NEW YORK — Delta Air Lines combined convenience and comfort with its latest seats.
Delta is giving its Delta One business-class experience an overhaul, with changes ranging from new meals and drinks to upgraded bedding, amenity kits, and in-flight entertainment.
The airline says the changes represent its largest investment in the premium cabin experience "in nearly 30 years." To do this, Delta enlisted one of its most valuable assets: flight attendants.
The Premium Cabin Design Team, comprised of flight attendants who understand the practical challenges of delivering premium service at 35,000 feet, has been working on the project since 2022.
"Delta encouraged us to think out of the box without restraint. And that’s what this committee did," Linda
Bianchi, a New York-based Delta purser with 26½ years of experience, told USA TODAY. "They were truly listening to the flight attendants. We are all working ... we're all on board every day."
The airline will debut the changes this fall on transoceanic Delta One flights departing Los Angeles International Airport, then expand them across Delta’s global network in early 2027.
Among the most noticeable changes will be onboard dining.
Delta is introducing a new menu featuring dishes such as a Wagyu burger and Hong Kong-style sea bass, both quite sizeable, along with a Champagne Taittinger sorbet pairing.
Passengers will also have more options to choose meals in advance, including gluten-free dishes, lighter fare, and pre-arrival meals for travelers who would rather maximize their sleep.
"What do you mean, anytime? I’ll be in the kitchen 24/7," Bianchi joked about the initial concern of balancing passenger flexibility and what flight attendants can realistically deliver. "I want you, as my customer, to have the best experience on Delta Air Lines. I don't want you to find anyone else, because you can't get what you can get with Delta on another airline."
Delta is also extending the window for passengers to pre-select their entrée. Travelers will now have until 18 hours before departure to make their choice, six hours longer than before.
The drinks menu is getting an upgrade, too.
Delta One passengers will have access to Blanton’s single-barrel bourbon, while a revamped wine program developed with Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson will feature wines from Napa and other regions alongside the airline’s existing Champagne Taittinger partnership. Dassai 45 sake will be offered on select flights to and from Tokyo Haneda.
Delta is also adding Hugo Spritz and Paloma cocktails to the menu, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions available.
For passengers hoping to sleep through more of their flight, Delta is refreshing its winter amenity kits and adding a second Missoni Mini pillow on ultra-long-haul flights. Bombas products will also return on select domestic and international Delta One flights departing the United States.
The airline is upgrading its entertainment experience as well, including next-generation seatback screens and new digital features intended to make it easier for travelers to find content and personalize their experience.
"Delta’s fully reimagined experience is rooted in solving real customer needs and desires, with intentionality behind every detail," Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s chief marketing and product officer, said in a statement.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Delta One is getting a makeover. Here's what's changing
