On February 7, 2024, a Delta Airlines Boeing 767 passenger plane arrived at New York’s JFK International Airport from Dublin, with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
Charlie Triboreaux | AFP | Getty Images
Delta Airlines The airline said Monday it will introduce premium economy service on transcontinental flights starting in September, its latest move to boost sales of higher-priced tickets to customers willing to splurge for more space and perks.
Premium Economy is a relatively new class of service offered by major airlines on long-haul, primarily international flights. It sits between First or Business Class and the other economy classes, and tickets can cost twice as much as standard Economy Class.
Delta and its rivals United With airfares falling across the board, airlines are racing to add premium seats to planes, upgrade their lounges and sell more loyalty cards to lure higher-spending travelers. JetBlue It said its turnaround plan this year would focus on profitable routes where it offers its Mint business class cabin. Southwest AirlinesUnder pressure to boost profits, the airline is considering moving away from its decades-old business model and making more expensive seats available on board.
Delta’s main cabin ticket revenue rose 4 percent to $5.4 billion in the first quarter from a year ago, while premium product revenue increased 10 percent to $4.4 billion.
The additional service will begin on September 10 on four of 11 peak-hour flights between Los Angeles and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Boeing Delta Air Lines said it plans to expand the service later this year.
Delta customers who purchase standard economy class tickets can pay to upgrade to premium economy class on transcontinental flights.
Delta Air Lines said Medallion elite members of its loyalty program are eligible for free upgrades to what’s called Delta Premium Select, but can also apply for upgrades to its top-tier Delta One product on those flights.
Delta previously offered premium economy seats on some of its aircraft, but they didn’t come with amenities like amenity kits, noise-canceling headphones, full-course meals, blankets, etc. The seats were marketed as a step below premium economy and offered extra legroom.
Several American Airlines‘Similar models with full-flat seats are operated on short-haul domestic routes, but they do not offer the flagship service offered on international routes.
