In the next couple of weeks, Delta Air Lines plans to introduce a very premium domestic narrow body aircraft, with a staggering 44 first class seats. However, this isn’t by design, but is instead intended to make the best of a frustrating situation.
I first wrote about this several months ago (based on information that JonNYC shared). There’s now an update, as pictures have just leaked of the first plane with this special configuration, and it’s quite something! The entry into service for this aircraft has also been moved forward.
In this post:
Delta unveils 164-seat A321neos, with 44 first class seats
Delta is introducing a new Airbus A321neo configuration featuring dozens of first class seats. Specifically, this configuration features 44 first class seats, 54 extra legroom economy seats, and 66 standard economy seats.
As a point of comparison, Delta’s standard A321neos have 194 seats, including 20 first class seats, 60 extra legroom economy seats, and 114 standard economy seats.
A few things stand out about this configuration (beyond just the huge number of first class seats):
- First class has 38″ of pitch, so seats are a bit more spacious than your typical Delta domestic first class seat
- One lavatory for 44 first class passengers is brutal, so I imagine many first class passengers will have to go back and use the mid-cabin economy lavatory
- There’s an additional oven in the cabin compared to the standard domestic configuration, so serving hot meals in first class on this plane shouldn’t be an issue
The current plan seems to be that seven planes will get this ultra-premium configuration. The first picture has just been leaked of a plane with this configuration, and it’s quite the unique cabin!
With the amount of premium demand nowadays, plus given how lucrative loyalty programs are, I’ve long argued that US carriers should increase the average size of their first class cabins. However, introducing a cabin with 44 first class seats is quite the stretch! So, what’s actually going on here?
Delta is making the best of A321neos in storage
Delta plans to introduce a new subfleet of Airbus A321neos, which will be in a premium, three-cabin configuration. The airline intends to add 21 of these A321neos to its fleet, specifically for premium transcontinental flights (United has similar plans for a subfleet of A321neos).
These planes are expected to feature just 148 seats, including 16 business class seats, 12 premium economy seats, 54 extra legroom economy seats, and 66 standard economy seats. However, several of these planes have been in storage for an extended period, as Delta is having issues with getting the business class seats certified (that’s very Lufthansa of them, eh?).
With there seemingly being no end in sight to these certification issues, Delta is now putting these planes into service with modified interiors. Keep in mind that the premium economy seats on these planes are comparable to domestic first class, so the idea is that in place of the 16 business class seats, the airline is instead temporarily installing an additional 32 premium economy or first class seats.
Parking planes for years is obviously costly, so this seems like a logical enough way for Delta to get some use out of these aircraft, until those certification issues can be worked out. Besides, the airline can temporarily install these premium seats on the plane, and then later install them on other newly delivered A321neos.
Flights operated by this aircraft are on sale, with flights beginning as of May 20, 2026. Delta’s plan is to fly these planes on select frequencies from Atlanta (ATL) to Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA).
Here’s how Mauricio Parise, Delta’s VP of Customer Experience Design, describes this:
“Sometimes the supply chain throws us a curve. Rather than wait, we chose to implement a creative solution to ensure our customers had access to some of our newest aircraft in time for the summer travel season.”
“Customers on coast-to-coast routes want more premium seat options and these aircraft, which will also have 54 Delta Comfort seats, will provide our customers with ample choice. For customers who still want a flatbed option, we’ll continue to operate aircraft with Delta One suites – and Delta Premium Select with additional recline, leg room, and footrest – during peak hours between ATL and LAX.”
What’s pretty wild to me is that Delta took delivery of the first of these planes in October 2024, and it’s now entering service in May 2026, with modified interiors. In other words, the plane was parked for over 18 months, before getting a temporarily interior and entering service.
Delta must be having some really massive, Lufthansa level certification issues with its new business class seats on those planes for things to play out this way. After all, Delta wouldn’t configure these planes in this way if it expected that the seats would be certified by late 2026 or early 2027, as it wouldn’t be worth the effort.
Here’s to hoping that Delta has better luck with its upcoming Airbus A350-1000s, which will feature a new business class, or else that could pose major issues for the carrier’s growth plans.
Bottom line
In the very near future, Delta plans to introduce into service a new Airbus A321neo layout with a staggering 44 first class seats. What’s going on here is that Delta has new A321neos that are supposed to get flat beds, but the airline seemingly can’t get those seats certified.
So rather than keeping these planes in storage with no end in sight, Delta will fly up to seven of these with standard domestic first class seats in the space of the business class cabin.
I just find the timeline here to be pretty wild, given that we’re talking about planes that started to be delivered in October 2024, and now they’re going to entering service as of May 2026, with temporary interiors. So when will these planes actually fly with the intended interiors? 2028, best case scenario?
What do you make of Delta’s premium A321neo configuration situation?
I love seeing Delta up its game.
Delta Airlines, with the help of that brain dead proletariat poser Walter Mitty-Dunn, is convinced that they are a premium U.S. carrier and not a budget carrier. By doing so higher passenger expectations result …. Yes?
When things go right, as in 1990’s recent experience, the proletariat feels that it is worth paying more for their flight. Conversely, one has to admit, that when things go wrong the criticism is likely to be even more...
Delta Airlines, with the help of that brain dead proletariat poser Walter Mitty-Dunn, is convinced that they are a premium U.S. carrier and not a budget carrier. By doing so higher passenger expectations result …. Yes?
