In late 2024, Delta Air Lines announced a new collaboration for its first class dining. This was initially available out of just one airport, but there’s now a significant update, as this has been expanded to an additional four airports. I’m sure some people will like this, but it’s not for me…
In this post:
Details of the Delta & Shake Shack partnership
As of December 1, 2024, Delta and Shake Shack launched a first-of-its-kind partnership, whereby Delta has been serving Shake Shack cheeseburgers in first class on domestic flights. This was initially only available on flights out of Boston (BOS).
However, this program has now been expanded — as of March 4, 2025, Delta is also offering Shake Shack burgers on flights departing Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (LGA), and Seattle (SEA). So this massively increases the number of passengers who can order these, since those are big stations for the airline.
Customers seated in first class on eligible flights of over 900 miles are able to pre-select a cheeseburger as their meal option, between 24 hours and seven days of departure.
Here’s how Stephanie Laster, Delta’s Managing Director of Onboard Service, describes this:
“Customers are raving about the Shake Shack experience onboard our flights after serving more than 10,000 burgers out of Boston since launching in December. This is part of our work to partner with brands our customers already know and love while continuing to raise the bar for the in-flight experience – whether that’s making your favorite cheeseburger available at 35,000 feet, or ensuring you have a variety of fresh meals to choose from that fuel you on your adventure.”
The airline highlights how the Shake Shack cheeseburger features 100% Angus beef patties, topped with cheese and served on a toasted potato bun. Burgers can also be customized to create the signature ShackBurger, with toppings like tomato, lettuce, and ShackSauce, all served on the side.
The meal also features chips, a caesar salad, and a dark chocolate brownie, reminiscent of Shack Attack flavors from some of the brand’s dessert offerings.
My take on the Delta & Shake Shack collaboration
Delta is hardly the first airline to serve burgers in first class, so the concept is nothing new. For that matter, Delta has even served burgers in first class in the past. However, collaborating with a popular burger brand on this is a unique approach we haven’t seen from most other airlines.
I know many people enjoy ordering burgers on planes, so if you’re one of those people, I’m sure this is appealing. Hopefully the quality somewhat reflects the partnership, and these burgers are better than those served by some other airlines.
Personally I won’t be ordering one of these, unless it’s just to give it a try for review purposes. I’m not a big burger person to begin with, but if I am going to eat a burger, I want it to at least be freshly made.
I’ve written in the past about my approach to ordering airplane food. In domestic first class, I generally prefer either cold dishes, or dishes that reheat well. After all, this food isn’t freshly prepared, but hot dishes are reheated prior to being served.
The closer a dish is to something you might find in the freezer section of Trader Joe’s, the better the odds it could be decent. Indian food? It reheats really well. Burgers? Not so much, in my opinion. But that’s just my take…
Bottom line
Delta is partnering with Shake Shack to serve the brand’s popular cheeseburgers in first class. These burgers are available for pre-order on flights of 900+ miles in select markets. While this was initially only available out of Boston, the collaboration has now been expanded to Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle, so that means a lot more passengers will see this as a pre-order option.
What do you make of Delta serving Shake Shack cheeseburgers? Would you order this in first class?
MOS Burger and JAL have been doing this for years in Economy and Premium Economy. This makes sense on flights abroad so give people a take of Japan. However I don’t feel same way with Delta and Shake Shack. I definitely appreciate your excitement. But think about it this way, if you saw a burger and chips on menu at a restaurant, would you really go for the cheeseburger? It’s worth considering the overall monetary value of your choice when flying first class.
It's bad enough Americans eat this fast food crap at drive in. NOw they're shoving in our faces on airplanes!! Better make those seats extra wide for our fat asses.
I don't do dairy so I'd like this better if it was just a hamburger with everything including cheese on the side.
Agree…wish you could order it without cheese.
Even when freshly made Shake Shack is expensive.
