Top 10 Best Delta Trading Cards to Collect

Top 10 Best Delta Trading Cards to Collect

If you're into aviation, nostalgia, or just love the thrill of hunting for unique collectibles, Delta trading cards are quietly becoming one of the most interesting picks in the hobby. While they might not be as famous as sports cards or Pokémon, these airplane trading cards are gaining popularity among collectors, pilots, aviation buffs, and even casual travelers who want a piece of Delta’s iconic history.

Originally handed out on flights or released in special sets, Delta Airlines trading cards feature a variety of aircraft that have shaped commercial aviation — from classic Boeing models to modern jets that revolutionized air travel. Some cards are becoming harder to find, and as more collectors catch on, card values are starting to rise.

This list highlights the top 10 best Delta trading cards you can still find today — perfect for starting your collection or adding a unique piece of aviation history to your collection. ✈️

 

 

 

10. 2022 Delta Airbus 321 #58

The Airbus A321 is one of the unsung heroes of modern air travel, especially for Delta Airlines. First launched in 1993 by Airbus, the A321 became a mainstay for medium-haul routes thanks to its excellent fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Delta added the A321 to its fleet in the mid-2010s, making it a familiar sight on routes from Atlanta to Miami or New York to Dallas.

At any given moment, around 9,728 planes are flying worldwide — and chances are, several of those are Delta A321s! This model is so popular that airlines across the globe have ordered over 4,000 units, proving its legendary status in commercial aviation.

This Delta trading card is a fantastic entry point for collectors. Affordable yet tied to an aircraft that plays a major role in Delta's daily operations, it's a smart pickup for anyone looking to dive into airplane trading cards with a plane that's literally flying all around us right now.

9. 2015 Delta Boeing 717

The Boeing 717, originally designed as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95, was meant to be a comeback story for short-haul jets. After Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, the 717 became the last plane to bear the Douglas name — a bittersweet end to a legendary era in aviation history.

The Boeing 717 was key for regional flights after the September 11 attacks, helping airlines rebuild short-haul traffic when many wide-body flights were scaled back. Delta operates one of the largest 717 fleets today, keeping the memory of classic American aviation alive.

This Delta trading card captures a slice of history. As 717s begin their gradual retirement from Delta’s lineup, expect their trading card value to increase — especially among collectors who appreciate the heritage of McDonnell Douglas and the transitional years of Boeing. It’s not just an airplane; it’s the bridge between two eras of flight.

8. 2016 Delta Boeing 747-400 #42

When you think of iconic airplanes, the Boeing 747 instantly comes to mind. Nicknamed the "Queen of the Skies," the 747-400 variant expanded on the original's success, offering even longer range and greater fuel efficiency. Delta operated the 747-400 mostly for international flights, making journeys from the U.S. to Asia and Europe a lot more luxurious.

In its prime, a Boeing 747 took off every two minutes somewhere around the world! Plus, this aircraft type was so massive that it reshaped airport designs to accommodate its size — entire terminals were modified when the 747 first entered service.

This Delta trading card is pure nostalgia for aviation lovers. When Delta retired the 747 in 2017, it marked the end of an era — and collecting the delta airline trading cards featuring this jumbo jet lets you own a little piece of aviation royalty. No modern plane has quite matched the magic the 747 brought to air travel.

7. 2016 Delta McDonnell Douglas MD-88/90 #48

The McDonnell Douglas MD-88 and MD-90 were Delta’s workhorses for decades, buzzing travelers across the country with their unique engine roar and iconic T-tail silhouette. The MD-88, in particular, earned a reputation for toughness — Delta pilots even nicknamed it the "Mad Dog" because of how reliable it was on rough landings and tight schedules.

Delta was the last major U.S. airline to retire the MD-88, officially saying goodbye in 2020. For over 30 years, these planes faithfully served countless business travelers and vacationers alike. They were so reliable that even aging models stayed competitive against newer jets!

