Delta makes major change to domestic flights in a bid to boost profits

Delta Air Lines will offer its premium economy service on flights between Los Angeles and New York City starting in September, the airline has announced.

It is the first time the airline has offered seats – which cost more than standard economy class – on transcontinental flights.

Premium Economy has been around for decades on European airlines’ long-haul flights, but is a relatively new ticket class for US airlines.

Delta’s service offers elevated dining and more legroom, and costs about twice as much as a standard economy ticket.

The change is the airline’s latest attempt to boost sales by targeting customers willing to spend more for perks.

Major U.S. airlines are vying to upgrade planes with more premium seats and sell more rewards cards to take advantage of Americans willing to spend larger amounts on travel.

It already seems to be working for Delta. Delta’s main cabin ticket revenue rose 4 percent to $5.4 billion in the first quarter of this year compared to a year ago, while premium revenue rose 10 percent to $4.4 billion. CNBC reported.

British Airways and Delta’s sister airline Virgin Atlantic have been offering premium economy on routes between London and US cities for 20 years.

Delta introduced its version – known as Premium Select – in 2017 and it is now used on most trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flights, as well as on select routes to Latin America.

Delta announced that it will start selling Premium Select on flights between New York JFK and Los Angeles International Airport starting September 10.

Mauricio Parise, vice president of brand experience design, said customers flying between the two major cities would “enjoy the opportunity to treat themselves to a more spacious seat and a premium experience.”

Delta’s initial pricing for Premium Select is according to The points man.

Regular economy seats usually cost about $300 for the same six-hour route.

The new cabin offers a middle ground between Delta One business class pods and standard coach.

Premium Select seats offer customers more space to stretch out, an additional backrest and an adjustable foot and leg rest.

Other amenities include a memory foam pillow, noise-cancelling headphones and a “plush blanket” made from recycled materials.

Customers will also receive a travel essentials package and have the option to pre-select their preferred initial service entrance.

Meals are then served on board on real porcelain plates with linen crockery and napkins, as well as silver cutlery and glassware.

Delta announced that members of the Medallion loyalty program are eligible for complimentary upgrades to premium seats based on space availability.

But some Medallion members may be concerned about the change, The Points Guy reported.

“Historically, Delta has flown Boeing 767s with premium economy equipment on select flights between New York and LA.

The new cabin offers a middle ground between Delta One business class pods and standard coach

Other amenities include noise-canceling headphones and hot towel service

“If so, the Premium Select cabin will be marketed as Comfort+, meaning eligible Medallion members can get instant upgrades to these recliners from the moment they book.”

Now, elite members have to spend some extra money or airline miles to book these seats under the new setup.

The expansion marks Delta’s move into the premium segment, according to The Points Guy, and is now playing catch-up to United Airlines.

“That’s because United has long offered premium economy (or Premium Plus) on flights between Newark and both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“United’s premium cabin regularly sells out on these transcontinental flights, so it will be interesting to see how Delta fares,” the travel expert reported.