I think anyone will agree that wherever you are, entertainment matters. Think about it…consider the number of movies you’ve seen, the countless hours of television you’ve watched, the thousands of songs you’ve downloaded and the video games you’ve played.
The world would be a seriously boring place without entertainment.
I’m not sure how many of you have had a chance to fly on one of our aircraft equipped with the “Delta on Demand” digital entertainment system, but if you have then you know what a huge difference it makes to have a ton of stuff to watch on your own personal screen. We’ve got satellite TV, movies, HBO, 2,500 MP3s and games — all on demand.
Here’s an inside view:
And for you frequent flyers who have had a chance to experience Delta on Demand on a regular basis, I want to acknowledge the technical challenges we’ve experienced with the system lately. I’ll talk more about that and what we’re doing to correct these issues in my next post. I’ll also fill you in on some of the enhancements we’re making to the system in the coming months.
And on that note, what kind of enhancements would YOU like to see? For instance, should we add music videos? Should we add more new Hollywood films or more independent titles?
I hope you’ll stay connected to Delta via this new blog. I certainly like discussing the airline industry and reading your comments, so you’ll be seeing many posts from me in the weeks and months to come.
Chris Babb
Manager – Global Product Development
In-Flight Entertainment
August 31st, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Hi Chris – love DoD – it was a great addition to the Song experience and good to see you rolling out more broadly.
A suggestion to you not on content, but on experience: disable the touchscreen. Recently on DL 668 from ATL – BOS, the guy behind me was jabbing at his screen for most of the flight, changing channels and settings, etc. It makes for a quite unpleasant flight when this happens…!
August 31st, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Peter…thanks for the compliment.
I am are aware that overzealous touching can be annoying. I’ve been on a few flights myself where this happened. Unfortunately we’re not able to disable the touchscreen as that’s the system’s interface — we don’t offer individual handsets.
Beyond the initial announcement the F/As make, we will be adding a reminder prior to system activation that it only takes a light touch to make selections.
We’ll also be updating the games suite and will consider replacing games that require a lot of touching.
August 31st, 2007 at 1:31 pm
The content isn’t the problem. I flew Song a few times back when it existed and really enjoyed everything it had to offer. The problem is lack of availability. Let’s see it on some more aircraft!
Do you have a rollout schedule detailing how many planes have it now and what the plan is over time?
August 31st, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Hey Brett…glad you could join the conversation. I’d planned to include the roll-out schedule in my next post but here’s the lowdown:
Between Aug. 2007 and Dec. 2008 there will be a huge number of converted aircraft or new deliveries entering the fleet on a regular basis. All the a/c noted below will feature cabin-wide AVOD (except the 767-300ERs). Note that satellite TV will only be available on the domestic 757s, 767-300s and 737s due to the satellite coverage area.
So…the bottom line is that in the next 16 months cabin-wide AVOD will be available on the following a/c:
61 757-200
59 767-300ER (BusinessElite only)
28 737-800
21 767-300
14 767-400ER
12 777-200
August 31st, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Earlier this month I flew on a Delta (Song) 757 from PDX-JFK featuring the new AVOD. I had one major problem with it. Charging people to watch movies and play games, in my opinion, is extremely low. Passengers are paying enough to fly. It would be nice gesture from Delta to offer all of it’s passengers free entertainment. (I know the TV is free.) If Delta were to make this feature free, more customers would experience this great new feature that you guys have. Having to pay is also extremely inconvenient. Who wants to be woken by their kids during a red-eye flight, find their credit-card, and then set it up for their child. The price holds people back from this experience, mysef included.
August 31st, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Chris: nice post and long time, no email! Hey Brett! I’m just bitter that I never took the opportunity to fly on Song before it went away.
I have a few geek questions. How long does it take to install AVOD? Is it done during a maintenance check or is the aircraft taken offline specifically for the AVOD installation? How do you decide what is shown on AVOD? Is there any way to check and see if AVOD will be on your particular flight? Thanks!
August 31st, 2007 at 9:58 pm
It would be nice if you would roll out a system like Singapore Airlines’ inflight system. Then you would have something to talk about. Why does it seem US carriers are always playing catch up and then only going half way. It is great you are finally doing something to upgrade but why not go the distance?
Sam
August 31st, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Will ALL of the 757s, 763s, 738s, 764s, and 777s feature the product by 12/2008?
September 1st, 2007 at 1:18 am
What kind of AVOD tv programming do these aircraft have when outside of Satellite coverage? On long-haul flights, I really enjoy short 1/2 hour or hour TV shows on-demand because I don’t get any sleep if I watch an entire movie.
September 1st, 2007 at 10:39 am
I do have some input on content. You dropped fox news from your line up of TV. I personally love fox news although not everyone does I understand still it is much more widely watched than CNN or Headline News. Why was the decesion made and is it coming back?
Also glad to see you are working on the Flight Entertainment issues. I fly three weeks a month from cincinnatti to LA and love the service. In two months twice the service was completly down. Once it was rebooted. And every other time satellite content for some tv shows were not available.
Still I love the service when it is working.
Mike
September 1st, 2007 at 2:48 pm
SKYMILER:
Delta’s strategy going forward is to provide our customers with choice…as in dozens of movies, thousands of mp3s, 40 hours of HBO, live TV and games — all on demand. Think about it…more than 2,500 songs are free, live TV is free, the interactive trivia game is free. It would just not be economically possible to provide up to 25 new and classic films for free. You have to keep in mind that Delta pays big bucks for the right to air these films in flight. $5 for a new film is reasonable…heck, you’d pay $10-$15 for the same movie in a hotel room.
Regarding your other comment…by 12/08 AVOD will be installed on the entire 777 fleet, 14 of 21 764s, 28 of 71 738s, all the domestic 763s (the international 763s will have AVOD in Business only) and about half the 757s will have AVOD.
REGAVQUEEN:
It takes 3-4 weeks per aircraft to install the AVOD system and the planes are taken out of service during this modification. I work with a team of people in selecting the content for AVOD. We take into account the popularity of the films along with the critical acclaim each has earned. When you book a flight a small TV icon will appear next to the aircraft type. But I think the icon doesn’t appear until you’ve selected and paid for the flight. I’ll check with the delta.com folks.
SAMFTLA:
Delta and and Singapore both use the Panasonic’s ‘X’ series AVOD IFE system. In fact, our new 777-200LRs will feature the same system, Panasonic’s eX2. This system has a 1 terabyte storage limit — that means we’ll have a huge amount of content to offer when they start flying in Feb. 08.
AEOLOS:
As you know, satellite coverage extends only about 10 miles off the U.S. coastline. That means no satellite TV on international flights or flights to the Caribbean. However, the system is configured based on city pairs. That means that if you’re flying internationally, to AK, HI or the caribbean on a plane with satellite TV, you’ll get all the games, music and movies for free.
MNICHOLS42:
We had to drop Fox News because Echostar/Dish was unable to continue providing the network to DL due to contract negotiations between Echostar and Fox. We certainly would have kept Fox News as it was the second most popular channel we offered. If it becomes available in the future we’ll definitely look at adding it back to the lineup. Until then, you’ll have to get your “fair & balanced” news from CNN or CNBC.
September 2nd, 2007 at 11:13 am
Chris. We need one thing hugely in all planes, all routes, all day, all night: Electrical plug-ins for our laptops. Must have. Can you tell me what planes/seating sections/routes have them now and what plans there are to put them everywhere else? (Many times, even the flight crew isn’t sure about what’s provided on a given model in this regard … I was seen on a recent Air France partner flight trying to plug into a socket in the galley. Mon Dieu!) Thanks!
September 2nd, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Hi I am travelling from Dublin Ireland to Orlando via Atlanta in October this year with my family. There are 10 of us and it is the first time we have flown with Delta. Am i right in saying that there are NO seat back tv’s on the flights we are booked on? If so we will be so disappointed and we will never ever fly with Delta again. I am so annoyed that we paid a great deal of money only to find ou there is no television on board.
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Chris Babb – thanks for the updates.
DoD is great especially on the longer flights (JFK-LAX). Another thing that has improved is the “out of the box” selections available – particularly in the choice of Music for those who like genre’s that aren’t as mainstream as pop, country, etc. Great choice adding Dance and even lounge type music, helps make for a more relaxing flight.
Could we expect to the see the same expansion in the choices for movies? More independent films maybe?
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Chris,
I am a busines traveller most of the time, but occasionally fly with my kids. One thing I’ve found is that there is no appropriate kids programming on the flight. The channels that are availabe switch to more teenage-appropriate programming in the afternoon. Have you considered adding PBS / Sprout, which is appropriate for young children 24/7?
Thanks
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:06 pm
GRKITANLY:
Glad you noticed the music refresh…and especially glad you noticed Delta’s new “Deep Dance” and “Chill” categories. We increased the number of mp3s available from 1,600 to more than 2,500 and nearly doubled the number of categories available. I’m a big fan of dance, chill and spa sounds, so I have to admit that I was an advocate of adding more music in those categories.
You can absolutely expect to see more independent movies in the near future…but I’m very interested in what you’d like to see…what would you recommend?
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Irish Girl:
Alas, we don’t offer cabin-wide AVOD on flights between Ireland and the States…yet.
The first 757 configured for international BusinessElite with full cabin AVOD won’t start flying until late Dec. 2007. Once all 13 international 757s are upgraded you can expect to have personal entertainment systems on all flights between the U.S., Ireland, Scotland and England.
Until then, we’ll offer overhead movies. I am very sorry that we won’t be able to offer Delta on Demand on your flight and equally sorry that you won’t be flying with Delta again. I do hope you’ll give us another chance in the near future.
September 2nd, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Chris,
Thank you for your response. For future travel, how can I find out whether my plane will have the AVOD? For example based on the unique configuration of the 757-200 transcontinental, I know AVOD is on the plane. When the current 757-200 (non-transcontinental) planes get AVOD will the configuration change? How do I know if its on a 738 or 763, or etc.? Thanks
September 3rd, 2007 at 1:27 am
As someone who flew Delta to Johannesburg, I really enjoyed the service. I will be increasing trips to every 6 months starting in 2008 and would really love to see DoD available. The flight is incredibly long and it would make the time go by faster to be able to watch a few movies on the way over.
