Delta Adds Premium Economy Seats to International Flights
In November I wrote about Delta's intentions to add a premium economy cabin and today the official announcement was released about their new "Economy Comfort" seats. I have to say I'm pretty impressed. My original questions were:
1) Will elites have access to this premium cabin - if so, at what price?
Yes- FREE for Diamond and Platinum Medallion (and up to 8 companions). 50% discount for Gold. 25% Discount for Silver.
2) Will the seats be different than regular coach seats (like Air France) or will they be the same, but with more legroom (United Economy Plus)?
I think they will be the same seats, but with increased recline and new seatcovers. Not the best scenario, but better than nothing.
3) How much will they cost to buy?
$80- $160 each way in addition to coach fare. Free if you buy a full fare (Y) coach ticket.
4) What amenities come with an economy plus ticket? Kit? Business class type meals? Free booze?
Free booze, in-flight entertainment, power ports.
5) How much will award tickets cost?
No mention because the press release only addresses paid travel. However, my guess is that Diamonds and Platinums will be able to book coach awards and select Economy Comfort seats if available. Will update when I get that information - I called the Diamond line and they had limited information (probably the same press release) and didn't know anything about redeeming for Economy Comfort seats.
Overall, great news- especially for Platinum and Diamond Medallions. This makes international travel, which has historically been very expensive to upgrade, a bit more bearable. While I would have loved to see them add nice Premium Economy seats (like Air France), I'll take what I can get.
I pulled up a JFK-LHR flight in July and it looks like they already blocked out the first four rows in coach for this new cabin.
[card card-name='Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express' card-id='22034414' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app