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Delta hints at new basic business fare and increased premium seating

Delta hints at new basic business fare and increased premium seating
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Webp glen hauenstein
Glen Hauenstein Delta President | Official Website

Big changes could be coming to Delta Air Lines as executives hint at the introduction of a basic business-class fare and more premium seats on its aircraft. Historically, Delta's higher-end passengers enjoyed services like checked bags and seat selection for free, unlike those flying in basic economy.

Delta recently announced plans to expand its range of fare options starting in October. Currently, only the coach cabin offers a "basic" option with restrictions such as no seat selection or SkyMiles earnings. However, Delta President Glen Hauenstein has suggested that this segmentation approach could extend to pricier cabins.

Hauenstein stated during the company's second-quarter earnings call that the main cabin's segmentation serves as a template for all premium cabins over time. "It's all about giving people more choice, more pricing options, and more products and services in every cabin," he said.

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Industry experts speculate that Delta might introduce a slimmed-down option for first-class, business-class, premium economy, and Comfort cabins. This could mean no checked bags or advance seat selection. When asked directly by CNBC journalist Leslie Josephs about a potential basic-business fare or an extra-special seat offering, Hauenstein declined to provide details but mentioned ongoing customer surveys.

Delta is clear about its intention to increase high-end seating on its planes. The airline has seen strong demand for lie-flat seats in premium economy and domestic first class. As of last fall, 75% of Delta's first-class seats were sold outright compared to just 12% fifteen years ago.

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