{"id":3277,"date":"2019-12-01T00:57:45","date_gmt":"2019-11-30T15:57:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveldc.crossgateway.com\/?p=3277"},"modified":"2024-08-28T09:12:04","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T13:12:04","slug":"a-brand-new-in-flight-service-of-delta","status":"publish","type":"featured","link":"https:\/\/www.traveldc.us.com\/en-us\/featured\/a-brand-new-in-flight-service-of-delta\/","title":{"rendered":"Experiencing Delta Air Lines’ New Main Cabin Service"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
When traveling from Japan to Washington, D.C., it is common to choose either ANA or United Airlines for direct flights. However, when using these flights, you would arrive at Dulles International Airport, which is located about an hour’s drive from downtown Washington, D.C.<\/p>\r\n
In contrast, there is a conveniently located airport called Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington, D.C. This airport is smaller in size and does not have an immigration checkpoint, so most of the flights operating there are domestic flights. Only flights originating from airports with U.S. immigration checkpoints offer international service.<\/p>\r\n
Since Japanese airports do not have U.S. immigration checkpoints, if you choose a direct flight, you would inevitably have to use Dulles Airport.<\/p>\r\n
Therefore, if you choose to use Reagan Airport, which offers easy access to the city center, you would need to connect through another location in the United States.<\/p>\r\n
This time, although there are no direct flights from Japan to Washington, D.C., I will introduce the newly improved in-flight service of Delta Air Lines, which has been focusing on services for Japanese passengers since its Northwest Airlines days.<\/p>\r\n
It’s a must-see for those traveling to Washington, D.C. with Delta Air Lines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The New In-Flight Service Indicates the Future of the Airline Industry<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
When you think of Delta Air Lines, you might have a stereotypical image of American airlines. Indeed, some may perceive them that way or use expressions like “friendly.”<\/p>\r\n
However, these perceptions are subjective views from the perspective of Japanese people and do not capture the essence of the matter.<\/p>\r\n
The most important thing for an airline’s service is to “safely transport passengers to their destination.” In-flight service is an added feature to make long journeys as comfortable as possible, so service priority is secondary.<\/p>\r\n
Therefore, Delta Air Lines, along with most other airlines based on the United States, did not provide the kind of service that Japanese people expect.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However, Delta Air Lines began gradually reviewing the services in its Economy Class, known as the Main Cabin, since around 2016. They started focusing on in-flight services that Japanese people expect, such as providing slippers, complimentary alcoholic beverages, and free text messaging.<\/p>\r\n
In 2018, there were some service downgrades for certain elite members of the mileage program. However, Delta Air Lines introduced new aircraft and added a new premium cabin class, providing higher-quality service at more affordable prices compared to Business Class.<\/p>\r\n
In November 2019, they completely renewed the Main Cabin service, offering a new experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The New In-Flight Service Starts with a Welcome Cocktail<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Welcome drinks are often associated with premium classes, such as Business Class. However, in Delta Air Lines’ new in-flight service, a welcome drink is provided to all passengers.<\/p>\r\n
The welcome cocktail offered in the Main Cabin is a cocktail made with peach puree called the “Bellini.” It is an alcoholic beverage available only to passengers 21 years of age or older. If you are 21 or older but not a fan of alcohol, you don’t have to take it, and no one will say anything, so you can feel at ease when flying with Delta Air Lines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A New Style of In-Flight Meals<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
When traveling by air, one of the most enjoyable aspects is the in-flight meal, isn’t it?<\/p>\r\n
Delta Air Lines’ new in-flight meals are served on trays with ample curves, unlike the traditional square plastic trays with small portions. The new meals have increased in volume compared to before.<\/p>\r\n
Previously, you could only choose between “chicken” or “cutlet” as the main dish, but with the new in-flight meals, you can also choose an appetizer. The “Harissa Shrimp Salad,” often served on flights departing from the United States, has gained popularity and is even featured on the dining website Eater. It can be considered one of Delta Air Lines’ new signature dishes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHarissa Shrimp Salad
<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you’re flying with Delta Air Lines, it’s definitely something you should try.<\/p>\r\n
As for desserts, the previous square-cut cakes, which were commonly served as in-flight desserts, have unfortunately been omitted due to an increase in the quantity of in-flight meals.<\/p>\r\n
Instead, ice cream is now served as a dessert immediately after the main meal. Delta Air Lines continues to offer H\u00e4agen-Dazs on Japan-originating flights, while on U.S.-originating flights, the ice cream varies by region, with either Ben & Jerry’s or the unreleased in Japan, Magnum. However, it seems that Ben & Jerry’s has been unified as the ice cream option since the recent changes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Another notable aspect of the in-flight meals is the significant reduction in plastic products. Previously, not only trays and tableware but also the bags that wrapped them were made of plastic. With the new in-flight meals, renewable plastics are used for trays and tableware, and the bags have been replaced with paper. The paper used to wrap the tableware can be unfolded and used as a placemat, while the inner white paper can be used as a napkin.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Change in the meal before arrival from American Breakfast to Continental<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExample of Pre-arrival Meal.
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When flying with Delta Air Lines from Japan to Washington, D.C., you will have a layover in either Detroit or Minneapolis. These routes are considered long-haul for Delta Air Lines, so three in-flight meals are provided.<\/p>\r\n
Previously, two out of the three in-flight meals were full meals. However, since the recent changes, the meal before arrival has been simplified and resembles a Continental breakfast. Although it is called Continental, the croissant contains scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese, providing a decent amount of volume.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Snack service after takeoff transitions to on-demand self-service<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
During air travel, there is generally less physical activity compared to being on the ground, so you may not feel as hungry. This may be disappointing news for those who look forward to the snack service after takeoff. However, now you can take as much as you want, when you want, as the snack service has transitioned to on-demand self-service. Passengers can go to the rear of the aircraft to pick up snacks themselves, making it ideal for in-flight exercise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Pre-arrival greetings from flight attendants and chocolate service<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
As the destination approaches and the aircraft prepares for descent, flight attendants greet each passenger individually and distribute chocolates. Previously, there was only a brief greeting at the boarding gate, but since the recent changes, flight attendants not only greet passengers at the gate but also provide chocolates as a gesture of gratitude to each individual passenger.<\/p>\r\n
These small gestures are likely to be appreciated by many Japanese passengers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Summary: New in-flight services and commitment to SDGs<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Delta Air Lines’ new in-flight services are part of their commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs), addressing the issue of plastic waste and ocean pollution while providing unprecedented services to each passenger and achieving a “win-win relationship” for all Delta Air Lines passengers and crew members. These efforts are long-term and sustainable.<\/p>\r\n
By positively influencing the environment and society, and aiming for sustainable initiatives, known as SDGs, Delta Air Lines not only accomplishes these goals but also presents a new form of eco-tourism that considers our planet’s well-being.<\/p>\r\n
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that “Choosing Delta Air Lines equals enjoying air travel with an environmentally-friendly airline.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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