It looks like flying the friendly skies may have gotten easier for fans of Delta Air Lines, thanks, in part, to a new partnership with Facebook.  It was announced yesterday that Delta launched a new “Ticket Window” tool on its Facebook page, which now allows passengers to book flights directly without leaving the social-media site. This move is the first for any major airline, although many airlines have had major success using social-media platforms (i.e., Twitter and Facebook).

This move is part of the company’s plan to improve the online experience for the consumer. Besides adding the new “Ticket Window” tool on Facebook, Delta also plans to roll out an iPhone app and to redesign airport kiosks, all in an effort to make the entire traveling experience more pleasurable and convenient for passengers. Delta’s Vice President of E-commerce Bob Kupbens explained the new vision, “Our customers are spending more time online and are looking for new ways to connect with us. Unlocking the full power of social media and mobile apps is the next step for Delta.” Talks are also swirling about Delta expanding its social-media offerings in the future by allowing customers to book flights within their online banner ads.

Competition within the airline industry has always been pretty stiff, but, as long as the demand for air travel is still prevalent, airlines need to adapt new ways to connect with consumers. I personally love the idea of being able to book a flight at the same time as I surf Facebook. Having the “Ticket Window” will ease the pain of having to search all over the Web, as Facebook quickly moves closer to becoming an all-in-one solution.  The new tool even allows users to share flight info with Facebook friends, making it easier to connect with others.

As more people use social sites as a source for shopping, Delta made the right move by incorporating a new strategy into its media mix. The move also simplifies the purchase process for consumers, which should be the ultimate goal of any company, and, in turn, will help businesses cater to existing and new customers alike.