Delta Premium Select
#32
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,271
Bigger seat, better recline, footrest and two seats at the window vs 3 seats on the A350. To me it's worth 250 - 300 upgrade price but not more, and especially so for overnight flights.
Also I loved skipping the horrible security line in BRU airport because of SKY priority. Just a shame about the food downgrade.
Also I loved skipping the horrible security line in BRU airport because of SKY priority. Just a shame about the food downgrade.
#33
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA silver, Bonvoy silver
Posts: 2,828
https://liveandletsfly.com/united-ai...economy-class/
#34
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: Delta
Posts: 87
It needs to improve soon, UA is bringing back the full Polaris breakfasts in PP (O cabin) instead of the domestic F breakfast sandwiches on flights longer than 9 hours
https://liveandletsfly.com/united-ai...economy-class/
https://liveandletsfly.com/united-ai...economy-class/
#35
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA silver, Bonvoy silver
Posts: 2,828
#36
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PP, DL PM
Posts: 2,086
The US airlines are still figuring out what Premium Economy should be -- is it the domestic First product on an international plane, is it Economy with a larger seat, or is it something in the middle. If the pendulum has swung towards price-conscious leisure travelers booking Premium Economy during/after the pandemic, I wouldn't expect too much in terms of service. If the pendulum later swings back to price-insensitive business travelers (as now Premium Economy is the only option in-policy for many companies), I'd expect slight service improvements as airlines try to compete for these travelers.
Long-term, I think it's going to shake out like it's domestic First on an international plane. Delta got pretty close with their original Premium Select product: they had a dedicated flight attendant, real glassware, and plated meals. The glassware went away when they expanded PS to more planes (though it was probably worth it; bloggers thought the plastic cups were a catering mistake for a long time), and COVID cuts eliminated most of the other differences. I could be wrong though, and it could end up being economy with a larger seat.
#37
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA silver, Bonvoy silver
Posts: 2,828
I suspect it's because Lufthansa wanted to eliminate complimentary spirits in long haul Economy and Premium Economy. Thanks to their joint venture, they might have leaned on UA to tag along.
The US airlines are still figuring out what Premium Economy should be -- is it the domestic First product on an international plane, is it Economy with a larger seat, or is it something in the middle. If the pendulum has swung towards price-conscious leisure travelers booking Premium Economy during/after the pandemic, I wouldn't expect too much in terms of service. If the pendulum later swings back to price-insensitive business travelers (as now Premium Economy is the only option in-policy for many companies), I'd expect slight service improvements as airlines try to compete for these travelers.
Long-term, I think it's going to shake out like it's domestic First on an international plane. Delta got pretty close with their original Premium Select product: they had a dedicated flight attendant, real glassware, and plated meals. The glassware went away when they expanded PS to more planes (though it was probably worth it; bloggers thought the plastic cups were a catering mistake for a long time), and COVID cuts eliminated most of the other differences. I could be wrong though, and it could end up being economy with a larger seat.
The US airlines are still figuring out what Premium Economy should be -- is it the domestic First product on an international plane, is it Economy with a larger seat, or is it something in the middle. If the pendulum has swung towards price-conscious leisure travelers booking Premium Economy during/after the pandemic, I wouldn't expect too much in terms of service. If the pendulum later swings back to price-insensitive business travelers (as now Premium Economy is the only option in-policy for many companies), I'd expect slight service improvements as airlines try to compete for these travelers.
Long-term, I think it's going to shake out like it's domestic First on an international plane. Delta got pretty close with their original Premium Select product: they had a dedicated flight attendant, real glassware, and plated meals. The glassware went away when they expanded PS to more planes (though it was probably worth it; bloggers thought the plastic cups were a catering mistake for a long time), and COVID cuts eliminated most of the other differences. I could be wrong though, and it could end up being economy with a larger seat.
#38
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium.;UA 1.5MM; UA Lifetime Gold (whoppee); DL Plat
Posts: 2,124
Had long talk with two FA this week on AMS-JFK. They both indicated that the improved PS service is being brought back over the summer. They didn’t have any idea of date. However, I will be interested to see if DL follows through with this or sticks with the cheap-o service due to heavy loads and few truly complaining. Short-sighted—-there’ll be a recession and people will remember.
#39
Join Date: Jan 2022
Programs: DL, UA, AA
Posts: 1,996
#40
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA silver, Bonvoy silver
Posts: 2,828
Yep.
A few years ago, when it was time to ditch WN, I was debating UA/AA/or DL as my airline of choice. I was strongly considering DL due to their strong PS product (before I could outright splurge on business at times). Happy I didnt as Polaris typically costs less than D1, and PS simply has become not worth the upcharge
A few years ago, when it was time to ditch WN, I was debating UA/AA/or DL as my airline of choice. I was strongly considering DL due to their strong PS product (before I could outright splurge on business at times). Happy I didnt as Polaris typically costs less than D1, and PS simply has become not worth the upcharge
#41
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Nashville
Programs: DL DM 3 MM AA PLAT HH Lifetime Diamond Marriott Plat AMB lifetime titanium Hertz PC
Posts: 6,187
Had long talk with two FA this week on AMS-JFK. They both indicated that the improved PS service is being brought back over the summer. They didn’t have any idea of date. However, I will be interested to see if DL follows through with this or sticks with the cheap-o service due to heavy loads and few truly complaining. Short-sighted—-there’ll be a recession and people will remember.
#42
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
Are the PS upgrades being offered at check in or sometime earlier/ymmv?
Debating DEN-MSP-KEF for 56k C+ (PS is 145k) vs DEN-KEF on FI for an eye watering $1700 Saga premium (domestic F).
Debating DEN-MSP-KEF for 56k C+ (PS is 145k) vs DEN-KEF on FI for an eye watering $1700 Saga premium (domestic F).
Last edited by frudd38; May 3, 2022 at 1:36 am
#43
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,042
Depending on time of year KEF get lie flat 757/763. (JFK/KEF in past more often than MSP/KEF)
#44
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
Yea it's a tough choice between direct 7.5 hours VS 1 connection in C+ with potential paid upgrade to PS (and flexibility to cancel for close in J award). PS does seem to be on par and not much better than FI "J".
#45
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: SEA
Programs: DL Gold Medallion, Avis President's Club
Posts: 192
I flew to KEF last year on an award ticket (SEA-JFK-KEF, KEF-MSP-SEA), and never saw any upgrades for sale, despite D1 on a 763 going out mostly empty on JFK-KEF.