ryanm

I don't mind the multiple courses--in fact prefer it--but even if the portions are larger than currently this does indeed seem to be less food overall. They've replaced the "snack" that sometimes came with first drink service with the first course of the meal, they've taken away the separate salad, and as noted above the cheese, crackers, and bread are gone, too. Granted that initial snack with the first drink was often not offered (going straight to the meal), but the rest always was.

Gig103

I know it's a pilot program but for meal service to take "an hour longer than usual" is pretty tedious, especially for those in the back of the bus. I like how D1 has the single tray service if you want to get to sleep (great for US->EU redeyes), and while I think that would be too challenging for economy as an option, honestly I'd rather it stay single tray (with two drink services, still). I may be in the minority.

dw

I have a feeling there will be big changes to the service flow before it's rolled out more. I am sure most FAs are going to hate the extra work. And it sounds like it's just too long to have carts constantly blocking the aisles in coach.

ryw

On one hand it sounds like a nicer passenger experience, but I'd really like at least an option (maybe specified at check in?) to get the whole meal on a single tray. Sometimes in Y on the long hauls I similarly just want to eat quickly and sleep, or get some stuff done on my laptop, and don't want to be waiting around for the next course to come around.

Also if the carts are blocking the aisles for longer, it might mean that more people will have to wait to use the lavs until post-meal service, leading to longer lines.

AANYC1981

I like the idea of pre-meal full beverage service with the snack, then maybe they come around a 2nd time with the App and main all on one plate with another beverage service. Then if people don't care they can skip the ice cream service and go to sleep or work. If you don't like to wait around then you have 2 chances to get a drink and get the food you would expect.

eastindywalrus

Sounds like I may be in the minority here, but although the idea of dinner taking an hour longer than before to complete is less than attractive, I will take a non-single tray meal ANY day of the week. Y is incredibly cramped, with zero elbow room to move. Trying to cut a piece of chicken with the plastic utensils without spilling all of the accompanying sauce or elbowing my seatmate results in me looking like I'm doing the chicken dance in my seat. Part of that is the fact that your are limited in how you can position the items in your tray because of how full it is. By serving the starter separately, this would help alleviate those issues.

I'll also that say while I watch plenty of people eating while watching their IFE with their headphones in, this has always seemed even more challenging for me. Having a slightly less full tray table might make that a little less tricky of an endeavor.

As far as smaller portions... I'm not a little guy by any means, and even I find the current portions in Y to be excessively large. I'll take reduced portion sizes and increased quality, thank you.

jdrtravel

Nutritional value can also be deceiving. While there is not a separate salad, that salad was really just a small pile of iceberg lettuce with a tomato and some dressing. That's mostly just empty calories from the dressing. Same with the bread and crackers. Sure you feel full, but you've mostly just eaten a lot of white flour (which is basically like sugar to your body) and oil.

In the meal pictured in the trip report, they start with a quinoa salad with veggies. Quinoa has excellent nutrient density (vitamins, minerals not to mention protein and healthy whole carb). Then the main meals look like they are much higher ingredient quality--again with more nutrients per calorie. So it's important to not just look at food quantity in terms of how much physical space food takes up, but rather, what nutritional value the food is providing. It seems clear to me that the new meals win in this way.

If anyone is interested, nutritional density is a way that some nutritionists are encouraging people to think about eating, rather than the focus on carbs/fat/protein.

pvn

The cosmopolitan elites here want their 5,000 calorie applebees supersize bucket, and they don't want to hear about your effete librul queeno

FlyerWx

According to a recent news article (https://news.delta.com/welcome-cockt...-international), more upgrades to main cabin will begin in November of this year (2019) on flights over 6.5 hours and select shorter D1 flights. Some highlights include welcome cocktails in Y, a second hot towel service, and welcome chocolates (i.e, more work for FAs)

I really do appreciate what Delta has been doing recently for those who fly in Y often. Still the best US long-haul carrier in my eyes. If they gave us the option to get desert with the main meal, I would like that better, especially on "short" East Coast - Europe flights where many people want to get as much sleep as possible.

Anyway, here is their propaganda image:

bubbashow

There is a reason Delta draws a revenue premium over other US carriers. Nice to see them building on this.

Austin787

Nice that Delta is stepping up its game in long haul economy, which is where most passengers fly. Execution will be key.

Delta will need to address two challenges:
1) Completing the service in a timely manner
2) Getting the flight attendants to agree - they may not be happy about doing more work

Zorak

Agreed all around.

Although the greeting in the gatehouse seems unnecessary and hokey.

Also I hope the bellinis will be available in D1 also

AANYC1981

hi55us

Wonder if this will take place on the trans-cons. I've been presently surprised by the Y meal service on BOS-SEA as well as the great upgrades to the aircrafts. I can't remember the last time I got a flight with the old IFE.

arunhn