Delta And Starbucks Are Flying Coffee Fans To Costa Rica

Travelers who’ve long dreamed of sipping a proper latte at 30,000 feet may finally get their wish. Delta Air Lines is launching The In-Air Coffeehousea first-of-its-kind charter created with Starbucks that transforms a flight into a snug café en route to Costa Rica. The experience also debuts Group Dropa new SkyMiles Experiences feature that lets members enter sweepstakes with a friend for a chance to access shareable trips without spending any miles.

The two-night itinerary (December 16-18, 2025) flies winners on a private charter from Atlanta to San José, Costa Rica, where they’ll tour Alsace EstateStarbucks’ coffee and innovation farm situated on the slopes of Poás Volcano. The prize includes accommodations, a welcome party, a full day of programming at the farm — with tours through 800,000 coffee trees and curated tastings, among other activities — plus morning yoga and curated meals.

The real magic begins in the air. “From the moment members step onboard, they’ll feel the warmth and hospitality of a coffeehouse environment,” Joshua Kaehler, managing director of Delta’s SkyMiles Loyalty Partnerships, tells Food & Wine. “We’re reimagining the cabin with cozy design elements, curated music, and interactive service rituals that celebrate coffee culture.” Onboard, the menu will feature coffee-inspired items created specifically for the flight, and Starbucks baristas will lead passengers through guided tastings at cruising altitude.

The In-Air Coffeehouse marks the launch of Group Drop, Delta’s answer to making exclusive experiences accessible and social. Unlike traditional miles-based redemptions, Group Drop lets SkyMiles members and their friends enter together for a chance to unlock once-in-a-lifetime adventures. “In 2026, we plan to drop experiences in categories we know they’ll love and want to share,” Kaehler says. “These will happen multiple times throughout the year, and each will be designed to feel exclusive and worth sharing.”

The new initiative fits into Delta’s broader strategy to reimagine how travelers connect with the brand — before, during, and after the flight. “Loyalty today isn’t just about earning and redeeming miles — it’s about that emotional connection,” Kaehler says. “So, we asked ourselves: How do we create emotionally resonant brand moments that are differentiated and reinforce why SkyMiles is the most compelling way to access the world?”

The In-Air Coffeehouse brings that idea to life. “We wanted the first-ever Group Drop to feel iconic and culturally relevant,” he says. “It’s a shared experience that’s inclusive, memorable, and built to be talked about — exactly the kind of moment that drives emotional connection and long-term loyalty.”

Passengers can expect premium experiences that blend travel, food, and culture, a growing focus for Delta’s premium strategy.

“Travel is about connection, to people, places, and passions,” Kaehler says. “When we connect Members to moments they can’t find anywhere else, we’re not just moving them from point A to B — we’re creating stories they’ll carry with them long after the journey.”

Entries for this first drop are open through November 3, 2025.