Delta adds a new class Economy Comfort: Find out what it is?

Delta Air Lines has introduced its new Premium class, called Economy Comfort, and is introducing it on all of its long-haul flights.

Like what its alliance partners SkyTeam Air France and KLM are offering, the American company has replaced the first rows of economy class with seats offering 10 centimeters of space and 50% more recline.

The price supplement for the lower class is expected to be between $ 80 and $ 160 one way, with reservations possible starting in May for summer travel. This price supplement does not apply to SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum loyalty cardholders, as well as passengers who have paid the full fare in economy class. Passengers with a Silver or Gold card are entitled to discounts of 25% and 50%.

Delta has also installed 34 seats in two years in its 32 Airbus A330s for the BusinessElite business class, similar to those already present in its fleet of Boeing 777., have the bed which is 207 centimeters long and 52 wide and has a 39 centimeter video screen (250 channels including HBO and Showtime), sockets, a USB port and an LED reading light.

Delta’s launch of a premium class was inevitable to catch up in particular with United, which has just won the title of largest airline after its merger with Continental. But it is also about proposing an offer able to compete with British Airways and other Virgins on transatlantic routes, or Qantas, Japan Airlines and ANA on transpacific routes. But on most of its highly profitable routes, Delta passengers had the choice of only business class and economy, not even first class. Difficult in its conditions to ensure the loyalty of passengers …

Delta adds new Economy Comfort section on long-haul international flights

Delta has announced a major investment in the international fleet with plans to introduce a premium section in economy class – “Economy Comfort” – also called “Comfort +” on all long-haul international flights.

The new seats have up to 4 inches more legroom and 50% more recline compared to Delta’s international standard in its economy class seats.

The product, which is similar to enhanced economy class services and currently available on flights operated by Delta partner Air France-KLM, will be installed in the first rows of the economy class cabin on more than 160 Boeing 747s, 757, 767, 777 and Airbus A330 for this summer.

Customers who have purchased an international economy class ticket from Delta can opt for “Economy Comfort” seats with a supplement of US $ 80 to US $ 160 one way, through delta.com, sales kiosks and Delta reservations. from May to travel during the summer. Free access to Economy Comfort seats will be available to all SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallions members; up to eight companions traveling under the same reservation with Diamong and Platinum Medallions; and for customers who purchase economy class tickets at full price. Gold and silver medallions can benefit from discounts of 50% and 25%, respectively, on “Economy Comfort” fares.

“As Delta is investing in BusinessElite, one of the most competitive premium products in the industry, it makes sense that we are also making improvements to our economy class service which provides additional convenience,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta Executive Vice President – Network Planning, Revenue Management and Marketing. Economy Comfort is one of many things Delta is committed to delivering to its customers as part of the more than $ 2 billion investment we’re making in the air and on the ground to improve the customer experience. And position Delta as a leader in customer service. ”

In addition to increased legroom and lean angle, passengers seated in Economy Comfort can board earlier. These benefits are in addition to standard services offered by Delta on international economy class flights, including free food, entertainment, blankets and pillows.

Electric power service will also be available in the seats of aircraft equipped with personal entertainment systems offering free HBO programming and other prepaid content. The seats are designated by a cover specially designed for these purposes.

In addition to investing in the economy class cabin on international flights, Delta today announced plans to install 34 fully flat seat beds in BusinessElite with direct aisle access on each of its 32 Airbus A330s from here.

The new A330 seat, manufactured by Weber Aircraft LLC, will be 81.7 inches long and 20.5 inches wide, similar to the sleeper seats currently offered on Delta’s 777 fleet. It will also include a universal 120-volt power outlet, a USB port, a personal LED reading light and a 15.4-inch personal video display with immediate access to 250 new and classic movies, premium programming from HBO and Showtime, and more, video games and over 4000 digital music tracks.

Economy Comfort seats are offered on Delta’s Boeing 747, 757, 767 777 and Airbus A330 which operate long-haul intercontinental flights between the United States and Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and the Americas. South (Lima, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Santiago only). Economy Comfort seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. The “Economy Comfort Medallion” travel companion benefits are applicable for up to eight travelers accompanying the Medallion member. Not applicable to group bookings. For companions of Gold Medallion members, rates apply per seat. All SkyMiles program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, promotions and mileage accumulation.