When things go right, as in 1990’s recent experience, the proletariat feels that it is worth paying more for their flight. Conversely, one has to admit, that when things go wrong the criticism is likely to be even more negative. This situation is because the tickets cost more in the first place. You see, you cannot win the argument Walter …. :-(
Spectrum Boy is just going through the stages of grief at the loss of his dad's employer and his favourite airline. His version of the Georgia Klan Air up on a shiny hill is no more (it never was to be fair, but in Spectrum Boy's mind it certainly was). The stages of grief are tough for some to manage, especially those on the spectrum like Spectrum Boy. When the hometown paper turns on said airline it must be a sad time at the Spectrum household.
someone that calls the people that host sites they frequent "fatty" clearly represents the absolute dregs of society.
the fake aero, the latest of a string of fraudulent accounts on this site, is yet another example of someone that can't stand to admit that DL, whether they intended to do so or not, has come up w/ a very viable configuration that all of us that fly regularly proves to be very successful not just...
someone that calls the people that host sites they frequent "fatty" clearly represents the absolute dregs of society.
the fake aero, the latest of a string of fraudulent accounts on this site, is yet another example of someone that can't stand to admit that DL, whether they intended to do so or not, has come up w/ a very viable configuration that all of us that fly regularly proves to be very successful not just for passengers but also for the airline.
Here's hoping we see a whole lot more of these type of supersized domestic first class configured aircraft.
Walter, please be advised that currently there is nothing “Fake” about the posts under the AroB13a login. Be that ‘guest’ or ‘Diamond’. It is true that the login has been hijacked on several occasions in the past, however, to the best of my knowledge, not recently.
Now to address your ramblings in full:
Walter, once again you are focusing on who is posting rather than on the argument itself. Whether someone is a “Fake account”...
Walter, please be advised that currently there is nothing “Fake” about the posts under the AroB13a login. Be that ‘guest’ or ‘Diamond’. It is true that the login has been hijacked on several occasions in the past, however, to the best of my knowledge, not recently.
Now to address your ramblings in full:
Walter, once again you are focusing on who is posting rather than on the argument itself. Whether someone is a “Fake account” has nothing to do with whether their critique of Delta Airlines configuration is valid. However, dismissing criticism by attacking the messenger avoids engaging with the actual issue, as is your way.
You also assume motive, because I post a well publicised critical account of Delta Airlines, that I “Can’t stand to admit the configuration works”. That is pure speculation Walter, quite wrong too. Delta Airlines customers can disagree for many reasons, comfort issues, abysmal long-haul experience, cuts in elite benefits, operational downsides, etc, etc. Notwithstanding, if as you claim the configuration is truly successful, then the case for it should stand on measurable outcomes, yes? Yet, again and again you fail to mention load factors, RASM, customer satisfaction scores, repeat bookings, etc. Rather than present a logical argument, you rely upon insinuations about psychology. How droll Walter!
Finally, claiming that “All of us who fly regularly find it successful” is an overgeneralisation and is certainly at odds with well publicised Customer Satisfaction Surveys. Frequent flyers are not a monolith. Some may value density and price; while others may prioritise comfort and space, etc. A serious discussion would acknowledge that different factors exist.
I find it necessary to repeat the words of Del Boy, (star of the comedy show Only Fools and Horses) “What a plonker Rodney”. Actually, in this case one should delete Rodney and insert “Walter Mitty Dunn …. YES?
Your nemesis is not to be turned out by the likes of you Walter …. :-)
I’m helping Ben, to accrue clicks for his points, miles for his flights and thereafter, flight reviews of world class airlines. One really appreciates reading about worthwhile subjects …. Yes?
You can stick to your “Disastrous Delta Airlines” propaganda promoting for all I care. Ben appreciates the clicks which your ramblings generate and the proletariat apparently appreciate making you...
Your nemesis is not to be turned out by the likes of you Walter …. :-)
I’m helping Ben, to accrue clicks for his points, miles for his flights and thereafter, flight reviews of world class airlines. One really appreciates reading about worthwhile subjects …. Yes?
You can stick to your “Disastrous Delta Airlines” propaganda promoting for all I care. Ben appreciates the clicks which your ramblings generate and the proletariat apparently appreciate making you look like an incredibly foolish Walter Mitty too …. Yes?
Back to your “Disastrous Delta Airlines” and what the U.S. travel critics are saying:
“As Delta Airlines charges more, it must deliver more and consistently.”
When service disruptions happen, the critics argue that:
“Expectations are higher because of Delta Airlines premium pricing policies”.
Once again Walter you will be best advised to “Shut up and put up” old sock, as you are not intelligent enough to be able to defend the indefensible …. correct?
get help, seriously.
One assumes that you are referring to yourself Walter …. what a cad you are Mr Mitty-Done …. :-)
Do these new planes come with pilots?
Apparently F9 dinged a person at DEN https://bsky.app/profile/brandonfriedman.bsky.social/post/3mlfmwyffbk2r
Why is premium heavy good? First is supposed to be exclusive!
Well, I’m ridin’ one of their older a321 right now, and I’d prefer the newer, more private recliners over the existing ones, but, of course, Delta better get their new suites approved so they can retrofit with lie-flat soon enough.
I'm still amazed you fly Delta as much as you do for how much of a union rights person you claim to be.
