The new Delta Comfort+
Mar 2, 2015, 6:52 pm
#106
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: west TX
Programs: Delta gold, United silver
Posts: 187
Oh no . . .
Losing EC selection at time of purchase is a huge blow to me. Anyone know if as a GM, I can upgrade traveling companions on the same record locator at the 72 hour point, as I can now do at time of purchase? My toddler is SM and still in a car seat. Losing the bulkhead seats we usually snag at purchase is a big inconvenience.
Mar 2, 2015, 7:14 pm
#107
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,790
The terminology has evolved to acknowledge the changing job description of onboard service: while thirty years ago the job was focused more on serving food, beverage, and amenities to passengers, the modern job is first and foremost a flight safety role. The transition accelerated after 2001 when security became a greater job responsibility as well.
The transition from steward/stewardess (a term that evokes visions of ocean liners, or even a wine steward at a restaurant) to flight attendant or cabin attendant simply more accurately describes the new job role.
The transition to gender neutral language is a positive side effect as well, of course, acknowledging the increased diversity in the role in recent years.
But the changing job description is the main driver - particularly on a low fare airline that offers no cabin service, it doesn't make sense to call the onboard crew a steward or stewardess. It also is the term most people holding the job prefer, and it's respectful and appropriate to use the same terminology the employees and employer both use.
The transition from steward/stewardess (a term that evokes visions of ocean liners, or even a wine steward at a restaurant) to flight attendant or cabin attendant simply more accurately describes the new job role.
The transition to gender neutral language is a positive side effect as well, of course, acknowledging the increased diversity in the role in recent years.
But the changing job description is the main driver - particularly on a low fare airline that offers no cabin service, it doesn't make sense to call the onboard crew a steward or stewardess. It also is the term most people holding the job prefer, and it's respectful and appropriate to use the same terminology the employees and employer both use.
Back on topic, I read somewhere that there was already a MD aircraft floating around the system with the updated seating.
Mar 2, 2015, 7:42 pm
#108
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: BOS
Programs: DL PM, Hertz Gold
Posts: 80
Terminology?
Looking at the Delta experience comparison chart, I find descriptions of the product features between classes confusing.
For Refunds, Main Cabin, First, and D1 say "Check fare rules." Basic Economy says "Nonrefundable." C+ says "Nonrefundable for upgrades. Check fare rules."
What does that mean--that if I were upgraded to First and then looked for a refund, that I wouldn't be refunded for First, or not refunded at all (surely not)?
For Change fees, Main Cabin, First, and D1 say "Check fare rules." Basic Economy says "No changes permitted." C+ says "No changes permitted for upgrades. Check fare rules."
Would someone interpret, please?
Fly safely,
Waywardflf
For Refunds, Main Cabin, First, and D1 say "Check fare rules." Basic Economy says "Nonrefundable." C+ says "Nonrefundable for upgrades. Check fare rules."
What does that mean--that if I were upgraded to First and then looked for a refund, that I wouldn't be refunded for First, or not refunded at all (surely not)?
For Change fees, Main Cabin, First, and D1 say "Check fare rules." Basic Economy says "No changes permitted." C+ says "No changes permitted for upgrades. Check fare rules."
Would someone interpret, please?
Fly safely,
Waywardflf
Mar 2, 2015, 7:47 pm
#109
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Looking at the Delta experience comparison chart, I find descriptions of the product features between classes confusing.
For Refunds, Main Cabin, First, and D1 say "Check fare rules." Basic Economy says "Nonrefundable." C+ says "Nonrefundable for upgrades. Check fare rules."
What does that mean--that if I were upgraded to First and then looked for a refund, that I wouldn't be refunded for First, or not refunded at all (surely not)?
For Change fees, Main Cabin, First, and D1 say "Check fare rules." Basic Economy says "No changes permitted." C+ says "No changes permitted for upgrades. Check fare rules."
Would someone interpret, please?
Fly safely,
Waywardflf
For Refunds, Main Cabin, First, and D1 say "Check fare rules." Basic Economy says "Nonrefundable." C+ says "Nonrefundable for upgrades. Check fare rules."
What does that mean--that if I were upgraded to First and then looked for a refund, that I wouldn't be refunded for First, or not refunded at all (surely not)?
For Change fees, Main Cabin, First, and D1 say "Check fare rules." Basic Economy says "No changes permitted." C+ says "No changes permitted for upgrades. Check fare rules."
Would someone interpret, please?
Fly safely,
Waywardflf
Mar 2, 2015, 8:19 pm
#110
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta FO, Club Carlson Conceirge, HHonors Gold, IHG Gold
Posts: 1
Long time lurker, first time poster...
