Delta Trading Cards: All You Need To Know About Secret Collectibles

For over two decades, Delta Air Lines has quietly offered a unique collectible to passengers in the know. These are infamously known as “Delta Trading Cards”. What began in 2003 as a way for flight operations employees to share their passion for aviation, has since grown into a cult phenomenon, complete with rare cards and excited collectors. 

Despite flying under the radar for years, the program exploded into the spotlight in November 2023 when a viral TikTok video showcasing the cards racked up over 30 million views. The sudden attention caught Delta off guard, sparking a mad dash to keep up with the unprecedented demand for these unique airline collectibles during the busy holiday season of 2023.

Delta Trading Cards: Designs, Series, and Collectibility

Image source: Delta Air Lines

Delta trading cards are a set of secret collectible cards which feature photos of various aircraft in Delta’s fleet. These trading cards are available exclusively from pilots to passengers who ask for them. In a conversation with Travel + Leisure, Delta Spokesperson revealed:

“When they’re not busy preparing for flight or flying our customers to their next adventure, our pilots carrying these fan-favorite cards are more than happy to hand one out to any customer who asks nicely; as they look to add to, or begin, their newest favorite collection.”

Delta trading cards have become a treasured memento for aviation enthusiasts and collectors alike. The complete set spans cards #1-62, including five variants of #51, each showcasing a different aircraft type flown by the pilot carrying them. These 11 designs, refreshed in 2022, include the A220-100, A220-300, A319-100, A320-200, A321-200, A321neo, A330-300, A330-900, A350-900, B717-200, and B757-200. 

The “Window Seat” design team at Delta crafts the card artwork, which is then voted on by the airline’s 17,000 pilots to select the planes featured in each series. With six release cycles so far in 2003, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, and 2022, the cards have tracked the evolution of Delta’s fleet over time.

How To Get Delta Trading Cards?

For collectors and avgeeks eager to snag Delta trading cards of their own, there are two primary options: seeking them out during flights or trying their luck on the secondary market.

By far the most authentic method is to politely ask a Delta Air Lines pilot for a card before or after a flight. Pilots are the exclusive distributors of these scarce collectibles, each carrying a small supply of cards depicting the aircraft type they fly. Only pilots hold this precious cargo, not even flight attendants or gate agents can help hopeful collectors.

However, with the program’s exploding popularity, many pilots have been quickly depleted of their stock, so success is not guaranteed.

For those struggling to find cards in the wild or seeking specific rare editions, eBay has emerged as a hub for second-hand sales. Listings span from single cards, to a set of four, to complete 62-card sets at varying prices. 

Individual cards and smaller lots also appear frequently, though buyers should expect fierce bidding for these coveted items.

Low Supply

As soon as @sarowarrr’s TikTok video in November 2023 exposed secret Delta trading cards, demand exploded overnight. Over 30 million views and 2 million likes later, what Captain Brian Ferguson called “a viral cult phenomenon” had taken off.

This wave of requests proved too much for pilots and the airline to handle. Ferguson started handing out 10 or more cards per flight after only giving away a couple, with many of his coworkers running through their entire stock. Caught off guard during a busy holiday season, Delta had to order reprints of the beloved cards to keep up with skyrocketing demand.

Collector Strategies and Tips

For avgeeks and enthusiasts looking to start or grow their Delta trading card collection, there are some clever methods that can make the process easier and more rewarding.

Firstly, aspiring collectors should fly on Delta as often as possible in order to have the greatest opportunity of getting cards from pilots. Ask politely for a card during boarding or after landing when pilots are less likely to be rushed or distracted.

Another important aspect of success is building connections within the community centered around Delta trading cards. Joining online forums, social media groups and message boards dedicated to the hobby can grant access to valuable information, leads on rare cards and potential trade partners. For example, r/delta subreddit has become a gathering place where people share pictures, swap stories and set up deals with each other.

When trying to obtain specific cards collectors may need multiple flights or several polite requests before coming across the one they’ve been chasing all along. However finding it at last makes up for any amount of effort put forth.

For those who would like buying items from ebay sellers etc., it is important that you do your research. You should know what typical prices range from single pieces right up until whole sets to avoid paying too high a price for a single item. Also, be able to tell what looks like normal wear-tear versus something that’s fake or been damaged in some way when looking at pictures provided by sellers.

Notable Releases and Variations

Throughout the history of the trading card program there have been certain release issues. In 2016 series they printed a 747 card #42 but it wasn’t released until warehouse sale in 2023.

There was also some confusion surrounding card #51 from the 2016 set, as multiple versions were made featuring different aircraft. The true #51 showed B767 while there existed a rare unreleased variant showing CS100; however Delta later bought A220 instead so they re-released updated #51 cards which included vertical/horizontal layouts and one specifying A220-100 model.

As popularity continues to grow, Delta is looking at ways in which they can build upon these already loved collectibles. For example this year (2024) saw the introduction of new “Experiences” series cards that showcase special flights to attractions/events such as SXSW & solar eclipse. This move shows Delta’s dedication keeping things fresh and relevant for collectors alike..

Conclusion

What began as a small-scale initiative by enthusiastic Delta employees has unexpectedly blossomed into a viral, industry-wide sensation. For 20 years, the not-so-common trading cards quietly built a dedicated following among intrepid collectors until a serendipitous social media moment catapulted them to mainstream fame in late 2023.

The ensuing frenzy caught Delta pleasantly off guard as they witnessed the power of organic, passenger-driven buzz. Propelled by a perfect storm of scarcity, social influence, and the heartfelt appeal of aviation nostalgia, the once-niche program proved irresistible to masses of newly minted avgeeks.

Diving Deeper

No trading cards have been issued for the problem Boeing 737 Max 8 jets, which were grounded by the FAA in March 2019 following two fatal crashes that killed 346 people. The planes remained grounded until December 2020, after Boeing made significant safety upgrades. 

In recent news, the FAA has opened a new investigation into Boeing after the company notified the agency that some of its 787 jets may not have undergone required inspections. The FAA is currently investigating whether Boeing completed the necessary inspections and if company employees may have falsified aircraft records.

Delta Air Lines does not have any Boeing 737 Max planes in its fleet as of now. As reported by Reuters, the airlines announced to buy 100 Boeing 737 Max 10 back in July 2022. The airline is likely to start receiving planes in 2025.

FAQS

What is the hardest Delta trading card to get?

The CS100 card is the most elusive Delta trading card due to a unique circumstance. After printing, Delta decided against purchasing the CS100 aircraft, resulting in the card never being officially released. Aviation enthusiasts consider it the ultimate prize in Delta card collecting. 

Are Delta trading cards worth anything?

While some Delta trading cards can be quite valuable to collectors, most have sentimental value rather than significant monetary worth. Rare cards in pristine condition might fetch a decent price, but the majority of cards are more cherished as memorabilia. However, you can find some listings on eBay which means you can try to sell them too.

Which airlines have trading cards?

Alongside Delta, several other airlines have released trading cards. Notable examples include Lufthansa, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, and American Airlines, each with their own unique designs and collectible appeal.