I wonder what the business and financial relationship between the two companies to offer this. This is something you don't discuss. I also wonder if it will do well for Shake Shack or if their burgers will feel and taste like other plane burgers. I guess it is a matter of time before they start selling in economy.
To me, this honestly seems more risky on Shake Shack's side. Burgers are something that notoriously do not package well for flights. They can get soggy, look gross, be off.
Best case you're getting something similar to the quality of a Shake Shack burger grilled to order. But the worse case is so, so, so much more likely.
Cathay Pacific, among others, prove you can offer a good burger on airplane in business class.
In Addison TX, the Shakeshack has a notice on the door: "Truffles inside - please do not break the glass".
Is that particular to that branch, or general?
I do go there and eat that truffle burger quite a lot.
I would have thought that for First Class, even Domestic, that is the burger they should serve?
Delta just keeps proving why it’s the best airline in existence. While other airlines are out here serving mystery meat, Delta is out here dishing up Shake Shack—because they actually care about their passengers. And let’s not forget, they’re saving the planet at the same time. Gourmet burgers and eco-friendly flying? Honestly, it’s almost unfair how much better Delta is than everyone else.
I don't think Shake Shack qualifies as gourmet burgers...
I am struck by the large number of people who seem to like Shake Shack.
For me the applicable rule is 3 strikes and you are Out (Shake Shack)! Now if it were Habit, or Smash Burger, or Five Guys - they might have something.
This is fantastic and great that our airlines are taking pride in American Heritage. For many years we have had too much woke ‘fusion’, spicy dishes and forcing foreign food on us. I am allowed an opinion even if I am bullied for saying it.
I'm glad that you a food you really like. I like a really good burger myself, though have never had Shake Shake. I'll go over the line and even say that I don't like In-n-Out.
Other people have their favorite foods as well. I love a lot of different I like, but my waistline doesn't.
It has nothing to be about "woke", people just enjoy different foods. That's where you became really beyond silly.
Enjoy a burger for dinner, maybe I will too.
Hank, I'm gonna hold your hand when I gently tell you that hamburgers came from Germany.
"woke ‘fusion’, spicy dishes and forcing foreign food"
How is any of that "woke"? I have a feeling "woke" to you means "America's changing demographics terrify me"...
The second photo looks more like what a typical shake shack burger looks like when recived than the top one lol
Other than a few select transcons first domestic food sucks and has seen a decline since COVID nonsense. I would not expect any major improvements and a burger seems fine. BTW it's pre order so you're not forced to eat it Airline food even the food on long haul is not healthy. Never has been. One can always bring their own food.
highly amusing to note Tim Dunn's comment on https://onemileatatime.com/insights/united-airlines-first-class-burger-fries/ from August 29, 2023 at 9:57 am:
you truly do wonder what possesses United to think they can execute a burger and fries well on a plane. For the reasons that are noted in the article, it is impossible to make a pre-assembled heated sandwich taste good and be anywhere near comparable to a freshly prepared and served burger. I'm with Ben. A wholesome salad with...
highly amusing to note Tim Dunn's comment on https://onemileatatime.com/insights/united-airlines-first-class-burger-fries/ from August 29, 2023 at 9:57 am:
you truly do wonder what possesses United to think they can execute a burger and fries well on a plane. For the reasons that are noted in the article, it is impossible to make a pre-assembled heated sandwich taste good and be anywhere near comparable to a freshly prepared and served burger. I'm with Ben. A wholesome salad with warm bread is a good domestic first class meal. and contrary to what some people believe, commercial aircraft ovens are CONVECTION ovens - fan-forced hot air - not microwaves and not steam ovens.
Now, on this thread, he's all "oh, you can pick another option if you want." the hypocrisy is so real. it's really sad. Tim, we want you to get help and/or take Action
besides your fakery, I am still w/ Ben. I would rather have something else than a reheated hamburger, regardless of the airline.
hamburgers are for the backyard grill or fresh from the company that made them.
wow - this is as close as we will ever get to him admitting Delta isn't perfect!!!