Max… the pilots have had a union since 1934! (And the dispatchers have one, too.) Besides, how else am I gonna convince the FA’s and others to organize? Gotta fly ‘em… bah!
I mean... Delta is the biggest union-buster airline in the world. Fly who you want -- but maybe cool it on the organized workforce rights talk if you don't put your money where your mouth is ;)
Lots of unionized NYC airlines to fly. Delta isn't one ;)
I mix it up, plenty, thanks to all the competition in the NYC market. (Still Premier Platinum and Platinum Pro, and while I don’t have status with them, I really do like jetBlue.) It was the particular routing this time (UA doesn’t even fly mainline there).
you go, 1990
I love how are committed to ideals but ultimately let the market speak.
There are a whole lot of markets from NYC that UA doesn't serve or doesn't serve with mainline, as you note.
Given that DL has 20% more flights from NYC than any other airline, they can fly to more places that New Yorkers want to fly - rather than places in Europe that have the only US carrier...
you go, 1990
I love how are committed to ideals but ultimately let the market speak.
There are a whole lot of markets from NYC that UA doesn't serve or doesn't serve with mainline, as you note.
Given that DL has 20% more flights from NYC than any other airline, they can fly to more places that New Yorkers want to fly - rather than places in Europe that have the only US carrier service and 60% of the flight just comes to NYC to change planes.
Max does have a point. There are few companies that have managed to kill as many union jobs and still keep growing as a company like DL has done.
"Max does have a point. There are few companies that have managed to kill as many union jobs and still keep growing as a company like DL has done."
you got me there, Timmy
Delta did manage to kill the proud union workforce at NW and bend them to their knee, try to take away their lucrative profit sharing formula, then F*ck them over during covid with TAXPAYER money. But you got me, Tim....
"Max does have a point. There are few companies that have managed to kill as many union jobs and still keep growing as a company like DL has done."
you got me there, Timmy
Delta did manage to kill the proud union workforce at NW and bend them to their knee, try to take away their lucrative profit sharing formula, then F*ck them over during covid with TAXPAYER money. But you got me, Tim. We agree, Delta is responsible for hundreds of thousands of union jobs.
It's funny that the last 3 flights in a row I've flown in DL FC have had Delta FAs with AFA ribbons on their uniforms.
Seems even illegal pins are becoming the norm at Delta, Tim. watch out ;)
there is no even remotely sane DL employee that would vote for the AFA after the utter disaster that the AFA has made of UA FA negotiations.
the only real question is what airline DL will buy next so THE COLLECTIVE workforce can eliminate even more jobs.
You do realize that DL seriously considered buying United when UA was in chapter 11?
my how the industry would have changed if DL employees had eliminated even more union jobs?
Tim, I’m fairly consistent: I think the market needs healthy competition, including guardrails like unions for workers and consumer protections like an EU261 equivalent in the US. And, yes, tonights flight went well (early! And the spinach ravioli is still pretty decent. Though, on gummy snacks, I do miss the Vego Bears, better than Albanese.)
Socialist with elite status.
What a hypocrisy.
Talking to a self brainwashed fanatic capitalist.
Now that's entertainment.
A captive market does not a good airline make Walter! In spite of all your propaganda lad, you need to wake up and smell the coffee. No one else is convinced by your rhetoric.
Ryanair does well because it too, it has the flights going from and to the destinations which the proletariat wants to fly …. Yes?
The silence from Walter Mitty-Dunn is deafening!
Perhaps he has realised that it would be impossible for him to defend the indefensible?
Perhaps he is busy consulting Mr Google in an attempt to find mitigating circumstances for the failures of his beloved Delta Airlines?
Well, I have a busy day tomorrow taking AOP-6 out for a canter. Best be off to boboos now and leave Walter to cogitate over the posts.
don't let the door hit you on the backside on the way out.
and to think a supposed Brit could be so aggrieved for being called out on its use of grammar and spelling. Clearly a very deep wound.
Tim, the saying is… ‘where the lord split ya’
I mean... he's not a brit, Tim
He doesn't even speak like one, "yes"?
in car you haven't noticed, he claims to be 70-80 years old yet routinely lives on US time (or the guest user does anyway -- it would be nice if Lucky shut down the guest use of the name since there's a snarky difference between the user and the guest profile)
Likely the ‘guest’ is the impersonator. It’s not me; though, I’ve been impersonated (as have Eskimo, and a few others). It’s not THAT big of a deal, but, yeah, Aero, please log-in. Show us your Diamond!)
;-)
Max, you have ‘unfrocked’ me darlink. You are absolutely correct I am no more a “Brit” than a Canadian is ‘American’. It has almost become a dirty word calling a born and bred Englishman a common or garden “Brit”, don’t you know? However, rest assured that I will not lose any sleep over your faux pas …. :-)
Again one reads that some U.S. travel analysts report that “If Delta Airlines charges more, it must deliver more and consistently”. They go on to argue that when service disruptions happen customers expectations are higher and all because of the premium pricing structures.
TBC.
It’s anecdotal, but my domestic mainline Delta flight is on-schedule… maybe even early!
(But, nevermind; please ignore this. It isn’t ‘data’ just my personal, individual anecdote… so it doesn’t count. Darn.)
Upon carrying out simple internet searches one soon discovers that Delta Airlines are facing growing challenges in regard to reliability, customer service consistency and fare pricing.