September 3rd, 2007 at 6:27 am
Chris,
on my last flight between JFK and LAX I really enjoyed Delta’s new IFE. The selection of MP3s is great and I am eager to experience the new enhancements.
However, since the 767-300ERs are flying between FRA and JFK or ATL I would love to see a full cabin AVOD installation. You pointed out that until Dec ’08 the 767-300ERs will only have AVOD in Business Elite class. Are there any plans for 2009 and beyond? Will the international 767-300ERs be configured with the new system in coach class? It would be great.
Thanks for the overviews and insights you have provided so far. It’s great to see how quickly you have responded to the questions of the others.
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:28 am
Thanks for the update Chris, that is good news indeed and I look forward to enjoying the new AVOD.
SAM
September 4th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Chris Babb-
A fan of Dance and Chill here as well. Loved the Buddha Bar additions – in fact they got me through my last flight (JFK-DEN-JFK). It is great that your team identified an opportunity to expand the musical selection beyond the norm. Hopefully as the system is refined, you can add even more out of the box type music to help further expand new-music penetration among consumers.
In terms of types of films, in addition to First-Run, Classics and Kids – is there an opportunity to leverage some learning your team has captured from international destinations and provide foreign films? Another possiblity is to review which films are hits in the indy-film theatres (Angelica for example here in NYC) and bring them to consumers who may not have immediate access to indy-films.
Just some initial thoughts. I have a list – but can dive into that another time!
Thanks,
-G
September 4th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Hey Chris – Thanks for the further info on installation. So I know if I’m on a 777, I have it, and that’s good, but the rest of the fleets are incomplete. As Skymiler says, how do I know which flights have entertainment and which don’t? Will you be creating a separate sub aircraft code like you have now with 752/757?
I assume the decision to only do 40% of the 738s means you have a plan for deployment. Are you guys really going to have 40% of your aircraft running flights over 1,750 miles and the other 60% on flights under that amount? I’m very curious to hear how these are being scheduled. (Though I know that may not be your department.)
What’s the logic behind putting AVOD on the domestic 763s and not the international ones? I understand there’s no TV available on international flights, but I would think that the movies on demand would be far more valuable on the international birds than the domestic.
September 4th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Hey Chris,
the new DoD is great and have used it many times on international flights. The only disapointment and it is a little unrelated to the DoD is the lack of wireless internet access. This is becoming a standard for much of your international competition and it would be great to see Delta matching the offering. Any plans?
Thanks
Tony
September 4th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Eric,
At 18:30, the ATL-DKR-JNB flight is the longest flight in our network and the addition of Delta on Demand would definitely make the time go faster. I believe Network is looking at switching equipment on the ATL-JNB route to a 767-400 or 777 early next year. All of our 777s have Delta on Demand at every seat and by May 2008 all of the internationally configured 767-400s will feature Delta on Demand at every seat.
September 4th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Ralfino,
Thanks for the feedback! I’m going to try my hardest to answer everyone’s question in a timely manner…the feedback you and the other folks have provided is great.
Regarding the 767-300ERs…right now the plan is to add DoD to BusinessElite on the remaining aircraft this fall. This fleet will operate with DoD up front and overhead entertainment in the main cabin at least through 2008.
Looking at 2009 and beyond I will tell you that we are looking at a variety of options to to ensure we’re offering you one of the best entertainment experiences available in the air. Stay tuned!
September 4th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
On the question of how you can tell if Delta on Demand is available on a particular flight when you’re reserving a ticket…
Up until recently delta.com identified 757 aircraft with AVOD as a “752″ and the analog 757s as a “757.” However, I just did some checking and it seems this is no longer the case.
I believe there was also a small TV icon that appeared next to the flight number — but only after the reservation was purchased. That seems a bit counter-intuitive as AVOD could clearly be a purchase driver .
I know that ideally we’d like to identify all the AVOD-equipped flights during the online shopping process.
That said, I’ll find out the what the scoop is from the delta.com folks and get back to you all.
September 5th, 2007 at 7:03 am
Hi Chris,
I echo the others in saying that DoD is a great product differentiator and I have certainly enjoyed my Delta flights more because of it. The MP3 selections are top-of-the-line, and certainly beat many others in terms of sheer quantity (170-200 CDs on DL versus about 50 on AA for example).
Couple of suggestions/questions:
1) Agree with others that it would be great to expand the Movie selections to include more indepedent features as well as more World Cinema. Was pleasantly surprised by the increasing number of foreign movies (Korean, Japanese, Hindi) but given that Delta is so dominant in Europe, it would be great to have more European films as well.
2) Is it possible to provide the same movie selections on domestic as on international? Don’t know the raitonale behind it but I noticed that on the the movie selection is quite limited (to 10 or so) on domestic flights whereas we get over 20 on international.
3) Classic movies could also be an option…that’s one category I have noticed that is absent from DoD versus other carriers…I would imagine that the licensing fees from those would be lower than the first-run features as well?
Overall, DoD is a fantastic product…keep the improvements coming!
September 5th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
chris – Love the new blog. Whoever came up with this – couldn’t have come soon enough.
As far as the AVOD– I don’t know if you can answer this, but my fiance and I will be going on our honeymoon in August of 2008. We are going to Ireland and Rome, so our flight will either be to Dubin, Shannon, or Rome (hopefully out of ATL). Do you know if those flights will have it, or am I too far out as far as flight schedules. Even if it is only in BE, that’s fine, we hope to upgrade to BE with the SkyMiles that we both have been accumulating for a couple of years now.
Thanks!
September 5th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Scongro,
Thanks for the compliment and I agree, the corporate blog was a great idea. I’ll be sure to pass your comments on to the delta.com folks.
If you’re flying to Shannon or Dublin next summer, you’ll almost certainly be on one of our new international 757s. These aircraft will feature leather, slim-line seats in the main cabin while BE will feature our new leather Recaro cradle seat. Delta on Demand will be available at every seat in both cabins.
If you choose Rome for your honeymoon, we’ll most likely be using a 767-400 on that route, and all of our international 764s feature DoD at every seat in the plane. If it’s a 767-300, DoD is available in the BE cabin.
Congrats on your engagement! If you haven’t been to Ireland or Rome, you’re going to love it! Ireland is one of my favorite places to travel…the people are friendly and it’s a beautiful country.
September 5th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
MillardDJr,
Your feedback is very timely. As far as kids programming goes, we’re limited in what we can offer via satellite TV. This is due to the availability of various networks through our satellite provider. We were very close to offering Nickelodeon but to do so would have required us to buy a package of 4 other networks in addition to Nick. We just added ABC Family to the lineup and it should be on air in November.
We’re also adding an entire section of kids programming — “Fly Kids” — to the the international DoD product. We’ll offer 3-4 hours of TV programming from PBS, Nick, etc. and we’ll increase the number of family-oriented films.
September 5th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
tonyress,
As you may know, Boeing used to offer a product called “Connexion” which provided satellite-based, in-flight Internet access. Several international carriers offered the service but unfortunately Boeing had to scrap the product as it was unable to attract a significant number of customers.
This year several companies have announced plans to offer nationwide, in-flight WiFi access. Some are offering a satellite-based solution while one company will be providing air-to-ground service via cell towers.
Just last month a major U.S. carrier announced plans to test the service and I expect other carriers to make similar announcements in the near future. As for what to expect from Delta…stay tuned.
September 5th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
the touch screens are a major improvement
BUT what long haul competition really requires is that you all rethink the seats – especially in Business Class. While I’m an ATL home boy and glad to fly DL, I often select other airlines just so I can get some sleep. Long haul is simply uncomfortable on even your newest aircraft.
September 6th, 2007 at 3:27 am
i think i have some problems in posting msgs to older entries – is there an expiry date for each thread
September 6th, 2007 at 10:32 am
Edw3rd, I agree. I would rather pay a little extra to have more legroom and a seat the reclines a little more.
September 7th, 2007 at 12:14 am
Chris:
I am very interested in the slimline seats and the new BusinessElite seats on the 757. Can you possibly provide pictures and additional information. How will my flying experience change with these new seats?
September 7th, 2007 at 12:27 am
Now for enhancements:
Onboard Delta should have more Delta stuff. (Playing cards, postcards, toys, souvenirs, brochures, etc.). One thing that I think Delta is missing is its timetables. If you guys could distribute timetables onboard and at the airport people would become more familar with your great routes, which would
increase ridership. People are not aware of all of the exotic places you fly and all of the convenient times you have. Timetables would change that. (I know there are maps in Sky and timetables online.)For people to read and learn about your routes and times, it has to be more in your face and easier to read. Printing schedules would fullfill that.
September 7th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Hi Chris,
I just read your post about which planes will offer cabin-wide AVOD. Is there a reason why the 767-300ER will only offer in BusinessElite? Does this mean that the main cabin will have to stick with one big screen? I fly ZRH-ATL quite often and the equipment used is a 767-300ER. As the flight is 10 hours some entertainment in the main cabin would be nice.
Regards,
Andre
September 7th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Hi everyone,
I wanted to provide some info on why we have only upgraded the BE cabins of our 767-300ER fleet. The two big reasons are weight and cost.
First, some background…Delta has the largest 767 fleet in the world and flies the most routes across the Atlantic. Our destinations range from Western Europe (Dublin and Shannon) to far Eastern Europe (Moscow, Kiev, Bucharest and Athens) to Africa.
So whether it’s 3,180 miles from JFK-SNN or 5,380 miles from ATL-SVO, any 767-300ER in the fleet can be used to fly any route to Europe or Africa. The added weight of nose-to-tail AVOD would have added significant weight to each aircraft, impacting its ability to fly the longer transatlantic routes. And as you know, more weight means more fuel which means additional cost.
