Delta Air Lines launches basic business class fare product that does not include VIP lounge access or seat selection rights

Delta Air Lines is further subdividing the high-end cabins in the front row of the aircraft into different grades and launching a new "basic" fare exclusive to business class and first class. This fare does not include free seat selection, airport VIP lounge access and other value-added benefits.

United Airlines was the first to make similar changes earlier this year, implementing the same tiering policy for its Polaris long-haul business class and other premium cabins, and now Delta Air Lines is not far behind. All major airlines hope to tap more revenue from high-spending passengers. The stable and strong travel demand of these passengers has always supported the development of the aviation industry.

Delta Air Lines said on Wednesday that its long-haul Delta One business class with lie-flat seats will launch a basic fare product, named Basic Business Class; first class and premium economy class, which are common on short-haul routes, will also launch similar basic fare products.

Passengers who purchase this type of basic ticket must allocate their seats when checking in; compared with high-priced full-price tickets, they can accumulate fewer flight miles; if they need to change or refund the ticket, they will need to pay extra, and it does not support standby flights on the same day or confirmed changes to other flights on the same day.

Seats for this type of fare go on sale on Wednesday, and applicable flights will be available from September and will only be available in some designated markets. Delta Air Lines has not immediately announced which markets will launch this basic fare product.

Delta Air Lines is the most profitable airline in the United States, and the relevant adjustment plan has been in preparation for more than a year. In July last year, former Delta President Glenn Hauenstein said in an earnings call: "The fare tiering model we implemented in economy class will gradually be extended to all high-end cabins in the future. Different passengers have different travel needs, and tiered pricing can match diverse needs."