Delta boosts transatlantic network with more flights, premium economy cabins
It's an exciting day for Europeans (and other nationals) who've been locked out of America for nearly two years.
Nov. 8 marks America's big reopening to vaccinated travelers, and Delta is celebrating with an early-morning transatlantic network announcement covering much of the airline's upcoming schedule across the pond.
While the announcement doesn't include new routes, Delta is reaffirming its commitment to restarting much of its pre-pandemic service by next summer.
Delta to add 90% more transatlantic capacity
Headlining Delta's big European expansion is a 90% increase in additional transatlantic capacity next summer, compared to summer 2021. Relative to 2019, that number drops to somewhere between 85% and 90%. In total, the airline will operate up to 73 daily flights to 25 destinations from 10 U.S. gateways.
Much of the growth will come from Delta's primary transatlantic hub: New York-JFK. There, the airline will operate up to 29 daily flights to 23 European markets.
This includes restarting daily service to Zurich and Copenhagen on Feb. 6 and May 26, respectively, along with five-times-weekly flights to Brussels, Copenhagen and Edinburgh resuming on March 26, May 26 and May 1, respectively.
Another hub getting a big transatlantic boost is Boston, where Delta will add two new (previously announced) flagship routes, to Athens and Tel Aviv, during Memorial Day weekend in May 2022.
Delta has also reiterated plans to restore service on a handful of other routes from Boston, as well as from Atlanta, Portland, Cincinnati and Raleigh-Durham, with the full details at the bottom of this post.
"With the lifting of restrictions to the U.S. and abroad, plus growing vaccination rates and tremendous pent-up demand, travel to Europe is expected to surge next summer – and Delta customers are assured to enjoy every moment from curb to claim," said Joe Esposito, Delta's senior vice president of network planning, in a statement.
8 markets aren't coming back
While Delta is bringing back much of its transatlantic capacity, what's happening to the remaining 10% to 15% that's not returning?
It turns out, eight markets aren't coming back next summer, including:
- Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS)
- Stuttgart, Germany (STR)
- Berlin, Germany (BER/TXL)
- Glasgow, U.K. (GLA)
- Shannon, Ireland (SNN)
- Malaga, Spain (AGP)
- Ponta Delgada, Portugal (PDL)
- Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV)
Perhaps most interesting is that Delta isn't resuming service to Ponta Delgada, Portugal, or Dubrovnik, Croatia. Both of these markets are new cities operated by United Airlines — and Delta is seemingly ready to concede its traffic to one of its largest Big 3 competitors.
Every route to feature premium economy
In addition to the network expansion, Delta has great news for those looking to upgrade their onboard experience: Every European flight will offer a Premium Select cabin next summer.
Despite the pandemic, Delta has been busy retrofitting its Airbus A330 and Boeing 767-300 fleet with new premium economy cabins, upgraded seat cushions, mood lighting and other passenger-friendly enhancements.
These jets have historically been the backbone of the airline's European network, and they'll fly there once again next summer with some snazzy new cabins.
For those who aren't familiar, Delta Premium Select offers an upgraded experience without breaking the bank for a lie-flat Delta One pod. The cabin is outfitted with similar recliners to those you'll find in domestic first class, with some additional bells and whistles, like a footrest and leg rest, larger inflight entertainment screens and upgraded bedding.
Though the overhauled cabins offer a more premium inflight experience, Delta's top-tier Diamond Medallion members might not be pleased with the aggressive roll-out plans.
That's because those members will no longer be able to confirm an upgrade from coach to business class on these jets. Per an announcement last week, business-class upgrades will only be processed within 24 hours of departure, pending availability. However, top-tier members will be able to instantly confirm a bump into Premium Select, assuming that a seat is available for sale.
Bottom line
Delta is gearing up for the big U.S. reopening with an expanded transatlantic schedule. Though the airline isn't unveiling new routes, the carrier will restore much of its pre-pandemic capacity to the continent.
Along with restoring capacity, Delta will also fly its latest retrofitted jets on all European routes next summer.
Highlights of Delta's transatlantic schedule
- Increase to twice-daily flights from New York-JFK to Amsterdam, London, Milan and Rome in summer 2022.
- Resuming flights from New York-JFK to Frankfurt on Dec. 13, upgraded to daily in summer 2022.
- Restarting five-times weekly service from Boston to Edinburgh on May 27.
- Resuming daily service from Boston to Rome on May 1.
- Restarting service from Atlanta to Munich on Dec. 13, upgraded to daily in summer 2022.
- Resuming service from Atlanta to Milan on May 1.
- Increase to three-daily flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam; London and Rome to twice daily.
- Atlanta to Athens service to return on May 1.
- Portland to Amsterdam resumes on May 3.
- Cincinnati and Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Paris resumes on Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, respectively.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.