And on the issue of cost, full-cabin AVOD is a significant investment, both in equipment costs and the cost associated with taking a revenue generating aircraft out of service for 2-4 weeks.
The good news is that we are upgrading the overhead equipment in the main cabin and replacing the projectors and screens with flat screen LCDs throughout. This will greatly improve reliability and image quality.
Have a great weekend!
September 7th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Back in November of ’06 Apple and Delta among other airlines announced iPod integration with the PTVs starting in mid 2007 and we’re in the latter half of 2007 now, so I was wondering when the iPod integration will finally be introduced?
September 8th, 2007 at 9:41 am
I’m travelling DUB-JFK in two months and am very disappointed to learn that we will be entertained by dodgy centre-of-isle screens for a trans-Atlantic flight. I know that your rivals on the route, Aer Lingus, offer in-seat entertainment and I took as much for granted when booking with Delta. I understand that there may be technical difficulties with installing In-Seat entertainment in 767-300ers, but you guys have to keep up with or beat the competition if you want to keep growing – passengers don’t pay for excuses.
I recently flew a charter flight from Dublin to Majorca, a fairly short European flight. The plane we flew in had LCD screens hanging over every 4/5 rows of seats, as well as a large screen at the end of the plane and some screens in the centre isle. I can’t believe you guys don’t even provide that on trans-Atlantic flights, considering a chartered European flight does!
Let’s just hope I can see a TV and if there’s a good movie on I’ll forgive ye =p
Oh, off-topic here, but is Row 17 on the 767-300ERs a windowless row? Our seats are there and I’d go mad if I didn’t have a window to stare out of!
Fair play with the blog, not many airliners are willing to engage with the public like that and I’m sure many Delta customers in time to come will appreciate it. Safe flying to all.
Mark.
September 8th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Also, could you recommend the best spot to sit in for IFE? Is Row 17 okay for it?
Thanks again.
September 8th, 2007 at 10:19 am
I am not sure Chris that Delta should be bragging about having the largest fleet of 76′s when the vast majority of your international competition flies the much more comfortable and modern 77′s, A330′s and A340′s that have a personal entertainment system in each coach seat. If Delta truly wants to be a competitor in the international market then you need to offer the in-flight amenities that your competition does. Even US Air offers in seat systems on their A330′s and that is a sad commentary.
Sam
September 8th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Chris
I just saw your reply to irish girl. I am flying into ATL and on to orlando on the 20th dec and then coming home on the 3rd of Jan08. Will we have one og the new 757s do you know??
Also irish girl. I think we are very unlucky as to our location geographically wise because we have no options of flying west which will guarentee us AVOD. London gets all thoseand aer lingus only have AVOD on three of there 8 aircraft i think.!!!
September 8th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Sorry im leaving from DUB!!!
September 8th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
It would be cool if Dallas could gets some flights that offered inseat entertainment. That would be great!
September 8th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Chris: thanks for all the great information.
Regarding content, particular for the music, you guys should talk to the folks over at Paste Magazine. They are already doing things with CNN and would be a great source of music content. And they are Atlanta local.
September 8th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Hi Chris
I was wondering why there are no plans to install any form of IFE on the MD-88s. Yes, I understand that the MD-88s are used on shorter routes than the 737-800s and 757s. However, the MD-90s feature overhead IFE, and the routes for the MD-90 aren’t very long either. It would be nice if overhead IFE was installed on the MD-88 fleet. Panasonic offers a stripped-down overhead version of the eFX system, optimized for short-haul aircraft. Rockwell Collins also offers the PAVES system for short-haul aircraft. While Delta on Demand may not be needed, it would be nice to at least see overhead IFE on the MD-88s.
September 8th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
bullcrap
If Continental airlines can upgrade economy cabins with AVOD on it’s 757 aircraft, which have shorter range and are smaller than 767 aircraft, and then fly them all the way to Stockholm from Newark year round, then why does delta have to be so cheap. I bet if delta took a passenger survey, most wouldn’t even notice upgraded overhead projectors, and would prefer to have AVOD instead.
September 9th, 2007 at 9:20 am
I would like to see, er, hear ATC traffic just like you can on UAL (channel 9) flights. This would be great for pilot buffs, future aviators, and anyone interested in aviation. Also, it gives passengers an opportunity to hear why their plane is descending or climbing before the captain even makes a PA.
September 9th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Chris,
I am sure AVOD throughout the cabin will not be a problem once the 787′s start rolling in a few years from now
September 10th, 2007 at 4:40 am
sushi14 (reply#48),
Delta IS putting the AVOD PTVs on al their 757 aircraft, just like CO. BTW, CO’s 757s from Stockholm to Newark sometimes do have to make fuel stops during the winter.
samftla (reply #42),
US offers AVOD on their A330s, but that’s only 9 aircraft. Their 767s and 757s that cross the pond don’t. Delta should have more than 35 aircraft (757s, 767-400s, 777s) with AVOD at every seat by next summer flying transatlantic.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Doesn’t seem that Delta has ordered any 787′s, and since Boeing seems to have an order backlog of many years I would not expect Delta to be offering anything more than the current fleet of well worn 76′s.
Sam
September 10th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
#51 ClipperDelta: That was my statement about it being a sad commentary since US Air is already flying aircraft with AVOD at every seat. I clearly indicated that US Air only offered AVOD on their A330′s, so not sure what your point was. I did find it a bit telling that you chose not to respond to my statement about the vast majority of your European competition (with the exception of Alitalia) offering AVOD at each seat. It seems Delta rushed to roll out more international routes but doing it on the cheap. Maybe I will give you guys another try when and if you actually bring on line a product that is truly competitive. For now I will continue to fly international with airlines that offer a superior in flight experience. By the way I was Platinum with Delta in 2005 and 2006 but for the most part have lost me as a regular customer. Just got tired of paying the same for a mediocre product.
SAM
September 10th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
As far as I’m concerned, this blog is to help Delta turn into a better airline, and not to argue. Airliners.net is for arguing.
We have to remember that most people if not all people writing in this blog have a higher interest in aviation than the average traveler. I’m assuming that before trips we always research the aircraft we are flying on and its amenities. Some of us may even choose a certain flight based on the aircraft.
Now, with that said Delta should take a survey next month, or whenever, covering the fllowing:
From a scale from 1-10 what is your interest in commercial aviation?
Did you choose this flight based on price, convenience, Skymiles, or ammenities/ entertainment/ comfort?
Were you familiar with the aircraft you’re flying on prior to departure?
Were you familiar with the entertainment, ammenities, etc. of the aircraft prior to departure?
MY POINT is that I think that MOST people who fly Delta or any airline do not know in advance what aircraft they’re on and what type of entertainment it has. They go with the cheaper fare, or with what their travel agent books them on. I don’t think that passengers booked in coach are expecting their own TV in the first place. If you give your 767-300ER passengers good service they will be happy. Also guys, in the past Continental, US Air, Air France, BA, etc. have had PTVs while Delta has not. Ridership hasn’t gone down, so why would it suddenly start? When ever I meet somebody after a flight, I ask, as I’m sure we all do, “How was your flight?” I’ve heard various responses, however, I have NEVER heard, “It sucked because I didn’t have my own TV.” Now if I asked an aviation buff I might have heard that.
Conclusion: Aviation buffs, like you guys, and the average Delta travelers have different point of views.
Now Delta, hopefully you take this lack of weight to your advantage and have lower fares. Also, on the 767-300ER since you’re only slightly upgrading the entertainment, maybe you should upgrade the comfort and meals. That’s what most of your passengers really care about.
September 10th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
I flew Delta this past week on Song equipment. It was a nice plane, and included AVOD – but about half of the monitors on the plane had absolutely no sound. The flight attendants tried rebooting, without success – they seemed baffled and resigned. I’m sure it’s a nice perk – but it would be nice if it were consistently operational.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
#53 samftla:
Sorry I didn’t make myself clear but the point about US Airways was that like US, Delta today also offers AVOD PTVs at every seat on a total of 16 airplanes (8 764ERs, 8 777s) on international flights. So if you were to travel from Atlanta to London, Paris, Manchester, Milan, Madrid, Dubai, Tel Aviv or JFK to Mumbai, you would get the AVOD systems in Economy today.
Secondly, not just Alitalia lacks AVOD PTVs; one of the biggest transatlantic players, Lufthansa, also has NO PTVs in Economy on any of their current aircraft. And yet, Lufthansa manages to pack their planes and turn a tidy profit.
BTW, I do not work for Delta; just a regular Platinum Medallion/Million Miler.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
#54 not sure who you thought was arguing, simply pointing out differences in levels of service from different airlines. And if people can’t have an open discussion in this or any forum then what use is it? And thanks Clipper for the clarification cause it seemed in Chris’ post that the majority of the 76′s would only offer AVOD in Business.
And I for one do look at the amenities offered by each airline, since all the ticket prices seem to be about the same. In fact post # 40 irishflier is a good example of people checking out their flights.
I just booked a biz class Miami to JNB and booked it on South African rather than Delta due to the fact they offer a superior business class product, that and it is a non stop from Dulles to JNB. I would think Delta would like to know why a person who used to fly them a lot is now taking other airlines for their international flights. Maybe I just have a different set of flying friends than you cause the heavy travelers like myself all check out the equipment and we are always sharing new things being offered or cabin upgrades on international routes. We are going to fly who gives us the most bang for our buck.
By the way I still fly Delta domestic and this year I am Gold Medallion and on track to stay there for 2008 as well.
September 10th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Samftla,
I don’t think you understood my point. Let me clarify: You, me and others using this blog, and I’m assuming your friends have a higher interest and knowledge in commercial aviation than the average traveler. We find thar getting there is half the fun. Would you agree? However, the people like us who check ammenities and may choose flights based on them, are only a small percentage of airline travelers. The larger percentage of people who fly, or the average traveler bases their trip on price, convenience, or what their business books them on. Therefore, for Delta to add AVOD to its 767-300ERs is not crucial for keeping its passengers. They might loose some people like you and other aviation buffs who find flying more than a mode of transportation, but no major losses of passengers will take place. I hope you get me and I take back what I said about the arguing. You’re right that what makes this site so great is that the public can discuss and suggest Delta’s future.
