Premium Economy coming to Delta –
About a month ago, I wrote that American Airlines will be rolling out Premium Economy seats on some international flights in the following post:
Premium Economy on American Airlines
It looks like Delta is joining the party now.
Delta announced that it will be adding Premium Economy Seats on some of the international flights beginning next year.
Delta did not release very much information on it; however Delta’s incoming president Glen Hauenstein said the international premium economy class will be distinct from its Comfort+ seats.
Delta’s Comfort+ seats were previously called Economy Comfort and they offer a little bit more leg room and recline as well as free snacks and drinks on most flights.
The new Premium Economy seats will be a specific cabin that is likely similar to some of the international airlines versions.
Air Frances version:
British Airways version:
The Atlanta Journal Constitution broke this story last week.
The article reports that:
Delta’s incoming CEO Ed Bastian said the move comes as international competition “has moved to premium economy as a cabin and a service and product itself,” also seen on Delta partners Virgin Atlantic and Air France.”
Delta will start offering the cabin on the A350 when it goes into service in 2017 as well as select 777 aircraft after that.
It is not clear how the seating will be priced.
News like this brings with it a lot of speculation. This may make using Delta’s systemwide upgrade certificates more challenging because it may mean that you would need to use one to upgrade from economy to premium economy rather than from economy to business like you can today. In addition, it is not clear how Delta’s Elite members will be upgraded in the future.
In the past, Delta has allowed for you to upgrade Air France itineraries using the systemwide upgrades; however, in order to upgrade to business you would need to pay for a full fare Premium Economy seat which oftentimes was as much as a discount business ticket, so that made the redemptions not useful. Hopefully the same thing will not happen now with the new cabin.
What are your thoughts on the announcement?