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Do you notice something a little “off” about the screen shot for a flight I will be on soon from Cincinnati, a former MAJOR hub for Northwest & Delta? Yes, it is a long flight. Yes, it departs late. But it departs before 9PM. So, now wait, just what were the “rules” for Delta food on 1st class?
Well believe it or not they have ever so slightly changed from last year. Not dramatically, but nevertheless, they have changed. How? Before, the wording was 1500+ miles between 5AM and 9PM you got a meal. You would be served breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on the departure time. Either way it was “real” food (and we know Delta food IS good – yeah, it is)!
Did you notice the subtle change in wording in the screen shot above? It now says flights OVER 1400+ miles get a meal. I really like this change. Why? Specifically because FLL & MIA to MSP are both just about 1500 miles apart (ok, so technically MIA-MSP is 1 mile over and FLL-MSP a few under – just hang on please).
There have been issues in the past where Delta has said, especially about to and from MIA, that it was NOT over 1500 miles when it clearly is. But with this change in wording both of these Florida airports now WILL be covered under the distance rule for food. A positive change. Thank you Delta!
But back to my opening flight example from CVG to LAS and my example with the TSA “See something, Say something” that is if you see something is not quite right, say something to someone who matters. Really the same principle goes for Delta. Clearly this CVG-LAS flight ticks all the boxes that matter:
- 1400+ miles – YES
- 5AM-9PM – YES
- 1st class seat – YES
So I did what we all should do and that is call the medallion line. I was going to try, both for an experiment AND because I wanted to see what was up, to order the “low salt” meal. As a #TravelTip if you like chicken and vegetables, this is a safe order and you will never get “whatever is leftover” when you order ahead. Plus, you can always add more salt when in the air.
Anyway, the rep told me that my flight was long enough but did not depart during “meal hours”. I pointed out to the rep that was incorrect as, according to Delta.com, the “meal hours” ONLY rule applies to flights that are 900-1399 miles and my flight was WELL over 1400+ miles long. Also, until 9PM departures I should be able to have a 1st class meal and even a custom one at that.
The rep checked with a supervisor, as well as others, and agreed there is an error on the listing on the flight, and it should have a meal, but due to the error she could NOT place my custom meal order. However, she did give me a $100 travel voucher credit that instantly appeared in my account on Delta.com. This way I could at least get a meal in the airport on my own dime and Delta would look at fixing the way this flight was listed.
What to take away from this. Delta will, most times, HOLD US accountable for issues we create and is unyielding when it comes to rules and fees etc. When we do not get what Delta.com and Delta promises in say T&C of say a voucher or other wording – be sure to ask for some kind of compensation to make it right. After all, they would ask it of you! – René
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I recently had the same issue with direct flights to LAS from MEM. Clearly during meal times and clearly on a long enough flight, yet under meal it said none. Not even refreshments. A couple weeks later the flights were cancelled. Nothing new for Memphis (Delta refuses to compete with new arrival Allegiant). Coincidence? Let us know if your flight from CVG disappears. I’ve not seen the meal hiccup any other way. Perhaps their catering contracts go out a bit further than their scheduling.
Great job! Great advice! Consider it noted!
Parallel observation: on routes where Delta competes with a legacy carrier, the quality of food rises from good to great. This weekend, I flew DL JFK-PHX and dinner was filet mignong with gellato for dessert! Last year, I flew EWR-ATL and dinner was served, of higher quality and on a relatively short route. Also last year, SEA-LAX, upgraded wraps for dinner.
I have kept this in mind for future planning.
Delta.com does not explain the distinction, but 1,400+ mile flights departing between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., as well as select later flights (e.g., ANC-MSP, HNL/KOA/LIH/OGG-LAX, etc.), offer “snack” rather than “dinner” service in first class.
In Delta’s itinerary parlance, a “snack” is a plated, hot sandwich (e.g., pastrami, turkey club, etc.) served with chips, fruit salad, and a packaged dessert. There is only one option, and special meal requests are not permitted. Flights catered only with the snack basket, on the other hand, are coded as serving “refreshments.”
Perhaps the dinner/snack/refreshment explanation could figure into your next “Rookie Wednesday” post.
@Mark – Incorrect. Broken down in linked Rookie post.
On a similar situation after a 45 min discussion with a CSR and a Supervisor on the Diamond line I was basically told that my itinerary said meal choices as “snack” and that is what I should expect. I was repeatedly told the 8:00 time rule and was told that the Delta.com information about longer flights should be changed??? The mileage requirement went from 1400 – 1500 cut off during these conversations even though my flight was almost 1700 miles.
Normally this would be a non issue but after all of the recent devaluations I am wondering why I have flown over a million miles on DL not to mention my 700K+ FF miles are worth crap.
Any ideas?
@Irked DM MM – I would HUCB as this is not right. Try later in the day.
@Rene — Your linked “Rookie” post is irrelevant and incomplete, as it makes no mention of Delta’s “snack” service, which is less elaborate than “dinner” but far more substantial than “refreshments.” Are you denying that it exists?
As noted above, on 1,400+ mile flights:
– Dinner = proper entrée with bread, salad, and desert (2 options)
– Snack = hot sandwich with chips, fruit, and packaged dessert (1 option)
– Refreshments = snack basket
I’ve taken these flights and eaten these meals. The snack vs. dinner distinction has been explained on FlyerTalk many times. You’re simply incorrect.
@Mark – A snack basket is no meal. It is just a basket of mostly junk “food” not a meal. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner service IS relevant and clearly talked about in linked post for all to see (ie just click the link). FlyerTalk is 50% wrong and 50% attacks and pointless to talk about here.
@Mark I have never seen that info on FT but then if I want info about Delta I usually look at Delta.com. I have never read the breakout that you describe. On many fights I take Snack is a basket of crap. In the post above by Rene the facts are correct. Unfortunately Delta speaks or interprets their written word in a different way than anyone else on the planet.