Delta is rewriting the rules of airline planning

Delta Air Lines is trying something new. It’s letting customers, as well as its employees, choose a new destination for its summer 2026 schedule. The airline recently announced that it would host the first-ever “Route Race” contest, which kicks off Monday and runs through August 29. It will let loyalty program members, SkyMiles Members, and Delta employees vote on a new European destination. The winning destination will be added to Delta’s schedule next summer. “SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does,” said Paul Baldoni, Delta’s senior vice president of network planning in a press release. “The Route Race is a celebration of their influence, giving our community a voice in where they want to fly next and inviting them to help shape Delta’s global netwo