airline May 22, 2026

Delta to Fly WWII Veterans to Normandy in June

Delta honors veterans with the Delta Normandy Legacy Flight and the new CNN documentary "Why We Dream," premiering this Memorial Day weekend.

Delta to Fly WWII Veterans to Normandy in June

Delta Air Lines will transport 29 World War II veterans to France on June 2 for its fifth annual Normandy Legacy Flight. This trip coincides with the premiere of the documentary Why We Dream, which debuts on CNN on May 25 at 8 p.m. ET. The airline partnered with the Best Defense Foundation and Michelin for the mission. The film also streams on the CNN app.

Premiere Dates and Flight Schedule

The documentary Why We Dream chronicles the journeys of World War II veterans as they return to France for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. Directed by Meredith Danluck, the film is a production of Delta’s Window Seat Studios and Vice Media’s Pulse Films. Window Seat Studios allows Delta to create long-form content that supports its brand narrative. Viewers can watch the premiere on CNN this Monday, May 25, at 8 p.m. ET or 5 p.m. PT, or access it via the CNN app.

The Normandy Legacy Flight and Ambassador Program

This June 2 trip is the fifth edition of the Normandy Legacy Flight. Among the travelers is 101-year-old Alan Kinder. Kinder served as an instrument and sound survey technician in August 1944 and landed at Utah Beach to locate enemy artillery. He will travel with Bryce Ulmer, a Delta TechOps employee and U.S. Air Force veteran. This pairing is part of the WWII Veterans Ambassador Program. The program connects Delta employees with veterans to honor their service. For some veterans, this flight is their first return to France since the war.

Brand Strategy and SkyMiles Context

Delta’s focus on these initiatives distinguishes its business model from budget competitors like Spirit or Frontier. Those airlines use unbundled models to offer low base fares while charging for individual amenities. Delta maintains a premium strategy that emphasizes service and community engagement. This approach also separates Delta from other SkyTeam alliance members.

For SkyMiles members, Delta’s value comes from its broader ecosystem. While travelers cannot use miles to book this specific commemorative flight, the program offers significant utility through Amex Membership Rewards transfers at a 1:1 ratio. The program also includes access to Delta Sky Clubs and various Medallion status tiers, including Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Unlike purely transactional loyalty programs, these brand-led efforts aim to build long-term loyalty through shared history.

How to Watch and Follow

You can watch the premiere of Why We Dream on CNN at 8 p.m. ET on May 25. For updates on the Normandy Legacy Flight, visit the Delta News Hub or follow @delta on social media.