Delta Air Lines has opened voting for its first-ever Route Race, allowing SkyMiles Members and employees to select the airline’s next Mediterranean destination for summer 2026. Voting runs from August 25 through August 29.
The initiative is part of Delta’s ongoing expansion, following a record-setting transatlantic schedule this summer that included the carrier’s first nonstop flight to Sicily. The Route Race offers customers and staff a direct role in determining future routes, a move Delta says is unique among airlines.
“SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does. The Route Race is 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,” said Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning. “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.”
Participants can vote using the Delta app by navigating to the Explore and Trip pages after confirming their SkyMiles credentials. Each destination under consideration—Malta, Ibiza (Spain), or Sardinia (Italy)—is represented by a Delta jet in the voting interface. Results will be announced approximately 30 days after voting ends.
Malta offers historic sites such as megalithic temples older than Egypt’s pyramids, as well as coastal scenery including Valletta’s old town and Dingli Cliffs. Ibiza is recognized for its nightlife with world-famous DJs but also features quiet beaches and markets. Sardinia stands out as one of five official “Blue Zones” worldwide, known for longevity linked to lifestyle and diet; highlights include sailing along Costa Smeralda and sampling local foods.
Delta recently launched an updated Route Map tool that enables travelers to filter destinations based on interests like hiking or museums, making it easier for customers to plan trips across its global network.
SkyMiles Membership continues to offer exclusive benefits beyond earning miles or rewards; members now have input into future travel options through programs like Route Race.
