Did you know that Delta is known as North America’s most on-time airline? In 2022, over 83% of the company’s flights arrived on schedule. Of course, that’s not all this ATL-based American company has to offer. In addition to reliability, Delta travelers are impressed with the large network of flights and destinations, a wide range of fares and classes, and high-quality service. It’s no wonder that Delta continues to be one of the most popular airlines in the world! 

Many travelers want to fly with the best of the best, but their budget doesn’t always allow them to do so. If you find yourself in this situation, you may feel like you have to settle for any airline within your price range. Thankfully, with the right tricks, you can find a great deal on Delta airfare. 

In this article, we’ll share all you need to know about Delta fares and how to get your next ticket for a fraction of the price! 

Understanding Delta’s Fare Options

Delta offers several different classes, ranging primarily in comfort levels and perks. There are also different fares within each class, allowing you to select the option that best meets your budget. 

To give you an idea of how fares vary according to the option you select, let’s consider the average cost of a round-trip flight from New York (JFK) to Barcelona, Spain. 

  • Basic Economy: $1625
  • Main Cabin: $1,795
  • Comfort Plus: $2,887
  • Premium Select: $2,892
  • Delta One (Delta’s first class on international routes): $5,016

Now, let’s compare it with another long-haul route. This one is from Atlanta to London Heathrow on the exact same dates as the flight shown above. 

  • Basic Economy: $1,391
  • Main Cabin: $1,561
  • Comfort Plus: $2,361
  • Premium Select: $3,380
  • Delta One: $4,568

This comparison gives you a general idea of what flights to popular European destinations tend to cost. The prices given are for peak season, booked about 11 months in advance. Keep in mind that fares fluctuate depending on demand, and the prices given are just to give you an idea of what the normal cost may be. 

Moreover, it may be a lot more difficult to find flight deals departing from smaller cities, such as Orlando, Salt Lake City, Tampa, or Minneapolis. Although these airports may have reasonable prices on domestic flights, the best American airports for cheap flights to Europe tend to be:

  • Philadelphia
  • Atlanta
  • Chicago
  • New York
  • Fort Lauderdale/Miami

Despite their size,  Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver tend to be more expensive because they are geographically further away from Europe. However, they may be better choices for trips to Australia, Mexico, or Western cities in Canada. 

Overall, your best bet is to determine which Delta fare option aligns with your budget. Not sure where to start? Work with a travel agent like those at Business Class Experts for professional advice on the best fare selection. 

How To Find Cheap International Flights on Delta

Now that you have a ballpark idea of what an international flight might cost booking far in advance, you’re probably wondering what you can do to score the same seats for less. That’s exactly what we’re going to show you in this section, so get ready for some expert advice! 

Understand the Booking Window

The booking window is one of the most important concepts to understand if you want to get a good deal. As you know, flights fluctuate in price during the year, with the busiest times costing more money due to the demand. Your timing can impact the cost of your flight, and knowing when the prices are lower is key if you want to save money. 

In this section, we’ll share some of the intricacies of the booking window so you can save as much money as possible by booking at the right time. 

Early Bird Savings

Delta releases fares up to a year in advance, and booking as soon as possible is a great way to get a good price. Usually, as seats begin to fill up, the price climbs, making it better to reserve your spot sooner rather than later. 

Midweek Savings

Historically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to fly. There’s less demand these days, leading airlines to sell tickets at lower prices. If you have a flexible schedule, it’s best to plan your trip so you can fly on these days. 

Off-Peak Season

Peak season tends to revolve around summer and major holidays. Avoid traveling when most people are planning family vacations, such as from the end of May to August, Christmas, and spring break. During these periods, the demand for tickets skyrockets the price, making it one of the most expensive departure times for international vacations. 

Last Minute Bookings

Last-minute bookings are usually extremely expensive. Airlines capitalize on the urgency of the booking, and sometimes economy tickets can cost thousands of dollars more than normal. However, there are instances when airlines release last-minute deals on tickets that have gone unsold, especially when the demand for a specific route is lower than expected.

Be Flexible With Travel Plans

Flexible travelers have no reason to pay full price for airfare. Instead of looking for specific dates or locations, they can plan their trips around the cheapest tickets. Doing so may take them to unique destinations they never thought of going to for extremely low prices. 

This fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach to travel isn’t for everyone. Some people are set on a certain destination, and if that’s your case, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good deal. Being flexible about layovers or dates is another way to score some of the best deals.

Utilize Delta’s Website

Using Delta’s website (delta.com) directly is a savvy way to save on airfare. The company offers several deals and incentives to help travelers (especially frequent flyers) save money. 

Delta SkyMiles Loyalty Program

Joining Delta’s loyalty program, SkyMiles, is one of the best ways to unlock exclusive benefits and deals. You earn miles for every Delta flight you take, which can later be redeemed for travel. Moreover, elite members get special perks like:

  • Priority boarding
  • Complimentary upgrades
  • Waived baggage fees

Members also receive special offers in their accounts tailored to their travel preferences. These may be discounted fares, bonus miles, or additional perks. Be sure to subscribe to Delta promotions so you can learn about these offers as soon as they are made available. 

Delta Vacations

Delta offers travelers the possibility to purchase vacation packages. These bundles book flights, hotels, and car rentals all at once. They offer substantial savings compared to the cost of booking each reservation separately. 

Deal Alerts

One of the best features on Delta’s website is the ability to set up fare alerts based on your preferences. When fares drop or offers become available, you’ll get an email notification. This is a great way to stay updated on price changes for your desired flights. 

Flash Sales

Another way to save money with Delta is through their flash sales, which are limited-time promotions on discounted fares to specific destinations. These are usually featured on their website’s homepage, so check in every so often if you’re interested in these sorts of deals. 

Credit Card Offers

Delta partners with several credit card companies, and securing one of their partner cards can unlock great perks. Often, there’s an offer for bonus miles after spending a specific amount in the first few months. This is sometimes enough to get a round-trip ticket or upgrade your current fare. 

Consider Airline Alliances 

Airlines often form alliances to create an extensive network, allowing them to provide passengers with more options and offer more competitive prices. These airline alliances can lead to discounted rates and benefits for travelers, which is why they’re important to consider when booking with Delta. 

Delta’s alliance is made up of airlines from all over the world, including:

  • Aerolineas Argentinas
  • Aeromexico
  • Air Europa
  • Air France
  • China Airlines
  • China Eastern
  • Czech Airlines
  • Garuda Indonesia
  • Kenya Airways
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Korean Air
  • Middle East Airlines
  • Saudia
  • TAROM
  • Vietnam Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic Airways
  • Xiamen Airlines

Airlines within the alliance may jointly price their flights, leading to more discounts, sales, and special promotions. Moreover, travelers can often use their frequent flyers programs from one airline on a partner flight, allowing them to receive reciprocal benefits. 

These partnerships end up unlocking great deals, but you have to know how to navigate them. Working with a company that is familiar with Delta’s alliance network, such as Business Class Experts, can be a great help.

Get Affordable Airfare Through Business Class Experts

Flying with Delta is undoubtedly one of the best ways to ensure your international flight goes smoothly and arrives on time. However, it’s not always the cheapest option. Thankfully, when you use these tips and tricks, you can secure cheaper flights with Delta, stretching your budget without compromising reliability. 

Want to fly Premium Select or Delta One at a more affordable rate? Business Class Experts can help you find deals and discounts on business class flights worldwide. Contact us today with your desired itinerary, and we’ll send you a quote!