Being over 6′ tall I understand what it means to enjoy a few extra inches of legroom in Economy Class on a long-haul flight. Scoring a seat at the emergency exit can sometimes feel like you’ve won the lottery!

That’s why today I’m excited to announce the introduction of “Economy Comfort,” a new section of seats in the front of the Economy cabin on our long-haul intercontinental fleet (that’s all 747-400, 757-200 ETOPS, 767-300ER, 767-400ER, 777 and A330 aircraft in the fleet—a total of 169 planes). Now instead of hoping for a seat with extra legroom, you can snag an Economy Comfort seat for a few extra dollars.

What does Economy Comfort offer?

• Priority Boarding in Zone 2 if you are not already Sky Priority eligible. 
• 4 inches of additional legroom—many seats at the bulkhead and exit rows offer even more legroom.
• 50% more recline. 
• Free spirits and specialty cocktails, in addition to free beer and wine currently offered in international Economy.
• In-Seat Power on all 757-200 ETOPS, 767-300ER, 767-400ER, 777 and A330 aircraft that feature personal video. Power will be installed at all Economy Comfort seats over the next two years.
• Free HBO, coming later this summer.

What does Economy Comfort cost?

Diamond and Platinum Medallion members (and their travel companions on the same reservation) and customers who purchase a full-fare Economy ticket can book these seats for free. Gold and Silver Medallions will receive a 50% and 25% discount, respectively, on the applicable published Economy Comfort seat fee. And for everyone else who has purchased an international Economy ticket on Delta, the cost is $80-$160 per segment (the price will vary by market) for access to an Economy Comfort seat.

And just where did the name “Economy Comfort” originate? Our friends (and Joint Venture partner) at KLM launched a similar product in 2009, also called “Economy Comfort.”  And one of our ongoing goals is to align our products and services with our partners. With that in mind…voilà, Economy Comfort!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this new product.

Have a great week!

Chris B.

Sr. Product Manager

Customer Experience Planning & Development

Economy Comfort seating will be offered on Delta’s Boeing 747, 757, 767 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft flying long-haul intercontinental routes between the U.S. and Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and South America (Lima, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Santiago only). Economy Comfort seating is limited and may not be available on all flights. The Economy Comfort Medallion travel companion benefit is applicable for up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation as the Medallion member. Group reservations are not applicable. For companions of Gold and Silver Medallion members, fees apply per seat. All SkyMiles program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits, respectively. To review the rules, please visit Membership Guide & Program Rules.

Next time you fly internationally be sure to take a look inside your seat pocket. There you’ll find our new Duty Free catalogue, where we’re excited to have added 63 new premium products! And just in time for the holidays, because when you buy two or more products and spend at least $125 you get 10% off of your entire purchase.

We also added a ton of new benefits and features to our Duty Free program. Now, you can fill out the Purchase Form from your seat, give it to your flight attendant and they’ll bring your order and request payment right to you. It’s very easy and convenient, like shopping in your sleep!

Looking for a specific Duty Free item? If you liked an item that wasn’t available on a specific international flight, now you can shop anywhere, anytime at deltadutyfree.com. Plus you get free shipping on your entire order until April 30th, 2011.

Remember, by purchasing Duty Free products you save on duties and taxes, so prepare your gift list before you board your next international flight!

Carla L. Roberts

Program Manager, Onboard Revenue

Delta offers service to more than 350 destinations in nearly 70 countries (on six continents!). However, there is one more destination to which more than 125 frequent fliers eagerly descended upon for four full days to realize lifelong dreams and lasting memories.

That final destination was none other than the world headquarters of Delta Air Lines – a destination more sought after than lazily sipping a Pina Colada under a swaying palm tree by calm waters on the shores of a white Caribbean beach or skiing down the challenging snow-covered slopes of the wintry Alps.

I’m serious.

From October 21 through October 24, 2010, attendees of The 2010 Second Annual Delta Air Lines FlyerTalk Event were treated to an intimate inside look at the heart and soul of Delta Air Lines, including tours of the Delta Heritage Museum, the Technical Operations Center, the Operations Control Center, and the towers above Concourses A and E at the airport in Atlanta.

We also met senior executives during a five-hour question-and-answer session, worked as gate agents for the morning, piloted flight simulators, sampled Delta’s on-board food options near the Spirit of Delta Boeing 767 aircraft and attended an intensive day of Road Warrior Training – a program designed as a way to sample the training flight attendants must complete. We even got to go down the evacuation slide!

This event was designed to allow frequent fliers and Delta Air Lines employees to personally interact with each other to gain a better first-hand understanding of how the airline operates and what customers really want in an ideal flight experience. This event overwhelmingly exceeded those expectations. One thing’s for sure—we’ll never look at air travel quite the same way again.

And FlyerTalk members are already talking about next year’s visit!

Brian C.

FlyerTalk Event Participant