Reports on Delta's new International Main Cabin?

It’s much ado about nothing. I’m 5’3” and couldn’t cross my legs without imitating a pretzel. It was very uncomfortable on the longer flight west. We usually fly comfort but flew in regular economy over and back last week.

The meal—1st/salad, main, roll, and a cup of ice cream passed out afterwards. We had 3 choices each way: chicken breast w/rice vegies, or gnocchi, or Caesar salad. I had chix over and salad back. The tralala is because they bring out a weak peach Bellini before the food, print the choices on a card so you are ready to choose (we had a hostess/attendant barking at people to read the card and be ready for her), hand out a Halloween-size Toblerone, and a microwaved wet towelette distributed twice.
For munchies, there were four different tiny bags of snacks to snag in the galley: oreos, cheeto crackers, granola bar, +1.
You could get a second blanket.

Edit: yeh, couldn’t remember the current terminology this a.m. The retro terminology, stewardess or air hostess back in the day when ‘she’ had to be under thirty, unmarried, considered attractive,... but we’re beyond that now.

I don't think there's an economy cabin on any airline that can be described as pleasant or comfortable. Every airline appears to be engaged in a race to the bottom where economy passengers are concerned. It appears many are more concerned in attracting the wealthy with promises of personal cabins and suites in first class.

The “hostess” ?

I’ve. Flown over 2,000,000 miles on Delta and I have never had a hostess on board the plane. I do see men and women there to make sure you’re safe, who also have a secondary job of serving. They are referred to as Flight Attendants . So I’m not sure who was yelling at you. LOL.

My wife just got back on Delta's flight from Barcelona. She said they've made a remarkable turnaround in food, drink and especially attitudes. She was pleasantly surprised.
The male flight attendant said changes were warranted due to competition. And the flight was completely filled.

More information than you ever wanted

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-air-lines-skymiles/1976532-dl-improving-international-main-cabin-starting-nov-2019-a.html

I don't think there's an economy cabin on any airline that can be described as pleasant or comfortable.

Not always true in all cases. It's certainly true that "economy" on most airlines has become ever more grim over the past generation. (The careful observer may also have noticed that as economy has gotten worse and worse, simultaneously business class has become dramatically better...hmmm.)

While that's true for most economy experiences, there are some airlines that have decided not to race to the bottom, and differentiate their product based on comfort (gasp! - I know, imagine that). One example I'd cite is Japan Airlines. They have economy seats (at least on some routes) that are noticeably larger and more comfortable that the current international sardine-can standard - that's even one of their selling points (here's their marketing page: "JAL Sky Wider" Economy Class Seats). One fifference is that on their 787s, they have 8-across seating; most airlines have 9-across in the same planes. Not saying it's incredibly luxurious, but the seat/space is noticeably better than what most of us have become resigned to. And IME service on JAL, like all Japanese airlines, is dramatically better than what we generally get elsewhere. It's a shame they don't fly everywhere I want to go.

As to Delta...I am highly critical of Delta for some things, but as best I can tell, recently they do seem to have made an effort to improve their service on international long-haul. I wouldn't expect business class comfort and bling (and as noted above, the seat size hasn't changed), but at least they're tossing you some kind of food/snacks and trying to up their service game. Not a dramatic improvement but it's nice to see at least some effort being made, and perhaps a recognition that there are alternatives to the race to the bottom. I'd keep my expectations calibrated though.

The careful observer may also have noticed that as economy has gotten worse and worse, simultaneously business class has become dramatically better...hmmm.

Certainly not the case with BA. It was only a couple of years ago when an intra Europe flight in Club Europe came with a menu with a choice of three main dishes for lunch whilst during this time they were starting to par down the offerings in economy, half a sandwich packaged to appear more than it actually was accompanied with a sugary carbohydrate 'treat'.

Fast forward to today and economy passengers are 'treated' to offerings from Marks and Spencer at their own expense whilst Club Europe passengers now enjoy what was previously offered to economy albeit without additional charge.

I haven't flown the budget carriers-except BA. I think it's ridiculous that they charge for a bottle of water and on one flight where the AC wasn't working properly, you couldn't even buy a bottle of water.

I think the key is that Delta consulted with the attendants. So no tray. Plasticware is handed out wrapped in what is to be your placemat, b/c no trays. Unwrap it and lay out the towel/mat. The attendant hands you your 1st course and your second. If you want a roll, it plops on your paper mat. No more cheese and crackers, no fruit cup, etc. Once the main is cleared away, your ice cream cup arrives. It’s less food, less fuss, easier for the attendant. But a nice after dinner bonus: cognac, Bailly’s, non-alcoholic drinks, ....

So they looked to improve economy but did nothing to improve Delta Comfort. If the pricing were nearly similar, that would make sense but that is not always the case.

Carol, it’s great you shared that Flyertalk link.