Jan 1, 2022, 8:32 pm
Last edit by: xliioper
Link to International D1 Menus: https://deltaone.mydeltamenu.com/BOS-LHR/ (replace airport codes as appropriate)
Link to Domestic D1 Menus: https://pc2c.mydeltamenu.com/SEA-JFK/
Link to Delta Premium Select menus:
https://dps.mydeltamenu.com/SEA-ICN/
(replace airport codes as appropriate)
Current 2022 First Class meal service status -- [NOTE - all D1 flights, domestic and international, receive hot meal service]. FC meal service consists of plated meals (including hot options) between hubs and to/from most larger stations (exception stations listed below only receive cold meal box options) on flights over 900 miles which depart before 9PM (scheduled). Pre-selection is available on routes with plated meal offerings, while it is not available on cold meal box routes. In addition, flights over 2300 miles will receive meal service in FC for departures after 9PM. Snack boxes are generally offered on redeye flights under 2300 miles. Meal service is not provided on flights under 900 miles.
Current exception stations where only cold meal boxes (with no pre-selection) are offered in FC on 900+ mile flights (both to and from station):
ABQ, AUA, EGE, ELP, EYW, GEG, IAD, JAC, MCI, OAK, PLS, PSC, PUJ, SAT, TUS, YYZ, YUL, YVR
Click here for the 2017 version of this thread.
Click here for the 2018/2019 version of this thread.
Click Here for the 2020 (Prior to COVID) Version of this thread
2020/Early 2021 - COVID Inflight Version of this Thread
Click Here for the 2021 Version of this thread
Link to Domestic D1 Menus: https://pc2c.mydeltamenu.com/SEA-JFK/
Link to Delta Premium Select menus:
https://dps.mydeltamenu.com/SEA-ICN/
(replace airport codes as appropriate)
Current 2022 First Class meal service status -- [NOTE - all D1 flights, domestic and international, receive hot meal service]. FC meal service consists of plated meals (including hot options) between hubs and to/from most larger stations (exception stations listed below only receive cold meal box options) on flights over 900 miles which depart before 9PM (scheduled). Pre-selection is available on routes with plated meal offerings, while it is not available on cold meal box routes. In addition, flights over 2300 miles will receive meal service in FC for departures after 9PM. Snack boxes are generally offered on redeye flights under 2300 miles. Meal service is not provided on flights under 900 miles.
Current exception stations where only cold meal boxes (with no pre-selection) are offered in FC on 900+ mile flights (both to and from station):
ABQ, AUA, EGE, ELP, EYW, GEG, IAD, JAC, MCI, OAK, PLS, PSC, PUJ, SAT, TUS, YYZ, YUL, YVR
Click here for the 2017 version of this thread.
Click here for the 2018/2019 version of this thread.
Click Here for the 2020 (Prior to COVID) Version of this thread
2020/Early 2021 - COVID Inflight Version of this Thread
Click Here for the 2021 Version of this thread
Delta In-Flight Meal/Food Service: The Definitive Thread — 2022 Edition
Aug 24, 2022, 7:17 am
#1577
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,619
Not every airport has a LGS or Gate Gourmet kitchen to cater flights. So in that case Delta (and the other airlines) will contract with a airport restaurant to do the catering. I don't know if most of you have noticed but pretty much every restaurant in the country is struggling to find employees. So the issue right now in the flight kitchen-less airports is the airlines are having a very hard time finding a restaurant willing (much less able) to take on a catering contract again.
Delta's theory, which i agree with, is that it is better for a flight like ATL-TUS to get sad boxes because TUS-ATL is going to get sad boxes. This does two things, it prevents pissed off passengers getting angry at FAs because "WELL! ON MY WAY FROM ATLANTA I GOT XYZ!!!!" and (I'm assuming here) it takes some of the heat off of the Atlanta flight kitchen that is also struggling to find employees. Every flight kitchen in the country is struggling to find people.
I am fine and totally understand all of this.
with that said, my issue is the quality of the sad boxes. Two things, one, just seems like overall they are cheap crap but two Delta (and the other airlines doing stuff like this) are trying way too hard on the meals. Simple sandwich with some chips and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Simple salad with meat on the side and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Thats all they have to do. Nothing super cute. Nothing that sounds like I comes from a 3 star restaurant but taste worse than something I can get at McDonald's. Just something simple and with some quality. If Publix can sell me a boars head sandwich, chips and a drink for 6-8 bucks, I'm pretty sure Delta could bump the quality in the name of the "fancy" aspect and serve something much better.