Thought I would give you my experience with Comfort+. I flew MSP to MCI 3/1. As an FO I selected my seat the night before, with no reminder/indication that it was any different than any other time I changed from a premium seat to Economy Comfort (selected premium seat at booking, can't "refund" premium seats if selecting something different). I usually print off a boarding pass at the airport when I walk in the door, and was surprised to see that I was given SKY PRIORITY on my BP. I had read here about the enhancements to EC so I shrugged and walked to SKY to check my bag.
As a FO in MSP, I usually do not have access to SKY baggage check, but this was a nice benefit. My employer had paid for me to get TSA precheck, so I bypassed the longer than usual SKY security line and went through the metal detector.
At the gate, like reported here, FC and DM were asked to board together. SKY was called next. I sat window bulkhead on the 3 seat side of a MD-90, no one sat in the middle, and the isle pax was the last to board. Alcohol was offered, but there was no snack basket (393 miles).
Usually this flight has 2 sets of FAs serving drinks and pretzels, but this time a 3rd drink cart came from the front, with a single FA, who combined and stirred my cream and sugar with my coffee before handing it to me (typically given the cream and sugar to stir in myself). I didn't pay much attention to the remainder of the service because of my own blinding LED reading light above me in a darkened cabin.
Comfort+ really came off as a First Class "lite". It feels to really have positioned itself more in between FC and Coach, instead of just a Coach seat with more leg room.
Thought I would give you my experience with Comfort+. I flew MSP to MCI 3/1. As an FO I selected my seat the night before, with no reminder/indication that it was any different than any other time I changed from a premium seat to Economy Comfort (selected premium seat at booking, can't "refund" premium seats if selecting something different). I usually print off a boarding pass at the airport when I walk in the door, and was surprised to see that I was given SKY PRIORITY on my BP. I had read here about the enhancements to EC so I shrugged and walked to SKY to check my bag.
As a FO in MSP, I usually do not have access to SKY baggage check, but this was a nice benefit. My employer had paid for me to get TSA precheck, so I bypassed the longer than usual SKY security line and went through the metal detector.
At the gate, like reported here, FC and DM were asked to board together. SKY was called next. I sat window bulkhead on the 3 seat side of a MD-90, no one sat in the middle, and the isle pax was the last to board. Alcohol was offered, but there was no snack basket (393 miles).
Usually this flight has 2 sets of FAs serving drinks and pretzels, but this time a 3rd drink cart came from the front, with a single FA, who combined and stirred my cream and sugar with my coffee before handing it to me (typically given the cream and sugar to stir in myself). I didn't pay much attention to the remainder of the service because of my own blinding LED reading light above me in a darkened cabin.
Comfort+ really came off as a First Class "lite". It feels to really have positioned itself more in between FC and Coach, instead of just a Coach seat with more leg room.
Mar 2, 2015, 9:23 pm
#112
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, National Exec
Posts: 1,357
I thought "nonrefundable for upgrades" meant if you paid for Comfort Plus and then got an upgrade to first you wouldn't get your comfort plus money back.
Mar 2, 2015, 9:34 pm
#113
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
I just flew tonight in C+. Got free drinks and a snack basket. One thing I am notching is that the crew first comes through with regular beverage cart & standard peanuts/pretzels/biscoff, and then follows this with the snack basket. It seems strange to me to have two separate snack services in C+, so I would suggest that they combine them.
Mar 2, 2015, 11:46 pm
#115
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
I just checked out the prices for an upgrade to C+ and it's 97EUR (about 110 USD) for STR-ATL (I have no status with DL).
Can someone confirm that the prices increased compared to Economy Comfort? Do I get "more" in C+ than I would have got in EC or is it just a new name for the same services (a simple rebrand)?
Can someone confirm that the prices increased compared to Economy Comfort? Do I get "more" in C+ than I would have got in EC or is it just a new name for the same services (a simple rebrand)?
Mar 3, 2015, 12:54 am
#117
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 36
"Inclusive of boarding only. No other Sky Priority amenities apply."
Mar 3, 2015, 8:37 am
#118
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 156
I also didn't get a snack basket on either flight. Now I need to send another complaint for snacks.
Mar 3, 2015, 8:39 am
#119
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Mid Atlantic
Programs: Delta Plat, one-time United Plat, Amex Plat, Marriott Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, Bus Pass
Posts: 1,237
Mar 3, 2015, 8:48 am
#120
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: DL Diamond, AA Platinum, SPG Platinum
Posts: 255
Flew last night in the new Comfort+. Announcement didn't mention that there was free booze for our section so a lot of people by me tried to initially pay for it. The FAs knew about the change though and had everyone put their cards away if they tried to offer one. I definitely enjoyed my free Woodford.
Didn't see a snack basket, got the standard pretzels (this was also a 59 minute flight though). TBH I may have chosen pretzels anyways so didn't really bother me.
Didn't see a snack basket, got the standard pretzels (this was also a 59 minute flight though). TBH I may have chosen pretzels anyways so didn't really bother me.