TBC.
Let's hope this becomes a hit and DL decides to convert more aircraft to this configuration.
Other airlines have talked about supersized domestic first class cabins but DL will have them.
But Walter, analysts have criticised Delta Airlines high pricing strategy, they are saying that fares are often higher than competitors on the same routes.
The spin…
There is more to life than Delta, dude!
"Other airlines have talked about supersized domestic first class cabins but DL will have them."
no one has talked about a domestic first class cabin with 44 seats. Delta just had poor supply chain planning like they VERY often do -- let's just call a spade a spade.
You don't have to put a positive glow around a piece of sh*t
Delta’s clearly going for the same as B6 newer Mint, AA Flagship Suites on XLR, and United’s Coastliner; it’s just gonna take longer since they couldn’t get approvals yet. As a passenger, I’m all-for more lie-flat on narrow-bodies.
You know AI didn't generate this by its unnecessarily verbose and repetitive writing. For heaven's sake, edit your text, especially on a topic you've already written about at length.
Surely there's a browser extension that can convert text to third-grade reading level so you don't feel too challenged?
It is understood the numerous Delta Airlines reviews specifically highlight flight delays, missed connections, problems with refunds or eCredits. According to Trustpilot reviews, further customer complaints are that Delta Customer Service is difficult to reach or unhelpful. Problems include; unhelpful agents, poor complaints resolution and long on hold times. TBC …. :-(
Unhelpful agents and poor complaints resolution, along with horrible FA service, was what turned me against Delta a long time ago. This isn't any recent development.
and yet AA and UA handledly receive far complaints to the DOT than DL.
Your lenses are scratched, sir
…. and the proof of your claim is Walter?
It is interesting to note that you finally acknowledge the shortcomings of Delta Airlines, furthermore, that your only defence for their failures is to claim that others are worse. Some defender of the failing airline you turned out to be, yes?
Further reading chronicles Delta Airlines low Customer Satisfaction Survey Scores.
Independent review platforms like Trustpilot and other Consumer Affairs publications show below average passenger ratings. Trustpilot reviews only averaging around 1.7 out of 5 stars.
I have been reading that some U.S. technology commentators have recently been most critical of Delta Airlines. They are concerned that Delta’s use of AI dynamic pricing, is “Predatory”. Believing it to be potentially harming consumers who are more likely to pay higher, personalised fare prices.
It’s a good way to try something out of a bad situation. Maybe it will also give them lessons learned and they will consider expanding premium seats to other aircraft (although I doubt more than another row). I’m not sure how Lufthansa did their seats, I think it was custom but likely manufacturers by one of the best seat makers. Good or bad, Delta took an off the seat shelf and they haven’t delivered. Doesn’t...
It’s a good way to try something out of a bad situation. Maybe it will also give them lessons learned and they will consider expanding premium seats to other aircraft (although I doubt more than another row). I’m not sure how Lufthansa did their seats, I think it was custom but likely manufacturers by one of the best seat makers. Good or bad, Delta took an off the seat shelf and they haven’t delivered. Doesn’t seem like it has anything to do with delta not being able to verity the seat.
Spectrum Boy has a said that Georgia Klan Air has yet another problem, with their 6th negative article on problems which started with the AJC and now points out bad numbers and rs kings against others, a summer of hell coming with cancelations, and just general buffoonery all around. Even the YT bloggers have posted multiple negative reviews this week. But Georgia Klan Air is not done, they got another racial discrimination formal complaint filed...
Spectrum Boy has a said that Georgia Klan Air has yet another problem, with their 6th negative article on problems which started with the AJC and now points out bad numbers and rs kings against others, a summer of hell coming with cancelations, and just general buffoonery all around. Even the YT bloggers have posted multiple negative reviews this week. But Georgia Klan Air is not done, they got another racial discrimination formal complaint filed with the EEOC, still having more than all other airlines COMBINED. And they lost during the first quarter even WN beat them lol. The dumpster fire in Atlanta has got Spectrum Boy so upset I. Defending his dad's employer all he can do is being up non-sequitur posts about UA (and even lie about that such as his false Starlink post). Bless his heart.
Crap plane for a crap airline.
Your airbus hate is so intriguing. I’m sure most people aren’t that fussed if it’s Boeing or Airbus, unless they’re concerned about Boeing’s issues in the past few years. But your anti Airbus passion is fascinating.
My anti-Airpus position is that of a proud American and a counter to the horde of anti-Boeing pusheads that roam around the avblogosphere like the oozing pustules they are.
But ORD, has it never occurred to you that perhaps people are simply taking the piss out of a propaganda swallowing bigot?
No, my opinion was formed during the MAX crisis, when every "positive" mention of Airbus included an anti-Boeing response by the Airbus fanboys. There had to be schadenfreude included. This was almost a trope over at Simpleton Flying, assisted by the obvious pro-Airbus bias of the "editorial" crew there at the time. This pre-dated the current anti-American feelings (which I understand). As for me, I root for the home team, made especially poignant that at...
No, my opinion was formed during the MAX crisis, when every "positive" mention of Airbus included an anti-Boeing response by the Airbus fanboys. There had to be schadenfreude included. This was almost a trope over at Simpleton Flying, assisted by the obvious pro-Airbus bias of the "editorial" crew there at the time. This pre-dated the current anti-American feelings (which I understand). As for me, I root for the home team, made especially poignant that at the time, Boeing was headquartered in Chicago.
