- Delta is changing how it books flights. The carrier is renaming sections of the plane and will offer three levels of tickets in each. The changes go into effect for flights beginning Oct. 21.
Booking a flight on Delta Air Lines this fall is going to take some re-education.
The carrier on Thursday announced a refresh of its seating categories, which will let passengers choose options important to them, but could make it a little harder to find what they’re used to at the same price.
The changes will go into effect on Oct. 1 – though passengers booking a ticket and flying before then will still see the new seat product branding.
“As we listen and learn about what our customers want when it comes to their travel, we know that clarity and choice are paramount,” said Eric Phillips, senior vice president and chief digital officer in a company blog post. “Our reimagined shopping experience gives customers more options and flexibility to pick the travel experience that works best for them, and a full picture of all the benefits of flying with Delta.”
Here’s what you can expect from the new options:
What changes is Delta making to its booking procedures?
- Delta Main Cabin will now be called Delta Main.
- Delta Comfort+ is now simply Delta Comfort
- Delta First Class has been shortened to Delta First
The Delta Premium Select and Delta One options will keep their current names. Basic Economy, the cheapest flight option, is being folded into Delta Main. That’s where things get a little more complicated.
What are my seating choices on Delta with the new booking procedures?
Each of the three new categories will have subcategories passengers can choose from. For Delta Main, those options are:
Delta Main Basic – These are the seats that used to be covered in Basic Economy. Choosing this option means you won’t be able to reserve a specific seat and will board last. You also won’t earn any frequent flyer miles and can’t access the Delta Sky Clubs, no matter what.
Delta Main Classic – This option is akin to a typical coach seat. You can choose your seat, you board a bit earlier and you’ll earn points towards frequent flyer status.
Delta Main Extra – Choosing this level will get you on board a bit earlier and a reserved seat, as well as 7 frequent flyer miles per dollar spent. These tickets are also the most refundable and include same-day standby.
Delta Comfort, Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta One will also offer tiered experiences, though only Classic and Extra (no Basic).
How will Delta’s booking changes affect the price of my ticket?
The multiple tiers to choose from will result in a wider degree of pricing. A sample ticket Delta showed in an email to frequent flyer members showed a Main Basic seat going for $427, a Main Classic costing $527 and a Main Extra running $767. Actual rates and price differences will vary, however.
How will Delta’s booking changes affect my upgrade eligibility?
Delta says a passenger’s Medallion status and the type of seat they purchased remain the most important factors when determining upgrade eligibility. If two passengers have equal status and one has purchased the Classic seat, while the other paid for the Extra, the one who purchased the “Extra” seat would receive the upgrade.