Delta Air Lines announced on Tuesday they’re redesigning their fleet’s cabin interiors. Some of the updates sound good. Others? I don’t necessarily love them.
According to a release, “Breathable materials, comfortable memory-foam cushions on widebody jets, and lighting that promotes relaxation will span the fleet. ”
Hey, that’s great if it means softer seats in Delta’s new First Class seats. They’re currently installed in the A321neos and some 737s. (I didn’t love my experience.) A lot of people I speak with and see online complain about how hard those seats are. I sat next to someone who said he works for the company that supplies Delta with their seat cushions and they’ve heard more than an earful.
Maybe the photos don’t do the new interiors justice in real life. But there’s nothing special about these seat colors. I much prefer the blue seats, red Delta widget, and other touches that reflect the Delta brand. These dark, seemingly black seats instantly remind me of American Airlines and Air France. (Although the widgets will still be there in the form of tags…)
So, what’s up with the color scheme? Delta celebrates its centennial next year and is “reimagining how it uses its brand colors by leaning into a softer, warmer and more modern color palette with natural materials such as wool and accents of Delta’s original heritage colors throughout. The design is fresh, clean and elegant and elevates key Delta brand elements.”
Here’s a #KeepClimbing-worthy change: “Lavatories will also be refreshed with bright walls and an accent wall opposite the mirror in the Celestial Sky pattern. Cabinets in the lavatories will be in a fresh and modern Azure Blue color. The flooring is made from a smooth material with specks of color, ensuring improved cleanliness and safe traction.”
I like that! The current lavs are rather dark and these will be nice updates. (It’s not like I use an airplane’s lav to critique its aesthetics. But I appreciate this refresh!
One feature I enjoy about some Delta planes is their thoughtful lighting designs. For example, the interior slowly warms up to almost a sunrise color when it’s time to prepare for landing — sort of like “Time to wake up!” There’s generally a dark-ish blue when we board flights. And the lighting program, if you will, is getting updated. Per Mauricio Parise, Vice President – Customer Experience Design for Delta:
“Every flight is different, so we’ve focused on creating warm, calming and atmospheric lighting options that create an environment for customers to rest and relax, or stay productive as they wish… For boarding, we’ve focused on the ‘moment of deceleration’ – warm and inviting lighting that makes the cabin appear spacious and open. At mealtimes, we queue hues that feel like you’re at a candlelit dinner – making meals more natural and inviting. As the lights dim for sleep, we borrow from the sunset and slowly remove blue light while bringing in warm amber tones which are reminiscent of a sunset glow. When it’s time to wake up, the cabin slowly brightens into morning and daylight.”
When Do We See the New Interiors?
It’ll take a while. Refurbishing an airliner cabin isn’t really an overnight task.
“Delta’s new cabin design will first debut on a narrowbody Boeing 757 aircraft that will begin flying on domestic and short haul international routes later this fall.,” the airline’s release said, “In early 2025, a widebody Airbus A350 will debut with the new design on long haul international routes. Additional aircraft will receive the new cabin design as Delta’s schedule and operation allows over the next few years.”
So, gradually during the next few years.
Final Approach
Delta is updating its fleet’s interiors. As much as I love dark colors, I much prefer the current Delta palette. I hope the updated seats are comfortable. I really like the lavatory and lighting updates.
What do you think?
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Reminds me of the failed Song experience targeting a certain demographic putting in wood floors in the lavatory of the 757s with a skittles aka Southwest interior. Clearly marketing gurus in Delta have not evolved since 2004
I don’t see ANY similarity to the song interior.
My point was the marketing, not the interior was a starburst disaster aka Song
I flew on an Airbus 321neo from Seattle to Kona, HI and then from Kona to LAX in first class. They were definitely uncomfortable as they were very firm. Only saving grace was the legroom and ability to “squirm” a little.
Recommend you bring a pillow or cushion to sit on if that’s your plane.
The lavs really need a gut and redo on most of the planes. They have been trashed for years and failing apart. Most are duck taped!
The new first class seats in the A321 are very hard. I now have to travel with a blow up seat cushion for my butt just for Delta
I flew first on A321neo and I thought I was nuts…the seats were horrid.