Virtually all major airlines reduced service during the pandemic to minimize contact between flight attendants and passengers and to maximize the time passengers spend wearing their masks.
We have seen airlines continue to adjust the service over time, and it looks like we could expect some changes to the Delta in-flight experience in the coming weeks.
Up-to-date details on Delta’s flight service
Delta Air Lines has always been known for providing the best service of any major US carrier. During the pandemic, the airline restricted service more than its colleagues and at the same time blocked seats on flights.
In terms of the current state of Delta’s domestic in-flight experience, the economy class experience is as follows:
- For all flights, passengers are offered a snack bag with two snacks, a bottle of water, a hand sanitizer and a napkin
- For flights over 1,500 miles, passengers are offered an additional snack bag before landing
Then here’s how the top notch experience is:
- For all flights, passengers are offered a snack bag with two snacks, a bottle of water, a hand sanitizer and a napkin
- Beer or wine is offered to passengers on flights over 500 miles
- A snack box is offered to passengers for flights over 900 miles
- A second snack bag is offered to passengers for flights over 1,500 miles
There are some interesting things that make Delta stand out:
- Delta offers water only to Economy passengers on Transcon flights (American serves economy passengers on request on longer flights).
- Delta does not offer coffee, tea, non-alcoholic beverages or alcohol in first class either (American offers all in first class on most flights).
- Delta does not offer a catering service in first class on Transcon flights either (American offers warm meals in first class on Transcon flights).
While many people have complained that Delta is not competitive with its peers, I respect Delta in this regard:
- The airline has made it clear that it does not turn to its peers to decide what type of service to offer, but has its own approach based on safety
- There is something to be said to minimize the service and maximize the time people wear their masks
- I don’t think anyone can say Delta is doing this just to be cheap as the airline is blocking seats, which is more expensive than a 25 cent can of soda
- That being said, I can see that Delta has at least haphazardly handled its service restrictions, such as serving wine but not soft drinks in first class
Delta’s modified on-board service as of April 14, 2021
Starting April 14, 2021, Delta plans to bring back an additional flight service. While the exact details are not yet known, we can expect the following:
- Delta will serve coffee and tea in all cabins
- Delta will restore soft drink service with new 7.5-ounce mini-cans of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Seagram’s Ginger Ale. These cans are served unopened and a cup of ice is available upon request
- Delta will bring back alcohol in the form of cocktails in cans from Tip Top Proper Cocktails
What we don’t know is:
- For what flight duration will this new service procedure be introduced?
- When / when Delta will offer more extensive groceries in first class
- When / when Delta starts serving the standard liquor selection, even in first class only
- When / when Delta starts serving beer and wine in the pub
Bottom line
It looks like Delta will start offering more in-flight services again from April 14, 2021. In both first class and business, we can expect the return of coffee, tea, and pre-made cocktails, while in business, we can expect the return of soft drinks (since they are already on offer in first class).
We should have more details about the new service from Delta soon.
What do you think of the adjustments to Delta Air Service?
