Delta Air Lines announced this morning that Economy Comfort customers on its New York JFK to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle routes will begin receiving upgraded amenities effective today, June 4.
According to Delta’s press release, “Economy Comfort customers will receive a complimentary pre-set pillow and blanket on their seat while they board the aircraft. After boarding, Economy Comfort customers will be offered a Delta sleep kit, including eye shades and ear plugs, as added amenities. During flight, Economy Comfort customers will enjoy complimentary Luvo snack wraps and a full-size bottle of water for all flights and Luvo frozen yogurt bars as a mid-flight snack on most flights except those flights leaving the West Coast after 9 p.m.”
This is another example of the investments Delta is making in producing a product that travelers may be more inclined to pay for. Product and experience do count for something, and a big part of the overall experience is an airline that is reliable. Delta seems to do that pretty well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more developments in this area over the next year. Frankly, I am wondering when a U.S. airline might invest in a true premium economy product for long haul flights. One that includes not just a better snack and a couple inches of additional legroom, but a slightly better seat as well. Could Delta be that airline?
Now, we await the arrival of SkyMiles 2015. Unlike many of my fellow BA brethren, I contend that a superior airline overall will attract travelers, whether the loyalty program is the absolutely most rewarding or not. Time will tell if I’m correct.
-MJ, June 4, 2014
Removing transcon upgrades for elites and then giving them this is still an overall downgrade. I’ll take AA anytime.
@Tyler,
That was a curious move. Granted, Delta knows their financials, and I do not, but I did not see the benefit of removing comp upgrades for elites. I suppose the fairest way to say it would be restricting upgrades to miles or GU certificates. I’d be surprised if it makes anyone more inclined to buy the seat. On the other hand, I have not taken a recent look at J fares in those markets and whether or not FCM has made buying the seat a viable option. I also don’t know what kind of corporate contracts Delta has in the market, which I suspect impacted Delta’s decision-making on this somehow.
The Luvo wraps are pretty good and quite filling. It pairs well with a glass of white wine, which, coincidentally, is complimentary on the trans-con flights.
@glbetrkkr, wine is good. 🙂
I will fly DL for sure IF I have to or if I am a captive.
From DC, it is a poor choice
It was not always the case, when they were at DCA and had a better rewards program with more partner availability 2008-2011
@ffi, I’d definitely be back on AA/US if I were to return to the DC area. That said, it’s more than being “hub captive” for me. I could fly WN. 🙂 Delta does a good job, I have very few travel “issues,” their people treat me well overall, etc.