DL Premium Select vs. AF Premium Economy
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: Delta Platinum; Hilton Diamond; Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,108
DL Premium Select vs. AF Premium Economy
So we all know PS on DL right now is literally just a larger seat. But apparently there are rumors DL is improving service this summer.
Assuming DL gets back to at least plated meals in PS, would that at least get them on par with AF? Or is AF Premium Economy even better than that right now?
Assuming DL gets back to at least plated meals in PS, would that at least get them on par with AF? Or is AF Premium Economy even better than that right now?
#3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: FRA/SXB
Programs: FB Gold
Posts: 1,921
I have not flown DL Premium Select.
But depending on the route/aircraft, the AF Premium Economy is not worth it. The majority fleet of 777s (COI configuration excepted) have an unconfortable fixed-shell PE seat that slides and does not recline. It's acceptable for a day flight, but impossible for sleep. The A330/A350/787 have a newer PE seat that reclines better and thus is an improvement.
But depending on the route/aircraft, the AF Premium Economy is not worth it. The majority fleet of 777s (COI configuration excepted) have an unconfortable fixed-shell PE seat that slides and does not recline. It's acceptable for a day flight, but impossible for sleep. The A330/A350/787 have a newer PE seat that reclines better and thus is an improvement.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 34
Just returned from transatlantic flight to/from Portugal.
I had wanted to purchase PS for both outbound and return since I had often enjoyed it on LAX to JFK runs. However, I couldn't get two PS seats for return so I had to purchased PS for outbound and C+ for return. So disappointed with PS . Paid extra for PS thinking it would be upgraded seat and food service. Not. Worth. It. Food service is the exactly the same as main and C+. Better deal to just get C+ bulkhead seats. Especially, if you are auto upgraded to C+ from Main. Never making the mistake to spend extra money to purchase PS again.
I had wanted to purchase PS for both outbound and return since I had often enjoyed it on LAX to JFK runs. However, I couldn't get two PS seats for return so I had to purchased PS for outbound and C+ for return. So disappointed with PS . Paid extra for PS thinking it would be upgraded seat and food service. Not. Worth. It. Food service is the exactly the same as main and C+. Better deal to just get C+ bulkhead seats. Especially, if you are auto upgraded to C+ from Main. Never making the mistake to spend extra money to purchase PS again.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,930
#8
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 34
The flight was initially an 11 pm Delta booked AF flight that was cancelled via email (thank God my husband just happened to be on his lap top) and changed to an earlier Delta flight leaving at 9 pm. (But that is a whole different story since this was done at 7:00 pm and we were in Manhattan). I understood that the food service would be slightly better in PS than Main although not served on plates. I now know this is only true on AF and not Delta. I just don't see the upside of Delta PS when the product is compared to Delta C+. Didn't get to experience PE on AF.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,930
The flight was initially an 11 pm Delta booked AF flight that was cancelled via email (thank God my husband just happened to be on his lap top) and changed to an earlier Delta flight leaving at 9 pm. (But that is a whole different story since this was done at 7:00 pm and we were in Manhattan). I understood that the food service would be slightly better in PS than Main although not served on plates. I now know this is only true on AF and not Delta. I just don't see the upside of Delta PS when the product is compared to Delta C+. Didn't get to experience PE on AF.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,191
The wider seat (plus wider armrest) is more than enough reason for many people to pay the premium, as is the "deeper" seat (more room for your butt). If you're a couple and can get a 2-seater by the window and one of you is smaller, then the wider seat may not be that valuable. YMMV, as always.
#11
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL DM/1MM, Natl Exec Elite, Bonvoy Plat, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diam
Posts: 381
The flight was initially an 11 pm Delta booked AF flight that was cancelled via email (thank God my husband just happened to be on his lap top) and changed to an earlier Delta flight leaving at 9 pm. (But that is a whole different story since this was done at 7:00 pm and we were in Manhattan). I understood that the food service would be slightly better in PS than Main although not served on plates. I now know this is only true on AF and not Delta. I just don't see the upside of Delta PS when the product is compared to Delta C+. Didn't get to experience PE on AF.
#12
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: BOS
Posts: 81
My $0.02: DL hard product is better, so easier to sleep going east. AF soft product is better, so nicer experience for daytime flight going west.
Overall I was disappointed with the PE service on DL all around. Same meal as economy, have to walk to the back to use the lav, drinks service was limited to one drink only, overheard a flight attendant tell a pax that they din’t have vodka in the cart and didn’t have time to go look elsewhere, etc etc… essentially Delta has not told the flight attendants that the P in PE stands for “premium”.
Overall I was disappointed with the PE service on DL all around. Same meal as economy, have to walk to the back to use the lav, drinks service was limited to one drink only, overheard a flight attendant tell a pax that they din’t have vodka in the cart and didn’t have time to go look elsewhere, etc etc… essentially Delta has not told the flight attendants that the P in PE stands for “premium”.
#13
Join Date: Aug 2021
Programs: Delta SkyMiles | Platinum
Posts: 194
Additioanlly, people continue to purchase or "upgrade" to this fare, even without enhanced service. Why should Delta spend their cash to improve an experience customers already value?
#14
Join Date: May 2019
Programs: Delta, Chase UR, Hyatt
Posts: 30
Multiple service rumors have surfaced, but without an official statement from Delta, I won't believe it.
Additioanlly, people continue to purchase or "upgrade" to this fare, even without enhanced service. Why should Delta spend their cash to improve an experience customers already value?
Additioanlly, people continue to purchase or "upgrade" to this fare, even without enhanced service. Why should Delta spend their cash to improve an experience customers already value?
#15
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Atlanta
Programs: Delta Death March, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott/Hilton Gold Life
Posts: 1,523
I actually like PS.
End of the day, the benefit of a better seat is feeling better upon arrival.
TATL, this means minimal jetlag. PS scores here (A350 and 767-400).
And at my age, it's not hard to feel like crap.
PS ATL<>AMS and ATL<>LHR were really good for me.
Eastbound (USA > EU/UK) amenities were better, but Westbound (home for me) had better FA's.
Note - I clearly prefer business class, and KLM has been awesome on the 787-10. Now that they're back to the 777, I would much prefer Delta... except... 3M3 craft...
End of the day, the benefit of a better seat is feeling better upon arrival.
TATL, this means minimal jetlag. PS scores here (A350 and 767-400).
And at my age, it's not hard to feel like crap.
PS ATL<>AMS and ATL<>LHR were really good for me.
Eastbound (USA > EU/UK) amenities were better, but Westbound (home for me) had better FA's.
Note - I clearly prefer business class, and KLM has been awesome on the 787-10. Now that they're back to the 777, I would much prefer Delta... except... 3M3 craft...