September 11th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
I think it is a great thing that Delta is enhancing the in-flight experience by adding entertainment and new technology to its planes. The on-demand systems are a wonderful addition and I’m sure there will be many more technology enhancements to come in the future.
I know this issue has been raised before, but I want to stress how wrong touch screens are for the back of the headrest. After flying from JFK to SAN, I witnessed (and was subjected to) many people not understanding how touch screens work. I saw a senior citizen hitting the screen with the back of a pencil trying to play solitare while the passenger in the seat in front of him sat there in anger. I saw children playing games in the same “rough” way while their parents were content that the children were occupied. Seated behind me was a man who decided to play trivia (aka hit the back of my seat every 10 seconds) for the entire 6 hour flight. If there is anything that makes your flight worse than babies crying, it is this.
You can try to explain to people how touch screens work, but this should not be the solution to this problem. You cannot assume that people of all ages and technological backgrounds will understand how to touch the screen “lightly.” I would be interested to know what usability tests have been done to justify using touch screens instead of any alternatives (arm rest controls, remote controls, etc.).
I do love the interactive touch screens at check-in kiosks and airport gate maps, but I do not think they belong in flight. This is one of those ideas that seems great at first, but if you haven’t tested it out among users (aka passengers) first, you are going to invest a lot of money into a failed design. When the technology begins to disrupt the experience, your customers will willingly sacrifice the entertainment for a smooth, restful flight on another airline.
If the complete removal of touch screens is not an option, I would hope that Delta removes the games or thinks about another way passengers can play games with the controls on the arm rest. A possibility could be something similar to Quantas international planes with an extendable remote control that can be removed from the arm rest and used to play games and navigate the entertainment system.
P.S. The blog is a great! Keep it up!
September 11th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to say that I’m very impressed with your knowledge of the industry and with your passionate responses. There’s no doubt this forum will provide a terrific platform for positive and constructive feedback.
Real quick…I wanted to provide an update on Delta’s next big IFE product enhancement. In just about two weeks our first 737-800 will roll out of the hangar with nose-to-tail Delta on Demand. This aircraft will be the first 737NG in any U.S. fleet to offer full cabin AVOD and satellite TV. Even better news is that this is just the first of 28 planes to be converted.
Chris-
September 12th, 2007 at 12:24 am
Thanks Chris for you information here! I was wondering when we’d see the first domestic 767-300 out of the hangar with the new Delta on Demand system?
September 12th, 2007 at 10:33 am
So I’m seriously getting more and more impressed with Delta. A corporate blog that you can actually have a meaningful discussion! I would like to see a bit more family oriented movies on DoD. It seems like the percentage of alternate lifestyle and heavily rated movies to per portion of what would be on the flight is slightly out of per portion. Well maybe I’m wrong, but a larger selection of this kind of content would be nice. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be the latest content out there. Anyway very impressed with this blog!
September 12th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Chris,
What route(s) will this 738 be flying?
September 12th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Thanks # 59 Skymiler, and just to clarify my position I would like nothing better than to see Delta transformed into a top tier carrier. I do agree that my group may be a bit more savvy in travel, but in my own casual encounters with other travelers and in reading other blogs such as Skytrax, I do believe that a lot of folks make their choices based on the perceived differences in levels of international service. Just how much revenue an airline might loose, I would not venture to guess. I do look forward to the day when Delta upgrades the entire Business cabin experience so I can return as a regular. I would much rather spend my money with them than a foreign flag carrier.
So I guess we can agree to disagree
).
Sam
September 12th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Chris Babb-
Is the plan for the 738s similar to the Transcon 757s? ie. being dedicated to certain routes within the system and rotating on non-”Transcon” routes when needed (similar to how some 757TCs op EWR-ATL)?
Also a question on configuration changes to the 738 fleet – is the long-term vision to apply the mod fleet-wide on the 738 or just the 28 a/c? Will the non-PTV 738s feature the new interior configuration – 16/144Y via slimline and are you removing the bulkheads between F and Y similar to NWA or COs 733/735 fleet?
Thanks in advance.
September 12th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Here’s my gallon of gas , I flew from Atlanta to Seattle on a song 757 and the back-seat tv’s made the flight a world of a difference. On my return flight to Atl it was ok but that feeling of independence wasn’t there. What I’m trying to tell you Delta, is that when people think of Jetblue they of the TELE. When they think of Song they think of the TELE. When they think of flying a regular Delta plane, they say just another long flight.
Please think about putting TV’s on the back of all your cross country flights!I think it will bring you more revenue and more loyal passengers.
September 12th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
asidero,
Delta flights also have and are still getting the new entertainment. Song is now Delta, just the paint is different. Soon, that Song plane you flew on will have Delta colors and still have AVOD. Also Delta’s 767′s, 737′s and more 757′s are getting TELE, hopefully making all transcontinental flights with AVOD.
September 13th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
As a refugee from another unnamed legacy carrier, I do miss one thing – in flight ATC. I really enjoy watching the map while listening to ATC on the headset. On the other airline, you sometimes had to convince the pilot to turn it on, but most did.
As a former gate/baggage agent, I would like to ask that Delta review its disembarking procedures for aircraft with plane-side luggage check. At present, passengers are held inside the plane until the luggage is brought forward. I’m certain this is for safety reasons, but it inconveniences passengers that didn’t check their luggage plane-side. At my former airline, that flew CRJ 50′s, we had a gate agent meet the plane and “supervise” those passengers picking up luggage as they waited on the ramp. The other passengers went on their way. Sometimes, the flight attendant, pilots, or baggage agent would supervise. or
September 14th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Hi Chris,
As someone who appreciates peace and quiet, I would love to see the sound systems upgraded so that I don’t have to listen to what everyone else is listening to.
I know you can’t do anything about folks with their headphones up at the maximum volume, but it makes me crazy that even when no one around me is even listening to the entertainment system, still I hear the movie.
Noise reducing headphones are great at blocking out engine noise, but they can’t do anything about unwanted entertainment audio. Can you?
Thanks for a great blog!
September 21st, 2007 at 11:35 am
I am new to blogs and I am sure I am in the wrong one for my question, but here goes ….
On Delta website it shows Flight 176, ATL-DUB leaving Oct 1st, to be a 767-300er but when I view seats it shows a 767-200 confiuration. Namely the BE seatd are 5 rows instead of 6 rows?
Which is correct?
Thanks.
September 21st, 2007 at 8:05 pm
amcanadian:
That is interesting at to why the seat configuration is titled 767-200, but rest assured, the type aircraft you will be on will be a 767-300ER. Delta no longer has the 767-200 models. This is probably something delta.com folks have to fix.
September 21st, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Hey everyone…I’ve just returned from the annual World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA). This conference included more than 60 airlines and hundreds of IFE-related technology vendors. There was some very cool stuff displayed that hopefully will be making it onboard in the near future.
So…enough of the small talk, let’s get to your questions!
# 40 kellydj1 Says:
September 7th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Back in November of ‘06 Apple and Delta among other airlines announced iPod integration with the PTVs starting in mid 2007 and we’re in the latter half of 2007 now, so I was wondering when the iPod integration will finally be introduced?
kellydj1…The iPod integration is moving more slowly than planned. The eFX system can’t easily communicate with the iPod software without significant modification. We’re still working on it and will provide an update when anything changes.
# 44 f1eddie Says:
September 8th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
I just saw your reply to irish girl. I am flying into ATL and on to orlando on the 20th dec and then coming home on the 3rd of Jan08. Will we have one og the new 757s do you know??
f1eddie…the first 757-200 ETOPS aircraft will go into mod in December but it won’t enter the fleet with the new interior until January.
# 47 whinton Says:
September 8th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Chris: thanks for all the great information. Regarding content, particular for the music, you guys should talk to the folks over at Paste Magazine. They are already doing things with CNN and would be a great source of music content. And they are Atlanta local.
whinton…thanks for the info…I’ll look into it!
# 48 Delta 764 Says:
September 8th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
I was wondering why there are no plans to install any form of IFE on the MD-88s.
Delta 764…no plans for inseat entertainment on the MD88s but we are evaluating other IFE options.
# 50 rickp Says:
September 9th, 2007 at 9:20 am
I would like to see, er, hear ATC traffic just like you can on UAL (channel 9) flights.
rickp…I’d like to hear this too! When I’ve flow with UAL, I’ve always enjoyed listening to the conversation between ATC and the crew. I’d also like to see a channel with a link to an external camera. I know several Asian and Mideast airlines offer this feature and it’s VERY cool.
# 62 jrlander Says:
September 12th, 2007 at 12:24 am
Thanks Chris for you information here! I was wondering when we’d see the first domestic 767-300 out of the hangar with the new Delta on Demand system?
jrlander…the first upgraded 767-300 domestic will roll out in late November or early December.
# 64 Skymiler Says:
September 12th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
What route(s) will this 738 be flying?
Skymiler…the first digital 738 will be flying transcons…JFK to West Coast destinations.
# 66 grkitalny Says:
September 12th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Is the plan for the 738s similar to the Transcon 757s? ie. being dedicated to certain routes within the system and rotating on non-”Transcon” routes when needed (similar to how some 757TCs op EWR-ATL)?
Yes…the 738s will be used on transcons, primarily from our JFK and ATL hubs.
Also a question on configuration changes to the 738 fleet – is the long-term vision to apply the mod fleet-wide on the 738 or just the 28 a/c? Will the non-PTV 738s feature the new interior configuration – 16/144Y via slimline and are you removing the bulkheads between F and Y similar to NWA or COs 733/735 fleet?
We are moving to a 16/144 configuration across the 738 fleet…not sure about the bulkheads.