I wish Delta would publish the pitch for C+ bulkhead and exit rows as overwing exit rows found on single-aisle planes and most 767s aren’t usually bulkhead rows and are usually arranged in a way that they can be measured for seat pitch, like the exit rows on the transcon and “jumbo first class” A321NEOs. The LOPA shows that rows 13-15 clearly have over 34” of pitch so maybe we can estimate at least 36”...
I wish Delta would publish the pitch for C+ bulkhead and exit rows as overwing exit rows found on single-aisle planes and most 767s aren’t usually bulkhead rows and are usually arranged in a way that they can be measured for seat pitch, like the exit rows on the transcon and “jumbo first class” A321NEOs. The LOPA shows that rows 13-15 clearly have over 34” of pitch so maybe we can estimate at least 36” for rows 13-15. Also worth noting that as this plane was planned to have D1 and PS, C+ and maybe first class will respectively have 50% and 75% more recline than standard seats (6” and 7” for C+ and first class respectively, based on the comparison chart from several years ago).
We need OMAAT to do an in-depth article on the FAA seat certification process. What causes these lengthy delays? Is there one part-time employee handling all certification? Seriously, how can something like this take years.
I assume it’s a guy in a cheap suit with a Jersey accent looking for some cash.
I'm sitting in one of these F seats right now. Delta really needs to fix the padding issue, after a while feels like you're sitting on a bench. The comfort plus seats are more comfortable by FAR.
I just flew Deltas 321NEO with these first class seats pictured on your post. The cabin has 1 row too many. The winged seats reduce pitch by 4 inches and there is not enough room to deploy leg rest. Seats are close enough to take tray table out of arm and add to seat in front. Very disappointing that this is gonna be priced as first class, when its no better than their international premium economy
I notice the 31-32 inch pitch in economy. That's better than on most European airlines.
Delta is Junk! Their skytracks awards:
-Most inconsistent product award
-Worst economy class meal award
-Worst flight attendant uniform award
-Tim dunn award of (so-called) excellence
-Award for most bad awards
there really is treatment for TDS. (Tim Derangement Syndrome).
It isn't covered by insurance but will be the best investment you can make.
Great tactic from Delta to really Capitalize on "premium". This move will go down in history books and be in taught in business schools and known utterly as "Tim's Gambit"!
Channeling my inner Tim here before he posts. I see two ways he can spin this:
1. Look at this amazing decision by Delta, adapting in the face of adversity because they can't be at fault for their own poor fleet planning now causing them to fly sub-optimized aircraft across the country.
2. Wow this was Delta's intention all along, these are optimal layouts and they never intended to have them in the...
Channeling my inner Tim here before he posts. I see two ways he can spin this:
1. Look at this amazing decision by Delta, adapting in the face of adversity because they can't be at fault for their own poor fleet planning now causing them to fly sub-optimized aircraft across the country.
2. Wow this was Delta's intention all along, these are optimal layouts and they never intended to have them in the original layout.
Either way, Delta is amazing, can't do anything wrong, the people in fleet planning and configurations at Delta are second to none and Delta>>>>>>> United Peace Out!
Seems like Delta did the same doozy that Lufthansa did, which Tim has criticized across multiple flight bloggers (quite justly tbh, Lufthansa and Delta have both dropped the same ball).
Ben captured it fairly accurately other than to say that Safran couldn't get the seat DL chosen certified. Airbus held the planes for a while but DL ultimately had to take delivery of them.
This is a temporary solution that might turn wildly profitable even as children on other sites yap about UA's premium configured coming MAX aircraft that only exist in their deranged minds.
Ahh so you went with option 1, it is not Delta's fault at all...
we have discussed this before but since you are as forgetful as you are ignorant, DL having chosen a Delta One seat for the 321NEO that didn't get certified is no more or less of an issue than the battery failures on the 787, the continual delays with that model, MCAS that grounded the MAX fleet - all of which DL sat out - but you simpletons go into overdrive at the prospect of condemning...
we have discussed this before but since you are as forgetful as you are ignorant, DL having chosen a Delta One seat for the 321NEO that didn't get certified is no more or less of an issue than the battery failures on the 787, the continual delays with that model, MCAS that grounded the MAX fleet - all of which DL sat out - but you simpletons go into overdrive at the prospect of condemning DL for a supplier issue that DL has turned into a high domestic first class model which could turn out to be wildly popular.
you and the max idiot below love to turn everything into dirt throwing contests because you can't stand that other airlines - in fact, nearly all of them, have had delays in getting and/or reconfiguring aircraft.
Other airlines don't run Super Bowl commercials or run major ad campaigns touting products that exist on 2% of their mainline fleet as UA has done w/ Starlink.
Why has Delta had so much trouble with aircraft interiors for so long?
What is wrong at a United that 99% of their mainline fleet doesn’t have Starlink and yet they have the gall to advertise it for two plus years running. JetBlue has more WiFi seats than United. And don’t even talk about American and esp Delta that operated thousands of mainline flights throughout the Americas and across the Atlantic with free high speed WIFI
Meanwhile Delta will Delta scores of passengers with their supersized first class...
