Delta Air Lines thinks it can sell what it calls an “economy comfort” section on planes that fly overseas or other long international routes. It promises roomier, pricier seats for flights starting in the next few weeks.
The main benefits of the extra fee: up to 4 inches of extra legroom, plus 50 percent more seat recline.
“Delta’s gambit is the latest effort by airlines to find some middle ground between pack-’em-in financial imperatives and added comfort short of a first-class upgrade,” says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.”
United Airlines has already tried the idea. It has long offered several coach rows with more legroom on many flights, including domestic, and there are plans to expand the concept to merger partner Continental. Other airlines have tried versions of the idea over the years.
Delta’s “economy comfort” seats will take up the first few rows of coach, and those who pay for the privilege also get to board early and have free cocktails.
“I promise you, 4 inches is a lot of room,” Delta frequent flier Mike Stetz told the newspaper. “The added space in there would be very attractive.”
Delta will put special seats covers on the premium seats, but otherwise the rows won’t look much different. The seats are the same as in the rest of coach.
The new seats will be priced anywhere from US$80 to $140 more.
By Anne Kao
