What really changed between Business Elite and Delta One?
 

Was it anything more than the name?

Nope, was just a change in name, and IMO a bad name change. No one really seems to equate Delta One with "Business Class". I've heard people think it's the plane the DL CEO flys, that it's flight DL001 (LHR-JFK, people have gone to checkin with VS for their DL flight and said they're flying Delta One, to be told that flight already left, or that they need to goto T4 for it), etc...

The design of the menu looks slightly different, to my eyes a little more sophisticated in the colors and typeface.

Also, on at least some aircraft, the seat covers say Delta One now, which means that they're new and fresh.

Delta implied that the experience would be improved with the rebranding, but other than some pajamas on some routes, nothing of substance has been done. If anything, DL's international business class has declined, with odd meals that are often inedible, and more surly FAs.

So just curious, what was Delta's rationale for rebranding the cabin if the name was really the only overhaul?

Misleading customers by making them think it was a hybrid J/F experience?

The new seat covers are nicer than the older ones, but that's the only positive change.

You are all forgetting about the "super exclusive" Delta One Lounge at LAX... ;)

Grey Goose vodka is now available??

So exclusive that someone who did a SDC onto an LAX-JFK flight can get in. ;)

Grey Goose was added lol

+1 (sorry, bubbashow)

Plus you get to ride an elevator up a level and walk down a strange hall. It seems to serve no purpose except to deceive you into thinking getting individual service the whole way. Then the doors at the other end open, and bam, you're dumped in line with the masses at security.

That is a bit harsh.

The Delta One dropoff area is less crowded, and the staff is proactive to assist you with bags and check-in.

It is certainly a much more pleasant check-in experience that the SkyPriority check-in at LAX. Which I'm quite sure is far more pleasant that the general check-in area.

And if you get there way too early, the lounge is probably more pleasant than the perpetually busy SkyClub.

David

New name. They added some beverages. New seat covers, new layout menu.
All the beverages are now inside the menu where in the past you had to look them up inside the Sky magazine. That's it.

Ooh and KLM's KL461 and 462 (AMS-TLV) are also branded as D1 nowaydays when booking through Delta. Guess some Delta pax were slightly dissapointed with that experience ;)

There's been a greater emphasis on seasonal food and wine offerings as of late. I find the overall food quality has improved, too. But otherwise, the changes have been minimal. It will be interesting to see how Delta responds to AA and UA's premium cabin improvements (which, admittedly, are years away from full implementation).