It’s been discussed at length, but airlines are introducing Premium Economy seats like the idea is going out of business (which in some cases are a either an upgraded economy product or a downgraded business product… or in the case of one airline in an exercise in extra legroom).
Well Delta has decided to release a premium economy product called “Economy Comfort” (taking the inspiration from their SkyTeam partner KLM).
It’s going to be fitted on longhaul cabins of the Delta fleet (169 planes) inculding all:
- Airbus A330
- Boeing 747-400
- Boeing 757-200 ETOPS
- Boeing 767-300ER
- Boeing 767-400ER
- Boeing 777 Fleet
In the sky, you’ll get
- Priority Boarding in Zone 2 if you are not already Sky Priority eligible.
- 4 inches of additional legroom (35″ minimum – if you’re at an exit row, that will grow too)
- 50% more recline
- Free spirits and specialty cocktails, in addition to free beer and wine currently offered in international Economy.
- In-Seat Power on all 757-200 ETOPS, 767-300ER, 767-400ER, 777 and A330 aircraft that feature personal video. Power will be installed at all Economy Comfort seats over the next two years.
- Free HBO, coming later this summer (and thus, Delta copies United charging for international IFE)
For a payment of money, (Inital reports indicate between $80-$160) or a certain level of Delta Elite level. Here’s the inital numbers (from the Delta blog):
- Diamond and Platinum Medallion members (and their travel companions on the same reservation) – Free
- Full-fare Economy ticket – Free
- Delta Gold Medallion: 50% Discount on Economy Comfort
- Delta Silver Medallion: 25% Discount on Economy Comfort
- Everyone else will wind up paying between $80-$160 depending on length of sector and market
No dates for full rollout yet, but it should be quickish as it looks like it could be a matter of deleting one row from an airplane to get the pitch needed. It could be more complex and be a long winded affair.
Alas, I think we all know which one of the two it’ll be….