What is wrong at a United that 99% of their mainline fleet doesn’t have Starlink and yet they have the gall to advertise it for two plus years running. JetBlue has more WiFi seats than United. And don’t even talk about American and esp Delta that operated thousands of mainline flights throughout the Americas and across the Atlantic with free high speed WIFI
Meanwhile Delta will Delta scores of passengers with their supersized first class cabins from Atlanta to the west coast.
DL interiors:
No wifi over most of Pacific
717 non-compliant new seats (back to drawing board), no screens, no wifi
764 non-D1 suites mess
777 refurbed (then the pseudo cargo transformation prior to retiring)
A350s with no gasper vents
A321 CEOs with small overhead bins
A321 NEOs lie flats disapproved (fire resistance?), engines removed, 44 temporary recliner seats installed two years on and until lie-flat seat/beds selected, approved...
DL interiors:
No wifi over most of Pacific
717 non-compliant new seats (back to drawing board), no screens, no wifi
764 non-D1 suites mess
777 refurbed (then the pseudo cargo transformation prior to retiring)
A350s with no gasper vents
A321 CEOs with small overhead bins
A321 NEOs lie flats disapproved (fire resistance?), engines removed, 44 temporary recliner seats installed two years on and until lie-flat seat/beds selected, approved and installed.
Multiple Int'l J-class seats. Little hard product consistency
Safran Cirrus I: A332s & A333s
Thompson Vantage: B767s
Thompson Vantage XL: A339s, A350s
Thompson Aero Vantage NOVA?: A35Xs (2027?)
78Xs (2031): ?
spare us the hypocrisy.
The 717s are DL's version of the CRJ550s. On the 717, you don't have to dig through a huge dumpster to find your luggage.
Let us know how many AA or UA flights operated over the Pacific with free high speed WiFi for all passengers.
The answer is ZERO. DL is no better or worse.
But DL is operating thousands of flights on mainline aircraft w/ free high speed WiFi...
spare us the hypocrisy.
The 717s are DL's version of the CRJ550s. On the 717, you don't have to dig through a huge dumpster to find your luggage.
Let us know how many AA or UA flights operated over the Pacific with free high speed WiFi for all passengers.
The answer is ZERO. DL is no better or worse.
But DL is operating thousands of flights on mainline aircraft w/ free high speed WiFi through the Americas and over the Atlantic. No other airline on the planet can say that.
you are so incapable of admitting the weaknesses of your dearly beloved so you throw stones.
Let us know when Pratt and Whitney expects to get parts for those wretched 777s.
and, to recap, Polaris is a high density, low quality product. UA decided to dumb down every other aircraft so it could say it had a consistent product on the 767.
and UA is operating precisely ZERO widebodies with a suite product w/ doors.
As usual, UA yaps the most and delivers the least.
AA will actually be renovating some of their aircraft w/ new interiors but UA will stick with their old, tired interiors.
it must be sad to live your life under someone's desk - just waiting for a pat on your head.
TD says, “The 717s are DL's version of the CRJ550s”
DL B717s: 110 seats & no Wi-Fi
DLC CRJ550: 50 seats & no Wi-Fi
UAX CRJ550: 50 seats & Starlink Wi-Fi
you do realize that DL is installing Hughes WiFi on the 717 fleet as we speak, just as more than half of the A350 fleet has WiFi as well?
But let's nitpick over the 10% of DL's fleet that doesn't have free high speed WiFi so we ignore the 900 mainline and hundreds of large RJs that don't have it.
and you still don't have to dig your bag out from under a million other...
you do realize that DL is installing Hughes WiFi on the 717 fleet as we speak, just as more than half of the A350 fleet has WiFi as well?
But let's nitpick over the 10% of DL's fleet that doesn't have free high speed WiFi so we ignore the 900 mainline and hundreds of large RJs that don't have it.
and you still don't have to dig your bag out from under a million other people's bags because the 717 has standard overhead bins.
and you do realize that the only reason why UA had to "invent" the CRJ550 was because UA was too cheap to buy a mainline 100 seat aircraft like the A220 or E190/E2; DL had UA have/had/ the same scope contract on RJs and DL has bought hundreds of small mainline aircraft, AA has hundreds more large RJs than DL or UA - and UA has scores of inefficient, costly CRJ550s?
as much as you want to believe DL's huge profits come from Amex, it comes because DL runs a much more efficient operation run by DL employees and not far more contractors as UA does.
and given that those RJs - all of them - are time limited to a few more years, UA has no choice but to upgauge.
suppose UA's motivation to finish off AA at ORD is because UA knows its high RJ strategy won't work w/ two carriers.
I guarantee you that DL will complete WiFi installation far before UA does; and DL already has free high speed WiFi across the Atlantic and to S. America, places UA would love to serve with CRJ550s but DL serves with widebodies.
and has Starlink installation started on the 787s yet? Thought so.
UA is just a bunch of advertising hot air
I can't believe Delta is still installing last-gen wifi on mainline aircraft. It sounds a lot like the int'l J-seat mess. How many wifi vendors? It's so weird how an airline can be good at so many things and so bad at managing the aircraft interior hard product.
Yerdumb, "sounds like Delta needs assistance in source selection, the acquisition process, and program management. There is a whole work of study around those topics … and...
I can't believe Delta is still installing last-gen wifi on mainline aircraft. It sounds a lot like the int'l J-seat mess. How many wifi vendors? It's so weird how an airline can be good at so many things and so bad at managing the aircraft interior hard product.