This Delta trading card isn’t just a tribute to a plane; it’s a salute to an entire generation of pilots and mechanics who kept America moving. If you’re serious about airplane cards collecting, a “Mad Dog” card is practically a badge of honor.

6. 2022 Delta Airbus 220-300

The Airbus A220-300 (originally launched as the Bombardier C-Series) is one of the most revolutionary small jets in aviation today. Delta was the first U.S. carrier to bring this sleek aircraft into regular service, and it quickly became a favorite for passengers thanks to its wider seats, larger windows, and whisper-quiet cabin.

Despite being smaller than a Boeing 737, the A220 is capable of flying over 3,400 miles nonstop — that's almost the distance from New York to London! It's also 25% more fuel efficient than older models in its category, helping Delta reach its sustainability goals faster.

This Delta trading card captures a major shift in how airlines think about short and medium-haul flights. Owning the A220-300 card today is like getting a first-edition collectible of the next big thing in aviation — a smart move for any serious card player or aviation enthusiast.

5. 2022 Delta Boeing 767-300ER

The Boeing 767-300ER has been one of Delta’s international workhorses for decades, bridging continents with efficiency and reliability. Introduced in the 1980s and enhanced with Extended Range (ER) capabilities, the 767 quickly became a favorite for long-haul routes like Atlanta to London or New York to Paris. Even today, Delta continues to operate one of the largest fleets of passenger 767s in the world.

Fun fact: The Boeing 767 was the first twin-engine plane to be allowed to fly transatlantic routes under ETOPS certification (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards). That was a huge breakthrough in aviation history — paving the way for modern two-engine planes to replace costly four-engine jumbos across oceans!

The 2022 Delta trading card honoring the 767-300ER captures this golden era of aviation innovation. For collectors hunting for standout delta collector cards or growing their airplane trading cards collection, this piece is a fantastic reminder of how Delta helped reshape global travel one 767 flight at a time.

4. 2022 Delta Bombardier CRJ-900 #61


The Bombardier CRJ-900 is the go-to regional jet for Delta’s shorter routes across the U.S. Designed for efficiency and quick turnarounds, this sleek plane can carry about 76–90 passengers and operates seamlessly between major hubs and smaller airports — places bigger jets can't always reach.

Regional jets like the CRJ-900 are responsible for over 40% of all U.S. domestic flights! Without them, many small cities would lose access to the national air network entirely. Delta’s CRJ-900 fleet helped democratize air travel by connecting communities from coast to coast.

This Delta trading card is one of the easiest to find — but that’s also what makes it a sneaky good pickup. As Delta slowly upgrades its regional fleet, today's common CRJ-900 might become tomorrow's delta trading cards value sleeper hit among serious collectors.

 

 

 

3. 2022 Delta Airbus 321 #8

The Airbus A321 is a powerhouse of Delta's domestic and short-haul international fleet, delivering the perfect mix of efficiency and comfort. Although the A321 model has been soaring the skies since the 1990s, this particular Delta trading card was released in 2022 — making it one of the newer and more sought-after collectibles among aviation fans.

At peak hours, about one airplane takes off every 45 seconds at busy airports like Atlanta — and the Airbus A321 is often part of that rhythm, thanks to its popularity on high-frequency routes. With over 4,000 A321s flying worldwide, it’s one of the most successful narrow-body jets ever built.

This Delta flight trading card (#8) captures a true workhorse of modern air travel. Its rarity on the secondary market, combined with the enduring popularity of the A321, makes it a smart pick for anyone serious about airplane cards collecting.

2. 2016 Delta Airbus A350

The Airbus A350 is one of Delta’s most advanced and prized aircraft for long-haul international routes. Introduced to Delta’s fleet in 2017, the A350 is a symbol of the future of aviation: lightweight, ultra-efficient, and packed with technology that delivers a smoother, quieter, and greener flight experience.

