Delta Asks SkyMiles Members to Pick New European Destination from Pack of 3 Islands

dailyblitz.de 3 hours ago

ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) is launching a first-of-its-kind competition where frequent flyers and employees can decide the airline’s next European destination.

The initiative, called the 2026 Route Race, allows Delta SkyMiles members to vote between three Mediterranean options: Ibiza (IBZ), Sardinia (OLB), and Malta (MLA). Voting runs for five days, from August 25–29, through the Delta mobile app.

Delta SkyMiles to Pick New Destination

Airline route decisions are typically based on a complex mix of demand forecasts, aircraft availability, operational efficiency, and government incentives.

In this case, Delta (DL) has identified three destinations capable of sustaining a profitable seasonal service but can only launch one for summer 2026.

The Route Race marks a shift in how the airline engages with travelers. By giving SkyMiles members and employees a direct vote, Delta is positioning its loyal community as active participants in shaping its global network.

Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning, emphasized this point, noting that destinations are more than map markers—they represent culture, connection, and new opportunities for travelers.

How the Voting Works

SkyMiles members can log into the Delta app and access the Explore or Trip pages to cast their vote. Each destination will be represented by a Delta aircraft, with real-time voting updates shaping the competition.

Voting closes on August 29, and final results are expected about 30 days later. The winning destination will join Delta’s summer 2026 schedule, adding to a transatlantic network that already serves over 300 destinations worldwide.

The Destination Choices

Malta

Malta is a compact Mediterranean island nation that blends coastal beauty with centuries of history. With its turquoise waters, walled cities, and cultural heritage, Malta offers more than just beaches—it’s a destination where relaxation and exploration come together.

Air Malta (KM) connects the island to major European hubs, making it easily accessible for travelers seeking sun, history, and island life. Whether it’s a short trip or an extended holiday, Malta delivers a mix of beach escapes, historical towns, and vibrant culture.

Malta may be small, but its variety of attractions is striking. Visitors can explore medieval cities like Mdina, discover prehistoric temples older than the pyramids, or dive into the Blue Lagoon’s crystalline waters. The island’s charm lies in its ability to satisfy both beach lovers and culture seekers in a single trip.

Public buses reach every corner of the island, but renting a car offers the flexibility to cover more in less time. For organized experiences, tours ranging from Valletta walking explorations to full-day trips in Gozo make it easy to discover Malta without the stress of planning.

Historic Mdina: The Silent City

Mdina, once Malta’s capital, still stands enclosed by its medieval walls. Known as the Silent City, it has fewer than 300 residents today but retains immense cultural significance. Narrow alleys, tall stone buildings, and peaceful streets transport visitors back in time. Arriving mid-afternoon, when most tourists are at the beach, offers the best chance to explore Mdina in tranquility.

Guided walking tours add depth, providing historical context about Mdina’s evolution and importance through the centuries.

Marsaxlokk and St. Peter’s Pool

On the southeastern coast lies Marsaxlokk, a fishing village famous for its colorful luzzu boats. The harbor is picture-perfect, and the seafood restaurants along the bay make it a top spot for lunch. From here, travelers can walk or take a boat to St. Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming spot known for its cliff-diving appeal and clear waters.

Both sites capture Malta’s authentic seaside atmosphere beyond its more crowded tourist areas.

The Blue Lagoon Experience

The Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is one of Malta’s most photographed destinations. Its bright turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply admiring from a boat. Spending at least half a day here is recommended, as the area becomes busy but remains unforgettable. Ferries and day tours operate regularly, making access simple.

Discovering Gozo Island

Gozo, Malta’s smaller sibling island, offers a slower pace and rugged landscapes. Victoria, the capital, features the Citadel with sweeping views and medieval architecture. Ancient sites like the Ggantija Temples showcase the island’s prehistoric heritage. Divers often flock to the Blue Hole, one of Malta’s most iconic underwater sites. Despite the loss of the Azure Window in 2017, Gozo remains rich in natural and cultural attractions.

Valletta: A Capital Full of Character

Valletta, Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best explored on foot. Narrow streets, colorful balconies, and historic fortifications define the city. Walking tours provide insights into Valletta’s layered history, from the Knights of St. John to its role in World War II. Today, the city thrives with museums, restaurants, and a lively waterfront.

Cruises and Island Tours

One of the most popular ways to explore Malta is by taking an island-hopping cruise. These trips typically include stops at the Blue Lagoon, Comino, and Gozo, combining sightseeing with leisure time on the water. While optional add-ons like speedboat tours are often offered, the main cruises already provide the best experience.

Where to Stay in Malta

Accommodation options in Malta depend on travel style and transport. Visitors relying on public buses may prefer staying in Valletta for convenience, as most routes start and end there. Those with rental cars can choose from coastal hubs like Sliema, St. Julian’s Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, or Mellieha Bay.

