Delta to Recognize 100,000 Acts of Kindness

Every holiday season, Delta welcomes hundreds of thousands of customers to the skies who are eager to reconnect with loved ones or recharge on vacation. While holiday travel brings its own share of pressure, Delta is shifting the spotlight to the simple acts of humanity that make our journeys memorable.

To celebrate 100 years of flight, Delta will highlight the simple acts of care that connect us all – the true reason for the season. For the winter holidays, the global airline is introducing Centennial Cheer, a program that will recognize 100,000 acts of kindness shared among Delta employees and customers.

 

Launch from the week of Dec. 7 through Jan. 5, Delta employees will begin distributing Holiday Medallion cards to customers who demonstrate acts of kindness during their journey. These cards are not tied to loyalty status or flight activity and will only be awarded to customers who truly embody the holiday spirit.

“Gifting Holiday Medallion cards to reward acts of kindness creates a positive loop of gratitude between our customers and employees,” said Erik Snell, Delta’s chief customer experience officer. “Whether it’s helping a seatmate with their bag, sharing a phone charger or simply thanking a reservations specialist, those gestures create the kind of connection that makes travel feel special. That’s what Centennial Cheer is all about, recognizing and celebrating the kindness we see every day.”

Holiday Medallion card recipients can redeem a surprise gift* on Delta Shop – ranging from exclusive Delta Centennial merchandise to a limited number of Centennial Gift Sets featuring two commemorative trading cards and a $500 Delta Gift Card to put toward their next dream vacation.

Delta is also empowering its Medallion Members to join the celebration and recognize Delta employees with holiday-edition Job Well Done Certificates. More than 40,000 certificates will be sent to Delta 360°, Diamond Medallion and Platinum Medallion Members with confirmed holiday travel. Eligible Members can also request these certificates by visiting deltamedalliontags.com.

Together with cards for Delta employees to recognize their colleagues, Delta is gifting 100,000 tokens that embody Delta’s century-long commitment to a culture of care and service – a reminder that kindness matters, especially amid the rush of the holiday travel season.

Holiday Medallion cards will be handed out by Delta employees while supplies last starting today, Dec. 4. Customers who spot acts of kindness during their holiday travels with Delta are also invited to share their stories and photos with Delta by emailing [email protected].

 In addition to exhibiting kindness this season, customers are encouraged to review Delta’s Customer Guide to make their journey even more pleasant. As always, customers should download and update Delta app

, pack with care and arrive at the airport early.

“Delta people take pride in creating moments of care, and this season they’re excited to recognize that same spirit in others,” said Snell. “As our 100th year comes to a close, we’re celebrating the kindness and connection that have defined Delta from the very beginning.”

  • *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. US. 18+ only. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST; Delta does not guarantee any specific gift or prizes. Must be redeemed by 3/31/26. This offer is personal to the recipient and cannot be sold, bartered or otherwise transferred; any purported transfer shall by null and void. No substitutions or replacements. No cash value. Subject to termination without notice by Delta at its sole discretion. Delta reserves the right to rescind the prize in the event of abuse, fraud, or violation of the SkyMiles Program Rules. Delta is not responsible for any third-party goods or services. Other terms and conditions of gift may apply. Void where prohibited by law. 

Delta Air Lines: 100 Years of Service

On March 2, 1925, the world’s first aerial crop-dusting company and largest privately-owned aircraft fleet in the U.S. incorporated as Huff Daland Dusters began carrying mail. One hundred years later, Delta is the leading global airline, owing that success to the resilient spirit and warm service of our people – the same attributes that will fuel our success and preserve our legacy for the next 100 years.

As Delta soars from one century to the next, we celebrate the spirit that’s illuminated our path — moments of bold ingenuity and selfless compassion that define who we are. See some of our latest stories below and check Delta’s Centennial site throughout the year for more stories that explore the past, present and future of our airline.

On Monday, Sept. 15, thousands of Delta people, partners and community members gathered at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta for a first look at the airline’s Centennial documentary, “A Century of Flight.”  Previewed in the trailer above and now available to view here, the 45-minute documentary was produced and directed by Academy-Award nominee Joshua Seftel of Smartypants Pictures.

It tells the story of Delta’s 100-year climb and how the airline rose from humble beginnings as a crop-dusting company to a leader in global aviation, overcoming countless challenges along the way. The story is told by employees at every level of the company, including past and present Delta CEOs Ed Bastian, Gerald “Jerry” Grinstein and Richard Anderson.

“The story told in this film belongs to every Delta employee as well as the millions of customers who have been part of our 100-year journey,” said Bastian. “It’s a story of resilience, courage and the relentless drive to always keep climbing.”

Premiere highlights

Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, known for hosting world-famous Broadway shows, concerts and other live productions, buzzed with excitement as Delta employees and fans stood in line for the highly anticipated premiere.

Arriving guests were greeted by uniformed brand ambassadors and offered movie-themed snacks and beverages as they mingled in the lobby before filing into the 4,600-seat auditorium. Notable guests included former CEO Jerry Grinstein, Ambassador Andrew Young and a representative from the Office of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

Once the lights dimmed and the film began, a range of emotions could be observed in the crowd as the story of Delta’s first 100 years unfolded. The entire room cheered and applauded throughout the film for Delta’s moments of triumph and the people at the heart of it all.

“It was awesome,” said Airport Customer Service agent Jamie Bennett. “Just to understand the history. It really makes me emotional.”

Following the screening, award-winning journalist Brooke Baldwin moderated a discussion with Bastian and Seftel, reflecting on Delta’s story and the creation of the film.

“This is the stuff of Hollywood,” Seftel said. “Immediately we were drawn to it and excited by it. We just thought, we have to tell this story.”

A film two years in the making, Seftel admits he was nervous to show Bastian the first cut — but it exceeded expectations.

“He captured the essence of what we all believe,” Bastian said. “This isn’t just 100 years of Delta, this is 100 years of American history. You think about what we get to do, in terms of bringing the country, the world together…that’s our story.”

The discussion was also filmed and will be available soon as a special feature alongside the documentary online.

The film will be featured on Delta’s In-Flight Entertainment starting on Nov. 1.

 

DL: “Keep Climbing Together”

About Delta Ai Llines:

“For 100 years, Delta people have accomplished many amazing feats: They’ve pioneered new roles, continually raised the bar for aviation, set bold examples for our people and culture, and made lasting impressions with customers the world over. We invite you to learn what it means to keep climbing at Climbing Together: A Century Of Stories.”
Courtesy Delta Air Lines | C. 2025
    Courtesy Delta Air Lines | C. 2025