Delta Airlines Laid the Path for 100,000 Acts of Kindness to Celebrate 100 Years of Flight in the Most Heartwarming Way

Published on December 6, 2025

Delta Airlines is celebrating its 100th anniversary by shining a light on the true spirit of travel: kindness. This holiday season, the airline is introducing the Centennial Cheer program, a unique initiative to recognize 100,000 acts of kindness shared among Delta employees and customers. The goal is to celebrate the small, meaningful gestures that make air travel a more connected and positive experience. From December 4 through January 5, Delta employees will award Holiday Medallion cards to customers who demonstrate acts of kindness during their journey.

Introduction: Celebrating Kindness in the Skies

Delta Airlines, a pioneer in global air travel, is marking its 100th year of flight with a heartwarming initiative: Centennial Cheer. As the holiday season approaches, Delta is focusing on the human connections that define air travel, emphasizing kindness and compassion among both customers and employees. This year, more than 100,000 acts of kindness will be recognized, creating a ripple effect of goodwill across the Delta network.

For Delta, customer service has always been at the core of its operations. With Centennial Cheer, the airline aims to strengthen the sense of community, both inside the cabin and on the ground, as part of its century-long commitment to connecting people through care and service. Through this program, Delta is not only marking its anniversary but also reinforcing the power of positive human interactions during the busiest travel period of the year.

As part of Centennial Cheer, Delta employees will distribute Holiday Medallion cards to passengers who show acts of kindness during their flight or within the airport. These cards, which are not tied to loyalty status or frequent flyer activity, will recognize customers who help fellow travelers—whether it’s assisting with luggage, sharing a phone charger, or simply offering a heartfelt thank you to a flight attendant. This simple yet meaningful gesture will bring more attention to the kindness that often goes unnoticed in busy airports and on crowded flights.

Key Highlights of the Centennial Cheer Program

• Recognition of Kindness: Delta’s Centennial Cheer program will reward 100,000 acts of kindness, fostering a culture of care and positivity during holiday travel.
• Holiday Medallion Cards: These special cards will be given to customers who perform acts of kindness, with a chance to redeem them for gifts, including exclusive Delta Centennial merchandise and $500 Delta Gift Cards.
• Customer Empowerment: Customers are invited to nominate fellow travelers for their kind actions by sharing stories and photos.

Delta’s program is a beautiful reminder that, amid the hustle and bustle of holiday travel, small gestures of kindness can have a profound impact on people’s travel experiences.

Spreading Holiday Cheer: How Centennial Cheer Works

The Centennial Cheer program isn’t just a holiday gimmick; it’s an initiative designed to create a lasting ripple effect of goodwill among Delta’s vast customer base. Here’s how it works:

• Delta Employees Distribute Cards: Employees will hand out Holiday Medallion cards to customers they observe showing kindness. This includes actions like helping others with heavy luggage, offering a seat to someone in need, or simply sharing a friendly word.
• Rewards and Surprises: Those who receive Holiday Medallion cards will be able to redeem them for a surprise gift. These gifts range from limited-edition Delta Centennial merchandise to exclusive trading cards and a $500 Delta Gift Card to be used for future travels.
• Medallion Member Involvement: Medallion Members, including those at Delta 360°, Diamond Medallion, and Platinum Medallion status, are encouraged to join the celebration by recognizing Delta employees with Job Well Done Certificates, which will be distributed to more than 40,000 members during their holiday travels.

This program allows both employees and customers to be active participants in creating a positive and compassionate atmosphere during their travels, building lasting memories and fostering goodwill that goes beyond just air travel.

Holiday Medallion Cards: Gifts that Keep on Giving

The Holiday Medallion cards serve as a token of appreciation for the small but impactful acts of kindness seen during flights. While supplies last, these cards will be handed out to customers at the discretion of Delta employees. The cards will allow recipients to collect Delta’s special Centennial gifts, including Centennial Gift Sets, which are not available for purchase elsewhere.

The Centennial Gift Sets include:

• Commemorative Trading Cards: Limited-edition cards celebrating Delta’s 100 years of service.
• $500 Delta Gift Card: A generous gift card that can be used for booking flights, upgrading services, or any other travel-related needs.

These gifts help reinforce the spirit of kindness that Delta aims to celebrate while providing customers with valuable rewards they can use for their future travel adventures.

Delta’s Culture of Care: 100 Years of Service

Since its founding in 1925, Delta Airlines has built a reputation for exceptional customer service and reliability. As the airline celebrates 100 years of connecting people across the globe, it continues to embody the principles of care, service, and humanity in every flight and interaction.

• A Century of Service: For 100 years, Delta has been a trusted name in the airline industry, known for its commitment to delivering not just passengers but positive experiences that make every flight special.
• Connecting People Through Care: The Centennial Cheer program is an extension of the care that Delta employees provide every day, ensuring that customers feel valued, appreciated, and understood, especially during the stressful holiday season.

Delta’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of travelers, from technological advances to personalized experiences, has kept it at the forefront of the airline industry. As it celebrates this monumental milestone, Delta’s focus remains on what matters most: the people who make every flight possible.

The Impact of Centennial Cheer: Spreading Kindness Across the Globe

The Centennial Cheer program is not just about giving gifts or receiving recognition. It’s about creating an environment where kindness and compassion are at the forefront of every interaction. As passengers and employees across Delta’s network participate, the ripple effect of these good deeds will create a more positive travel environment.

The program is designed to highlight the value of kindness, reminding travelers that even in the busiest and most stressful moments, small acts of care can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a simple smile or an offer to assist with luggage, Delta is ensuring that every moment is an opportunity to foster connection and goodwill.

How to Get Involved: Share Your Story

Delta is encouraging travelers to share their stories and experiences during this season of giving. If you witness an act of kindness while flying with Delta, you can share your story and photos with the airline.

This will give everyone the chance to be part of the Centennial Cheer movement and inspire others to join in spreading kindness, making the world a bit brighter one flight at a time.

Conclusion: Kindness Above All

As Delta enters its 100th year, the Centennial Cheer program reflects its long-standing commitment to service, community, and human connection. In a season often defined by its hustle and bustle, Delta is choosing to focus on what truly matters: the people we meet along the way. Through small but meaningful acts of kindness, Delta is not only celebrating a century of air travel but also setting the tone for the next 100 years of humanity and connection in the skies.