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Delta announced earlier this year that it intended to launch a new Premium economy product on its A350 aircraft, but the lack of specifics led many to wait with some anticipation to what Delta had to offer. The wait is over; Delta has detailed the new Premium Economy product, called Delta Premium. The new cabin class will make its debut in late 2017. Delta plans to extend the class to its 777 fleet early in 2018. The company stated it might even expand the class to other aircraft in its fleet.
Key features of Delta Premium
- The new seats will be configured in a 2-4-2 on its A350s
- They will be 19 inches wide, have 7 inches of recline and feature a generous pitch of 38 inches
- As well as power points, the seats will also feature a 13.3-inch entertainment system
- Passenger will enjoy Sky Priority service, which includes fast track check-in, security, expedited baggage, and priority boarding, in addition to a pre-departure drinks service and new in-flight menu
- The final touch is that passengers can avail themselves to TUMI amenity kits with Malin & Goetz products, and a Westin Heavenly blanket
Which routes will Delta use the A350?
Delta has not said on which routes it will be using its new A350s, but when combined with their announcement a couple of months ago launching their new Delta One suite – which has a sliding door for the ultimate in passenger privacy – it is reasonably safe to assume that they will probably operate on some of their more lucrative long-haul routes.
Both announcements are good news for Delta, with the improvements in service and comforts giving Delta a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace, especially for long haul destinations. The next few months will be interesting for regular Delta flyers when they should find out where and when they will be able to experience their new class of services.
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Report on the actual travel experience in this cabin would be nice.
Premium economy scares me because I’m worried that in a year or two upgrades will be from economy to premium economy rather then to business or first. I really value my premium cabin upgrades and this could put an end t them.
I am interested to know the pricing of this as well as the other commenters. I love Delta and look forward to this new experience!
Premium economy is nice, but It all comes down to the price.
If the price delta between regular economy and premium economy is big, then premium economy is not worth it.
After all, it’s still an economy seat that is a little less uncomfortable.
Look more at it — it is definitely not just an economy seat. 2x4x2 instead of 3x3x3 configuration (definitely makes the 2x sides a big plus) and the extra legroom/amenities make it a much better product.
Premium economy bridges a nice gap but the concerns are for upgrades.
I’m mainly curious to see how Delta prices these Premium Economy seats because getting good value out of Delta points is getting harder and harder. I’m guessing that full business class award redemptions will still be a better per mile value than this premium economy product. Time will tell.
I am looking forward to see what routes they put these on first, but it seems like a nice option when business class is not available and for mid length flights.
Looking forward to trying it out!
AA will be first U.S. major to market and sell Premium Economy, though, right? I believe AA launches Spring 2017. Will be interesting to see how this new battlefield plays out amongst AA/DL/UA.
Exactly; yes.
I suspect the A350 will be used out of the JFK hub first.
This sort of sounds like Economy Plus from United, right? I sat in both economy and economy plus and didn’t really feel that much of a difference in terms of the seats themselves, but I think most of the appeal is faster boarding and getting off the plane.
Alice, this is very much different. Economy Plus on United is like Comfort+ on Delta. This is going to be much more like a domestic first class experience albeit with some international amenities.
Never understood what the big deal with PE is. Anyone find PE of any value compared to booking biz with miles on long haul routes?
With US carriers its tough, because no one has really had a real Premium Economy product — so I think it is a bit of wait and see.
I never understood the big deal with premium economy, but then I fly mostly long haul transpacific, or under 3 hours around North Asia usually. Anyone actually willing to shell out big money for PE on long haul routes? I would think just use miles for biz.