Delta’s European Adventure: You Get to Choose the Destination!

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s not every day you get to decide where an entire airline should fly next, but Delta is breaking the mold! In a delightful twist on destination planning, Delta is putting the power into the hands of its SkyMiles members and staff—and it’s about as charming as it sounds.

Delta’s European Voting Spectacle: Ibiza, Malta, or Sardinia?

Welcome to the “Route Race”! Delta’s giving its SkyMiles members and employees the chance to steer the wheel on the airline’s 2026 European summer destination. Starting from August 25 to 29, 2025, the Delta app becomes your virtual voting booth. With just a few taps, verify your SkyMiles credentials, and bam—your vote can send the airline to one of three divine European getaways. Results drop one month after voting closes, so mark your calendars for mid-September excitement!

And the destinations in the running? We’ve got Ibiza, the party paradise of Spain; Malta, the history-drenched sunny gem; and Sardinia, Italy, the serene island mecca. Here’s a peek at the offerings:

Sardinia, Italy: Think of it as the quiet adventure hotspot—start your day hiking craggy cliffs, take a dip in a secluded cove, and round it off with pasta and wine as the Mediterranean sun dips below the horizon. Nature, history, gastronomy—Sardinia has it all.

Malta: It’s like stepping into a Mediterranean storybook. Explore ancient forts by day and turquoise lagoons by boat at dusk. It’s for those who want to dive deep into culture, scenery, and relaxation all in one stunning locale.

Ibiza, Spain: More than just nightlife that runs from sunset to sunrise. It’s legendary for beach parties and world-renowned DJs, but also has tranquil coves for those who seek a more relaxed experience. It’s about finding that perfect balance between rhythm and repose.

Delta’s New Route: Excitement in the Air!

Paul Baldoni, the network planning maestro at Delta, summed it up rather romantically. He sees the Route Race not just as dot connection on a map, but gateways to culture, stories, and human connections. Delta’s decision to hand over such power to its members and staff isn’t just a nifty gimmick; it’s inviting them to craft Delta’s global journey.

“SkyMiles Members and Delta employees are at the center of everything Delta does. The Route Race is a celebration of their influence, offering a voice in where to fly next. The destinations Delta selects are more than mere coordinates—they’re the beginning of adventures and a bridge to possibilities.”

However, as is the way with airlines and their promotions, a small note of caution is advised. Delta’s marketing material shows aircraft that aren’t their “premium” Boeing 767-300ERs, but typically, these bad boys would be on the agenda for such routes.

A Unique Approach to Customer and Employee Engagement

Hats off to Delta for hatching a plan this engaging for both their fliers and staff. We’ve seen the game of new route buzzbuilding before, but Delta’s strategy here feels fresh and creative, something entirely unexpected!

• Traditionally, it’s the number-crunchers who dictate where we fly, so asking passengers and employees direct is quite the departure from the norm. There’s always a gap between what customers say they want versus where they’ll actually go.
• By giving competitors a potential teaser of its plans 30 days ahead of the reveal, Delta’s playing a risky game. However, these destinations, presently untouched by any US airline, are tempting indeed.

Our Takeaway

In summary, Delta’s extending an invitation to SkyMiles members and Delta employees to decide on their sun-kissed island adventure for the summer of 2026—will it be Ibiza, Malta, or Sardinia? Voting happens from August 25-29, 2025, and we’ll know the verdict a month later. It’s a fun step for engaging loyal members, definitely a departure from the ordinary.

If this has got you dreaming of more travel, you might want to explore the Val Seny ski resort when planning your next winter escape.

So, what are your thoughts on Delta’s Route Race, and which island paradise do you think will get the nod?