Delta's Adding Two New Transcon Routes but Limiting Upgrades

Delta's newest transcontinental routes are both good and bad news for elites. The good: The routes are operated with lie-flat seats and full Delta One service, and they provide more nonstop options for travelers. The bad: They're not eligible for unlimited complimentary upgrades, even for Medallion elites.

Delta is launching its new route between Los Angeles (LAX) and Washington, D.C. (DCA) on April 24, and its new service between Boston (BOS) and San Francisco (SFO) on June 8. Both routes will be operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft, which feature 16 flat-bed seats in Delta One (2-2 configuration), 44 seats in Comfort+ (3-3 configuration) and 108 seats in economy (3-3 configuration).

These transcon flights will be operated with full Delta One service, which features lie-flat seats with Westin in-flight bedding, new serviceware from Alessi, Tumi amenity kits, in-seat power and USB outlets, Sky Club access and priority check-in, security, baggage handling and boarding.

The bad news for elites is that these routes are categorized as transcon. So, like Delta's JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO routes, you can't use your Medallion complimentary upgrade. Instead, you'll have to use Regional or Global Upgrade Certificates in order to travel in comfort in the Delta One cabin.

While it's nice that Delta's adding these routes operated by aircraft equipped with lie-flat seats in Delta One, it's unfortunate that you won't be able to use a complimentary upgrade. And, with the market for premium transcon service increasing (thanks mostly to JetBlue's Mint), this might not be the end of expansion.

H/T: Rene's Points