Delta Air Lines to launch New Two-Class Shuttle Service

Delta Air Lines is to offer its Shuttle customers the option of traveling in First or Economy class beginning 1 December 2008 as the airline reconfigures its MD-88 Shuttle fleet to offer two classes of service. In the new configuration, Delta Shuttle will offer 14 seats in First Class and 128 seats in Economy with the airline’s open-seating policy remaining in place for each class of service.

SkyMiles Medallion members will be eligible for complimentary upgrades on Delta Shuttle flights; First Class seats also will be available for sale via normal ticketing channels.

“Our two-class, reconfigured Delta Shuttle fleet will provide our customers with more options when they travel with us,” said Lee Macenczak, Delta’s executive vice president – Sales and Marketing. “Delta will continue to provide Shuttle customers in both Economy and First Class with convenient, reliable service and a wide variety of amenities."

Customers traveling in the Shuttle’s new First Class cabin will enjoy an expanded selection of snack options, a more expansive offering of complimentary cocktails and wider, more comfortable seats. Shuttle customers traveling in both First and Economy classes of service will continue to receive snack and beverage choices including complimentary wine, beer, coffee, teas, soft drinks and juices onboard. 

On the ground, Shuttle customers will also continue to receive complimentary newspapers and magazines, morning coffee and juices, fresh bagels with jam and cream cheese available at the jetway during boarding during early morning flights.

For customers working on the go, Delta Shuttle will continue to feature its PowerStop by American Express lounge at La Guardia's Marine Air Terminal, featuring a Business Center with computer terminals, fax and copy machines, VIP Lounge, and conference room, five-minute and 15-minute work stations with high-speed data ports and wireless connectivity from anywhere in the gate area. 

In addition, by spring 2009, the entire Shuttle fleet will offer Broadband Wi-Fi access through Aircell’s Gogo system, allowing Shuttle customers to use Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, to access the Internet, corporate VPNs, corporate and personal e-mail accounts, as well as SMS texting and instant messaging services. Gogo will be available for a flat fee of $9.95 on all Shuttle flights.

During November, customers may experience a mix of one and two-class Shuttle aircraft as Delta completes the reconfiguration of its nine Shuttle aircraft by the end of the month. 

Delta is also offering new and existing SkyMiles members the opportunity to earn double Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) on Delta Shuttle flights between New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) or Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). SkyMiles members who register online and fly on or before 15 December 2008 may take advantage of this promotion.

Delta Shuttle offers 30 flights daily between New York's LaGuardia Airport and Boston's Logan Airport, and 30 flights daily between LaGuardia and Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C..

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