Delta unveils new Airbus A350, Boeing 777 premium economy seat
By Chris C., November 4 2016
Virgin Australia partner Delta Air Lines gives the first glimpse of its brand new premium economy seat this week, simply named ‘Delta Premium’ and planned to take flight by late 2017.
Being debuted on the airline’s new Airbus A350 aircraft, Delta Premium comes in a 2-4-2 layout, with 48 seats spread across just six rows.
Passengers will enjoy up to 38 inches of ‘pitch’ – similar to the legroom afforded to exit row passengers aboard Qantas and Virgin Australia domestic aircraft – with seats 19 inches wide, reclining up to seven inches and all with adjustable head rests and leg rests:
Once seated, Delta Premium guests will be greeted with a drink before take-off, followed by seasonal menus in the air. There’s a hint of Delta business class, too, with a Westin Heavenly inflight blanket and pillow, plus a TUMI amenity kit with Malin+Goetz accessories.
Travellers can also unwind with the latest movies, TV shows and games served up via 13.3-inch high definition screens, joined by noise-cancelling headphones at every seat.
Flying on business but not allowed to book business class? Each seat also provides handy access to power to keep your laptop, tablet and smartphone recharged (highlighted below), with convenient storage options including a seatback tablet/laptop holder atop the regular seat pocket:
Delta Premium guests can also take advantage of Sky Priority services on the ground including priority check-in, security screening, boarding and baggage delivery, although lounge access isn’t part of the parcel.
That’s where your Velocity Gold, Velocity Platinum or SkyTeam Elite Plus status comes in handy, as does a paid Delta Sky Club membership.
“Delta Premium is Delta's latest example of paying careful attention to what customers tell us they want and responding with unique products designed to meet their individual needs,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
In addition to appearing on Delta’s new Airbus A350s, the airline will also install Delta Premium across its existing Boeing 777 fleet which currently serves Sydney from Los Angeles.
Also read:
- Delta reveals Delta One private business class suites for Airbus A350
- Delta brings inflight WiFi to every Sydney-Los Angeles flight
- Delta eyes Sydney for new Airbus A350
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
08 Apr 2011
Total posts 24
Virgin Australia Gold is useful, as you say in the article, to get into the Delta lounges. The problem is that not one single Delta agent I have spoken to, over many years, recognises that Velocity Gold gives access to the Delta lounges. I've wasted hours trying to get into the lounges (MSP is the worst, along with PHL) and the lounge agents clearly feel you are trying it on. It's a good perk - but totally useless.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2424
Thanks for sharing your experiences lorks. I've personally had no problems with Delta lounge access in Los Angeles or New York (JFK), and even had a check-in agent thank me "for being a Gold Medallion member" after they noticed 'VA Gold' pop-up in their system. Perhaps this issue is more common outside of the 'biggies' (LAX, JFK) where Velocity members may not travel to as much?
13 May 2016
Total posts 31
VA Gold certainly is handy when travelling with Delta in the USA. But I have to agree, I have had many problems with gate agents and lounge staff not recognising VA as a partner. I have to agree with lorks here, I always have issues with MSP! I never has any issues at LAX, JFK though...
Virgin Blue - Velocity Rewards
12 May 2011
Total posts 23
Had no issues in Seattle, Detroit, Chicago, LAX. Mine was booked with points so it clearly stated on my itinerary and boarding pass my elite status. Just needed the card for confirmation. They were also helpful during #DeltaDown as well.
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
why can't you compare 'like for like' as QF AND VA both have premium economy seating, instead of 'talking up'/comparing the seats to QF/VA ECONOMY DOMESTIC EXIT ROWS!! If you compare 'like for like', the new delta premium isn't that 'special'. VAs premium economy seating has a 41" pitch and 9" recline, QF is 38" pitch and 9" recline, and the width of these P/Y seats are pretty much the same. As soon as I read your 'comparison', you immediately lost my interest, and in my opinion you lost your credibility on this article.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2424
If you read the article, there was never a 'comparison' made between Delta premium economy and Qantas/Virgin Australia domestic exit row seating.
The passing reference you refer to is a note on legroom only (not a comparison of the actual seat, the degree of recline or its width), as both Qantas and VA offer the exact same pitch in the exit row seats we've described, and we've included that reference as many of our readers will have have sat there before and are familiar with the degree of legroom 38 inches provides.
To remind also, the discussion area below articles is provided for readers to discuss the topic of those articles among themselves, not to critique the editorial content itself or to write messages directed towards editorial staff, which you're welcome to do instead via email to myself or our editor.
As per our long-standing comment policy, further comments along these lines will be removed without notice.
30 Jun 2011
Total posts 49
I agree with lorks & mavers, had plenty of trouble accessing Delta lounges as a VA Plat. I ended up carrying around the access guide in paper form to resolve the issue. I can appreciate the multitude of schemes the lounge staff see - however all could be solved if VA joined a proper alliance, you would think.
Virgin Blue - Velocity Rewards
12 May 2011
Total posts 31
I'm a VA platinum and can honestly say I've never had a problem with Delta lounge access or getting Sky Priority benefits on about 20 occasions. Occasionally you need to clarify that "Velocity" is Virgin Australia and make sure they look the right thing up on their systems but they have always found it and waved me straight through.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
18 Sep 2015
Total posts 3
Just passed through IAD, DCA, ATL several times and in three different lounges, MSP and ORD and after a quick look up, bingo! Australian Velocity members almost seem a novelty, especially in the smaller lounges in ATL. No problems at all, may have got lucky. Some nice lounges too. Have really enjoyed the whole Delta experience.
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 262
Fantastic to see this, 2018 to Mexico via LA in PE on Delta! Done.
10 Dec 2015
Total posts 177
Has anyone here noticed that almost all 350 operators so far deployed/planned 7 abreast for PY.....except DL?
Delta Premium looks like a product on par with most PY designs out there today(I particularly like the leg rest for all PY seats which is not the case for many operators such as AC, CX, LH, etc.). However, I suspect seat width and/or aisle width will unlikely be competitive against other 350 operators with PY....
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
07 Dec 2014
Total posts 170
Both SIA and CX on their A350s have 8 across in PE.
10 Dec 2015
Total posts 177
@Andrew:
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Aug 2014
Total posts 501
Is it just me or does the model in photo that bad guy from GI Joe Retaliation?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Just had to laugh at the Westin 'branded' blanket and pillow. Going too far imho.
10 Dec 2015
Total posts 177
@moa999:
14 Jan 2013
Total posts 19
Hi, in my experience I have never had a problem accessing Delta lounges as a Velocity Platinum member. I have just come back from my normal month per year Stateside and I can honestly say I didn't have trouble accessing any lounge at any of the 11 airports I tried to gain access to - both of the lounges at MSP were fine. Clearly, it is heavily dependent on the knowledge of staff at entry. Some are of a much better standard than others - for example, ORD is small and extremely crowded most of the time but I guess what do you expect in United's backyard. I also missed the old country club wooden panel styling at SFO now that a new one has been opened, but hey! lounge access is worth it for those chocolate chip cookies that are added to the buffet at about 11am.
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