Delta Upgrades Its App

Delta Air Lines just introduced its first major app update since 2016.

Launched this week, the app only has one update so far: color-coded boarding passes. Delta has a complex cabin class structure with many different fare options, including basic economy, main cabin, Delta Comfort+, Delta Premium Select/First Class, and Delta One. The new app has assigned a color to each type of ticket a passenger holds and that color corresponds to the color flashing at the gates. This new system is expected to make boarding more efficient by helping passengers know exactly when it is their turn to board.

The airline is expected to release more features later this year, including automatic check-in for international flights, security wait times, a “message us” tool that will connect passengers to a live Delta representative, the option to pre-select meals for domestic First Class and Delta One, and information on Delta Sky Club locations.

The security wait time feature is currently being tested at Seattle-Tacoma and New York-LaGuardia airports. The app shows the different wait times for Sky Priority, TSA Pre-Check, CLEAR, and regular TSA lines at each checkpoint, allowing passengers to locate the shortest security line.

The nifty new “message us” tool will help customers get on-demand access to live Delta Representatives and Delta Virtual Assistants. Furthermore, the app will have a bag tracker, helping customers keep track of where their luggage is at all times.

For those that frequent domestic First Class or Delta One, the app will begin allowing you and other travelers on the same reservation to pre-select meals up to 21 days in advance of your flight. Currently, customers have to e-mail the company for this, but the app will make it quick and easy.