# 70 banichiji Says:
September 14th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Hi Chris,
As someone who appreciates peace and quiet, I would love to see the sound systems upgraded so that I don’t have to listen to what everyone else is listening to.
I know you can’t do anything about folks with their headphones up at the maximum volume, but it makes me crazy that even when no one around me is even listening to the entertainment system, still I hear the movie.
Noise reducing headphones are great at blocking out engine noise, but they can’t do anything about unwanted entertainment audio. Can you?
banichiji…your question cracked me up. Yes…I can do something! We’re working with Delta’s Engineering and Cabin MTC teams to plug the old pneumatic headphone jacks. It won’t happen overnight, but expect some relief in the coming months.
September 22nd, 2007 at 1:14 am
So Chris… I’ll be on my Honeymoon in mid-December and will be taking the ATL-OGG (Maui) flight round trip (with 1-stop in LAX). Does that round-trip flight have the seat-back entertainment? There’s no indication on Delta.com on whether or not there will be.
Equipment-wise, on one Delta.com page, it tells me that it’s a 767-300, on another a 767-300ER, and yet on another a 767-400ER. I don’t think Delta even knows what equipment will be doing that flight! I know it’s 2 1/2 months away, but the anticipation is killing me!
If you know the answer, please divulge so I’ll know what to look forward to. As much as I am happy to go to Maui for my honeymoon, just thinking of the 10+ hours I will be on the plane just makes me tired. Knowing that there will be seat-back entertainment will help time pass much faster!
Thanks for your help, and thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer questions from simple-folks like me!
JG
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Having just flown JFK-SFO, I will say the IFE system didn’t really impress me that much.
I was in first class on a former Song 757. The F seat pitch was so tight that when the seat in front was reclined even slightly it hit my knees. Not at all pleasant, and tangibly inferior to what I would have enjoyed on United or American (in business class) or Virgin America (in first).
The IFE screen was much smaller than what Virgin America offers in their first class cabin — a function of the tight seat pitch. But the channels that were offered weren’t all that “special” (HBO excepted). Two of the TV channels weren’t working correctly. And the movie offerings were pretty standard airline fare.
I’d encourage DL to offer more independent/”art house” movies, along with “classics.” Maybe you could carry content from your ATL neighbor, Turner Classic Movies?
September 24th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
royal-jet-service,
I like your handle…a nod to Delta’s DC-8 service of the 1960s?
I’d like to address some of your comments…I think you’ll find our F class pitch to be comparable to any U.S. carrier (38″-40″). Granted, UA and AA offer a few flights with a three class product from JFK using 752s and 762s, respectively. But keep in mind that they are limited to just SFO and LAX. By next spring all of our transcons from JFK and ATL will feature our enhanced product…those routes will include SEA, PDX, SFO, OAK, SJC, LAX, SNA, ONT, SAN and LAS.
Our IFE screens are 7″ vs. Virgin’s 9″.
To your point about the TV channels that weren’t working. I want to assure you that we are working around the clock to improve system reliability.
Over the next few months we will be doubling the number of movies available on Delta on Demand and I think you’ll like some of the selections we’re going to offer. Next time you fly with us, be sure to let me know your thoughts — either via this forum, or entertainment@delta.com.
Finally…just wanted you to know that we actually offered TCM up until August. We replaced it with FX because our passenger usage data showed TCM was one of the least watched channels.
Thanks again for the feedback!
Chris
September 24th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Hawaii-5-0,
By mid-December about half of the ATL-LAX flights will feature Delta on Demand. I’m working with Delta.com to add an identifier to the online schedules so it will be easier to identify flights with the new IFE.
We have a ton of planes going through the IFE upgrade so there’s better than a 50/50 chance that your ATL-LAX leg will feature DoD. The flight to OGG will be on a 767-300 and I’m almost positive that will not be a plane with DoD.
Thanks for being patient…we are working hard on the upgrades!
Congrats on your engagement…you’re going to love Maui…it’s an absolutely beautiful island.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Dear Chris- by the way, Great name
I just spent about 20 minutes reading most of the posts, so I hope I’m not repeating too much here. But I am still baffled as to why the 767-300ER fleet isnt being updated. I have flown several times from HNL to STR either directly via ATL or LAX/SFO and ATL. NONE of my flights have ever had AVOD, and recently i’ve noticed that the planes I have been on are still in paint schemes two cycles old (the blue stripe along cabin with big blue tail and smal red accent). Most of the 767-300′s also still have projector screens and use SVHS players for IFE. I know that Delta is the largest operator of the Boeing 767 type, which baffles me how you can be proud of that but not upgrade them. And the argument of weight is somewhat true but I am sure that it cannot be such a huge factor if 767-300ER’s from other airlines currently have better IFE than Delta.
If Delta wants to become a major International player it needs to make its planes at least not be overly handicapped compared to the competition. I’m not even talking about DoD- just upgraded digital based IFE using LCD screens (that I know are LIGHTER than those huge projectors) on these flights that last 9+ hours. Even on Delta’s HNL/OGG/KOA flights it would be nice to have DoD (minus satellite TV).
I just hope that Delta realizes that it’s behind the game in this, and that product consistency is not a stregth currently (anything from nice, shinny cabins to crappy 767-300ER cabins)… I hope that one day I will be able to fly from ATL to STR and watch a movie whenever I like, not just when it decides to play.
Thanks for listening to the rant
Aloha, have a wonderful day
Chris
aka Paparazzi1983
September 25th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
The 767 remain the backbone of Delta’s international route network, yet even more than a decade after competitors introduced seat back IFE, Delta is still not keeping up. Surely, on a 10+ hour international flight, IFE is more worthwhile than on those relatively short domestic hops. I guess until Delta retires the 767s – which seems at least another decade off – I will prefer to travel Delta’s Skyteam partners mostly due to their superior IFE. Delta’s international inflight experience certainly does not keep up with its competitors.
Thankfully, on my transatlantic flighs I am usually able to book a Delta codeshare on Air France for the same price and with a comparable schedule as the non-codeshare flight. This makes me wonder: How much revenue does Delta get to keep from those codeshare flights?
Delta can adopt at least three things from its Skyteam partner: (1) A good selection of current movies on modern IFE; (2) a cart placed near the lavatories from which passengers can serve themselves to non-alcoholic drinks and snacks – and still the cabin attendants walk through the cabin more frequently than on DL flights; (3) Better breakfast/snack – while the main meal in economy is usually comparable whatever Skyteam airline I fly, I am disappointed by the breakfast/snack served on DL flights.
September 25th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
I agree with crazydiver on those three points, and thats the reason I would fly Air France. however, i’ve only had bad experiences at CDG so I try to avoid it. Maybe I’ll try it again, because the last time I flew a Delta 767-300ER I felt like I was flying a plane in the mid-90′s.
September 26th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Gotta Tell Ya. I’m not crazy about the touch screens. The problem is, most peope think they are “Punch” screens. I flew 8.5 hours from London to Atlanta with someone punching the back of my seat playing a game. Not at all a pleasant experience. Maybe install the armrest types that pop up instead of in the seat backs.
Between that, and the flight attendants who can’t seem to serve drinks without turning ALL the cabin lights on, it was a miserable flight.
September 26th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Forgive me if you have already answered this question. Were you ever able to indicate how we can tell if a flight has On Demand or Satellite TV on board? PS flying to Tokyo in November.
September 26th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Chris,
Thanks for your post and for responding to so many questions. I’d like to inquire about an experience I had with empower ports recently on a 767-300ER from CVG-FCO and back. While not quite related to the DoD discussion, practically speaking Empower contributes to the entertainment experience of those flyers with gadgets and an adapter, so I hope it’s okay asking this question.
During these flights (mid august/early september) the empower ports were disabled. I asked the flight attendants on the CVG-FCO (outbound) leg about this and was told it was policy to disable power for transatlantic and hawaii flights. This seemed a little silly, as these long hauls are specifically when power is needed: I had two batteries with me, which gave me 6-7 hours of work/movie watching time, but then I was out of luck. I’ve had power on non-delta international flights before (CI on a 747-400 for LAX-TPE, and regular outlets to boot!) so I’m confused why Delta would do this.
thanks!
September 29th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
amcanadian:
That is interesting at to why the seat configuration is titled 767-200, but rest assured, the type aircraft you will be on will be a 767-300ER. Delta no longer has the 767-200 models. This is probably something delta.com folks have to fix.
amcanadian:
delta.com shows the B-762 in reference to ex-Gulf Air planes. Just one glance at the airplane’s 6 Emergency Exit doors and the overwing plugs. Anybody correct me if Im wrong.
September 30th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Chris,
Could you please provide information on the “enhanced product” and slimline. Any pictures?
Thanks
October 1st, 2007 at 3:08 pm
jonmay- there were EMPower ports on your 767-300ER? Where? Every time I fly the 767′s I feel around everywhere to find the elusive port to power my MacBook but I cant.
I totally agree with you too though that its ridiculous that Delta would disable the EMPower ports on International/Hawaii, aka the longest flights but keep them on during transcon flights.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I’m not 100% sure these were 300ERs, but based on others’ descriptions I believe they were. These were 767s with coach service throughout, a few wider seats in front (what would be first class on a domestic flight), 7 or so rows of “true coach” to the left of the entrance, and the rest of the “true coach” to the right, all of in a 2-3-2 configuration. No AVOD, no PTVs. Hard-mounted monitors throughout, IIRC, however remote controls similar to what you see in a plane with PTV were in the seat arms (though they couldn’t be removed). An empower port was at about shin height, directly under the arm rest, so there was one port for each group of 2 seats, and 2 ports for each group of 3.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Chris – I just want to thank you for providing REAL information here. Like everyone else, I’d love in-seat personal entertainment on all my flights, but I know that’s not realistic. At least by checking out the blog, I know what I may be walking into. Thanks!
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Hey everyone…just wanted to let you know that I’m on the West Coast this week for work but that I’ll answer all your questions shortly.