But Dim! Everyone who knows anything about the airline industry knows only too well that DL is far from perfect. Furthermore, a reheated burger only goes to highlight the inadequacy of the carrier.
Maybe the meds are starting to kick in !
Yay! I recently tried the Shake Shack burger on BOS-SFO and while I’m not generally a fast food fan, and would never otherwise order a burger on a flight, this was delightful. It tasted great (reheated well, actually) and there was something kind of cool about having Shake Shack on a flight.
I just wish United would try even 50% as hard as Delta…haven’t had anything remotely edible in domestic United First lately
Just what America needs. More processed food and obesity.
Make Americans Giant Again
Lol someone said 10 dollars?! Brother. It's like almost 9 dollars already on dry land. They need to sell it at like 15.
As someone who likes Shake Shack, I am intrugued - but have very, very low optimism on the actual burger served on the plane tasting anything close to the burger grilled live at a real Shake Shack.
But honestly, credit Delta for the tie-in.
Too bad you can't get it without the cheese for the Lactose intolerant crowd.
Would be nice for DL to offer chili dogs from The Varsity, a home town favorite.
I agree. Being Jewish, I don't do cheeseburgers (eating milk and meat together). I would love a Shake Shack burger, but without the cheese. I don't know why everywhere a burger is offered it always comes with cheese.
Those Varsity "Sliders" would be great on flights out of ATL. Flying Fart Machines!
Naw, they should just go right to the chili dogs...
Considering how hit or miss the green chile cheeseburger was.... I imagine this is not going to be the premium dining experience the new catering director thinks it is... Don't get me started on the "neopolitan pepperoni pizza" experiment....
Infinitely better than most of the choices on BA
I’ll bite DS ….
Some people have a keen sense of humour, however, no culinary taste or they would obviously choose BA over DL. A better choice for a better food and flight experience, yes?
I actually quite like this concept, as it’s pre order I would probably go for it. I prefer tapas style eating these days, lots of small tasty bite sized items, I would rather have a good meal in the lounge and then just have snack style meals on board.
Two kinds of U.S. airlines:
1. advertise a plane burger as the most premium invention in the world and charge you $200 more and if you are their top published member, maybe $10000
2. hand out sad boxes on domestic first, and offer mini, not-really-lie-flat on their long haul with ~30yo plane and still price it 2 or 3 grands.
WAIT A MINUTE, maybe they could be the same airline!
looks like a whole lot of people didn't bother to read this is a pre-select option.
If you don't want it, there will be another choice.
Yes, for anyone for *pays* for Delta One or domestic First out of BOS, followed by other markets. Those who get the elite upgrades that don’t exist won’t have the option. Blessing or curse, only they can decide.
Delta - going with Shake Shack (started in Manhattan) instead of the home town Varsity. Another example of how Delta is neglecting its Atlanta roots.
fair, but not many people know what Varsity is outside Atlanta. Shake Shack is far more known in the US
I'm an Atlanta native and have zero qualms stating Varsity burgers are absolutely overcooked garbage. Think about how atrocious they look traveling 100 feet from the restaurant to your car, then imagine the presentation a day later on a plane. It would be a horror show online.
Now, if they wanted to really go for it, you figure out how to pull off Holeman & Finch burgers and sell them for $25.
Chill out Premuim pax. If you don’t want a burger, just order the chicken.
Agree with Joker, disgusting. Typical of all US airlines. I would rather eat my own testicles than the food they serve on board Delta, United or American. Singapore or Japan airlines any day of the week
Okay, cool.
you always give yourself away because no one else on this forum routinely talks about testicles in their posts
In fact you could eat a bull calf’s testicles since Rocky Mountain Oysters are a delicacy in the western USA and South America. United could offer them from DEN SFO and LAX.
Can I say ... yuck?
This is what North American "first" class has become, reduced to offering cuts of meat of such bad quality that they have to be ground in order to be served?