My advice to anyone who doesn't know, for the most part a simple google search can tell you if the station you are going to has a kitchen or not (Trust me, if they are they are probably hiring making said search easier). My policy for those stations haven't changed since COVID. Either stop and get a few snacks in the airport or most airports have some kind of sandwich/salad kiosk that has some decent food. Stop and get something. It sucks you have to do that but it keeps me fed and happy.
Delta's theory, which i agree with, is that it is better for a flight like ATL-TUS to get sad boxes because TUS-ATL is going to get sad boxes. This does two things, it prevents pissed off passengers getting angry at FAs because "WELL! ON MY WAY FROM ATLANTA I GOT XYZ!!!!" and (I'm assuming here) it takes some of the heat off of the Atlanta flight kitchen that is also struggling to find employees. Every flight kitchen in the country is struggling to find people.
I am fine and totally understand all of this.
with that said, my issue is the quality of the sad boxes. Two things, one, just seems like overall they are cheap crap but two Delta (and the other airlines doing stuff like this) are trying way too hard on the meals. Simple sandwich with some chips and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Simple salad with meat on the side and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Thats all they have to do. Nothing super cute. Nothing that sounds like I comes from a 3 star restaurant but taste worse than something I can get at McDonald's. Just something simple and with some quality. If Publix can sell me a boars head sandwich, chips and a drink for 6-8 bucks, I'm pretty sure Delta could bump the quality in the name of the "fancy" aspect and serve something much better.
My advice to anyone who doesn't know, for the most part a simple google search can tell you if the station you are going to has a kitchen or not (Trust me, if they are they are probably hiring making said search easier). My policy for those stations haven't changed since COVID. Either stop and get a few snacks in the airport or most airports have some kind of sandwich/salad kiosk that has some decent food. Stop and get something. It sucks you have to do that but it keeps me fed and happy.
If DELTA wanted to offer a premium product they could find a way to do so.
I understand the lack of a Flight Kitchen, but the sad boxes are not an acceptable alternative.
Aug 24, 2022, 7:57 am
#1578
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: KUSA
Programs: Whatever AMEX Plat comes with... I buy on price.. Spirit Big Front Seat, want First/buy First
Posts: 1,475
Not every airport has a LGS or Gate Gourmet kitchen to cater flights. So in that case Delta (and the other airlines) will contract with a airport restaurant to do the catering. I don't know if most of you have noticed but pretty much every restaurant in the country is struggling to find employees. So the issue right now in the flight kitchen-less airports is the airlines are having a very hard time finding a restaurant willing (much less able) to take on a catering contract again.
It is manageable... but only to a certain scale. I don't blame Delta for going with the current arrangement versus enormously complicating their supply chain and procurement with hunting down and contracting one-offs everywhere that the flight kitchen is not yet open or cannot handle the volume.
Aug 24, 2022, 9:17 am
#1579
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, DL MM
Posts: 4,245
Not every airport has a LGS or Gate Gourmet kitchen to cater flights. So in that case Delta (and the other airlines) will contract with a airport restaurant to do the catering. I don't know if most of you have noticed but pretty much every restaurant in the country is struggling to find employees. So the issue right now in the flight kitchen-less airports is the airlines are having a very hard time finding a restaurant willing (much less able) to take on a catering contract again.
Delta's theory, which i agree with, is that it is better for a flight like ATL-TUS to get sad boxes because TUS-ATL is going to get sad boxes. This does two things, it prevents pissed off passengers getting angry at FAs because "WELL! ON MY WAY FROM ATLANTA I GOT XYZ!!!!" and (I'm assuming here) it takes some of the heat off of the Atlanta flight kitchen that is also struggling to find employees. Every flight kitchen in the country is struggling to find people.
I am fine and totally understand all of this.
with that said, my issue is the quality of the sad boxes. Two things, one, just seems like overall they are cheap crap but two Delta (and the other airlines doing stuff like this) are trying way too hard on the meals. Simple sandwich with some chips and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Simple salad with meat on the side and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Thats all they have to do. Nothing super cute. Nothing that sounds like I comes from a 3 star restaurant but taste worse than something I can get at McDonald's. Just something simple and with some quality. If Publix can sell me a boars head sandwich, chips and a drink for 6-8 bucks, I'm pretty sure Delta could bump the quality in the name of the "fancy" aspect and serve something much better.
My advice to anyone who doesn't know, for the most part a simple google search can tell you if the station you are going to has a kitchen or not (Trust me, if they are they are probably hiring making said search easier). My policy for those stations haven't changed since COVID. Either stop and get a few snacks in the airport or most airports have some kind of sandwich/salad kiosk that has some decent food. Stop and get something. It sucks you have to do that but it keeps me fed and happy.
