With long lines, tight legroom, and more fees than ever, many airline passengers are simply hoping to get from Point A to Point B as smoothly, quickly, and cheaply as possible. But if you’re someone who gets excited at the thought of stepping aboard an airplane, no matter the circumstances, you’ll be happy to know that at least one airline will help you commemorate the experience in a fun way — but only if you’re in the know. Find out more about the secret airline trading cards you can collect when flying Delta Air Lines.
Airline Trading Cards Go Viral
In late 2023, TikTok user @sarowarrr posted a video of himself asking a Delta pilot for a trading card and receiving two shiny cards featuring the airline’s aircraft. The clip went viral and has over 20 million views to date, raising awareness of a program most Delta travelers had never heard of.
According to a statement the airline shared with People magazine, Delta employees created the trading card program more than 20 years ago to share their passion for flying. The collectibles feature “a different aircraft in [Delta’s] fleet corresponding to the type of aircraft each pilot flies.”
Flyers can collect cards that feature the Airbus A220, A320, A330, and A350 series; the Boeing 737, 757, and 767 series; and the Canadair CRJ-900 aircraft. The airline says the collections are redesigned every five years.
Some pilots may not have time to chat with passengers or have any cards left to hand out (particularly as word of the program gets out), but it’s always worth asking for a fun souvenir of your flight.
“When they’re not busy preparing for flight or flying our customers to their next adventure, our pilots carrying these fan-favorite cards are more than happy to hand one out to any customer who asks nicely; as they look to add to, or begin, their newest favorite collection,” the Delta spokesperson shared in the statement with People.
Other Unique Airline Collectibles
Delta isn’t the only airline that offers its passengers a cherished keepsake. United Airlines also recently introduced a trading card program, and some overseas carriers such as Taiwan-based Eva Air have special trading cards, too.
One collectible item that has attracted much fanfare is KLM’s miniature Delft Blue houses. The Dutch flag carrier creates a new house — modeled after actual buildings in the Netherlands — each year on the company’s anniversary, which falls on October 7. As of early 2025, there are 105 houses in the collection. Better yet: Each one is filled with a tiny bottle of Dutch gin.
The catch is you have to be flying overseas in the carrier’s business class to receive one. But those lucky enough to get their hands on the houses can even keep track of their collection in a special app.
And finally, German flag carrier Lufthansa also has a special treat in store for its first-class customers traveling through the airline’s hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Passengers can pick up one of the airline’s cherished rubber ducks when visiting the First Class Lounge.
The ducks come in a range of fun designs, from city-specific themes to ducks designed around holidays and special events. If you’re looking to acquire one but don’t plan on flying first class anytime soon, the rubber toys regularly pop up on eBay, too.
Featured image credit: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/ GC Images via Getty Images
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