Yerdumb, "sounds like Delta needs assistance in source selection, the acquisition process, and program management. There is a whole work of study around those topics … and another one called supply chain management."
Right on.
Hey, Timbits, two and a half years ago I flew SFO-BNE and had high-speed internet coverage from takeoff to landing, all the way across the Pacific. And I had it on the way back. So that's two flights. And DL's wi-fi is not high-speed. Stop calling it that.
The 764’s Delta One seats strongly resemble the Vantage XL suites, but w/out doors due to the 767’s narrower cabin. And I believe the transcon A321NEOs were said to get the Safran Vue seats. Also, Delta gave their 777s (the 3-class version w/ the Vantage XL suites and giant Comfort+ and PS cabins) to Air India, which kept Delta’s LOPA and seat dimensions, w/ Comfort+ being sold as regular coach, and IMO may have influenced...
The 764’s Delta One seats strongly resemble the Vantage XL suites, but w/out doors due to the 767’s narrower cabin. And I believe the transcon A321NEOs were said to get the Safran Vue seats. Also, Delta gave their 777s (the 3-class version w/ the Vantage XL suites and giant Comfort+ and PS cabins) to Air India, which kept Delta’s LOPA and seat dimensions, w/ Comfort+ being sold as regular coach, and IMO may have influenced Air India to launch their own premium economy class.
Tim, first read my name.
Next, sounds like Delta needs assistance in source selection, the acquisition process, and program management. There is a whole work of study around those topics … and another one called supply chain management.
Tim, read my name again.
It really is remarkable how bad Delta has become at fleet planning/mods. No wonder they're just copying AA and others on their new A350 seats -- everything unique they've done recently seems to be a failure.
1. The LATAM A359s coming to DL were known about since 2019 yet those planes were still flying around without wifi (at all) and without standard Delta interiors until 2025? And those were used on TPAC flights
2....
It really is remarkable how bad Delta has become at fleet planning/mods. No wonder they're just copying AA and others on their new A350 seats -- everything unique they've done recently seems to be a failure.
1. The LATAM A359s coming to DL were known about since 2019 yet those planes were still flying around without wifi (at all) and without standard Delta interiors until 2025? And those were used on TPAC flights
2. The 717s with a high speed wifi plan that just collapsed leaving poor Tim Dunn with little to say except "free wifi everywhere else -- almost, maybe...", to say nothing of the on again, off again, plan to put seatback IFE on the 717s. I have to say, there's nothing as amusing as a delta passenger using gogo on a 717 today wondering why they ever believed the marketing.
3. I guess the Indonesian 737s from Lion Air were just inducted with nothing but new seat covers -- maybe delta gets a planning pass on that since Delta just planned to operate those 739s as a horrible hard product for some time? Not planning at all for a standard hard product is, I guess, better than poor planning?
4. The inability to get the NEO seats ready to go for years past when it was supposed to be inducted in late 2024 (aka. this poor planning goes far beyond 2024, it represents poor strategic planning by Delta for years to get to the point where they had the aircraft, couldn't install it, and are now planning on an inability to install it for years)
all of that and United still has 238 narrowbody aircraft that don't have Next.
and we haven't even started on the grounded Pratt 777-200s
or the 1010 mainline UA aircraft that don't have Starlink.
we are talking about SEVEN, max, count 'em, DL 7 A321NEOs.
some day you'll learn to just keep your mouth shut but today is clearly not going to be the day.
You are the hypocrite extraordinaire.
oh... you mean the planned interior mods United is doing that are planned to take a few years and are NOT years behind schedule? Unlike each Delta item I mentioned?
Or the Starlink installations that are on track and ahead of schedule vs the 717 high speed wifi that is YEARS overdue per Delta's own announcements?
You'd do well to remember how long it took DL to redo their airbus interiors, tim. You're comparing failed...
oh... you mean the planned interior mods United is doing that are planned to take a few years and are NOT years behind schedule? Unlike each Delta item I mentioned?
Or the Starlink installations that are on track and ahead of schedule vs the 717 high speed wifi that is YEARS overdue per Delta's own announcements?
You'd do well to remember how long it took DL to redo their airbus interiors, tim. You're comparing failed strategies by Delta to common interior refurbishment that is always done on a schedule
Then keep your mouth shut ;)
You really do have the stupidest comebacks lol. I'm a hypocrite for pointing out how much of a failure is at their latest fleet mods? You then bring up normal, on track installations/interior mods to show what? How it is supposed to work vs at Delta? lol
get your little bud jon to provide the project plans for each of the mods which you state are years behind schedule.
You can't because nowhere is what you state in terms of timelines accurate.
Again, DL hasn't run major ad campaigns for any product that exists on 2% of its fleet as UA has done for years w/ Starlink.
And you wonder why I absolutely love pointing out the hypocrisy of you and UA everytime you bother to criticize somebody else.
lol. My buddy Jon?
You mean the starlink announcement from UA in late 2024 that will have installation largely wrapped up by late 2027? That isn't years of major ad campaigns, Tim ;) Try to look up when it was even announced. Do you happen to know how long it took Delta to announce free wifi to the time they actually made it free? IT WAS YEARS AND YEARS and Delta still doesn't provide it...
lol. My buddy Jon?
