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
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