Delta Just Launched Centennial Trading Cards — But What Makes Them Special?

Delta Air Lines has refreshed its “Easter egg” trading card program with keepsakes celebrating its 100th birthday.

If you’re not in on the secret, Delta is one of several carriers that hand out collectible trading cards on flights. Passed out by pilots on request, the shiny cards depict aircraft models in Delta’s hangars, from its Boeing 757s workhorses to its next-generation Airbus A330-900neos.

Delta’s Trading Card Program

The airline’s trading card program has been running since 2003. While aviation enthusiasts and collectors have been in the know for years, collecting 68 unique cards from seven different series, the program became more mainstream recently as word spread on social media.

Several viral TikTok videos have depicted passengers requesting the pilots to give them the cards. One featuring a Delta pilot has amassed more than 30 million views since being posted in late 2023 and has inspired thousands of travelers to request their own souvenirs.

 

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“Out of nowhere, overnight, almost everybody’s asking for cards; everybody wanted these,” Delta pilot Captain Brian Ferguson told Fortune last year.

The trading cards satisfy younger travelers’ desire to uncover “easter eggs” on their journeys and to take away keepsakes. Ryan Gumm, Delta’s senior vice president of flight operations, said the airline handed out three million trading cards on flights last year.

“This simple, yet impactful interaction between our pilots and customers elevates and enriches the flight experience – and has created meaningful connections and memorable moments along the way,” he said.

How to Get Them?

Anticipating hot demand, Delta has printed five million of its newest card series, celebrating its 100th birthday.

That’s right: Delta was founded a full century ago, in March 1925, less than 22 years after the Wright Brothers’ first flight. However, Delta wasn’t originally the passenger airline it is today.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

It was Huff Daland Dusters, an aerial crop dusting operation, that enabled farmers to tackle boll weevil infestations of their cotton crops and also delivered mail. That business was acquired by investors three years later and, by 1929, was operating commercial flights between Dallas, Texas, and Jackson, Mississippi. It took its name from the Mississippi Delta.

Those humble origins mean Delta is the first U.S. airline to turn 100. Rivals American Airlines and United Airlines both trace their roots to 1926.

Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Delta celebrated its milestone birthday this month with a gala at its Atlanta home and a new silver and blue livery for planes. That color scheme continues on its commemorative centennial cards.

The centennial cards depict Delta planes, including:

Additionally, pilots will hand out cards depicting regional CRJ900 and Embraer E175 planes on some Delta Connection flights operated by Endeavor Air, SkyWest Airlines, or Republic Airways.

On the reverse, the cards list details about the planes, including their speed, range, engine type, wing span, tail height, number of seats, and a “fun fact” supplied by pilots.

Pilots typically hold cards for the planes they fly, although they do sometimes hand out others. So you might be able to nab the Airbus missing from your collection even if your flight is operated on a Boeing plane.

Photo: Delta Air Lines, Airbus A350-900. Courtesy of Delta

For the first time, enthusiasts can also get a hold of trading cards without boarding a flight. Starting in April, travelers buying physical Delta gift cards online can choose to receive a commemorative gift set featuring two limited-edition Centennial livery trading cards.

Delta isn’t the only airline that slyly hands out collectibles. United and Frontier both operate trading card programs. Like Delta, United’s cards depict its planes, while Frontier pays tribute to the endangered species depicted on the tails of its planes.