Delta's theory, which i agree with, is that it is better for a flight like ATL-TUS to get sad boxes because TUS-ATL is going to get sad boxes. This does two things, it prevents pissed off passengers getting angry at FAs because "WELL! ON MY WAY FROM ATLANTA I GOT XYZ!!!!" and (I'm assuming here) it takes some of the heat off of the Atlanta flight kitchen that is also struggling to find employees. Every flight kitchen in the country is struggling to find people.
I am fine and totally understand all of this.
with that said, my issue is the quality of the sad boxes. Two things, one, just seems like overall they are cheap crap but two Delta (and the other airlines doing stuff like this) are trying way too hard on the meals. Simple sandwich with some chips and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Simple salad with meat on the side and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Thats all they have to do. Nothing super cute. Nothing that sounds like I comes from a 3 star restaurant but taste worse than something I can get at McDonald's. Just something simple and with some quality. If Publix can sell me a boars head sandwich, chips and a drink for 6-8 bucks, I'm pretty sure Delta could bump the quality in the name of the "fancy" aspect and serve something much better.
My advice to anyone who doesn't know, for the most part a simple google search can tell you if the station you are going to has a kitchen or not (Trust me, if they are they are probably hiring making said search easier). My policy for those stations haven't changed since COVID. Either stop and get a few snacks in the airport or most airports have some kind of sandwich/salad kiosk that has some decent food. Stop and get something. It sucks you have to do that but it keeps me fed and happy.
As for the crappy quality - that I agree 100%. Even if you go the Covid box route...make it a little better and larger. There's more food in a snack box.
And aside from all that....DL should just be honest. If the meal is scheduled for a Covid Box - just put that on the itinerary. They don't want to do that, because they realize it is ridiculous that they're still serving it. But you cannot be writing DINNER as your meal and then deliver a 2" banana bread loaf in a box.
Aug 24, 2022, 9:37 am
#1580
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: 100,373
I agree very much with the plea for simple meals of high quality. Even in normal times, offering "creative" (strange) food when some people won't have a choice is a bad idea. A salad with meat served separately would work for vegetarians and anti-vegetarians. A nice cheese plate would work well too (but of course not for vegans unless it contains enough other food for them to eat). Even the early higher quality snack boxes weren't too bad and the presentation was reasonable too, although I'd like more of a meal on longer flights, while "premium" routes should certainly include fresh food.
Aug 24, 2022, 12:17 pm
#1581
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,601
I get your point, but I would add that DELTA does not have to use the physical "sad box" they could double cater a plated cold meal, which is more appropriate in First Class. Instead of a boxed meal which just scream cheap.
If DELTA wanted to offer a premium product they could find a way to do so.
I understand the lack of a Flight Kitchen, but the sad boxes are not an acceptable alternative.
If DELTA wanted to offer a premium product they could find a way to do so.
I understand the lack of a Flight Kitchen, but the sad boxes are not an acceptable alternative.
again, the hub flight kitchens are struggling just as bad and its pretty unlikely Delta could cater all ex ATL flights plus ex ATL and ex XXX double cater flights. Even if they want to (and much to the charging on most on here who think Ed Bastian sits at his condo in Florida thinking of ways he can piss off FFs) Delta wants too. They are well aware of the product short falls (thanks to hopefully every single person on FT getting a sad box complaining to Delta.......you guys do that right? RIGHT?) and are working towards fixing it. It takes time. It takes employees.
Absolutely with you on this... One of my "COVID gigs" was coordinating and handling international charters/ICE/repatriation flights (like 787s from Vietnam). Even at like a DFW, could not get any traditional kitchen to cater even a one-off flight. I actually ended up making a pretty neat deal there that benefited all around - I got the company that made and catered the food for the various non-AA lounges (like the Club at DFW) to handle. Worked out as they weren't exactly doing full menu in the clubs that were even open. Similar deals in other places. I had a standing order with Jason's Deli in one location for boxes for a couple weekly B767s.
It is manageable... but only to a certain scale. I don't blame Delta for going with the current arrangement versus enormously complicating their supply chain and procurement with hunting down and contracting one-offs everywhere that the flight kitchen is not yet open or cannot handle the volume.
It is manageable... but only to a certain scale. I don't blame Delta for going with the current arrangement versus enormously complicating their supply chain and procurement with hunting down and contracting one-offs everywhere that the flight kitchen is not yet open or cannot handle the volume.
