Delta Air Lines has announced that it will restructure its line-up of cabin offerings starting March 1, 2015.
Business Elite will become Delta One, and it is offered on long-haul international routes as well as direct flights between New York JFK and Los Angeles or San Francisco. Passengers will enjoy all the usual premium benefits including priority boarding, access to Delta Sky Club and the Tumi amenity kit with Malin+Goetz products, as well as the fully flat bed with Westin Heavenly bedding. The meal service features chef-curated menus and sommelier-picked wines.
First Class will remain on short-haul international and US domestic routes. Benefits include pre-flight drinks, and even a meal if the flight is longer than 900 miles. Services between Japan and Guam, Saipan and Palau, however, will only offer Business Class as the premium option starting from January 5, with amenities varying depending on the aircraft.
The new First Class
A Delta Comfort+ class will be introduced to all two-cabin aircraft. This is an upgraded version of the current Economy Comfort product, with the seat offering up to four inches of extra legroom compared to economy (so the seat pitch is at least 34 inches). Service-wise, what you get in this category is essentially a business class experience. On domestic routes, you get priority boarding, complimentary drinks (including alcoholic ones) and premium snacks (for routes over 900 miles), and so on. On international routes, you will have a proper meal service and sleep amenities that include a pillow and blanket. On transcontinental flights, passengers get the sleep amenities as well as Luvo snack wrap and frozen yogurt.
Delta Comfort+ on the B737
The economy offerings will be classified as Main Cabin and Basic Economy. The former is a flexible ticket that entitles the holder pre-flight seat selection and flight changes, while the latter is a restricted ticket only available for certain domestic routes.
In-flight wifi is available on all domestic flights and select international flights. Delta Studio is available to all passengers on Delta Comfort+ and up, with the experience in Delta One topped with noise-reduction headsets.
Sky Miles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members will continue to enjoy complimentary upgrade to First Class and will have access to Delta Comfort+ seats when making bookings. Gold and Silver Medallion members will continue to enjoy complimentary upgrade eligibility to First Class and complimentary access to Delta Comfort+ seats starting 72 hours and 24 hours prior to departure, respectively.
Delta One, First Class and Delta Comfort+ will see newly designed seat covers through mid-2015.
Reggie Ho
