To me there were some bizarre branding choices made in this domestic D1 product that is slightly different from both international D1 and domestic First+lie-flat. Despite flying between JFK and SFO fairly frequently this year I still cannot quite put my finger on what the differences are supposed to be. Meal service has always been the same all-in-one tray as in First, no separate appetizers or additional drink service. PDBs in D1 have often been a choice of bubbly/orange juice/mimosa from a tray which I thought for a while was just anticipating people's needs due to my habit of taking early morning flights, so then imagine my surprise when I was offered the same for an evening departure. Is this supposed to be standard? It seems inferior to just asking me what I want, as is done in First. The domestic D1 booze menu is the same as First (right?), while internationally you can choose your wine on more dimensions than color. I suppose the pillow and blanket are useful as the seat does nudge me toward napping, while on a 5-hour daytime hop the median amenity kit seems to go unopened. And of course complimentary D1 upgrades are offered domestically, but only within 24 hours, whatever revenue management calculation that was.

Anyway, some years ago Delta introduced its bright colorful "branded" fares which - I thought - were supposed provide a nice unifying way to set expectations. This in-between category of domestic-purple botches the whole thing and dilutes the brand. Either just call it First and make my inner child happy that it's on the big plane with the big chairs, or bring it up to a standard consistent with business class.