Delta made a major announcement this morning in an attempt to overhaul and redefine the cabin experience starting on March 1, 2015. Customers will be able to choose between one of its new 5 classes of service:
- Delta One, formerly BusinessElite, is offered on long-haul international routes; also between New York-JFK and Los Angeles or San Francisco*
- First Class is offered on short-haul international and domestic routes**
- Delta Comfort+ offers an upgraded experience on all two cabin aircraft around the world
- Main Cabin experience is provided everywhere Delta flies offering a high standard of customer service
- Basic Economy offers Main Cabin service with fewer flexibility options available in select marketsThe press release also said, “SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members will continue to enjoy complimentary upgrade eligibility to First Class and will also receive complimentary access to Delta Comfort+ seats at booking. On March 1, 2015, Gold and Silver Medallion members will continue to enjoy complimentary upgrade eligibility to First Class as well as complimentary access to Delta Comfort+ seats starting 72 hours and 24 hours prior to departure, respectively.” Here is the new look to the Comfort+ seats:
Delta also released a YouTube video titled Fly Your Way highlighting some of the cabin changes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL6vjaRckNM&feature=youtu.be
If you want to read more about all of the changes, Delta’s press release is here.
Bottom Line:
With today’s announcement, Delta appears progressive, and wanting to redefine their cabin experience while giving passengers more choices. This could be good news for Delta, especially if they are able to provide an exceptionally high standard of customer service. What do you think about the new Delta changes?
Take away a key Gold benefit one month before year end re qualification.
(yawn) Just another branding change. Although, it looks like they took away JFK-SEA as the BusinessElite market.