So it has come to my attention after China Airlines re-launched service to SEA that Delta is taking a very combative stance out of SEA.

China Airlines is interlining w/ Alaska out of SEA and not their own SkyTeam partner in Delta. EVA Air already interlines a lot w/ Alaska. And the incoming Starlux route will be codeshared w/ Alaska, as they are partners.


China Airlines


Delta is also refusing to sell connections via TPE and still only offers connections on Korean Air via ICN.


Delta Airlines


Delta is basically shunning all SkyTeam partners. They have made it clear that if you're not in a joint venture with them, then you are an enemy. Hence the Delta One lounges are reserved for JV only. SkyTeam partners (even China Eastern) get their overcrowded SkyClubs only. SEA will be getting a D1 lounge in early 2025, which will be limited to only Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France. China Airlines will be snubbed and use the SkyClub or a contract lounge.

The crazy part is that Delta knows how weak it is out of SEA compared to Alaska. China Airlines will have much better reach and connection options by interlining w/ Alaska compared to Delta's poorly performing domestic network in SEA. In fact, Delta is so hostile that it won't even offer connections from YVR over to SEA and instead CI interlines w/ Air Canada. China Airlines is very open to working w/ partners and does sell connections w/ WestJet, Delta's close partner in Canada and very much aligned w/ all of Delta's other major partners like AF/KLM/VS/KE. Ironically, Alaska may get the last laugh here with 3 TPAC powerhouses overlapping its Seattle strength vs Delta.

Delta is actively choosing to be combative. They claim they are selling so well, they will upgauge to an A350 over the A330neo next year, yet they are seen lowering their RT Delta One prices down to $3900 until the end of the year, which is clearly an aggressive move to undercut the competition. This route has historically been $5k to 6k with almost no deviation.


Delta One


The strange thing that I can't make a lot of sense of, is there isn't really that much of a reason for Delta to fight. Delta has chosen a schedule that's optimized for point-to-point, with a daytime flight. CI, BR, and JX are following their traditional connecting model with late night departures designed for TPE transfers. What do you all make of this?