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Delta will be adding its Delta One premium cabin to a number of new domestic routes from next year and, in an announcement today, the airline has confirmed that it will be shifting its domestic upgrade policy to include Delta One cabins going forward.
From 1 April 2018 the Delta One cabin will be found on a number of aircraft operating these routes (in addition to the routes already featuring the lie-flat product):
- Boston – LAX
- JFK – Seattle
- JFK – San Diego
- Atlanta – Honolulu
- Minneapolis – Honolulu
From 1 May 2018 the JFK – Las Vegas route will also see some Delta One service.
Here’s how many Delta One flights you can expect on the new routes:
Change To Upgrade Policy
Historically Delta has not offered complimentary domestic upgrades on flights featuring the Delta One cabin but this is set to change.
Here’s what Delta has announced:
The expansion of domestic Delta One comes with an industry-leading perk: Starting April 1, 2018, Delta Sky Miles Medallion Members will be eligible for unlimited day-of-departure Complimentary Upgrades to the Delta One cabin on all domestic flights, including Hawaii. This is the airline’s latest move to simplify its SkyMiles program while making it more rewarding for customers.
That’s great news for Delta flyers and brings the airline in line with what American Airlines has offered for some time (except that American doesn’t have a lie-flat option on as many routes).
Delta One cabin on a 757 – Image Delta
Per Delta, here’s how the upgrades will work (it will be slightly different to how domestic upgrades currently work):
The domestic Delta One upgrade process will align with the airline’s domestic First Class process, except upgrades will be awarded in the hours leading up to the flight, as opposed to beginning several days ahead of time.
Medallion Members will be eligible for Complimentary Upgrades in:
- All U.S. 50 Delta One cabins on the day of departure
- All First Class cabins worldwide (beginning up to 120 hours/5 days prior to departure depending on Medallion Tier)
- All Delta Comfort+ seats worldwide (beginning at booking a ticket depending on Medallion Tier)
- Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members may also use Regional Upgrade Certificates on any flight that is eligible for Complimentary Upgrades, including all First Class and U.S. 50 Delta One flights. These certificates are available through Delta SkyMiles’ industry-exclusive Choice Benefits program.
Here’s what you can expect from a Delta One Experience
- 180-degree flat-bed seats, featuring Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding
- A refined dining experience including chef-curated menus served on Alessi serviceware and seasonally rotating wines selected by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson
- In-seat power and USB outlets, seat-back entertainment screens with free entertainment, noise-canceling LSTN headsets and a TUMI amenity kit with Kiehl’s Since 1851 products
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club access on day of flight
- Sky Priority check-in, security, and baggage handling and Premium Boarding
- In Los Angeles, Delta One customers continue to have access to the exclusive Delta ONE at LAX check-in
Bottom Line
A very positive move by Delta and a nice boost for Delta elites who, up until now, haven’t been able to use their status to move up to Delta One when offered domestically.
