes available] >>> [consider context/implication] >>> [reach conclusion]" actual analyst, not a "[Have already formed opinion] >>> [Discover/exposed to new data] >>> [Focus on narrow parts of data only to support Already Formed Opinion]" like our favorite commenter.
That's a key difference between an analyst and a propagandist.
He's got leaked information.
Anyone with those data can point to similar insights.
Ok maybe except Tim.
well, we already know ALPA is lying about delta reliability -- sTD has told us for weeks that's been solved. Somebody should tell ALPA -- and Delta who said it won't be fixed this summer.
At least give him credit that he's using real data to back up his points. Rambles a bit, but stats don't lie.
No credit due. Lie, damned lies and statistics at least in the hands of a liar.
"Rambles a bit, but stats don't lie."
If you read the DOT, you'd realize only sTD can make stats lie.
You're right, stats don't lie if you know what they mean. cancels are up considerably at Delta month on month. Nothing is getting better "per the data"
The issue frequently pointed out is how he uses the stats:
1) He adds qualifiers. It's just like saying, "The US Men's soccer team has scored the most goals of any team playing at home in the world cup prior to the knockout round." That's technically true. But remove any qualifier, and it isn't true anymore.
2) He ignores other's data to refute his points. Many respond with impartial data that contradict his assertions, and...
The issue frequently pointed out is how he uses the stats:
1) He adds qualifiers. It's just like saying, "The US Men's soccer team has scored the most goals of any team playing at home in the world cup prior to the knockout round." That's technically true. But remove any qualifier, and it isn't true anymore.
2) He ignores other's data to refute his points. Many respond with impartial data that contradict his assertions, and he doesn't even go with, "Okay - good point, but..." or address them. He instead moves on to another point, often unrelated (Free Wifi anyone?).
3) He makes many wild, sweeping claims within his "data based" claims that are either not supportable, or there is no data to support it. One of my recent favorites was along the likes of, "There isn't a single airline analyst who wouldn't agree that Delta runs the best airline." WTW?
The reason he is so often the subject of rebuttals is because it is so easy to do.
It’s never about being right or not; it’s only about getting people to respond. It’s the attention he’s addicted to.
@ Jetiquette: "At least give him credit that he's using real data to back up his points. Rambles a bit, but stats don't lie."
HHMMMM.... "Jetiquette [Guest]" = "Tim Dunn [Diamond]" ????
oh Tim has always had multiple guest personalities and has for years on various websites. Airliners.net banned him IP address and all because of how he kept trying to get back on via various new usernames. There are some users on there now that make similar dogmatic statements. perhaps he's found a new way back on...
Who knows who they are. The user YoloSwag conveniently usually rolls in when sTD has been soundly defeated with...
oh Tim has always had multiple guest personalities and has for years on various websites. Airliners.net banned him IP address and all because of how he kept trying to get back on via various new usernames. There are some users on there now that make similar dogmatic statements. perhaps he's found a new way back on...
Who knows who they are. The user YoloSwag conveniently usually rolls in when sTD has been soundly defeated with data and starts name calling and going off on other users "hating delta"... Not true, most people don't hate delta, they just get super annoyed with the fake halo most crazy delta fanboys get after being third string for so long and living in a god-awful city like ATL. ;)
But who really knows -- sTD is truly in a league of his own with regard to the mental derangement with a public company.