Flying in Comfort+ on Delta Air Lines not only gets you extra legroom: it now offers you the option of pre-reserving your meals on many longhaul flights.

Delta Air Lines Now Allows Meal Pre-Selections In Comfort+ Class

Clint Henderson of TPG reports that passengers booked in Comfort+ on intercontinental and longhaul Hawaii flights with a meal service will be able to preselect from a choice of meal options (there are a few exceptions I outline below). Comfort+ is a subsection of economy class that offers extra legroom.

One week before departure, an email will go out to Comfort+ passengers with meal options, which can be reserved up to 24 hours before departure.

The only exceptions are “shorter flights” to destinations like Reykjavik (KEF) or Bogota (BOG) which offer a modified meal service onboard for economy class passengers.

Stephanie Laster, Managing Director of Onboard Culinary Experience, explained:

“At Delta, we know our customers value choice when it comes to their travel experience. This exciting enhancement is part of our ongoing efforts to deliver a best-in-class customer experience from nose to tail.”

I’m not sure “exciting” is the word I’d use to describe economy class food, but this is still a nice additional amenity for those seated in Comfort+.

One Cabin, Two Service Levels

While Comfort+ offers the same seats as regular economy class, the move to differentiate the onboard experience began with complimentary alcohol and has now spread to pre-reserved meals as well.

Prior to the pandemic, United Airlines did something similar on its premium transcontinental flights between Newark (EWR) and San Francisco (SFO) / Los Angeles (LAX). Customers seated in EconomyPlus, the equivalent to Delta’s Comfort+ cabin, received a complimentary meal onboard with a main course, side of fruit, and a small dessert. Passengers in regular economy class received no meals, but could purchase snacks and food onboard (a different menu).

Ancillary revenue from extra-leroom economy seats is a big deal, with transcon flights generally running up to $99 and longhaul flights costing up to double. Offering a small gesture like this that actually does not cost anything (since meals would have been distributed anyway) is a smart way to build brand loyalty.

CONCLUSION

If you’re flying in Comfort+ on Delta on a longhaul flight with meal service, look for an email or check the Delta app for a chance to pre-reserve meals between one week and 24 hours of travel. It’s a small step, but a smart one to build loyalty.

image: Delta Air Lines