Delta adding Premium Select to transcon 767s

Some Delta Air Lines passengers will soon have a new cabin option for crossing the country. The carrier will add its Premium Select premium economy cabin to the New York-Los Angeles market later this year.

That Premium Select is coming to the transcon market is not a surprise; the idea was first tipped more than two years ago. That plan did not, however, account for retrofitting some of Delta’s oldest planes to make it happen.

This product has been a success internationally, especially following the recent investments we’ve made onboard, and we know that customers flying between New York and Los Angeles will enjoy the opportunity to treat themselves to a more spacious seat and premium experience.

– Maurico Parise, Vice President, Brand Experience Design

---

---

The move sees Delta join American Airlines with plans to offer a premium economy cabin on its premium transcon routes. Timing on American’s plan remains in limbo as Airbus works through A321XLR delivery schedules.

Delta currently operates eight 767s with a Delta One business class cabin, but without the Premium Select cabin on board. Those planes mostly fly between New York and Los Angeles, but also serve a small number of European markets, including Prague, Keflavik, and Gatwick. As part of this effort the planes will see the Premium Select cabin installed. Four of the eleven peak-daily departures will fly with Premium Select from 10 September 2024; additional frequencies will have the product sold as further cabin retrofits occur.

The move will also allow Delta to sell Premium Select in the international markets the planes serve, assuming they continue to cross the ocenas into Winter 2024 and beyond.

Read more: Delta adds Premium Select to 767, A330 operations

The aircraft will also receive Delta’s upgraded in-flight internet service. Notably, the carrier expects the internet installs to happen separately from the cabin retrofits, as Delta is promising fast, free Wi-Fi on board all flights between JFK and LAX by the end of September. Deployment of Premium Select across the planes will take longer.

---

---

Catering Improvements

The on-board experience will also offer increased space, of course. That will be joined by other amenities, including a memory-foam pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, and a small amenity kit.

Passengers will have the opportunity to pre-order meals, with main course entrees developed in partnership with local restaurants. For JFK departures Delta is working with Union Square Events on the menu, while the eastbound flight choices are curated by Jon & Vinny’s. The meal presentation will include hot towel service, linen tableware and napkin, and food presented on real plates with real cutlery.

Medallion Upgrades

Access to the domestic Premium Select cabin could be complimentary for Delta’s frequent fliers. The company’s Medallion members will be eligible for upgrades into the seats at the standard domestic first class window, beginning five days our for the Diamond and Platinum tiers. Medallions will also still see potential Delta One upgrades on the day of departure.

For those passengers looking to redeem upgrade certificates, GUCs will immediately clear into Premium Select, with the potential for day-of-travel clearing into Delta One. RUCs will clear into Premium Select based on upgrade availability. Travelers who purchase Premium Select will be eligible for Delta One upgrades based on available inventory.