Delta announces free spirits in international economy
 

Thought this was interesting. Delta tweets free spirits for all economy class passengers on international flights.

https://twitter.com/DeltaNewsroom/st...93549299843072

It eliminates some of the specialness of Economy Comfort — unless they go to upgrade that product in some new way, i.e. with better food. It's also slim on details, so I'm left wondering if it includes all international flights, or just the longhaul ones.

This is interesting. I flew KLM three days ago AMS - JFK and they also offered free drinks in economy. IIRC they had scotch, vodka, gin, cognac and one other liqueur, and it was poured from bottles instead of minis. Wonder why they're doing this now?

So folks in economy should not get complimentary alcohol so people in EC can feel special? Couldn't the same argument have been made for BE when free alcohol was extended to EC?

No, because EC is a buy-up service.

Hopefully they stock extra Woodford's now because of this.

But EC is free for PM's and DM's. So if EC seats aren't available at the time of booking, this is a nice added benefit if you are a PM or DM that gets stuck in regular economy on a long haul.

I'm not saying don't add liquor in Y (God knows, that's where I usually fly), I'm just saying from a sales perspective, if you're trying to differentiate YC from Y, you have to have reasons for people to buy up. It was a selling point — now it's not.

Only if people are aware of the new rule for free alcohol throughout coach.

My guess is that the free alcohol is a competitive thing on some routes, but it's simpler and less confusing to implement it systemwide for international. However, I wonder whether DL will have a new definition of international for this purpose. Canada? MEX? Northern South America? Caribbean?

Seems to be because of the Holidays. Until the end of 2013.

This has been in effect since at least last week, unless they just forgot to charge me multiple times.

I think you have misinterpreted this.

It is saying that it is something that lasts all year [every year; not just this year].

Gordon's and Scoresby?

This.

Hi all, I can clarify here.
This policy went into effect on Dec. 1. It is not just for the remainder of 2013.
Free spirits are available on all intercontinental flights featuring BE service (where beer and wine was already complimentary in economy) as well as interport flights.

Thanks,
DLCorpGalNYC

KL have always done this.

Thanks for clarifying!