4 Airlines With Secret Trading Cards (And How To Get One)

For many travelers, the most exciting part of a flight is landing at their destination. But for a growing number of aviation enthusiasts, the highlight is a brief interaction with the pilot—and the chance to score a highly sought-after airline trading card. This simple tradition has become a viral sensation, turning routine flights into a fun, low-stakes treasure hunt.

Which U.S. Airlines Offer Trading Cards?

Several major U.S. airlines have embraced this playful tradition:

Delta Air Lines: A pioneer in airline trading cards since 2003, is celebrating its 2025 Centennial series with cards featuring aircraft from the regional E175 to the massive A350.

United Airlines: In a recent Instagram post, the airline teased which cards are currently available: A321neo, 737 MAX 8, 757, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.

Alaska Airlines: Recently relaunched an eight-card set for World Pilots’ Day, featuring holographic and lenticular finishes. Educational and collectible, these cards appeal to both young travelers and longtime aviation fans.

Frontier Airlines: Family-friendly, character-themed cards include Griz the Bear, Otto the Owl, and Flo the Flamingo. Offered alongside onboard activity pages and flight certificates, they make family flights more engaging and enjoyable.

Some major carriers, like American Airlines, don’t currently participate, making these cards a rare and special collectible for those who seek them out.

How to Collect Airline Trading Cards on Your Flight

The main way to collect trading cards is through friendly interactions with the flight crew. Approach a flight attendant politely during boarding, and they can advise if it’s a good time to request a card from the pilots. On some flights, passengers even get a chance to step onto the flight deck—most pilots welcome these brief encounters.

Because cards are produced in limited quantities, they aren’t guaranteed on every flight. For Delta, some Centennial cards are included in a limited collector’s gift set when purchasing a Delta Gift Card online, giving collectors another way to snag a piece of aviation history.

Why Airline Trading Cards Are a Must-Have Collectible

Airline trading cards are more than simple collectibles—they represent small, human-centered moments that make travel memorable. Many cards include facts about the aircraft, sparking curiosity and inspiring future aviators.

Whether it’s Delta’s historic designs, Alaska’s holographic sets, or Frontier’s whimsical animals, collecting trading cards offers a tangible memory of a flight and a personal connection with the crew. Social media has amplified the trend, with travelers sharing their finds and inspiring others to ask for cards on their next trip.

Next time you board a plane, keep an eye out—you never know when a pilot might hand you a unique keepsake from your flight. Want to plan your own aviation-themed adventure? Build your perfect trip with our Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.