The new 738 with AVOD, new seats and winglets enters the paint shop this week and will begin service next week. I’ll be sure to post some pictures. It’s a sweet plane!
Chris-
October 4th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Just discovered this blog and have enjoyed reading it. I have timely comments concerning the AVOD offered by Delta.
Last week week we flew MGM to LAX to visit friends. Our trip out west on a Delta 767 only offered overhead movie screens; no AVOD. Several of us flew LAX to SFO on Virgin America on Saturday to spend the day with friends. Their RED system was my first experience with AVOD and it was killer!
Our return to MGM, via ATL, was on a Delta 757 that had AVOD. I really enjoyed the system, but do wonder why Delta charges for headsets and premium channels. Movies I can sort of understand the charge, but if the airline is hyping this product… and they ARE hyping this product, the headsets should be offered to all on-board. Virgin America handed out the ear buds as you entered the jetway. Delta had the nerve to charge $2 a piece for them.
I had a discussion with two of the flight attendents working the flight and they used the word “nickel and dime” to describe Delta’s actions. I agreed with them 100% If you are going to offer this cool feature, provide the tools (ear buds) necessary to enjoy it; don’t ask the customer to pay extra! I would make the HBO and games free as well. Consider it part of the cost of doing business.
An airline that is re-inventing itself should take the lead… not follow behind a new, upstart airline.
Thanks for listening. We fly to Venice and home from Rome in November. We are in coach and it will be nice someday to have a nice AVOD system on long routes like that.
October 4th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Why doesn’t DL sub-fleet a group of 767-300ERs to fly the longest of 767 flights and install AVOD on the rest. There are very few markets that the added weight of the IFE won’t work on. It seems to be a matter of expense, as these seem to be the cash cows of the fleet; but especially in a market such as JFK-Western Europe, no AVOD is going to be a huge factor when the biggest players have it.
October 4th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Chris
OK, so Delta doesnt want to put AVOD in 767-300ER’s because of weight limitations, yet is installing all of this on planes flying routes half as long as the Atlantic flights. If Delta really wants to compete with the Western Europe airlines, you need to be more aggressive with the fleet modernization and amenities for BOTH First Class/BE and Coach. If I fly a Delta flight, I get a old cabin and overhead TVs… if I fly Air France on the same route I get AVOD, overhead TV’s displaying the current position of the plane, and a snack cart mid-cabin and in the rear where if I want to get up and get something to snack on or drink I can do so myself… Same route, both SkyTeam, different service strategies.
OK, I mean, Delta is better than Northwest, i’ll admit
I assume that the reson Delta is not going to spend the money updating the 767-300ER fleet is because you are going to excite us all Delta fans buy purchasing 100 787 Dreamliners, right? (I wish my dreams would come true)
btw i like scotl453′s idea.
Aloha
October 4th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Hi Chris;
Great idea to offer this blog! I will give you my 2 cents worth.
1. Please add audio and / or video from the cockpit!! I love the audio option on United but that’s about all I like about them! Recently flew from IAD to VIE on Austrian Airlines and they had a couple of cameras that allowed us to view take offs and landings from 2 different angles. Probably not cost efective but heck something to consider down the road!
2. But a good entertainment system is just icing on the cake, what I want are seats that convert to beds…. in Biz Class! I travel to to every corner of the planet on business and I need to be able to sleep so I can hit the ground running. Delta’s biz class seats are among the worst. Flew to Madrid twice recently, once on DL another on CO and the comfort level difference in Biz Class was significant.
To be honest, I am flying to Egypt in December via FCO and dreading the Delta leg… even in C class! I heard AA and UAL are going to put the bed-seats in their C class and I may have to forfit my Elite Status w/ the One World Alliance or see if they will match it!! For me, comfort beats price and routing (in most cases) as well as the other dog and pony add-ons! I have plenty of gadgets to entertain myself on the flight…. as long as I don’t run out of juice!!!!
3. Power for my laptop and other electronic gadgets on all aircraft and in C and Y cabins.
Finally, congrats on the new International routes!! I will be traveling to many of the destinations ( Egypt again, China, S. Africa, Rawanda, Tanzania and Israel) over the next 12 months and would love to fly Delta but again it will come down to what carrier offers the most comfort!
4. Wi -Fi! I won’t pay for movies but will pay up to $50 per International flight for internet access!
Hope this information helps!!
Cheers,
Captain Sparrow
October 4th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Chris;
OOPS meant Sky Team Elite Status not One World, hum maybe it was Freudian slip!
Captain J Sparrow
October 5th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I agree with Captain J. Sparrow that Wi-Fi would be great on flights. Tons more business could be completed on the plane and it would be another source of entertainment. Lastly, it would pull Delta ahead of other airlines. I bet it would be a real money maker for Delta.
October 6th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Any thought given to identifying those planes, 757′s, that have the DoD? Also, are there plans to convert some of the 737-800′s to DoD? DoD is greatly missed when you have it and you travel every week. Watching the same movies get old. I have resorted to looking at the seat configuration to guess. Please advise.
October 7th, 2007 at 8:20 am
HI, I’m new to this blog & was reading all the messages, but still couldn’t found an answer . Anyone know if the flight from Atl to CDG-Paris has the new Delta on Demand, & in seat video in all classes. Plane is a 767-400.
My family is not traveling until Feb.2008 , but if this feature is available, that means less carry on gadgets for 8 people.
October 7th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
DFW Girl-
I dont think any of the 767-400 fleet has Delta on Demand currently. Maybe by the time Feb ’08 rolls around they will have a couple -400′s retrofitted, but I wouldnt hold my breath. Delta’s fleet isnt very consistent still, so i’d still bring those gadgets along
melhrmanjones-
If you book on Delta.com, when you are searching for flights, usually you can see if you are scheduled on a DoD equipped 757 by clicking on “In Flight Services” under the flight number- however I think currently the only bet on having DoD for sure is if you see a Song-painted jet pull up to your gate
I think Chris will let us know about the 737-800 that was retrofitted soon
I agree with you Captain J. Sparrow- I think internet on International flights would be awesome and I would pay $49 or so for it for sure if I was wide awake and did not like the movies being offered. And yes, I agree with you that Delta’s BE/First cabins need to be remodeled for their international segment.
October 7th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Dear Chris
I know I might be beating a dead cat more, but I just checked on some pictures of the 767-300 (because I’m a curious cat) and saw that Air Canada was able to retrofit their 767-333 cabins with AVOD
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1226435/M/
so I am educationally guessing that the reason Delta isnt going to update the 767-300ER’s isnt because of weight but because I’m going to be able to fly a Delta 787 sometime in 2009
October 8th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Thanks for all the replys on DOD on my upcoming trip from Atl to CDG. I was afraid our flight might not have it. Maybe if I’m real lucky I can at least plug in my laptop.
I also would pay for internet, especailly if DOD isn’t available.
I’ve been a long time flyer on Delta, & my family (usally between 8-14 people) travel overseas once a year. We can’t understand why you can get DOD for coast to coast flight & can’t get DOD are international flights in all cabins.
We stuck with Delta thru their hard times & it would make more sense now to upgrade the international planes 1st.
Hopefully Chris can give me more insigths to what I can expect on our flight.
October 9th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Dfw Girl,
If you’re on DL22 from ATL to CDG, it should be a 767-400ER and there should be DoD at every seat (Business and Economy).
Delta currently has 8 767-400ERs (out of 21) reconfigured with the international BusinessElite product (and nose-to-tail AVOD) that it uses on ATL-Europe flights as well as, starting this winter, on ATL-South America / South Africa flights. An additional 6 domestic 767-400ERs are scheduled to get DoD by Summer 2008, bringing the total to 14 out of 21 764s.
October 9th, 2007 at 10:13 am
i am headed from atl to dublin this week. Has anyone flown this route with the olf gulf air 767′s. I upgraded to BE,just wondering if it is the usual BE or the upgraded BE.
October 10th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
I know it is a weight issue, but is there anyway that the International 767-300ER’s can get AVOD in coach? I flew from JFK-KBP over the summer and it was a miserable flight in coach. Worse, I got stuck in a seat behind the video monitor. I fully agree with paparazzi1983 and Dfw Girl, that this is unacceptable.
October 13th, 2007 at 12:21 am
I will be flying into Rome from JFK in august 2008.
Are they flying the 767-300′s or 400′s into ROME? and do those aircraft
have the personal video screens in coach yet? I have always flown delta, and
i am excited that they are finally updating their aircraft with delta on demand
October 13th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
ClipperDelta ,
We’re not on flight DL22, our flight is DL28 & I’ve been watching these flights everyday & they are using 767-400′s, so maybe we’ll be lucky & get a plane that has been reconfigured.
Anyone out there been on Flight 28 to paris lately?
October 16th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
I dont think the 767-400′s have had any upgrades done yet. Maybe a few, but I’ve done quite a few booking options and I never got a 764 that had AVOD advertised.
Unfortunately I think Delta’s fleet is so huge we’re just going to have to wait longer for a “fleet upgrade” to take effect over the routes we use more often. Sad, but I guess it’s a fact of life.
October 17th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Dfw Girl,
DL28 ATL-CDG is a 767-400 during the summer months but reverts back to a 767-300ER in the winter. The latter has no DoD in Economy.
paparazzi1983,
So far, 8 of the 21 767-400s have been reconfigured with AVOD; they were already flying ATL-Europe routes this past summer. This winter, they will be used on ATL-South Africa as well as ATL-South America routes, and a few ATL-Europe routes. Domestically, some of these birds sometimes show up on ATL-Orlando. The plan is to have another 6 767-400s redone with AVOD by next summer.
The way to tell whether your 764 flight will have AVOD is by the seat map – if Coach begins with row 15, then yes; otherwise, if Coach starts with row 10, then it’s a domestic bird with non-AVOD PTVs only up in the domestic First cabin.