Even if a station has a flight kitchen, it doesn't mean they have the staffing to work for everyone. This is an industry wide problem.
Sorry - that's a ridiculous excuse. The same way they double cater the sad boxes, they can double cater breakfast/lunches. They used to (and still do it) with special meals. At the very least it can be a cold meal.
As for the crappy quality - that I agree 100%. Even if you go the Covid box route...make it a little better and larger. There's more food in a snack box.
And aside from all that....DL should just be honest. If the meal is scheduled for a Covid Box - just put that on the itinerary. They don't want to do that, because they realize it is ridiculous that they're still serving it. But you cannot be writing DINNER as your meal and then deliver a 2" banana bread loaf in a box.
As for the crappy quality - that I agree 100%. Even if you go the Covid box route...make it a little better and larger. There's more food in a snack box.
And aside from all that....DL should just be honest. If the meal is scheduled for a Covid Box - just put that on the itinerary. They don't want to do that, because they realize it is ridiculous that they're still serving it. But you cannot be writing DINNER as your meal and then deliver a 2" banana bread loaf in a box.
Aug 24, 2022, 12:59 pm
#1582
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,884
Got upgraded and received preorder for upcoming flight. Olympia provisions charcuterie, cold fried chicken salad and three cheese tortellini with impossible bolognese. Leaning towards the cold fried chicken salad (looks like there was a previous post from mid-July with a picture of it), but would consider the tortellini if any strong opinions based on recent experience with these meals. Thoughts?
Aug 24, 2022, 1:14 pm
#1583
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
For the purposes of airline amenities, "transcon" refers only to nonstop routes between large coastal business centers. Generally this only means NYC/BOS on the east coast and LAX/SFO/SEA on the west coast.
Aug 24, 2022, 1:51 pm
#1584
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: NYC/LAX
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 386
Got upgraded and received preorder for upcoming flight. Olympia provisions charcuterie, cold fried chicken salad and three cheese tortellini with impossible bolognese. Leaning towards the cold fried chicken salad (looks like there was a previous post from mid-July with a picture of it), but would consider the tortellini if any strong opinions based on recent experience with these meals. Thoughts?
Aug 24, 2022, 2:52 pm
#1585
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: DL DM PM
Posts: 2,033
"Adjusting" by leaving Delta unless using a FF benefit that costs Delta money in theory.
Hm. Yeah. Sounds like the people Delta should try to cater to. Hell, maybe they should just offer FFs for Delta to pay for them to fly the other airlines.
and for what they should do. I'm going to trust the ones with the data (Delta) over someone who apparently bailed on Delta because of the food choice in F. (and laughably went to American. The worst product out of all the legacies)
Hm. Yeah. Sounds like the people Delta should try to cater to. Hell, maybe they should just offer FFs for Delta to pay for them to fly the other airlines.
and for what they should do. I'm going to trust the ones with the data (Delta) over someone who apparently bailed on Delta because of the food choice in F. (and laughably went to American. The worst product out of all the legacies)
Aug 25, 2022, 2:24 pm
#1586
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 26
DEN-DTW
The "southwest" salad was bland and not great. The FA called it a chicken salad when confirming my request, and that felt more appropriate than any "southwest" claims. The beans and corn were nearly inedible, but the chicken salad and rice parts were good. I think the cookie was the best part, however. The person next to me had the impossible burger, and that looked pretty good. At least this flight continued my streak of PDBs.
The "southwest" salad was bland and not great. The FA called it a chicken salad when confirming my request, and that felt more appropriate than any "southwest" claims. The beans and corn were nearly inedible, but the chicken salad and rice parts were good. I think the cookie was the best part, however. The person next to me had the impossible burger, and that looked pretty good. At least this flight continued my streak of PDBs.
Aug 25, 2022, 3:09 pm
#1587
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: DL DM PM
Posts: 2,033
Is that pineapple? I would love that meal if it were executed correctly.
Aug 25, 2022, 3:22 pm
#1588
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: 100,373
Is the chicken just pieces of roast chicken or is it a "chicken salad" preparation with mayo?
Aug 25, 2022, 3:50 pm
#1589
Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 26
Not shown in the picture but worth noting is that there is a bed of arugula underneath this, which was fresh and tasty. It's really just the corn and beans that were questionable and brought down the rest of the salad.
Aug 25, 2022, 11:40 pm
#1590
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA CONCIERGE KEY & 1MM, HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 11,970
Does anyone know why DL is so obsessed with packaged cookies? I guess they are just being cheap