Delta Hiring Overview For 2023

Is Delta on the Ban the Box list?

Ban the Box is a campaign to rid applications of the box asking if the applicant has any felonies or misdemeanors. The Fair Chance Business Pledge is a pledge made by companies to not discriminate against those convicted of crimes during the hiring process.

Delta is not on the Ban the Box list, nor have they signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge. But we know they’ll hire applicants with convictions, so keep reading to improve your odds.

Does Delta have special programs for hiring felons?

Delta Airlines doesn’t offer any special hiring programs for felons at this time. That’s okay, most companies don’t. If you’re interested in a similar program, check with your local workforce development or employment agencies. They may be able to point you in the right direction.

What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?

We’ve done our research and give your odds of being hired at Delta Airlines with a felony as average. Because they have to incorporate the TSA’s requirements, your conviction will just have to be at least 10 years old and be able to meet the requirements for a SIDA badge (Security Identification Display Area). You can check out an example application from Miami’s airport here.

What are some entry-level jobs?

Here are the entry-level jobs for the different departments at Delta:

• Baggage handlers mainly work inside the terminal or on the tarmac.
• Customer service representatives greet the customers and check them in for flights.
• Flight attendants travel on the airplanes assisting the flyers when needed.

Starting off in one of these positions will allow you to learn how the company works and runs, as well as pick up new skills for future promotions or jobs.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

You’re ready to fill out an application, but not sure where to begin. We’ve got you! Let’s start by looking at and updating your resume:

• Be sure to use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. If you need assistance with your resume, check out Relaunch Pad’s resume guide. You can also go to an employment or workforce development agency in your area for one-on-one help and a boost of confidence.
• Next, do you have any prior customer service experience? If so, be sure to include where you got this experience, whether it was school, previous jobs or while in prison.

Always tell the truth on your application. This is particularly important when it comes to your criminal past. Be honest, but keep it simple.

You want them to know your offense and the date of conviction, but there’s no need to go into the details on your application. That’s better handled in the interview.

Once you’ve scheduled an interview, it’s important to be prepared. Here is a list of helpful tips to help you land the job at Delta Airlines:

Dress for success

• Wear nice pants or below-the-knee skirt and a nice shirt or blouse.
• Hide any tattoos and take out piercings that you can — the company policy on these can be discussed at a later time.

The important thing is to show you’re a friendly, approachable person if you’re applying for a people-oriented job. You can be a little more lax if you want to work in the warehouse, but you still need to look professional.

Have good body language

• Sit straight with shoulders back.
• Keep your head up and make eye contact to show you’re engaged.

What to say

• Be honest. We’ve talked about being honest on the application, and the same holds true for the interview. Answer all questions, especially those related to your felony, truthfully. You didn’t come this far to blow it now!
• Research the company and the position before the interview. Know the details about what you’re applying for and with whom.
• Ask questions. Be sure you’re clear on the details of what is expected of you as an employee once you’ve received an offer of employment.

Yes, Delta will conduct a background check before an offer of employment is made.

Here’s what you need to know about background checks:

Background checks aren’t equal in every state. These states won’t look at anything past seven years:

• California
• Colorado*
• Kansas*
• Maryland*
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire*
• New York*
• Texas*
• Washington*

(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)

These next states won’t worry with any cases in which you were found not guilty:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Indiana (limited check)
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York

However, keep in mind there are still some states that will look at your entire record, including the not guilty verdicts. These are those states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• DC
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Indiana (extensive check)
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Company ratings

Our team did a bit of investigating to bring you Delta’s ratings. On glassdoor.com, they have 4.2 out of 5 stars and over 2,000 reviews. The majority say the travel benefits are the best in the business. The biggest complaint was the low pay.

What felonies Delta will not hire

Does Delta hire felons? According to our sources, they do. However, Delta Airlines is required to uphold the guidelines set by the TSA, so there are felonies that will hurt your chances. The following are a few of the felonies that will make it impossible to get hired at Delta Airlines:

• Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage
• Treason or conspiracy to commit treason
• Murder
• Racketeering
• Conspiracy or attempting to commit any of these crimes

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. The complete list can be found on the TSA’s Disqualifying Offenses page.

What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?

It’s not all bad news, though, as some charges will only stop your application for a set number of years.

This is a list of felonies that may not pose a problem 10 years after the conviction date:

• Extortion
• Identity fraud
• Bribery
• Robbery
• Voluntary manslaughter

Does Delta hire sex offenders?

We just don’t know. Delta didn’t tell us if the company hires sex offenders, and online reports were lacking.

Does Delta drug test?

Yes, Delta Airlines will give you a drug test. It’ll likely be when they make their offer of employment.

Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!

Were you able to get a job at Delta with a felony? We’d love to hear about it. It’s your chance to help out the other members of your community. We can make a difference together!