October 23rd, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Chris, I will be flying (first class) in a 737-800 direct from from MCO to LAS in the beginning of January and then returning from LAS to MCO (through ATL) with a 767-300. I’m guessing neither of these flights will have IFE but wanted to check if it was a possibility. I do miss Song and the overall “hipness” the brand carried. I do appreciate, though, everything Delta is doing to integrate some of its customers feedback into actuality.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:36 am
Let me say here, I confess I’m saddened that “entertainment” has come to be equated with “television” and to see posters here threatening not to fly the airline because they can’t watch TV for a few hours (as they do every night at home). When flying my favourite entertainments are 1) gazing out the window 2) getting lost in a good book or magazine and 3) eating. I think everyone’s horizons would be expanded much to the better if they depended less on the gogglebox for entertainment and instead tried to engage a bit more with the rest of the world around us.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Chris, I don’t mean to nag, but it’s been almost a month since you posted saying you would be answering our questions…
November 2nd, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Hello, here’s another new user to this site. Sort of fun exploring the site and following the debate going on here.
I too would loooooooovvvvve it if DL put DoD on all their intl 767-300ers, especially on their DUS-ATL runs. This summer I flew 4 domestic flights, 3 on former Song 757s and those three flights were much more enjoyable than the one without D0D.
I flew DUS-ATL route in June and the monitor on my side of the cabin wasn’t working correctly. The images were green. Not fun to watch an action movie when all the actors have a green tint. Well, if no DoD is in the works I hope the new LCD screens are installed soon. Aside from video aspect I liked the music selections DL offered. I also like the new earphones, the ones that wrap around the ear. Much better than the traditional plug types.
If economy isn’t going to have DoD on all trans-Atlantic flights then how about an extra inch or two more in seat pitch? Also, adjustable headrests would be a huge improvement too.
As already mentioned I am too belong to the minority of flyers that actually chooses an airline based on the inflight experience. All things considered I will usually go with AF over DL due to their IFE.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Hello everyone!
Sorry it’s been so long since I last posted but October was a crazy month. A lot has happened in recent weeks…some good and some bad.
The good news is that we rolled out the second 737-800 with the new Weber slim-line seats and Delta on Demand at every seat. The third 738 is in mod and should roll out next week. The first 767-300 with the new seats and DoD rolls out next week as well.
One interesting fact is that Delta will be the first airline in the world to offer live satellite TV, movies and music on demand, HBO on demand and games on a 767-300.
This is the first of 21 767-300s that will be upgraded with this product through May 2008 and these a/c will be used almost exclusively on transcon routes. Also, this is the first aircraft in the fleet to receive upgraded DISH satellite receivers and a new high-gain antenna…so hopefully this will alleviate some of the issues we’ve seen with the current antennas and ADRs.
The bad news is the rising price of oil. This week we saw oil at $97 and it looks like these high prices will continue. And while it hurts each of us individually to fill up our cars at the pump, think about how much it now costs to fill up a 777!
A 777-200ER holds 45,213 gallons of jet fuel. A gallon of jet fuel today is $2.70. So it costs about $122,075 to fill the tank. A year ago it cost $72,024 — that’s a 59% increase. (source: IATA http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/economics/fuel_monitor/index.htm)
OK…so enough with the math lesson. I just wanted to share because the numbers are really mind boggling.
I know many of you have asked when Delta.com will provide an indicator during the shopping process that designates flights with Delta on Demand. I met with the Delta.com team in October and they are working feverishly to add this functionality. It looks like it will be up and running in early December.
One of the most common questions you’ve been asking concerns the 767-300ER fleet and when we’re going to add DoD to economy on that fleet. Unfortunately you won’t see that upgrade in 2008 as we’ve got so many resources assigned to upgrading the 737-800, 757-200 ETOPS, 767-300 and 767-400ER fleets to full-cabin AVOD.
We’ve been replacing the old rear projection screens with in-aisle and bulkhead-mounted flatscreen LCDs…so that will improve the entertainment experience for the folks in economy. I know it’s not in-seat, but we’re continuing to make improvements.
Also, many of you are asking about specific routes and if DoD will be available. It’s tough to answer everyone but a good rule of thumb is that any 767-400ER assigned to an international destination will feature full cabin DoD. We’re also upgrading 6 more 767-400ERs to DoD and the next a/c will be in service the week of 11/15.
OK…so that’s it for today. Keep the questions and comments coming!
Have a great weekend.
Chris-
November 11th, 2007 at 4:40 am
Chris:
Glad to hear you’re a fan of dance and chill music, and that Delta has been offering it as part of DoD. (I also noticed that Blue Six was played as boarding music a few months ago… great choice.) I remember being on a DL flight in 2004 or 2005 with a “Drone Zone” channel among the offerings on the “old-fashioned” in-flight entertainment system, and it definitely made for an enjoyable flight.
Are dance and chill permanent additions to the DoD music lineup? I ask because I just booked a trip on DL for late January, and my flight from SEA to ATL is on a 757 with the DoD system. Also, my return flight from ATL to SEA is on a 767-300, and based on the information you’ve provided, it sounds as if that plane might have DoD as well if I’m lucky.
Thanks for doing this blog… it’s a nice addition to the DL website.
November 11th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Hi Chris,
Wanted to send you a message on LinkedIn the other day to tell you how much I enjoy this blog.
A quick question with regard to upgrades of Boeing 767-300 and 767-400 fleets: is the ATL/JNB route still using 767-300 planes without Empower in Economy? I’d beg, plead… heck, kill, for in-flight power to get some juice to a laptop. (Not even copious amounts of Rande Gerber’s best mixes can make that 18-hour ordeal remotely bearable!)
As an aside, the new music lineups are very enjoyable. I actually look forward to using my time in-flight to learn about new artists.
November 13th, 2007 at 1:31 am
Looking at your webisite, JFK-PDX seems to be the only trancontinental route without the DoD product. If you want to compete with jetBlue and Continental on this route, I highly recommend that you guys give this route an aircraft equipped with the DoD. Also, why don’t I see any advertisements for DoD?
November 19th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
All this sounds great – but will the flight attendants get the training needed to work the system. Just got back from LGW and saw the first 4 minutes of Transformers 4 times while they tried to work the system. Never did get to see the whole movie.
November 19th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
I’ve really enjoyed reading this blog, lots of good info and glad to hear Delta (my hometown airline) is making strides to be the best.
I’m disappointed with the status of the DoD on the 767 300ERs used for routes to the UK. Why upgrade the domestic birds and not the global ones? As an almost exclusive global flyer (2-3 flights/month) I wish a little more attention was given to the long range birds.
I have noted that most of the flights to the UK now from ATL use the 300ERs, I hated to see those 777s stop flying into London and now the 400s appear to be going elsewhere as well. Is this correct or am I just flying on the wrong days?
Now if you could only convince ASA flying long routes on CRJs to install some sort of entertainment I’d be happy.
November 20th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
WOW! i think this blog gets the most attention! I think the attention given to it is (or should be) by DL’s most frequent travelers. Or we’re all just a bunch of airline geeks (i’ll admit to both!).
I find myself flying FLL-IND-FLL each week and steering my legs around equipment. For example, the 767 that flys FLL-ATL the seats (F,G) in Rows 10, 11 & 12 have the more leg room than the A,B seats (which has 3 rows).
I think DL would really stand to improve the on board experience by listening to the customers (and some of us are stockholders too). There’s alot of valuable information in here.
nick
November 28th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Chris,
I just joined the Blogosphere here at Delta. I’m very impressed with the knowledge and eloquence of the users. I scanned the messages and didn’t see anything on this subject…so here goes.
The Delta headsets are pretty bad and the weak link in your delivery of improved content. It’s not a big deal for those of us that pack our own, but once in awhile I forget mine and end up using Delta headsets. The ambient cabin noise (worse or better depending on where you are seated) seems to overcome the headsets even at max volume. Suggestion: when you use up the inventory, can you change out to an in-the-ear style? That would address the competing noise and provide a better entertainment experience. Or at least offer a choice.
We’ve all seen people with these headsets (myself included), pressing them against the ears to listen better with them. Can you hold your hands over your ears to press the earphones closer for the entire movie?
Just a suggestion…it would really help out those who don’t routinely carry their own.
Thanks!
November 28th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Grizzly (#119),
On the other hand, if passengers do not pay attention to the volume, earbuds can be very unhealthy for the ears. However, I also agree that it is very difficult and uncomfortable to listen to movies or music with the headphones Delta provides. Therefore I suggest that Delta does one of the following:
1. Invest in noise canceling headphones that can be rented for a certain price (maybe $10) to Economy passengers. Just like how Alaska Airlines rents video players.
2. Drastically improve the design of your current headphones (without making them earbuds!).
3. Also, replace the two-pronged jacks with single-prong jacks, making it easier for passengers to use their own headphones.
P.S.
Chris,
If you only respond once every 2 or 3 weeks, this blog is not worthwhile. I’m sure you are very busy, but if you could answer more often I feel that this blog would be more of a success.
November 29th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Grizzly,
Good news! We are moving to an earbud style headset early next year.
Chris-
November 29th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
SkyMiler,
Thanks for the idea regarding noise canceling headsets. Unfortunately, the logistics of stocking the headsets, tracking inventory, etc. would not work for us at this time.
I know you wanted an improved over-ear headset, but we are moving to earbuds next year. The sound quality should be a bit better. My suggestion would be to invest in a noise canx headset. I bought the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $100 and LOVE them. I don’t travel anywhere without them.
We are moving to a single prong standard across the fleet and sealing the pneumatic/vacuum style outlets. That should be complete next year as well.
You’re right…there’s a lot going on but I will try my best to monitor this post and answer your questions more often.
However…I will be gone for a couple weeks in December. I’m taking a cruise around South America and Antarctica…can’t wait!
Thanks,
Chris
November 29th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Chads,
You’ll see us deploy more of the -400ERs to the premium routes in Europe, South America and South Africa. I know there’s a lot of disappointment out there regarding the -300ERs but as I’ve mentioned, we’ve got resources at TechOps working on a huge number of upgrades. However, my hope would be that we’d add Delta on Demand cabin-wide to the -300ERs in the near future.
