Delta is updating the interiors of some of its Boeing 737s, which is long overdue…
In this post:
Delta Boeing 737s get new cabin interiors
When it comes to modernizing its narrow body fleet, Delta’s focus lately has been on taking delivery of Airbus A321neos, featuring new cabins, including an all-new first class product. Aside from Boeing 717s (which are primarily used for short haul flights), Delta’s most outdated narrow body aircraft are the Boeing 737-800s.
Delta has 77 Boeing 737-800s, and while they have personal televisions at every seat, the cabins feel way past their prime, with entertainment screens that will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time by at least a decade.
Fortunately there’s a positive update. Delta has started the process of retrofitting its Boeing 737-800s with new cabins. The new interiors match what you’ll find on Airbus A321neos, meaning they have Delta’s innovative new first class seats, and greatly improved entertainment screens.
The first aircraft with these interiors has the registration code N3744F. The 22-year-old jet was in Kansas City (MCI) getting work done all the way from September 21, 2023, until January 20, 2024. The plane is now preparing to enter service. The pictures of the new seats look great. However, I find it disappointing that Delta chose to keep the same outdated overhead bins and other cabin finishes.
All Delta 737-800s will have new interiors by late 2025
Reports suggest that Delta plans to retrofit its entire Boeing 737-800 fleet with these new cabins by late 2025, so the airline will complete this project in just under two years. So that means an average of one aircraft will be reconfigured per week, give or take.
As you can tell, the first aircraft took several months to undergo a retrofit. It’s totally normal for the first plane to take a bit longer, since processes have to be figured out. However, reconfiguring these planes is much faster once work gets underway.
This will represent a huge improvement to the passenger experience for many Delta passengers. While I of course appreciate that Delta offers seat back entertainment throughout most of its fleet, many of Delta’s aircraft are looking a bit tired, so passengers will no doubt notice the difference here.
Delta is the second airline to recently announce plans to update its Boeing 737-800 cabins, as Alaska Airlines is doing the same.
Bottom line
Delta is retrofitting its Boeing 737-800s with new interiors, matching the experience you’ll find on the carrier’s new Airbus A321neos. This includes the carrier’s new first class seats, as well as new seats in main cabin, with a new entertainment system throughout. Kudos to Delta for this, and I’m looking forward to these new interiors being the norm rather than the exception.
What do you make of Delta’s 737-800 updates?
Was just on one last week and the old small screens feel really dated. Interesting too see them invest in such an old plane
Is there really any point in adding new seats only for them to be sucked out of the cabin when the windows blow open mid flight?
If Delta wants to charge a price preium over UA, AA and WN, for a similar product, it will need ways to differentiate its product. A fresh/clean interior is a good start.
This is very welcome. Even the 738s that have been updated previously still have the old seats up front, just with newer IFE. They are by far the least comfortable domestic first seats I've ever sat in. My back aches the entire time they're fully upright for takeoff/landing. The shape of them is just...not right. All the other first class seats, even the mini ones on a CRJ, are far more comfortable.
The reconfiguration of the 738s has been in the pipeline for a long time. Covid just pushed back a lot of fleet projects and now with acceleration of new aircraft deliveries that were delayed during covid, the supply chain is being pushed to its limits.
late 2024-2026 will see a lot of fleet and refurbishing activity leading to the delivery of the A350-1000s. The used 737-900ERs will also be reconfigured as part of DL's...
The reconfiguration of the 738s has been in the pipeline for a long time. Covid just pushed back a lot of fleet projects and now with acceleration of new aircraft deliveries that were delayed during covid, the supply chain is being pushed to its limits.
late 2024-2026 will see a lot of fleet and refurbishing activity leading to the delivery of the A350-1000s. The used 737-900ERs will also be reconfigured as part of DL's purchase of the MAX 10 which DL affirmed it is committed to, although I expect they will exercise more options on other aircraft to provide a buffer for the additional delivery delays on the MAX.
Are they added seats in coach?
“adding”…my editor has the weekend off…
This is good news! I flew ~80 segments on DL in 2023. I have yet to lay eyes on the new F in the A321s. Ironically, much of my DL flying is out of or through their ATL hub, but almost entirely on 737s.
Same here (not the 80 segments part) but many of my domestic trips are from 738s
Three Delta articles in the last few days with no response from Tim Dunn, getting worried.
Finally it's good to see they're chaging these interiors, the ocre blue is horrible. The black and blue combination works really well, a higher shade of blue would look more elegant.
Some 737-800s feature newer TVS, etc but it’s not a lot.
Interesting in the Retrofit Delta decided to keep the old smaller style overhead bins??
Any word if they'll fix the legroom in the first row of first class? It's so strange that they have such a disparate spacing in first.
So, would Lufthansa get its new seats any quicker if it outsourced the job to Delta? Just curious.
By the time Delta rolls out these new seats and A321s with new configurations, we'll be seeing the allegris class debuting in one plane, seriously germans have lost their appeal and credibility, by the time Lufthansa makes another announcement, the Allegris cabin will need updates to compete with all the new cabins rolling out this year, they'll have to rethink putting doors on business class and add new elements to their business and premium economy...
By the time Delta rolls out these new seats and A321s with new configurations, we'll be seeing the allegris class debuting in one plane, seriously germans have lost their appeal and credibility, by the time Lufthansa makes another announcement, the Allegris cabin will need updates to compete with all the new cabins rolling out this year, they'll have to rethink putting doors on business class and add new elements to their business and premium economy cabins, in all seriousness Luthansa will be far behind Qantas, Air India and the new Turkish crystal business class that is rumored to debut next year.
Are they adding larger overhead bins as well? It would be a miss to not do that while retrofitting seats.
Larger bins aren't the issue. The issue is people putting jackets, backpacks, and purses in them instead of under the seat in front of them. Only larger rollaboards should be in the overhead bin space. Nobody would have to gate check if everyone followed this.
Nobody would have to gate check if;
They were inserted the correct way and
They were not oversized.
No one would have to gate check if (most) airlines use the cargo bay for what it's designed for, and instead reserved their ancillary charges for those who NEED the overheads or are simply willing to pay a premium to use them.
Agree, it should be free to check the bag and pay for the convenience to carry on board!
So I should have to jam my backpack and jacket under my seat so someone can bring onboard a large rollerboard, thanks but no.
they aren't changing the bins per se, but they are adding new bin doors that are more concave so that larger bags will fit in the bin and the door will close.
The twitter post is inaccurate. There is no 3rd Y lav on DL 737-800. There’s always only been two in the back. The third lav was unique to Alaska.
On another note Ben... I am surprised you didn't cover the incident of the Atlas Air 748 that had an emergency landing due to an engine fire -- especially since this happened in MIA ;)