https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/10/business/airlines-first-class-seats-tickets-upgrades.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aFA.cLv2.aVkka1xUrVYk&smid=url-share
I hope this article from the NYT is accessible. I found it very interesting. An American executive said 30% of inventory generates 50% of their revenue.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
8007 posts
Thanks for the article, Lyndash. I have to say that I'm surprised. Since Delta has become more of a credit card operation than air travel, I got the impression that most of Delta one, etc., was occupied by upgraded travelers. I did think most of Comfort plus was folks that purchased that level of ticket. The ticket price for comfort plus is really not much more though I typically still purchase main and enjoy the occasional upgrade.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
3232 posts
Occasionally, someone will post on here they don’t think there should be class distinctions on the plane like this. I always wonder if those people understand that the cheap airfare they like in the back was subsidize by the businessman paying $10,000 for that first class seat
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16982 posts
Thanks for the link, Lynda! Those are interesting numbers!
"premium seats were typically occupied by business travelers. But since the Covid-19 pandemic, when passengers sought out more space, leisure travelers have been buying such seats in greater numbers."
This mirrors my experience. On my first trip back to Europe in 2021 after Covid I booked Delta One to be in a situation where I had fewer people around me even wearing a mask. I love the experience and yes, I am able to arrive less tired with the lie flat seats.
If the Delta One price is ridiculous as it was in January when I booked for my trip next week ($6000!!!) I book Comfort level and watch to see if I can upgrade either with money or miles. My initial fare was a shocker as I've never had one that low....$735 RT Spokane to Paris...just caught them on a good day. Now, since January I have checked the Delta website literally every day and have been able to upgrade my short segment from Spokane to Seattle with reasonable miles and upgrade my International segments with costs of under $900. I have had to be diligent and be ready to grab a decent price when I see it. I just keep a tab open in my browser and sign in every day.
The perks, other than the lie flat bed, fewer people walking by your seat and a wonderful level of service are that I have access to the SkyClub in Seattle and Paris. Plus...in Paris there is a "Sky Priority/Delta One" entrance to departure passport control and security. The line is usually shorter as it's located down a side corridor near bathrooms, hahaha.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
25981 posts
Carol, its a symbiotic relationship. (Did i spell that right?)