Top hotel choices include:

The Phoenicia Malta (Valletta) – 5-star luxury with an infinity pool and Mediterranean design.
AX The Palace (Sliema) – City-style luxury with sea views.
Intercontinental Malta (St. Julian’s Bay) – Spacious rooms, multiple pools, and private beach access.

Boutique options like Palazzo Paolina in Valletta or Palazzo Violetta in Sliema offer comfort with more affordable pricing.

Best Time and Duration for a Visit

The best times to visit Malta are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm without peak summer crowds. July and August are ideal for beach trips but come with high tourist numbers and hotter temperatures. Winter is mild and quieter, though some attractions operate reduced hours.

A 4–5 day trip allows enough time to explore Valletta, Mdina, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo. A week gives travelers the chance to experience Malta at a more relaxed pace.

Ibiza

Flying into Ibiza Airport (IBZ) on flights operated by various international carriers, including Iberia (IB), Vueling (VY), and British Airways (BA), travelers quickly sense that this Balearic island is unlike any other.

For one group of friends arriving from different corners of the world, Ibiza became the stage for an unforgettable 50th birthday celebration.

The journey began with a simple question: Is there such a thing as being too old for Ibiza? The answer unfolded across beaches, villas, restaurants, and clubs, proving that age is irrelevant when it comes to enjoying the island’s legendary mix of luxury, culture, and nightlife.

Celebrating Milestones in Style

The group’s base was Casa Atlantis, a cliffside villa in Es Cubells once owned by Noel Gallagher. Hidden among cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, the property offered sweeping sea views, multiple terraces, a private jetty, and amenities ranging from a personal chef to a hot tub and gym. Its reputation for decadence lived up to its name, becoming the perfect setting for days of leisure and nights of festivity.

The 16 guests included a mix of nationalities and professions: DJs, models, influencers, and lifelong friends. The villa’s design encouraged both relaxation and connection, with spaces to gather for long dinners that rarely started before 10 pm.

Transportation was equally glamorous, with Mercedes vans, a Jaguar convertible, Spyder three-wheelers, and Vanquish boats at the group’s disposal.

Dining by the Sea

One of the culinary highlights was Casa Jondal, a beachside restaurant on Ibiza’s southern coast. Opened in 2020 but already iconic, it blended rustic charm with fine dining.

Chef Rafa Zafra, formerly of El Bullí, crafted a menu of seafood delicacies including lobster three ways, shrimp carpaccio, and croquettes, all enjoyed from sunbeds shaded by canvas sails. The setting epitomized Ibiza’s ability to balance sophistication with natural beauty.

Meals at Casa Atlantis were equally diverse, with the villa’s chef preparing everything from Spanish specialties to Asian-inspired dishes. Dining became an event in itself, seamlessly merging indulgence with camaraderie.

Natural Wonders of the Island

Beyond the villa and restaurants, Ibiza revealed its raw beauty. A hike to Es Vedrà, the uninhabited island rising 413 meters off the southwest coast, offered panoramic views and local legends of mystical energy.

Guided by a local expert, the group reached the ‘Eye of Es Vedrà,’ a natural rock formation framing the island in perfect symmetry.

Another excursion took them by boat to Formentera, the smallest Balearic island. Known for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, it offered a slower pace. At Es Molí de Sal, a seaside restaurant, the group feasted on paella brimming with lobster and giant shrimp while raising glasses of champagne to the birthday celebrant.

Nights That Define Ibiza

Of course, no trip to Ibiza is complete without nightlife. The group attended Pacha, one of the island’s most famous clubs, to see DJ Solomun perform. Born in 1975, Solomun is nearly the same age as the celebrants, a reminder that Ibiza’s energy transcends generations. His extended set kept the dance floor alive until sunrise, the crowd moving in unison to pulsing basslines.

For those who wondered whether 50 is too old for Ibiza, the experience at Pacha answered clearly: the island welcomes all who come ready to embrace its rhythm.

Why Ibiza Endures

Ibiza’s reputation has evolved over the decades. From the hippie influx of the 1960s to the hedonistic rave culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s, it has remained Europe’s party capital while simultaneously cultivating a refined side of wellness retreats, luxury villas, and high-end dining. This duality allows travelers of all ages to find their version of paradise.

For this group of friends, Ibiza was not just about parties or luxury. It was about reconnecting, celebrating milestones, and embracing life at every stage. The villa, the beaches, the hikes, and the clubs combined to prove one timeless truth: on Ibiza, age is just a number.

Sardinia

In the 1960s, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV transformed Costa Smeralda in northeastern Sardinia into an exclusive destination. The area served by Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) quickly became a playground for royalty, celebrities, and the international elite.

