Delta Air Lines next year will realign its service classes into five categories, including an enhanced premium-economy tier, in order to create an "easy-to-recognize range of products," the carrier announced on Monday.
The new classes, which take effect March 1, include: Delta One, which will replace BusinessElite on long-haul international routes and flights between JFK and Los Angeles and San Francisco; first class, for short-haul international and domestic routes; Delta Comfort Plus, which includes premium-economy services; standard economy service; and the less flexible Basic Economy fare.
Among the perks to be offered in the Comfort Plus tier—besides extra legroom—are complimentary snacks on flights longer than 900 miles, priority boarding, dedicated overhead space and complimentary beer, wine and spirits. Economy travelers at the diamond and platinum levels with SkyMiles will have complimentary access to the class when booking. Gold-level members get complimentary access 72 hours prior to their flight, and silver-level members get complimentary access 24 hours prior to their flight.
As previously announced by Delta, the Basic Economy fare includes no advance seat selection and no changes or refunds. Corporate accounts, travel management companies and global distribution systems will be able to suppress or inhibit that fare if they choose.