Delta cabin update: premium seats, 10-inch screens on seatbacks and more

Delta Air Lines customers may notice a difference in some first class cabins as the airline rolls out a redesign of some aircraft. The carrier is equipping its Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the latest first-class seats with additional storage space and a more durable table.

In addition, Delta will upgrade some Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin seats on some Boeing 737-800 aircraft, including a new 10-inch Panasonic screen on the seatbacks and contactless features in the bathrooms. This was reported by travelandleisure.com.

"Delta is committed to creating a consistent and enhanced customer experience across all travel touchpoints, which includes offering the best products for our customers while they are flying. Improving the interior of our aircraft through select upgrades will provide customers with more options for choosing a premium class," said Mauricio Parise, vice president of brand experience.

The airline has also updated its Boeing 767-400ER aircraft and plans to introduce additional cabin upgrades to some Boeing 757s and wide-body aircraft "in the near future."

In addition to the new cabins, Delta is expanding its Delta One seat offering on its Airbus A350-900 aircraft by adding eight more flat-bed seats per aircraft. Going forward, each of these aircraft will have 40 Delta One suites, 40 Delta Premium Select seats, 36 Delta Comfort+ seats, and 159 main cabin seats.

The expanded premium aircraft are expected to go on sale this summer.

The changes come after Delta overhauled its SkyMiles loyalty program, reversing some of the most drastic changes following a negative customer response. Now, Delta customers will have to earn at least 5000 MQD to qualify for Silver Medallion status. The airline will also restrict access to airport lounges for Delta Sky Club members.

Delta is not the only carrier in the United States that has unveiled a new look. Southwest has also unveiled a completely new cabin for its new Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX-8 aircraft by 2025, including thinner seats, an adjustable headrest, USB-A and USB-C connectors, and holders for personal devices instead of screens on the seatbacks.