Delta Air Lines Creates First Class on Shuttle

Here’s a bold move on Delta Air Lines’ part. The carrier is re-configuring its Delta Shuttle MD-88 fleet to incorporate First-Class seats on the venerable narrowbodies. The changeover takes full effect on December 1.

What makes this move notable is that it marks a significant departure from the way shuttle service in the Boston-New York-Washington corridor (BOSWASH) has worked since the heyday of now-defunct Eastern Airlines, which pioneered the air shuttle concept decades ago. Shuttle service has almost always been a one-class affair emphasizing speed, frequency and a get-there-and-back attitude. Now, Delta is rendering at least part of the product upscale. The carrier says Delta Shuttle MD-88s will offer 14 First Class, and 128 economy seats. One thing that won’t be changing is the Shuttle’s open seating policy.

As far as motivation for the move goes, it could be that Delta wants to offer its elite Medallion members more opportunities to upgrade by giving them something to upgrade to on heavily traveled segments linking New York LaGuardia (LGA) with both Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Boston Logan (BOS).

Delta undoubtedly would like to realize more revenue from each Shuttle sojourn too. What makes the initiative really interesting is its timing. That’s because of Wall Street's condition. Many employees have frequented the Shuttle over the years. Whether ridership will weather the market’s gale winds will prove instructive.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler