Delta and American Express Turn a Retired 747 Into Credit Cards
Joe Cortez June 16, 2022
Starting Thursday, June 16, 2022, new approved applicants of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card will get a limited-edition design, made partially of metal from the aircraft, along with a brief history of the “Queen of the Skies.”
Cards Make of 25% Metal from Delta Boeing 747-400 Ship #6307
With more employers allowing remote work and the pandemic coming to a slow end, the launch of this small piece of history comes at a key time for flyers. According to the most recent Amex Trendex poll, 58% of consumers are planning to travel more this summer than in years past, while 64% say they will take advantage of “work from anywhere” policies to travel this year.
Delta Ship #6307, recycled into limited-edition Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit cards. Image courtesy: Delta Air Lines
The new limited edition credit cards are made from 25% recycled metal from Delta Ship #6307, a Boeing 747-400 retired in November 2017. First put into service in 1990 with Northwest Airlines, the airframe operated over 14,000 flights under three different liveries, logging 68 million miles and carrying four million passengers.
The design of the card pays homage to the “Queen of the Skies,” created to resemble a blueprint. Along with an illustration of the iconic jet, the card features the first and final flight dates, the registration number and total miles flown. Both American Express and Delta say this card is not only the first to honor U.S. aviation this way but also offers flyers a rare chance to carry a piece of history with the wherever they go.
The card also comes with an augmented reality experience, showcasing how the aircraft was transformed from recyclable metal into credit cards. Flyers can see the virtual tour by visiting the augmented reality site using their smartphone.
“For over 60 years, American Express and Delta have partnered to together to deliver world-class experiences for our shared customers through industry-leading service, value, and access,” Jon Gantman, senior vice president and general manager of cobrand product management at American Express, said in a press release. “Today, we’re celebrating our latest innovation that pays homage to the iconic Boeing 747 by giving Card Members a piece of travel history in their wallet.”
Benefits of the top-tier Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card include complimentary access to Delta SkyClubs and the American Express Centurion Lounge, and Status Boost to help flyers get closer to earning elite status with the airline.
To celebrate the launch, American Express is offering new cardholders the opportunity to earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in purchases on your new card within the first three months (terms apply). The limited-edition card and bonus will only be available through August 3, 2022.
New Card Comes With Flyers Happiest Aboard Delta Compared to Legacy Carriers
The new card launches as Delta has plenty to celebrate in 2022. In the J.D. Power 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, Delta was ranked highest in customer satisfaction among all legacy carriers, and scored within the top three carriers for their premium cabin and premium economy products.
I received my card the other day and like the look and feel of the card. Unfortunately, the benefits of the card on paper are good, but in reality, they are useless. Sky Club access is limited and you are last in the queue to get in, after the top-tier elites. Companion certifactes are a challenge to use even when you have the correct fare class, as DL personnel have issues with them. And using Sky miles for rewards you need to plan on paying the highest rates, some at high as 750K for a D1 international flight.
Unfortunately, Amex is virtually useless outside the US (except at hotels, etc.)
That is totally not true. Depends on the market.
It's not like it's super 100% accepted in the US either...
Extreme exaggeration, i'm an American living in Mexico and have no problem using Amex pretty much anywhere. When traveling to other countries never had an issue either. I find only very small mom and pop shops don't accept Amex.
This is so much better than those crap amex platinum designs, yuck
I just called American Express and had both of my Delta Reserve (business and nonbusiness) changed to this card. It's a little thing... but I love it!
I wonder if those who are already Reserve cardholders can get one of these by requesting a new card?
Yes. You can request a new card online or in the app. Reason select new card design- then select 747
Yes