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When Delta first introduced their premium economy product, that they in their Delta way termed premium select, I was on the inaugural flight and intentionally chose to try it out back and forth to Japan. I really wanted to see just how good and how “premium” it really could be.
For those who have never experienced this seat and service it is almost identical to the domestic first class seat that you can find on the A220 jets. In other words on an international jet you are in what amounts to a “first class” seat but lacking the space and ability to have your seat fully flat like in business class in front of you.
On that inaugural flight to and from Japan I was truly impressed with premium select. The seat was good enough to provide a pleasant experience during daytime flying and while not nearly as pleasant as a full flat seat it works if the price is right. But the “soft product” is what really got my attention and I did not think it would last, that is, a meal identical to the business class cabin and service very much like domestic first class with attentive flight attendants.
Since then Delta has walked back premium select a lot. Keep in mind the Delta CEO called premium select a “business class” product so offering poor service and food that is exactly the same as coach takes the premium out of premium select in a big way. That seems to be quietly changing back now.
Flyertalk user “marshmeli” posted a photo of their recent Delta premium select meal and not only is real china back but even the glass for wine is real glass not plastic or paper. They go on to say:
“Well back from the trip to Hawaii and Disneyland and I must say I enjoyed the Premium Select experience. Service was a great (main FA was named Lyes and he was awesome he kept my wine glass full for the whole 11+ hour journey. I had plenty of room (and I am tall). There was no welcome drink to start the journey. Meal was pretty good as well from non-D1 [Delta One business class].” – Flyertalk user marshmeli
This really is nice to see and I truly hope Delta keeps this going as they are restoring the premium in premium select again. It is nice to be able to post about a #KeepClimbing change vs. the constant flood of #KeepDescending ones!
The other reason I am so happy to see this is because the current pricing trend for Delta One to Europe and beyond is bat crazy and if Delta can offer premium select at a more rational points cost and provide a premium experience I am all for booking this – at least for daytime flights! – René
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I just flew to Paris in Premium Select two weeks ago and then back from London in Delta One. Having never flown in Premium Select I wanted to do a comparison of my own. The verdict? Premium Select is NOT Delta One but given the price point and the “domestic first-class” seat…it’s pretty good. You do get an amenity kit, upgraded food and liquor/wine/etc. The seat is very comfortable and reclines to a “decent” amount. I still wasn’t really able to sleep well in that seat but that’s just me and I bet most folks would not have a problem (if judging by everyone else in the section was any indication…lol). I would definitely not hesitate to book Premium Select again.
I flew Premium Select from MXP to JFK on the 767-400 yesterday and can attest that the experience was great – it definitely felt more like Delta One than Economy/Comfort+. The only noticeable different in soft product food/bev was no separately offered bread (just nicer crackers) and no champagne. Slightly smaller amenity kit but of the same quality. FA welcomed us by name. Plus, seat was fantastic for a nine-hour day flight.
Agree that Delta One prices are nuts, but we were fortunate to snag $439 upgrades from Select to Delta One on the flight over. Old A330-300 herringbone seat, but still worth it for the price.
That meal looks better than what I was served yesterday on my flight from CDG-MSP in Delta One. They (Delta) really need to get away from the cafeteria trays and go back to provide “real” service again. They certainly aren’t afraid to charge for a “Premium” flight…it’s time they put the “Premium” back into their in-flight service.
I just did SEA-LHR in PS and they have made big improvements. Having great flight attendants serving you makes it even better.
the premium economy is from Virgin, who Delta own ,large part of, so I think value for monies its really good, more so on longer flights ,
the premium economy is from Virgin, who Delta own ,large part of, so I think value for monies its really good, more so on longer flights ,
Rather be in the herringbone D1 config than the ancient 767-300 D1. I can’t get away from that 767-300. LAX is my home airport.
I flew Premium select from DTW to HND.
In terms of the seat, I’m tall so plenty of leg room, and the leg rest was nice. The only complaint I have was the arm rests were immoveable like in bulkhead seats, I didn’t like that. It would have been nice for it to recline a little more though as it was difficult to sleep comfortably.
The service was great, pretty much on par with any domestic business class service, and no different from what international business class service got. This is a great alternative to business class at more affordable price. good too. I hope they keep it.
That looks good. I hope they will be doing this for special meals too.
When Delta first came out with Premium Select (PS), I flew DTW to NRT on an A350. It was great. I even get to pre-order the “most sought after” meal in the Japan route – The Bento Box. After than, PS just went down hill. Therefore, I am happy to hear that they are bringing it back to the way it was.
A word on Delta One.. Yes DL One does give better service (IF you are lucky enough to have a good crew). I was on a couple JFK-BCN flights and sat in DL ONE, and I got a bunch of lazy flight attendants. All they care about is to through the whole Meal all at once to you (without me requesting them to do so); so they can sit on the fat butts and do Sudoku. Instead of doing a course by course service like the do on other International carriers such as Korean Air. Yes, you do get more space and get to lie flat to sleep; but to be honest, those seats are designed as “chairs” and not as a bed. The cushions are hard and not plush; so I don’t find it comfortable to sleep on even in the full flat position. That is just my opinion.
Given what I just said, I would not spend the money to DL One. If the do bring PS back to its original form, I think it is a much better value.
I’ll stay with Virgin Upper Class, LAX-LHR & ANA business, LAX-HND & NRT. Delta planes are usually filthy & cabin crews usually bad, food overrated. Currently in Japan, after surprisingly good UA Polaris to HND, especially the meals. Delta One to Japan is a waste of money.