readywhenyouare

ATOBTTR

I don't think its the only motivation (space savings is probably a factor, as are other costs such as having to cover costs of washing the glasses and replace broken glasses versus plastic cups) but fuel savings could be a factor in the decision - keep in mind even seemingly small weight reduction initiatives have been undertaken because of reduced fuel burn. But the weight savings of a galley cart or two filled with a couple hundred glass-glasses versus a bag of a couple hundred plastic cups is not insignificant. Part of the reason for going from paper flight manuals to Ipads was going from something that weighed over 35 lbs or so to something that weighs less than 2 lbs. On a given flight, the difference may be negligible or even unnoticeable but multiplied across a few hundred flights over a year and then multiplied across the fleet, it does become somewhat significant.

flyerCO

1 flight only a day. Same as SEA, SAN.

thesaints

readywhenyouare

NOLAnwGOLD

VS PE was a glass service when I flew them in April.

I prefer the paper pepper/salt because it's more environmentally friendly (less single use plastic). I prefer reusable materials and reduction of unneeded things (like plastic straws/stirsticks).

But I agree the continue cost cutting (though gas prices are going way up again) but there needs to be a point where the squeeze has to stop. The PE on 777 without a C+ really reduces the value of having elite status. For this 6'5 guy I really value legroom most. The fight for exit rows is really a bore (usually I win since I book far in advance at least) but would really irritate me if I had to book on the run and get stuck in a middle seat.

The push to even more segmentation is pushing me to other carriers....I"m flying less and less Delta, enough though I'd really prefer to do them. But alas, every action has an equal and opposite reaction!

dw

ATOBTTR

Those are fair points but I even addressed that upthread. While none of us have the specifics, one can observe that it's a cost-benefit analysis by DL and it's ultimately it's up to DL to decide that and whether they feel if cost savings/benefits of using plastic glasses is enough to offset any potential drops revenue from lost bookings due to people opting for other products. While such a decision might have more of a factor in J, I would personally not opt to select or not select PE over glass versus plastic cups in most cases. That's very far down my personal list of importance. My biggest factors in selecting PE would be price, seat comfort/space, and schedule. I'm not trying to give the vibe that I think my personal preference is universal or that I'm "defending" DL for this - all actions have consequences, good or bad, and the market will ultimately decide what customers value, and DL will have to evaluate the consequences of this decision and make changes accordingly if needed.

ATOBTTR

LAS is a heavy leisure destination Friday through Sunday. It's a major business destination Monday through Thursday with conventions, conferences, etc.

cerealmarketer

They adding D1 flights to flood the JetBlue Mint markets (SEA, SAN, LAS, etc).

Virgin America is out of the equation and JetBlue only does a one tray bare bones service, so they matched that, and raised them free upgrades for elites to give an incentive for people to book Delta in both economy and biz.

You can thank JetBlue for lower fares in first, as well as a lower service standard.

Kind of like what the original LCCs did to economy service standards. Some like that, others won't - depends on your preference.

hamburgler

Just as a datapoint, I've flown PE on DL, NH, JL, and LH in the past 12 months. Only DL was serving drinks in glassware. FWIW, NH, JL, and LH food was also basically the Y food, whereas DL was closer to the J product. Overall I thought DL's PE was far and above above NH, JL, and LH in soft product.

inthecloud

Dont look now, but as of yesterday, Premium Select tickets only get you comfort plus on your connecting flights. No more first class!

lonelygod

heckler

Maybe DL's doing the numbers on how much all the blankets and pillows weigh - they went after them a few years back, I think. Heck,
maybe we're a stones throw away from having to put coins in a slot to use the onboard Lav..

bennos

Except that (in flight) Mint is in some ways superior to DL, including quality of the food (which is not actually a "bare bones" "one tray" service), seat configuration (when comparing the A321 to the 75S), free high speed wifi, etc. On the ground, though, Mint has room for improvement (lack of lounges, mostly).

W products broadly fall into two categories: "Economy service with a bigger seat" (AF is this, in addition to the carriers you mention) and "Domestic first class on an international plane) (VS and DL, in addition to some others). Even within those two categories there is much variation (dedicated lavs or not, plasticware or not, lounge access or not), but typically if there are dedicated flight attendants and a separate catering menu, it's the second, otherwise it's the first.