Whilst its fun to report on changes in the premium cabins, it is sometimes a lot more satisfying to see what is happening in the Economy cabin – and the innovation that are happening there.
Delta Air Lines is stepping up to this, with changes to services on International services.
In general terms:
- After takeoff, the airline will offer “Welcome Aboard” cocktails, along with Bellinis to start.
- They’re not skipping towels – with the airline offering hot towel service, with the main meal service to follow.
- The meal service will feature a “bistro-style” dining, with mix and match main courses and appetisers, with dessert, served separately to the main course.
- Before landing – a second pass of hot towels will be offered in the cabin, and chocolates offered during decent.
Delta produced a handy infographic to show its plan.
The service that will be implemented has bee designed by the flight attendants and tested with passengers – with over 14,000 hours of flight tests, 1,800 surveys and 24 flight crews, which has resulted in tweaks to the product as it will be planned to be delivered.
The new service will launch for Main Cabin customers on international flights in November.
In quotes
Allison Ausband, Delta’s Senior Vice President – In-Flight Service said:
“This is about investing in every single customer who chooses Delta, no matter where they sit on the plane,”
“The thoughtful touches we’re investing in throughout the new Main Cabin experience were designed by flight attendants with one goal in mind — delivering an exceptional experience that our customers will rave about and one that our team, the best in the business, is proud to deliver.”
Michael Miller, a New York-based flight attendant and member of the design team behind the new experience said:
“With this service, at the end of the flight I know I’ve made a difference in the customer’s journey,”
“I know I’ve had the opportunity to not only offer an exceptional onboard experience, but also to engage with customers and create special moments for them.”
A Step-Change in the Economy/Main Cabin
Let’s be honest – the main cabin/economy cabin is normally the last cabin to be addressed in any cabin change, as airlines focus on their premium customers. However, passengers down the back of the cabin can be the loyal frequent flyer in future or could use their miles earned for an aspirational upgrade.
And changes like this in the main cabin might drive extra traffic into the upsell market.
For those who won’t upgrade – or just want the cheapest ticket – there are still some solid upgrades in the cabin (the hot towel services is an excellent win), that should make the passenger experience aboard a lot more comfortable.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European reader.
