Delta’s New José Andrés Meals Are Everything That’s Wrong With The Airline (Even If The Food Is Good) [Roundup]

News and notes from around the interweb:

• This release about new meals from José Andrés is exactly what’s wrong with Delta Air Lines. They’re a pretty good airline. Their crews are marginally friendlier than at most U.S. airlines. They’re a little more operationally reliable. But they’re way off the charts on on bullcrap meter.

  It’s not enough for them to make improvements, they have to claim those improvements are the most innovative thing that’s ever existence since the earth first cooled. They make announcements of partnerships that don’t have details yet (and haven’t even been signed) from The Sphere in Las Vegas during the Computer Electronics Show. They just come across as smug and smarmy. Hence with their new José Andrés meals:

  “Delta is once again redefining the onboard dining experience with its newest culinary collaboration…”

  “Delta is a curator of taste experiences. Just like we lead in operational reliability, we are on the leading edge of culinary innovation — offering delicious meals that build a sense of connection to the world we serve while reflecting culture, craft and care.”

  “Delta has been quietly transforming its in-flight dining into something that feels more like a restaurant experience than any other, standard airplane meal — not just serving meals but serving moments.”

  “Delta’s culinary strategy isn’t just about providing sustenance — it’s about delighting customers. By partnering with chefs like Andrés, the airline is doubling down on its identity as a premium lifestyle brand with purpose.”

  “These new offerings are more than just meals — they’re a celebration of flavor, culinary excellence and storytelling, which is something Delta is increasingly weaving into its onboard experience.”

  Delta just can’t help themselves. They do need to improve their food (American’s and especially Alaska’s are reliably better). And José Andrés attaching his name to the effort simultaneously raises my estimate of the food Delta will put out, and lowers my expectation for the quality associated with José Andrés (since he’s willing to attach his name to Delta’s food).

• 25% bonus on Chase transfers to Southwest through November 6, 2025. Not something I’d generally do, but got to see because I don’t ever recall a Southwest transfer bonus before.

  Paired with Southwest status and statement credits bundled as a spending threshold benefit on Chase Reserve this tells me that Southwest is more aggressively monetizing the program across the board, as they look for revenue anywhere they can find it.

• The AT&T sponsorship has to have something for AT&T in it, so nothing surprising here. A little annoying though. I may be the only person who prefers the current paid wifi to everyone getting it free, since American’s wifi generally works pretty well and I’m worried about service degradation once usage spikes with free. Plus I’ll have to pay with my attention before logging in to work.

  For AA free wifi, I get the sense; Advantage members will have to watch an ad for each flight. Each new flight new ad. The advantage account member must be on the flight otherwise it will not work. Names must match.

  — JonNYC (@xJonNYC) October 23, 2025

• New U.S. resident Singapore AIrlines KrisFlyer members earn 50% bonus miles on flights when they join and book by November 26, and travel through March 31, 2026.

• The U.K. had a woman (Margaret Thatcher) serving as Prime Minister!

• Hyatt acquired Standard International which included Bunkhouse hotels and… a seven store coffee chain. The iconic 41-room 1930s-era motor lodge with neon sign Austin Motel is right next to the most famous (“I love you so much”) Jo’s Coffee, and…

  The [Globalist] breakfast benefit was a coupon to take next door to Jo’s, a South Congress staple and photo-op for a long time. The benefit was for any drink and food item, which for me included a signature coffee drink and two breakfast tacos.

  Parking is free, regardless of status.