Delta Upgrades to Premium Economy on JFK-LAX Route

In September, Delta will introduce a new premium economy cabin on flights between New York JFK and Los Angeles. The Premium Select cabin will be available on four of the 11 daily flights between the two markets, with Boeing 767-400ER aircraft serving this route being newly refurbished to offer Premium Select seating.

The Premium Select seats on the 767s will provide 38 inches of pitch and seven inches of recline, as compared to the 32 inches of pitch in standard economy seats and 34 inches in the extra-legroom Comfort Plus seats. The Premium Select cabin will have a six-across configuration, one less seat per row than the economy cabin on the same aircraft.

Passengers in the Premium Select cabin will receive complimentary in-flight meals, dedicated check-in and baggage service, and enhanced in-flight amenities like noise-canceling headsets. SkyMiles members with loyalty status can apply for upgrades to Premium Select using the same process as they do for domestic first-class upgrades on the JFK-LAX route.

This move by Delta represents a growing trend among major U.S. airlines to offer premium economy as a mid-tier option for passengers seeking a more comfortable and enhanced travel experience. United has already introduced premium economy on transcontinental routes between Newark and LAX as well as between Newark and San Francisco.