Delta Air Lines updates wine program and introduces chef-designed meals

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Claude Roussel, Vice President, Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience | Delta Air Lines

By Sky Industry News

Nov 12, 2024

Delta Air Lines is updating its seasonal wine program and introducing new snacks and meals in collaboration with award-winning chefs. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience by offering a curated in-flight menu that transforms routine travel into a memorable journey.

Kristen Manion Taylor, S.V.P. of Inflight Service at Delta Air Lines, emphasized the importance of food in travel: “Memorable meals are part of the travel experience – whether you’re 35,000 feet in the air or exploring the streets of your destination.” She added that Delta works with top chefs and sommeliers to keep their onboard offerings fresh.

The airline's refreshed wine list includes selections made in partnership with master sommelier Andrea Robinson. The team sampled thousands of wines to curate a list featuring rare white wines from Tuscany and bold California Cabernets. Manion Taylor noted, “The biggest compliment is when a customer says to me ‘I bought this bottle after I discovered it on my last flight.’”

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Delta's commitment to diversity and sustainability is reflected in its choice of wine partners. The airline also invests in training through its Sky Sommelier program for flight attendant leaders on transoceanic flights. Manion Taylor explained, “Even as we invest in our onboard experience, we know that nothing is more important than the warmth and care of a Delta employee.”

Highlights from this year's wine program include Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec from Argentina, Barbanera in Bianco from Italy, Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc from South Africa, Hahn Chardonnay from California, and Albert Bichot Pouilly-Fuissé from France.

Delta One passengers can expect a selection of two red wines, two white wines, rosé, champagne, and port. First Class offers premium selections with 750ml pour bottle options. Passengers flying long-haul international routes can choose between complimentary white or red wine.

In addition to beverages, Delta is launching new menus across various classes on domestic and international flights. These include dishes like cocoa-braised short rib with creamy polenta and Chef Mashama Bailey’s pecan honey bun with apple-cranberry compote for breakfast.

Manion Taylor stated that Delta aims to serve familiar foods with a sophisticated twist: “Our goal is to serve you familiar and comforting foods with a sophisticated twist while offering variety and well-rounded meals.”

Customers can pre-select their meals seven days before their trip for an enhanced dining experience. New menu highlights include Chef Guy Martin's entrees on flights from Paris to the U.S., Jon & Vinny’s braised meatballs available on select domestic routes, and Chef Mashama Bailey’s offerings out of Atlanta.

All customers on flights over 499 miles can choose from sweet or savory snacks such as Lotus Biscoff cookies or SunChips Garden Salsa flavored whole grain snacks. Select passengers can also enjoy premium snack options.

Delta is also rolling out paper cups across its network to reduce single-use plastic waste by nearly 7 million pounds annually by 2025.