Economy and Premium Cabins on Delta Airlines Are Getting a New Look

Delta Air Lines recently revealed a major overhaul of its aircraft interiors, set to debut this fall ahead of the airline’s centennial (100-year) anniversary in 2025. The initiative aims to “enhance passenger comfort” and align with “evolving customer expectations.” According to the release, the new interiors will debut on Boeing 757s serving domestic routes this fall, then extend to Airbus A350s, used for international routes, by early 2025.

The new interiors will apply to the main cabin seats, first class, and the “Delta One” class, an enhanced business-class type seat available primarily on long-haul flights. The more luxurious updates will apply mostly to higher-class seats, but all seats in all classes will get more breathable materials, as well as memory-foam cushioning in wide-body planes. The main cabin will also get a new color scheme, among other minor aesthetic details, though there’s no mention of any efforts to increase leg room or personal space for main cabin-class travelers.

Main cabin flyers will see new seat fabrics and memory foam seat cushions on long-haul flights. Photo: Delta Airlines

Interestingly, all cabins will now have  “lighting that promotes relaxation,” which Delta goes on to explain is based on mood lighting to reflect different aspects of the flight. According to the release, the decisions were made based on customer research and studies, which suggested that certain types of lighting can impact traveler comfort. “For boarding, we’ve focused on….warm and inviting lighting that makes the cabin appear spacious and open,” quotes the release. “At mealtimes, we queue hues that feel like you’re at a candlelit dinner. As the lights dim for sleep, we borrow from the sunset and slowly remove blue light while bringing in warm amber tones which are reminiscent of a sunset glow.”

Flyers in Delta One cabins will see the nicest cabin upgrades. Photo: Delta Airlines

Delta One flyers will also see upgrades like breathable, more softer fabrics, as well as new leather headrests. Airplane restrooms are also getting a visual refresh, with a “Celestial Sky pattern” accent wall and an “Azure Blue” color scheme — the bright blue color already used in some Delta aircraft interiors.

Other airlines also announced interior enhancements in 2024

Qantas unveiled updates to economy and premium economy classes, likely to start in summer of 2025. Photo: Qantas AIrways

• Japan Airways won early 2024 accolades in global airline awards for its design for new aircraft, which include enhanced audio in premium classes, lay-flat seats, and a decor scheme inspired by classic Japanese architecture and color.
• Several airlines, including Turkish, United, and Delta announced enhanced tech upgrades, with all three airlines promising in 2024 some version of complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi (though it may not be for all classes). United also introduced an enhanced phone app, with the functionality to automatically move you to your preferred seat, should it become available.
• For flyers who can afford it, Cathay Pacific introduced a new “Aria Business Suite” on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The new suites include doors that slide fully closed, wireless charging platforms, adjustable lighting, extended in-suite storage, and even purpose-designed in-cabin art in each suite.

Qantas Airways also announced in October 2024 a roll out of new economy seats, including larger entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and mood lighting. Planes are also getting new carpets and curtains across all tiers of class, but the changes likely won’t be available until mid 2025 at the earliest.

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