• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 2, 2025

Delta Launches Seat Exchange Program To Further Connect to L.A.

  • Delta Air Lines and Los Angeles Lakers launch new ticket exchange program for season ticket members.
  • The activation is a larger piece of Delta’s efforts to build customer loyalty in L.A.
Delta Showtime Seat Exchange
Photo Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Delta Showtime Seat Exchange
Photo Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Delta Air Lines is taking an innovative approach with its partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers to further cement its status in L.A.

The Atlanta-based airline announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with the Lakers on October 30, highlighted by a new activation, the Showtime Seat Exchange.

“With Showtime Seat Exchange, Lakers fans can give back to the community and be rewarded for their generosity while also giving Angelenos who might not have many opportunities to attend a game an unforgettable experience,” said Bill Betz, Delta general manager of U.S. sponsorship and brand activation.

The Showtime Seat Exchange will allow season ticket holders to exchange their tickets to one of four games – November 15, December 22, January 31 and March 15 – for a domestic round-trip Delta flight voucher. The exchanged tickets are gifted to one of four local charities: After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles; Bob Hope USO; Junior Achievement of Southern California; and KIPP LA Public Schools.

The exchange is limited to 50 tickets. Those Delta vouchers are valid for a year and can be used on all Delta domestic flights to all 50 states, Betz said. The first game it was available, November 15 against the Sacramento Kings, spots in the Exchange were filled by the night of October 30, the same day the promotion was announced.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to engage more deeply with our brand partners, and it’s an even bigger bonus when we can find a way to do that that also ties in our community partners,” he said. “This is a first-of-its-kind program for both partners, and we decided this was the right number of games and tickets to launch this concept. 

“We’re anticipating fans will be eagerly waiting for each of the next few times the Exchange opens.”

The partnership extension also includes solidifying Delta’s exclusive standing as the Lakers’ official airline – since 2011 – an increased presence on the team’s social and digital channels, customization of courtside seatbacks and a monthly Salute to Troops programming.

“For almost a decade, Delta has worked together with the team to create unique and innovative programs that give back, and this initiative is yet another example of their continued commitment to Lakers fans and the community,” Lakers President of Business Operations Tim Harris said. 

Betz said from the airline’s perspective the past eight years of partnership has worked well “on and off the court, inside and outside the airport,” so continuing it made sense.

“We share a commitment to excellence and to building a better L.A. for the future,” Betz said.

While Los Angeles is a mature market when it comes to air traffic growth, there’s plenty of room for airlines to grab market share from each other. Because it’s such a large hub of activity – with five airports, including Los Angeles International Airport – airline expert Seth Kaplan said even small shifts can result mean big dollars. 

READ MORE: Why Delta Private Jets Signed With MSG as a Suites Partner

“It’s a very competitive market,” Kaplan said. “If you live in Atlanta, you likely find yourself on Delta, same as Detroit or Minneapolis or Salt Lake City. Los Angeles, like New York City, is really up for grabs with no dominant airline.”

Citing Diio Schedule Data, Kaplan said Delta is No. 2 behind American Airlines at LAX, while both trail Southwest Airlines when looking at the entire Los Angeles market.

As Los Angeles is such a hub of airline activity, airlines are eager to make their presence felt in the city through sports. Recently, American Airlines signed on as a founding partner of the Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District, with naming rights on American Airlines Plaza, outside the playing field at SoFi Stadium. 

Delta, as it works on the $1.86 billion Delta Sky Way project modernizing and upgrading LAX Terminals 2 and 3, as well as connecting them to the Tom Bradley International Terminal, is looking to let the city know it’s equally committed. 

READ MORE: Allegiant Takes ‘Aggressive’ Step With Raiders Stadium Deal

Delta currently has 4,500 L.A.-based employees and has 170 peak-day departures from Los Angeles. Other Los Angeles area partners for the airline include Los Angeles Football Club, Los Angeles Kings and the Staples Center – the home of the Lakers and Kings.

Betz said Delta is the city’s fastest-growing carrier.

“Los Angeles is one of the largest and most important aviation markets in the world and a growing hub for Delta,” Betz said. “Over the years, we’ve developed strong relationships with local charitable partners, cultural institutions, sports and entertainment franchises, and marquee brands. As an incredibly important business market with a large base of Delta customers, Los Angeles will continue to be a key hub in our network.” 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.

Caitlin Clark Injury Is Speed Bump Early in WNBA Season

Clark will miss at least four games based on the timeline.

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”

Featured Today

Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.
Around the Horn - October 26, 2020
May 23, 2025

‘Quirky, Nutty, Bombastic’: 10 ‘Around the Horn’ Faces on Their Top Moments

“A quirky, nutty, bombastic, mostly wrong, sometimes right, crazy sports family.”
AA Mint Cards
May 18, 2025

Young Collectors Are on a High-Stakes Chase for Ultra-Rare Trading Cards

“They just want that excitement of the chase,” says a 23-year-old collector.
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Pro Refs Get Offered Free Lasik for Better Calls. Some Took It

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
January 15, 2025

State Farm Cancels Planned Super Bowl Ad Amid California Fires Controversy

State Farm’s Super Bowl ad last year featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; From left: Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
December 17, 2024

A ‘Wave’ of Sports Content Is Coming to TikTok

The next generation is consuming sports in a different way.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.
November 27, 2024

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.
Oct 29, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) reacts after hitting a RBI single against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.
October 31, 2024

Strauss Ads on MLB Helmets Annoyed Some Fans. CEO Says They Were a ‘Huge Success’

Strauss’s deal with MLB goes until 2027.