AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.
Delta has announced new transcon flights with full Delta one service, which is great news. However, the service will not be eligible for complimentary upgrades for Delta Elites, which is the not so great news.
The New Delta Transcon Routes
The new routes announced by Delta are as follows:
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Washington DC (DCA) starting April 24
- San Francisco (SFO) to Boston (BOS) starting June 8
Delta will be operating the new routes using their Boeing 757-200 aircraft, which are configured with 16 Delta One lie-flat seats in a 2-2 configuration, as well as 44 Comfort+ seats in a 3-3 configuration, and 108 economy seats in a 3-3 configuration.
The new routes will feature a full Delta One service, with Westin in-flight bedding for the lie-flat beds, Alessi serviceware, amenity kits by Tumi, USB and in-seat power outlets, and Sky Club access. The service will also feature priority check-in, baggage handling, security, and boarding.
No Complimentary Upgrades
By classifying these routes as Delta One service, Medallion members are ineligible for complimentary upgrades. Upgrades will come at the cost of either a Regional or Global Upgrade Certificates to enjoy the Delta One Cabin.
Final Thoughts
With the market for Premium transcon travel expanding, we're pleased to see Delta provide additional high-end service; it is just a shame that this is another route excluded from complimentary upgrades. At five to six hours each way, these are great routes to look at using those certificates — especially with the Delta One service.
Source: Rene’s Points
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Delta has 1,000 bonus miles for each new participating SkyMiles partner you earn miles with from March 24, 2017 through June 30, 2017.
Be sure to enter your SkyMiles number on this page to register for this limited-time offer.
Cuts Cuts Cuts, all the rest will follow! Airlines of the Future will follow Ryanair, Frontier, Easyjet and Spirit, wait and see….
United does the same thing but only on routes from Newark to SF and LAX. They do have lie flat pods on these planes though vs older style biz seats on the routes you can get a free upgrade.
Very typical of Delta’s attitude toward its elites, unfortunately.
At least they have the wherewithal to add something good when they cut something else!
Delta not making it easy for frequent transcontinental travelers that would use the upgrade. Maybe they will see the error in their ways.
Glad to see more routes offered.
Good that US carriers finally understood that by cutting corners their lose BIGLY in overall. Delta provides additional high-end service and others will follow the suit soon too
They rather fly with empty seats than provide someone an upgrade and possibly get an extra passenger on board – that’s just ridiculous!
Now AA and UA will follow…
delta just cuts and cuts and cuts benefits.
It’s great to have more options, although these days the airlines are giving us more reason than ever to be free agents rather than make the extra effort to be loyal.
Just another reason why I’m not a huge Delta fan.
that’s why I never fly delta
Boo, DELTA (Driving Every Loyal Traveler Away)!
No surprise, another devaluation though only for Delta elite members this time. I only book my flights based on price and time.
It seems like this is a common thing these days, especially from Delta: beef up some service, but make sure that anyone who actually uses it is forking over lots of cash for the privilege. I imagine it’s a great deal for business travelers or other folks who an get their travel reimbursed, but for those of us who travel for leisure and hack our way to cool upgrades where possible, it doesn’t do much…
Delta has got be kidding
This is the new norm. Give something nice in the grand scheme of things, but take something away overall. It’s a shame. I’m not a Medallion, but these are the exact people you should be rewarding in the grand scheme of things. It’s fairly petty overall, but I don’t think any of us are surprised.
A better product but no free upgrades? Meh.