Today, Sardinia remains a world-class destination beyond its famous resorts. The island, accessible through Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) and Alghero Airport (AHO), combines pristine beaches, mountain landscapes, ancient history, and a unique local culture that predates Roman and Phoenician rule.

Exploring Sardinia Beyond Costa Smeralda

While Costa Smeralda still draws luxury travelers, Sardinia offers much more. With over a thousand miles of coastline, rugged inland mountains, and a history shaped by the Nuragic civilization, the island stands apart from the Italian mainland.

Sardinia is also recognized as the world’s first Blue Zone, where locals live significantly longer than average, thanks to lifestyle, diet, and tradition.

The capital, Cagliari, blends ancient ruins with vibrant city life, while small towns such as Orgosolo preserve cultural traditions through striking murals. Visitors can find both cosmopolitan flair and rustic authenticity, depending on which region they explore.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel: A masterpiece by Jacques Couëlle, this Aga Khan-commissioned property features whitewashed walls, flowing curves, and abstract stained glass. Now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection.
Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel: Once frequented by royals and celebrities, Romazzino has been revitalized under Belmond management with contemporary design updates.
Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia: Situated on the southern coast, this resort is praised for its natural surroundings, spa, and tranquil atmosphere.
Forte Village: A vast 116-acre resort with eight hotels, 21 restaurants, and 14 bars, offering activities from thalassotherapy to football training with Real Madrid Foundation coaches.
Palazzo Doglio, Cagliari: Housed in an Art Nouveau building, this five-star hotel combines luxury accommodations with diverse dining options.

Best Things to Do

Beaches: Sardinia’s coastline includes Tuerredda, Is Arenas Biancas, and secluded coves like Pixinnì, known for turquoise water and white sand.
Maddalena Archipelago: A protected national park of islands, offering boat trips, history, and some of the most beautiful waters in the Mediterranean.
Giardino Sonoro, near Cagliari: Sculptor Pinuccio Sciola’s garden of “sound stones” offers a unique cultural experience.
Archaeological Site of Nora: Believed to be Sardinia’s oldest city, featuring Roman mosaics and an amphitheater still used for performances.
Nuraghi Towers: UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase Sardinia’s prehistoric past and Bronze Age ingenuity.

Shopping Highlights

Foresta G, San Pantaleo: Boutique with handmade clothing and décor.
Ismeralda: Family-run stores specializing in Italian-made linen clothing.
Paoli Concept Store, Cagliari: Showcasing Sardinian textiles, rugs, and jewelry.
Patrizia Camba Atelier, Cagliari: Exclusive bags and accessories inspired by local traditions.

Nightlife

American Bar Biffi, Cagliari: A vintage-inspired cocktail bar.
Caffè Svizzero, Cagliari: Historic and newly reopened, known for elegance.
Belvedere La Maddalena: Sunset aperitivo with panoramic views.
Spirits Boutique, Cagliari: Creative cocktails with a modern twist.
Phi Beach, Costa Smeralda: A famed beach club that transitions from day relaxation to late-night parties.

Best Restaurants

Trattoria da Gianni, Teulada: Traditional seafood in a scenic Gulf setting.
Ristorante Antica Gallura, Arzachena: Rustic dining featuring Sardinia’s famous suckling pig.
La Terrazza Frades, Cala di Volpe: Fine dining with panoramic sea views.
Ristorante Da Nicolo, Carloforte: Known for linguini alla Nicolo and tuna specialties.

Cities and Towns to Visit

Porto Cervo: The glamorous hub of Costa Smeralda.
Cagliari: Sardinia’s capital, blending Roman ruins, medieval quarters, and modern nightlife.
Orgosolo: Famous for politically charged murals.
Villasimius: Pristine beaches and a protected marine reserve.
Carloforte: A colorful fishing town with Ligurian heritage.

Best Time to Visit

Summer brings energy, beaches, and nightlife. However, September is often recommended for mild weather, warm waters, and fewer crowds. This period also allows visitors to explore inland towns and archaeological sites without the heat.

How to Get There

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB): Gateway to Costa Smeralda, with domestic and seasonal European routes.
Alghero Airport (AHO): Serves western Sardinia, with many direct European connections.
Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG): Main southern hub with connections to ITA Airways (AZ), Air France (AF), British Airways (BA), KLM (KL), Lufthansa (LH), Ryanair (FR), EasyJet (U2), and others.

How to Get Around

Car rentals are strongly recommended, as many beaches and rural areas are not accessible by train or bus. Driving is the most flexible way to explore Sardinia’s diverse regions.

Bottom Line

Delta recently operated its largest-ever transatlantic schedule, adding new routes like Catania (CTA), Sicily.

The Route Race continues this expansion while testing new ways to connect with its most loyal customers.

By involving passengers directly, Delta is making route planning a community-driven process—something no other U.S. airline has attempted at this scale.

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