Entree per-ordering will be available in Delta One business class on select routes beginning in early 2018, initially only on outbound flights departing from Atlanta and New York. A few months later, Delta will add the feature to all international Delta One flights, including those originating overseas. Finally, by the end of 2018, all Delta One and domestic first class customers will have the ability to pre-order meals.
So how will it work? Bauer explains:
Six days before the customers fly, we will send them an email and we'll tell them the menu that's onboard, they'll get to pick their specific entree that they're looking for. If they don't select it in six days we'll send them a text [to] give them another opportunity.
Delta is (finally) following in the footsteps of a bunch of airlines that have offered the option to pre-order meals for years. Domestically, carriers including Alaska, American and Virgin America have offered the pre-order option for quite some time. Internationally, some of the world's top carriers including Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines offer premium passengers not only some of the best meals in the sky, but also the option to browse the menu beforehand and select meals before getting on the plane.
Additionally, Bauer shared plans to refresh the economy meal service, starting with menu cards in coach that include an overview of the flow of flight, detailing menu items from takeoff to touchdown. Delta will begin rolling out new entree items as well — you should begin seeing those options pop up now through May 2018, while the menu cards will be available on some flights beginning next month.
There will also be new cutlery coming to economy in December, and new service items such as plates and bowls will follow in Q2 of 2018.