I agree with Alonzo that it should be something they sell to economy class passengers.
Ridicolous.
Even when freshly made, Shake Shack burgers are just not very good.
If I'm Shake Shack, I'm not sure slapping my pristine brand on a reheated airplane burger is the best PR move.
To be fair, it's like not Shake Shack is the most premium of burger chains.
I could deal with that cheeseburger meal instead some of the strange stuff served in AA domestic first. It's airplane food. A burger will suffice.
Uh oh. You expressed your opinion on not being a burger fan. Hopefully, Shake Shake doesn't have video footage of you ordering McDonald's! ;)
Hilarious!
Haha
These feels risky for ShakeShack reputation wise and I agree with Lucky that burgers on a plane just don't work.
This should help solve America’s obesity crisis!
I actually like this a lot. Seems like something Jetblue would do instead of Delta.
If Delta offered these burgers in economy class for $10, they would sell like hot cakes.
Hell, ShakeShack themselves barely sell them for $10. Have you eaten there? Almost need a small personal loan!
I eat there monthly. The burger price doesn’t seem to be affecting their stock price or international expansion. There are Shake Shack's EVERYWHERE now.
Save your complaints for Five Guys.
Dumb@ss, I'm not talking about their fiscal well-being, I'm saying that there's no way a third party is going to retail them cheaper than the corporate home.
As I read the article I kept thinking it was JetBlue doing this, perhaps because JetBlue is more likely to do innovative partnerships and because both JetBlue (corporate HQ and main hub) and Shake Shack are from NYC.
Every airline should offer a burger that best aligns with its brand or home region:
Delta & Shake Shack
American & Whataburger
United & McDonalds
Alaska & In-n-Out
Spirit & White Castle
Hawaiian & Big Kahuna Burger
Jetblue & Culver's
Culver's is as Midwest as you can get. The abominable B6 doesn't recognize the existence of the Midwest.
lol at Big Kahuna
@MildMidesterner No love for Burger King or Five Guys?
Burger King would obviously be affiliated with Royal Jordanian or Royal Air Maroc.
@MildMidwesterner Haha!!!!!
@ MildMidwesterner - first, LMAO at the Burker King reply.
Second, I think Alaska would be better off partnered with Burgerville, a Portland-area staple. Or Taco Time!
Burger* King so sorry
If United put Portillos on the plane or in the lounge....
What a great idea!!!!
BurgerKing was born out of Miami and, I believe, is still headed out of Miami.
So, that would make AA = BK
(Do not even know what a Whataburger is)
Nothing says PREMIUM and LUXURY on a $4,000 Delta One ticket or $1,700 domestic first-class ticket than a fast-food burger. If tiny Air Baltic and [now-defunct] Czech Airlines can offer up extensive pre-order selections equivalent to a brasserie, so can Delta.
Agree. Noting screams premium less than cuts of meats of such bad quality that have to be ground up in order to be served.
You must buy awful stuff. I rather look forward to steak tartare on visits to France.
I guess it beats serving Burger King or McDonalds?
Generally big brands stay away from partnerships like this because the execution and quality varies so much out of their direct control. Maybe Delta has magic ovens that'll make this come out much better than any other time this has been tried?
I would not be surprised if it isn't even real Shake Shack. Delta and Delta's catering contractor(s) are probably just licensing the Shake Shack name and will serve a burger that looks like what Shake Shack serves but isn't necessarily coming directly from Shake Shack. You see this all the time when Delta touts a local chef. It's always described as "inspired by chef [name]'s restaurant."
No threat to IN-N-OUT.
Still a great idea; kudos to Delta for the *choice*.
Haven't had a Shake Shack since 2018. I liked their burgers, but how well that translate into a Delta's in-flight meal is... let's see.
Reminds of me the times when JAL served a Mos Burger (Japanese burger franchise) as a meal in economy class in early 2010s.
Mos Burger is total crap.
