Back in November 2010 rumors started to circulate around an enhanced economy class product that Delta would be offering on its long-haul flights. Details were scarce at the time but as of this week things are much more clear with the official launch of Economy Comfort. The service will be available starting June 1, 2011 on wide-body aircraft only.
Economy Comfort will include up to four inches of additional legroom and 50% more recline than traditional coach seating. It will also include free booze throughout the flight. Even with those benefits it is not considered a separate cabin of service. That means upgrades from coach to BusinessElite are still a single upgrade (unlike Air France, which would consider it a double upgrade due to their premium economy product) and the upgrade should not attract higher APD taxes for flights departing the United Kingdom.
It will be offered to Diamond and Platinum elites for free. Gold elites will receive 50% off and Silver elites will receive 25% off the published prices. Based on some early data points the price seems to vary between $80-160 per passenger. That is pretty much comparable to the rates charged by United Airlines for their Economy Plus product, though United gives it to all elites for free.
Hat tip to The Points Guy for noticing that it is finally on sale.
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The fine print says it will be available on 757s as well,in addition to the wide bodies. Not sure if true.
In any case, this would actually let me consider Delta for a long-haul trip if the overall price is right.
Indeed, the BizE configured 757s will have it as well but none of the domestic fleet.
As a Gold Medallion, I am quite unhappy about this. Not only are they not giving all their elites access to these seats, but they’ve roped in the exit rows, so I no longer have access to those as an elite. As a 6’5″ person, I try my darndest to get exit/bulkhead on the long hauls. I’m going over to Europe in about a month, and it’s already showing up as an option on the seat maps. Thumbs DOWN.
Indeed, Taylor, gold elites definitely lose out on the change here. I’m not completely surprised as Delta has worked tirelessly to stratify their program and find ways to remove benefits from lower tiers rather than adding more at the top. It seems that’s just what they do.
Taylor shut up. Gold shmould u idiot. You are no better than anyone else. You 6’5 dumbass. LOL@gold elite, you are so dumb. Thumbs down because they won’t put you on a higher pedestal then all other passengers. I hate people like you. You get enough benefits as is. Grow the hell up you tall yet such a small petty man.