ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) will offer its Shuttle customers the option of traveling in First or Economy class beginning Dec. 1, 2008 as the airline reconfigures its MD-88 Shuttle fleet to offer two classes of service. In the new configuration, Delta Shuttle(r) will offer 14 seats in First Class and 128 seats in Economy with the airline's popular 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 enjoy 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(r) 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 at delta.com/shuttlebonus and fly on or before Dec. 15, 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. Details, including the complete Shuttle schedule, are available online at delta.com/shuttle.
Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 290 destinations in 60 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 44 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 288 weekly flights to 42 destinations. Delta's marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 500 worldwide destinations in 105 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com.
A portion of service for some itineraries may be operated by Delta Connection carrier Shuttle America.
The Delta Air Lines, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1825
Terms and Conditions
Eligibility: To participate in this offer, eligible members must register online at delta.com/shuttlebonus between Sept. 24, 2008 and Dec. 15, 2008. Bonus Offer: Purchase and fly on Delta and Delta Connection carrier marketed and operated nonstop Shuttle flight segments between New York/LGA and Boston/BOS or Washington Reagan National/DCA and earn double Medallion Qualification Miles/MQMs for paid travel (F/A/J/C/D/S/I/Y/B/M/H/Q/K/L/U/T fare classes). Other Delta-marketed codeshare flights are excluded from this offer. Travel Period: Travel must be between Sept. 24, 2008 and Dec. 15, 2008. All travel must be completed by Dec. 15, 2008. Validity: Medallion Qualification Miles are used for Medallion status qualification and are based on calendar year activity. Bonus applies only to Medallion Qualification Miles. Miscellaneous: Medallion Qualification Miles will appear automatically on your SkyMiles statement. Allow up to six weeks after qualifying travel is completed for credit to appear. All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Offer is subject to change or withdrawal at any time without prior notice. Medallion Qualification Miles apply only to the traveling SkyMiles member. This offer cannot be combined with other Delta/SkyTeam offers.