You mean the starlink announcement from UA in late 2024 that will have installation largely wrapped up by late 2027? That isn't years of major ad campaigns, Tim ;) Try to look up when it was even announced. Do you happen to know how long it took Delta to announce free wifi to the time they actually made it free? IT WAS YEARS AND YEARS and Delta still doesn't provide it -- even on mainline lol
And yes. Delta has most definitely done major ad campaigns about free internet while having no plans for the 717 and continuing to induct mainline planes to their fleet with no working wifi whatsoever from the 737 to the A350.
But beyond that. You're just funny and a sad little man. UA isn't a perfect airline, but I don't really know what timelines you mention that are behind schedule? All 4 of the items I mentioned with DL? They're behind schedule or just didn't even have a plan to meet Delta product consistency.
Everything United from the NEXT interiors to Starlink is, by all accounts, on a normal track. You're doing your usual attempt to say nonsense and confuse the issue but you've provided no account that anything is behind schedule and we know from UA itself that the starlink installation is accelerated and ahead of schedule despite your manic attempts to pretend it won't be done for years.
You'd do well to do what the rest of us do -- have an airline you prefer to fly then stop pretending your entire life revolves around it.
3 years to put WiFi on a fleet when the unit can be installed overnight?
yes, Max, that is hypocritically long.
and you still can't grasp that nobody is advertising - let alone on the Super Bowl - a feature that exists on less than 2% of their mainline fleet.
and, again, tell us what DL's plans were for the 35Ls and LionAir 739s; both involve far more modification than sticking a Starlink antenna on...
3 years to put WiFi on a fleet when the unit can be installed overnight?
yes, Max, that is hypocritically long.
and you still can't grasp that nobody is advertising - let alone on the Super Bowl - a feature that exists on less than 2% of their mainline fleet.
and, again, tell us what DL's plans were for the 35Ls and LionAir 739s; both involve far more modification than sticking a Starlink antenna on a fuselage? You do realize that Boeing is doing the LionAir conversions as part of DL's contracts for MAX10s?
AA has mods that are delayed....
WN went w/ a fairly simple repitch of seats - but they got it done. And I have enjoyed their new cabins and their WiFi.
what would be good for all of us is if you would refrain from your incessant need to bring me into a conversation and then proceed to act like DL's "sins" are greater when everyone else has just as many if not more "sins"
You are the epitome of hypocrisy with your incessant need to find the speck in someone else's eye while ignoring the log in your own.
and the complete idiocy of even discussing this is that any rational person - Ben included - can see that DL's super large FC domestic cabins might turn into something that is popular and profitable- which can hardly be said about other supply chain related problems.
"Forgetful" indeed as you have pointed out how some aircraft models are still awaiting FAA certification, but well over 25% of UA/UAX flights on over 320 aircraft are enjoying Starlink wifi. 500 more mainline aircraft will get Starlink in 2026 and the rest in 2027. In the interim all UA aircraft have wifi that works everywhere including the Pacific unlike Viasat. Do DL 717s have any wifi at all?
Don’t reply. Don’t post in the first place.
You never met an actual fact you accepted
lol. not even worth replying to your idiocy, tim
enjoy your night. You'd truly defend delta if they knifed you in the heart
but as usual, your usual telltale sign when you know you have nothing to say -- you resort to insults like you did in your very first reply and each one since.
You never change, Tim. lol Just keep insulting to make yourself feel better.
lmao. look at you clicking refresh over and over and over to reply to me in two minutes. ;)
You really do love making an idiot of yourself with lack of knowledge and an incessant need to click refresh and reply
Feel free to name a single fact I don't accept. That Delta claimed to be doing free wifi for years (pre covid) and it took YEARS for them to do it? Far longer...
lmao. look at you clicking refresh over and over and over to reply to me in two minutes. ;)
You really do love making an idiot of yourself with lack of knowledge and an incessant need to click refresh and reply
Feel free to name a single fact I don't accept. That Delta claimed to be doing free wifi for years (pre covid) and it took YEARS for them to do it? Far longer than it will take United.
That you don't know what DOT data is? How many times do you really need to get owned on the same topics, Tim?
This entire exchange was *refresh*-ing
And because Tim couldn’t get lie-flat approved, they’re going with lame recliners… boo hiss…
How are they going to serve meals with that small galley? It’s going to take 1 hour for meals to be cooked and served. And what about drinks?
Probably do most of them in the afternoon galley and trolly them up front.
Sorry, autocorrect, AFT Galley.
I kinda like the idea of an afternoon galley.
Could never understand why they went with 44F. After "real" seats are certified, much of the cabin will need to be ripped out anyway. Is the difference between temporarily putting regular A321 config and this premium-heavy one THAT big?
Agree completely. They still need to adjust the reading lights and oxygen locations for any configuration change. Could they not temporarily add a few extra rows of economy, probably be easier to sell?
Anyone know if there's another reason? Perhaps these A321s have extra fuel tanks or lower certified take off weights, meaning they can't increase cabin density too much unless they want to risk being overweight or struggling for cargo space, just a thought
World's most evil airline pushes more Airpus abominations on their pitiful clientele. So what else is new?
Although there’s a mid lavatory back there, DL’s lie-flat a321 will potentially have the same front-lav crowd issue with AA and UA that was discussed at the other post by lucky. One difference would be that DL has four less F passengers than UA or AA.
Not lie flat, no thanks.
how dare you talk about delta wwaaaaaaaaaa