TRAVELERS using a popular US airline have for the first time ever the opportunity to decide which destination the company flies to – but there’s a catch.
Fliers have just THREE days to act.
Delta Air Lines has introduced its first ever Route Race, which is open to company employees and members of Delta’s SkyMiles loyalty scheme.
Those who choose to vote will determine which new European destination Delta will fly to next summer.
In a statement, Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta, outlined the scheme.
He said: “SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does.”
Paul described the Route Race as a “celebration of their influence, giving our community a voice in where they want to fly next and inviting them to help shape Delta’s global network”.
How to vote
Voting opened on Monday – August 25 – and employees and SkyMiles members have until Friday, August 29 to act.
All they need to do is download the Delta app – which you can access here – and then navigate to the Explore and Trip pages.
This is where they will have the opportunity to register their vote for either Malta, Ibiza or Sardinia.
Delta already flies to more than 300 destinations.
Paul Baldoni added: “The destinations where Delta flies are more than just dots on a map – they’re gateways to culture, connection and possibility, and this is a chance for our Members and employees to bring one of them closer.”
Handy guide
To help voters choose, here is The Sun’s quick guide to each of the destinations being offered in the Route Race.
You can read more about our writers’ reviews of each destination in the relevant link.
Sardinia
“For idyllic beaches and bucketloads of romance, you can’t beat Sardinia,” says our Deputy Editor Gayle Schoales.
Gayle adds: “Cruising through crystal-clear waters, dolphins leaping alongside us, we drop anchor in the kind of white-sandy cove you only ever see in a movie.
“It’s so breathtakingly beautiful, I have to pinch myself that I’m actually in Europe, rather than thousands of miles across the Atlantic in Antigua.
“Grabbing our snorkelling gear, my husband Nick and I dive into the sea, scattering breadcrumbs to attract shoals of iridescent fish”.
Ibiza
“Notorious for being the party capital of Europe, Ibiza is not exactly renowned for its calm and relaxed atmosphere,” says travel writer Giuli Graziano.
Giuli adds: “The island has world-famous beach clubs, eccentric superclubs (including the world’s largest, Privilege), and a well-located airport, where early morning flights are frequently missed thanks to the all-night raves and heavy hangovers.
“But venture a little further away from the raucous bars and you will soon realise the White Isle is a paradise for wellness enthusiasts.”
Malta
“Reaching for my umpteenth honey and date fritter, I joked that I would have to use the hotel gym after our incredible meal,” writes our SEO editor Nuria Cremer-Vázquez.
Nuria adds: “But my host clutched her pearls and gasped: ‘No, no. You have to forget about the gym in Malta, my love.’
“Malta derives its name from the Greek word meaning ‘place of honey’ — fitting, for somewhere I was quickly realising might be Europe’s most underrated culinary utopia.
“And with underground cities, little-known islands and mysterious temples, I would soon discover this wasn’t the only surprise Malta had in store.”
GERMANY TRAVEL WARNING
Advisory Summary:
Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public locations with knives, small arms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles.
Such attacks may occur with little or no warning and target:
- Tourist locations
- Transportation centers (airports, train, or bus stations)
- Markets and shopping malls
- Local government facilities
- Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
- Places of worship and educational institutions
- Parks
- Major sporting and cultural events
- Schools
If you decide to travel to Germany:
- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
US citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Review the Country Security Report for Germany.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
US State Department’s travel advisory.
