Delta Air Lines is expanding its Premium Select cabin to domestic transcontinental flights between New York JFK and Los Angeles. Beginning this fall, the Premium Select service will be available on four out of the eleven daily flights operated by Delta on four-class Boeing 767 aircraft. Delta Premium Select, which has been available on transpacific, transatlantic, and select Latin American routes since 2017, offers passengers a new level of comfort and luxury. Mauricio Parise, Vice President of Brand Experience Design, stated that the product has been a success internationally and will now bring the same level of comfort and luxury to the New York JFK-Los Angeles route [76036adc]
Delta Air Lines is expanding its offerings by introducing a Premium Select cabin on flights between New York City and Los Angeles. The new cabin will be available on four of Delta's peak-day departures between the two cities, with plans to expand to additional frequencies later in the year. The Premium Select seats will be on board the Boeing 767 aircraft and will feature a 2-2-2 configuration, spacious seating, larger tray tables, bigger TV screens, and additional amenities. Passengers in the Premium Select cabin will enjoy premium amenities such as a memory foam pillow, a plush duvet, an amenity kit, noise-canceling headsets, and a curated menu of meals served on real china plates with linen tableware and napkins. The initial pricing for Premium Select starts at around $600 for one-way flights or 57,000 Delta SkyMiles. Delta also announced that it will offer free Wi-Fi on all flights between New York and Los Angeles by the end of September. However, the expansion of Premium Select may require elite members to pay extra or use miles to book these seats, as complimentary upgrades will no longer be available as they were with the previous Comfort+ seats. Complimentary upgrades to Premium Select will be offered to eligible Medallion members on a space-available basis, following the same timing and priority as upgrades to domestic first class. This move by Delta is part of its efforts to compete with United Airlines, which has long offered premium economy on transcontinental flights [c01313d8].
Delta Air Lines is experiencing healthy travel demand, particularly on international routes, and is running its largest ever transatlantic schedule this year. The airline has forecasted record high second-quarter revenue, thanks to the buoyant demand for spring and summer travel. Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated that international demand is growing faster than domestic demand, and the airline is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend [53c3f8b5]. Delta President Glen Hauenstein mentioned that demand for premium travel is particularly strong. Despite not currently operating any version of the Boeing 737 MAX, Delta remains committed to its order for Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets and is encouraged by the steps Boeing is taking to address its quality and corporate crisis. The airline expects delivery of the MAX 10s next year [53c3f8b5].
Delta Air Lines' success in the travel industry can be attributed to various factors. The airline's highly successful SkyMiles program, which allows members to earn miles, has helped Delta capture customers in higher income brackets and generate significant revenue. Additionally, Delta has invested over $1 billion in in-flight entertainment (IFE) to entertain passengers and keep them engaged during their flights. The IFE market is estimated to reach $14.5 billion by 2033, and airlines benefit from offering a robust selection of TV shows and films to enhance the passenger experience. Delta's collaboration with organizations to include content produced by underrepresented communities in its IFE system is a notable initiative. Furthermore, the intersection between film, TV, and aviation is becoming more prominent in the travel industry, as film tourism continues to rise [a1aeabe7].
In terms of customer satisfaction, Delta's SkyMiles refund policy has been a point of concern. While canceling a Delta SkyMiles redemption, especially in Basic Economy, is straightforward, the airline does not disclose the refund amount. Delta informs travelers of penalties for Basic Economy redemptions but does not specify the amount prior to cancellation. After cancellation, Delta does not mention any penalty. This lack of transparency regarding the refund amount has been criticized, and it is suggested that Delta should disclose the penalty for cancellation to provide transparency for travelers [5c8fc399].
Meanwhile, Copa Airlines is offering passengers the opportunity to upgrade to business class at a discounted rate. Passengers on Copa Airlines flights within Central America can upgrade for $199, while those flying to South America can upgrade for $299. The upgrade option is available at the check-in counter and is subject to availability. Copa Airlines is known for providing a comfortable flying experience and has received positive reviews for its service and amenities. This discounted upgrade option allows passengers to enjoy the luxury of business class at a more affordable price. Copa Airlines is a popular choice for travelers in Central and South America [3c01bba3].