Who needs to collect frequent flyer points when there are actual tangible Delta Airline trading cards up for grabs?
TikTok users have found a new reason to fly after discovering that there actually exists a little-known card game in the sky – and all you have to do is politely ask the pilot.
Creator Sarowar Ahmed posted a short clip on the video sharing platform in November, showing him asking a Delta pilot for a map before his flight.
The pilot acknowledges the request and asks his first officer if he has any maps before handing two to the jubilant passenger.
Creator Sarowar Ahmed posted a clip to TikTok in November, showing him asking a Delta pilot for a trading card before his flight
Meanwhile, another TikTok creator Vic proudly showed off his newly acquired Delta trading cards to the camera
'I have my first trading card!!! Ask your pilot for one before or after your flight!' the enthusiastic flyer captioned the video, which has been viewed a whopping 19.4 million times.
He showed off his new prized possessions to the camera, which showed a Boeing 737 plane with a holographic background – believed to be the type of plane he was flying.
Famous hairdresser Victor Fontanez also decided to try his luck by scoring a card, filming his quest and by posting it on TikTokwith over 6.7 million views.
His card was slightly different, with the Delta logo in the corner, but with the tail of a Boeing 767.
Stunned viewers were amazed – and excited – by the apparently secret collectibles.
“I just googled 'Delta Airlines trading cards.' Stunned. They've been doing that since 2004,” one TikTok user marveled.
'Pilots can be better prepared. Everyone's going to ask for them, they look amazing,” said another.
“We've been worrying about airline points when the real game has been airline trading cards this whole time,” someone else joked.
The pilot acknowledges the request and asks his first officer if he has any maps before handing two to the jubilant passenger
Famed hairdresser Victor Fontanez even took a photo with the pilot in the cockpit after obtaining his trading card
Both users showed off their cards, which showed the plane they were flying with a holographic background
Amazed fans couldn't wait to get their hands on a trading card, with many admitting they had never heard of it
“I didn't know this was trending!” one user commented on the video.
'As a Delta stewardess, I have only seen 2 people ask for this! they've been around forever and are so much fun!'
Some said they had tried other airlines without success.
'I didn't know it was just delta. I asked an AlaskaAirlines pilot today. he said he doesn't have one. instead he gave me wings. lol,” they said.
Some TikTok users pointed out that approaching pilots in the cockpit could be a safety issue, advising passengers that this may not always be guaranteed.
A spokesperson said DailyMail.com's Delta trading cards were exclusive to pilots and were a way for them to inspire passion for aviation and loyalty to the airline.
Although new to TikTok users, trading cards have actually been around for almost 20 years
There have been a total of six trading card collections, updated every five years
'When they're not flying some of the coolest jets in the skies, Delta pilots love this special opportunity to share their passion for aviation with our customers using these collectible trading cards, each featuring a different aircraft in our fleet that corresponds to the type of aircraft each pilot flies.
“Pilots who carry these favorite cards are happy to hand one out to any customer who requests it as they look to expand or start their latest favorite collection.”
The current examples in circulation were created in 2022 by Delta's 'Window Seat' visual design team, with direct involvement from Flight Operations staff and the pilots themselves who voted on the design. A popularity vote determines the final look.
There have been a total of six trading card collections since the program began nearly two decades ago and these are updated every five years, with each featuring a different aircraft from the Delta fleet that corresponds to the aircraft each pilot flies, the spokesperson explained .
The current design entered circulation in October 2022 with 11 card types.