Ever tried to book a flight on a Delta Boeing 777-300? You can search every route from Atlanta to Tokyo. You can refresh the Delta app until your thumb gets sore. Honestly, you're never going to find one.
There's a good reason for that. Delta Air Lines never actually owned a single Boeing 777-300 or the long-range 777-300ER variant. Not one. While their biggest rivals, United and American, turned the "Triple Seven" into the backbone of their international fleets, Delta took a completely different path.
The Mystery of the Missing Delta Airlines 777 300
It’s kinda weird when you think about it. The 777-300ER is basically the king of the skies for long-haul travel. It’s huge. It's reliable. It’s everywhere. But if you see a giant twin-engine plane with a Delta widget on the tail today, you’re almost certainly looking at an Airbus A350.
Delta used to be a massive fan of the Boeing 777 family, but they stuck exclusively to the smaller 200 series. They flew the 777-200ER and the ultra-long-range 777-200LR. These planes were the pride of the fleet for years, connecting hubs like Los Angeles and Sydney.
Then 2020 happened.
The pandemic didn't just pause travel; it acted like a giant "reset" button for airline bean counters. While the world was on lockdown, Delta made a brutal, high-stakes decision. They retired their entire 777 fleet—all 18 of them—overnight. This move was shocking because many of those planes had just been fitted with the expensive new Delta One Suites.
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Basically, the airline decided it was cheaper to fly more fuel-efficient Airbus planes than to keep maintaining a small, "niche" fleet of Boeings. By the end of October 2020, the Delta 777 was history.
What replaced the 777 at Delta?
Since there is no Delta Airlines 777 300, what are they using to haul 300+ people across the ocean? The answer is the Airbus A350-900.
Right now, that’s their flagship. It’s lighter. It's made of carbon fiber. It uses way less fuel. But there was a problem: the A350-900 is a bit smaller than the massive Boeing 777-300ER that United flies.
To fix that, Delta finally placed an order for the bigger brother: the Airbus A350-1000. These are the planes that will finally fill the "777-300 sized hole" in their network. We’re talking more seats, more cargo, and those fancy closed-door suites everyone wants.
The 2026 Plot Twist: Boeing is Back (Sorta)
Just when everyone thought Delta was becoming an "all-Airbus" airline for long-haul, they dropped a bombshell in early 2026.
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On January 13, 2026, Delta announced a massive deal with Boeing for up to 60 Dreamliners. Specifically, they ordered the Boeing 787-10. This is a big deal because the 787-10 is almost the same size as a 777.
Wait. Why buy the 787 and not the 777-300ER or the new 777X?
- Weight: The 787-10 is significantly lighter, meaning it burns way less gas.
- Commonality: It fits better with their long-term goal of a modern, simplified fleet.
- Comfort: The 787 has those huge dimmable windows and better cabin pressure.
If you're a "Boeing or I'm not going" person, you’ll have to wait until 2031 for these new Dreamliners to start arriving. Until then, the A350 is your best bet for that big-plane feel.
Why People Still Search for the Delta 777 300
It usually comes down to codesharing. You might book a flight on Delta's website from New York to Paris. You look at the receipt and see "Boeing 777-300ER."
You aren't crazy.
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Delta is part of the SkyTeam alliance. They partner closely with Air France and KLM. When you book through Delta, you often end up on an Air France metal 777. Since Air France loves the 777-300ER, you get the experience of the plane without Delta actually owning it.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Long-Haul Trip
If you were looking for the 777-300 because you wanted a spacious cabin, don't worry. Here is how to get the best experience on Delta's current long-haul fleet:
- Hunt for the A350-900: This is the closest thing to the 777 experience Delta has. Look for flight numbers on routes to Seoul, Tokyo, or Amsterdam.
- Check the "35H" Layout: Delta is reconfiguring their A350s. The "35H" version has the best Delta One Suites and a much larger Premium Select (Premium Economy) cabin.
- Avoid the 767-300 if possible: These are Delta's oldest widebody planes. They are much tighter than a 777 would be, and the screens are... well, they’ve seen better days.
- Watch the Partners: If you specifically want to fly on a 777-300ER, book your Delta flight so it's "Operated by Air France." You’ll still get your SkyMiles, but you’ll get the Boeing 777 experience you're looking for.
Delta's fleet strategy is all about efficiency now. They've moved on from the 777 era, and they're doubling down on the A350 and the upcoming 787-10. It’s a bit sad for plane spotters who loved the roar of the GE90 engines, but for the airline’s bottom line, it’s been a total game-changer.
Next Step: Check your "Equipment Type" in the Delta app before you select your seat. If it says "Airbus A350-900," you're getting the best they currently offer. If you're looking for that massive 777-300 feel, look for a flight operated by Air France or KLM through the Delta portal.