Delta need to drop its predilection for smothering its on-board hot meals with cheese to try to disguise how disgusting they are. There’s no hiding it. My last flight on Delta there was not a single meal offered that was not disgusting and did not have cheese all over it.
You sampled every meal option to see if it was "disgusting" or not, or are you just the whiny type who'd say that about every option regardless?
One of the greatest interactions I've ever heard on a plane. 1st class FA: We have a chicken enchilada or a shrimp salad. Passenger: Oh, which is better? FA: They look very different and taste exactly the same. This sums up my general experience with airline food from international first class and business to Spirit. I love you Ben but I never care about the food part of reviews because none of it matters.
You choose to fly the wrong airlines. Most of them (outside of North America ones) serve excellent food.
HAHA, "Premium" Airline serves fast food. You are just going to see Shake Shack loading precooked burgers into the ovens. This is a joke. After yesterdays announcement of DL upgrading food they plan to offer this. One commenter stated "DL is going after the international market" they shall remain nameless, but imagine AF Premier Class serving McDonalds!
Sorry, I don't get the comparison. I serve you choice meat, and you ask what if [fill in top steakhouse] served select grade.
Shake Shack tie up? Is it 2012 where shake shack I popular again?
Their stock price and international expansion indicates they're insanely popular. Have you been living under a rock since 2012?
no. I have not. Have you?
Like the old saying goes "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded"
Shake Shack is rather downmarket at this point
Julie been hittin them gummies again.
Down market lmao.
@Julie @Alonzo. Yeah. Not joking one bit that Shake Shack is crazy popular outside of America and not just popular in America. They say it is so much better than McDonalds where the quality of meat is much better. Waiting in line to order as well or looking for a while to find seating.
who is still waiting in line to order Shake Shack? The days of people waiting to do that are far far in the past.
But, sure, of course it's better quality than McDonald's for the meat. The french fries? Pretty sure they get those krinkle kut fries straight out of the Kroger frozen aisle
Nobody is waiting in line cause you can just order on the app lol. Geez Julie, unthaw from the stone age.
We understand you dislike SS but the broader population enjoys it. Hence the massive global expansion. Companies don't expand because there isn't demand.
You act like global expansion is the sign of a quality meal. It's actually quite the opposite meaning it's gone to that stage in a chain when they aren't deemed quality and so the brand is going all out on quantity to create growth.
Stock price has nothing to do with it. If it were, we'd be looking at YUM brands or McDonalds for quality food.
We get it. You don't live in...
You act like global expansion is the sign of a quality meal. It's actually quite the opposite meaning it's gone to that stage in a chain when they aren't deemed quality and so the brand is going all out on quantity to create growth.
Stock price has nothing to do with it. If it were, we'd be looking at YUM brands or McDonalds for quality food.
We get it. You don't live in a place where you know much about quality, but Shake Shack just isn't the brand it was ten years ago.
If Delta will use the very same cooking technology Shake Shack uses, then this is interesting. If not...
(I can't believe I get to be the first!)
...it's a NothingBurger.
Bahahahahhaa!!
I personally really enjoy shake shack though when I fly Delta from JFK T4, there are 2 shake shack locations there so I would not eat it on the plane.
But aside from In-and-Out, Shake Shack is always consistent.
I’m here once again on behalf of those who can’t eat dairy to stop putting cheese on every airline meal possible
Amen to that! I absolutely hate cheese. I even order pizza without cheese. But airlines seem to love the stuff which can be frustrating when traveling. There are non dairy special meals but some of those are quite ghastly. My usual go-to is to order a Kosher meal, since they do not combine meat and dairy together.
Couldn't agree more.
US ultraprocessed cheese is cheap, cheap and cheap and adds taste to the worst, tasteless, pieces of proteins.
We could also stop using bread in a burger for those who can´t eat bread, or meat for those who doesn´t eat meat, and veggies for those that doesn´t like veggies :)
The woke can no longer dictate to the majority.