The 777s will continue to be locked into ultra-long haul routes — Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Mumbai, Dubai, Tel Aviv. Domestically you’ll only see the 777s on the ATL-LAX and ATL-JFK routes. They may also pop up on some European routes depending on the season.
Chris-
November 29th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
pieinthesky,
Your hope is my hope! Panasonic, Cabin MTC and Product Developement continue to work with IFS on training. Over the next few months we hope to have all our F/As fully trained on the operation of the system.
Chris-
November 29th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Skymiler,
By May 31, 2008, ALL of our transcon flights and any flight over 4 hours in length will feature Delta on Demand — including JFK-PDX.
We haven’t advertised the product heavily except in New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. The percentage of the fleet that featured the product was small so we’ve been waiting for the surge in retrofits taking place now.
You’ll see more customer communication about the product in the coming months.
Chris-
November 29th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
MarleneJ,
We now use a 767-400ER on the JNB route. The aircraft is one of our newest and features DoD at every seat. The 764 International configuration also features 110v power in BusinessElite and the first 10 rows of economy.
Thanks for the note about the blog…I’m really glad people are enjoying it. And thanks for the kudos regarding our music. We’ve been working really hard to ensure we offer some really great music to our customers.
Chris-
December 1st, 2007 at 9:13 am
I fly to Europe quite a bit and seems like Delta flies 767-300ER on most of these routes. From reading this blog it seems like these type of planes will not get upgrades in the economy cabin? Is that correct ? Why ?
VladS.
December 1st, 2007 at 1:32 pm
vsafin,
The answer is in post #39 above.
Thanks,
Chris
December 1st, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Hi,
I am going to be flying from JFK to Mumbai, India on Delta’s new direct flight and was wondering what the business class offered in terms of entertainment and comfort. I know the plane is going to be the 777-200ER, which is huge. I am leaving on December 13, so what is offered?
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:29 am
Skymiler,
Good cautionary statement about the volume with earbuds. It was good news that Delta will offer earbuds…users will need to be responsible with the volume.
Chris, thanks for the tip on the $100 headphones you have…I was looking for something to upgrade to from my $45 set but was’t quite up to jumping to the high end Bose models. Besides the entertainment, its nice to just have good noise cancelling effects to enjoy a quiteter flying experience sometimes.
Grizzly
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Chris,
On your larger aircraft (737-800 and higher-I think) there are some “window seats” that do not have a window! Because most people who sit next to a window sit there for a view, it would be nice if Delta could provide those windowless seat numbers on the website. In the meantime, could you provide them with us? I DO NOT TRUST SEATGURU, especially with all of the interior changes Delta is making to its fleet.
Thank you
P.S. Thanks for the recent replies and have fun in Antarctica!
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:12 pm
aparikh1207 (#129),
If you go to:
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/inflight_services/businesselite/index.jsp
you can find a pretty good idea of everything that will be offered on your 777-200ER Business Elite flight.
Also, if you want addition information in the 777-200ER itself, including seat sizes, you can go to:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/aircraft_types_layout/777-200/index.jsp.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Sorry aparikh1207,
The link for the 777-200ER information is:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/aircraft_types_layout/777-200/index.jsp
December 6th, 2007 at 11:44 am
I like the in seat video system, but it seems that the flight crew still doesn’t know a whole lot about how to make it work. One FA told me that some of the live channels would work once we got over Denver. Someone told him that’s where the satellites were. That makes no sense since some of the channels were working.
One problem I have noticed with the audio is the mismatch in levels from the entertainment and the PA announcements. The PA is sometimes twice as loud and almost enough to cause ear damage! That should be an easy fix.
December 9th, 2007 at 12:22 am
Chris and the Delta Blog gang-
I’ve been lurking around for a while and finally signed up to post. Great blog and good partipation of customers, this is yet another reason why Delta is better. Chris your updates are exciting and I am a huge fan of Delta On Demand and especially the satellite tv. I have been flying alternate times just to get on 757s and can’t wait to see in seat video on a domestic 767 how about SAN-ATL…?
I am sure you have read the articles lately about internet (IP) connectivity rolling out domestically over the next few years. The FCC will open airwave frequencies previously reserved for Airphone service. Some airlines will offer a managed service (limited chat/browse) through their in seat video, some might offer full wi-fi. Any word on where Delta stands?
I like the idea of wi-fi but not the idea of sitting next to someone using internet telephoney for a four hour rant with the drinking buddy he just said goodbye to. Isn’t zero phone calls one of the peaceful things about air travel?
On one hand, getting ahead on the airborne internet race can draw new repeating customers. On the other, there are expensive hardware/engineering issues along with ethical questions about utulization.
It might be worth a new topic post at some point in the future as this type of service ramps up. I hope the project leader is as enthusiastic and fun to read as Chris is in this post. Thanks Delta.
Sincerely,
Sean M.
San Diego, CA
PS JFK-based Flight Attendants are fabulous!
December 11th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
I’ve been reading the comments about the disturbing nature of the touchscreens and decided to weigh in.
I just finished an Atlanta-Portland OR flight, and enjoyed the in-flight trivia immensely…right up until reading these posts about how irritating it is to have someone jabbing at the back of your headrest.
I am mortified to realize that this never occurred to me–and I am someone who is normally very sensitive to the effect I’m having on those around me. My embarrassment is compounded by the fact that I’m sure I was a “jabber”–not because I don’t know how to use a touchscreen, but because my screen was maddeningly unresponsive. I’m a software trainer by trade, I’ve used a gazillion touchscreens, and what was making me jab was watching those points dwindle as I touched, poked, wiped…all to no avail.
The nature of video games is that they’re absorbing, so yes, you absolutely need to put a notice in your system–or maybe have the flight attendants mention it–reminding people to be mindful that their screen is mounted on the back of someone’s headrest. I can guarantee you that had such a reminder appeared on my screen, I would have been a better airplane citizen. As it is, I just have to blush in retrospect.
December 14th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
I would really like to have an audio channel dedicated to cockpit communications. United has this and it is the ONLY thing I like about United. I like listening to the ATC.
Thanks,
DeltaMD-90Flyer
December 14th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I agree with #137. If Delta wants to get really fancy it would be AWESOME if you guys could have a camera mounted on different areas of the plane, for example the landing gear. Therefore, passengers could WATCH take-offs and landings from the pilot’s perspective. I have experienced this on JAL and it is so exciting and fun. Maybe a possibility for the 777-200LRs?
December 16th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Chris,
I have a question for you that may not be exactly up your alley however I think you can answer it. What is in the future for Delta’s DOMESTIC First Class. Will the current airplanes receive a First Class renovation. If so what is in stock seat wise? Winged headrests, footrests, etc.? I’m contemplating whether to become an elite member for Delta or Continental for the year 2009. I would rather stay a Skymiler rather than becoming a OnePasser, however even with the AVOD I may have to switch to Continental if Delta does not make any First Class seat improvements. Will Delta make any improvements by 2009? Please respond soon.
Thank you,
Skymiler
December 26th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Question….on the Ixplorer information display, it seems that most of the time the language is Spanish. Now I’m not opposed to offering several languages for the information, but the Spanish is up there longer than English. (I timed it)
I thought Delta was an airline based in the United States and the primary language is English!
Anybody else notice this?
RC
December 28th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Hey everyone!
Jacob and I returned from South America this week and we’ve got some great stories to tell. I’m catching up on a bunch of stuff and I’ll try to answer some of your recent questions as well after the New Year.
Chris
January 5th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Hi Chris,
Wondering if you have any updates on how many of the 767-300 have been upgraed with AVOD? In November you had mentioned that the first of 21 was complete. Also, about how long is an aircraft out of service and how many phases are involved with installing the new seats and AVOD system?
Flying to OGG From SLC on a 767-300 at the end of the month, would love to see the new AVOD; however looking forward to it either way.
Thanks in advance
January 6th, 2008 at 5:08 am
I was wondering, for those who are hearing impaired… what options do we have other than turning the volume up so loud it bothers our neighbors? Closed Caption would be a wonderfull add to the system.
January 11th, 2008 at 4:14 am
Chris,
Mid October 2008, we will take the Delta BRU-JFK flight with a 757. Have you any idea if this flight will be AVOD or not?
Many thanks in advance!
Gunther
January 15th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Chris,
in earlier comments you mentioned that 21 767-300s and all internationally configured 767-400s will be reconfigured and provide DoD by May 2008.
This April I will fly the following round trip:
Apr 05: DL107 FRA->JFK on a 757-200
Apr 05: DL423 JFK->LAS on a 737-800
Apr 16: DL22 LAS->ATL on a 767-300
Apr 16: DL14 ATL->FRA on a 767-400.
So I guess on each leg I have a good chance to experience DoD even in coach class. Do you happen to know anything about these flights?
Thanks in advance,
Ralfinho
February 18th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Chris, question may have already been asked, I tried a search but this blog has grown so much, so here it is, What are the chances of having a language and measurement option when starting the AVOD players, my focus would be for the IXPLOR item, which I find interesting to look at when traveling abroad. This would eliminate having to stare waiting for your type of language and measurement to come around. Thanks again for all the updates!
April 9th, 2008 at 3:49 am
We’ve still not had an answer to the question about making ATC communications available on an audio channel. It’s one of the (few) features that make flying on UA attractive.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Hi Chris,
Just looking at flights to Manchester and the flight from is showing as 757, which looks like one of your new ETOPS aircraft.
Just wondering, do all the ETOPS 757s have DoD yet, and if not, how many have been completed, and how many are left?
I’d like to see the new DoD product on these 757, so if you have any pictures could you post them?
Thanks,
-AirBrit
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:04 am
hey I have a question. In june I will be flying to Egypt with delta and I just wanted to know which plane goes there and will it have on demand in every seats?