Yesterday I wrote that Delta is adding surcharges to business class tickets for their new Airbus A350 product. Their new business class has doors. So it’s expected to be a better product, and they’re going to charge more for customers who want to fly it.
Credit: Delta
Here’s a Delta business class connecting itinerary from Detroit to Seoul in March.
This Z fare is $2825 in each direction, plus taxes and fees.
Now here’s the Detroit – Seoul non-stop flying their new Airbus A350 in business class.
It’s more expensive. Here’s what’s interesting — the base fare is the exact same fare basis for travel between the exact same cities on the same dates. And the base fare shows up $250 more each direction because it’s the A350.
They’re doing exactly what they said they were going to do: charge more for the better product.
But wait. It’s not what they said they were going to do. It’s exactly what they promised not to do. As Delta’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer told the New York Times,
And while the suites are designed to be a more premium product, customers won’t have to pay any more to fly in them than they do for a typical Delta One ticket on the same route. “This is a product upgrade, not a price upgrade,” Mr. Mapes said.
Delta announced the product and said it wouldn’t cost more to fly it versus another Delta One ticket on the same route.
Why does anyone believe anything that Delta says?
(HT: @RenesPoints)
So busted. Nice work.
Why does each seat come with a shrine to the headphone gods?
But The New York Times is #fakenews.
the NYT is Only Fake News to The Biggest Fraud of a President. “Designated Survivor”…..hopefully It Happens! 45 Must Go!
I always get the feeling that any sort of denial about prospective changes is good for about the next 15 minutes, so why do they even bother?
A better example would probably be to compare like for like, on the dates when they are alternating between the 747 and the A350 on the direct flights (as they are doing in December), but the point remains the same – you are correct re the surcharge.
The rules on that fare state:
AND – A SURCHARGE OF USD 250.00 WILL BE ADDED TO THE
APPLICABLE FARE FOR TRAVEL IN AIRBUS INDUSTRIE
A350-900 EQUIPMENT. APPLIES PER ADULT. CHILD/
Delta is run by greedy thieves. No one should be surprised. They won’t be able to command this premium once people realize this new suite is the same cramped seat with a sliding panel. BFD.
I appreciate Will’s comment about comparing a direct flight non-A350 to a direct A350. The weakness in Gary’s comparison would lead any frequent flyer to expect a price increase with the A350, because Delta (and most airlines) put a premium on direct flights… It sounds like even when comparing apples to apples the A350 is more expensive though?
Tim Mapes is one of the most morally corrupt human beings, not only in the airline industry, but of all mankind. I know him personally from his days at Delta Express. (The failed airline within an Airline he was in charge of).
He is the reason for my handle
I see no problem with charging more for the seat. It wasn’t a huge premium. If you don’t want to pay it fly another aircraft with cheaper seats.
Reese believes the fake news about -45.LOL .. The new delta product seems over priced!!!
LOCK THEM UP!!! And lock up 45 too!
As long as it’s published all-in pricing, and not some BS like a hidden resort fee, who cares? Buy if you want it or don’t buy if you don’t.
Love the Joe Izuzu comparison!!!! Its spot on.