An Airbus A350 holds the record for one of the longest non-stop flights — clocking in over 18 hours during test runs! Plus, it's made of over 50% composite materials, making it much lighter than older aircraft like the Boeing 747. The A350 burns about 25% less fuel compared to its predecessors, playing a major role in Delta’s efforts toward sustainability.

Owning this Delta trading card is like owning a piece of tomorrow's aviation history. As more airlines worldwide retire their older fleets, aircraft like the A350 will dominate the skies — and delta trading cards value tied to cutting-edge jets like this could only continue to rise. This card is a no-brainer for serious collectors focused on the evolution of commercial flight.

1. 2022 Delta Boeing B737-900ER #53

The Boeing 737-900ER represents the latest evolution of the world’s best-selling aircraft family. Although the first 737s took flight in the 1960s, the 900ER variant introduced longer range, higher capacity, and modern avionics — keeping the 737 at the heart of global air travel. Delta’s fleet of 737-900ERs connects cities big and small across North America every single day, making it a true highlight for fans of delta trading cards 737 collectors.

On average, two Boeing 737s take off or land somewhere in the world every five seconds! The 737 is by far the most widely produced commercial jetliner in aviation history, with over 10,000 delivered across various models.

This Delta trading card (#53) has one of the widest price ranges on the market, signaling both high demand and rarity. It perfectly captures the success story of the modern jet age. For collectors, it’s not just a card — it’s a snapshot of the most influential plane family ever built, and a gem among airplane trading cards and delta flight trading cards enthusiasts alike.

✈️ Final Thoughts

Delta trading cards might not be as famous as sports or gaming cards, but that's exactly what makes them so exciting to collect right now. They capture a real slice of aviation history — from workhorse regional jets like the CRJ-900 to global legends like the Boeing 747. Whether you're after classic Boeing planes, cutting-edge Airbus models, or just a card that reminds you of your favorite Delta flight, there’s a card (and a story) for every collector.

Many collectors are beginning to realize that delta collector cards offer something unique — a genuine connection to the evolution of commercial aviation. With more people searching for hidden gems and rising stars, delta trading cards worth watching could be the next big trend. After all, aviation collectibles are becoming an exciting extension of the collectible card game world, blending history, design, and scarcity into one high-flying hobby.

As aviation keeps evolving, these airplane cards are only going to grow in historical importance — and possibly in card value too. So whether you're a die-hard card player, a casual airplane enthusiast, or someone just discovering the world of delta airlines cards trading, now’s the perfect time to start exploring all Delta trading cards available.

And the best part? Most of these aviation treasures are still available on eBay — waiting for a sharp-eyed collector like you to grab them before they take off for good. 🚀

FAQs 

1.How many Delta trading cards are there?

Delta has released over 80 different trading cards featuring a wide range of aircraft, from classic Boeing planes to modern Airbus models. Each card typically highlights a specific airplane type and sometimes even a specific year of service. Sets vary by year, so collectors often hunt for complete series to build a full delta trading cards list.

2.What are Delta trading cards?

Delta trading cards are collectible cards that showcase aircraft from Delta Airlines' fleet. Originally distributed during flights or through special promotions, these cards feature detailed information about each airplane, including specs and fun facts. They're a favorite among aviation enthusiasts, card collectors, and travelers looking to remember their favorite flights.

3.Does Delta have trading cards?

Yes! Delta is one of the few airlines that still offers official airline trading cards. While not always easy to find onboard today, many Delta trading cards — from older classics to recent releases like the 2022 series — are available through collectible markets like eBay card listings.

4. How do you get Delta trading cards?

Historically, passengers could ask Delta pilots or flight attendants for trading cards during a flight. Today, your best bet for finding Delta flight trading cards is through online marketplaces like eBay, aviation memorabilia shows, or collector communities. Some rare cards, like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A350, can be highly sought after and vary greatly in card prices.

5. What airlines have trading cards?

Besides Delta, other airlines that have offered airplane trading cards include United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. However, Delta remains one of the most consistent carriers to produce collectible cards, making Delta Airlines trading cards especially desirable among fans of the hobby.

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