Offerings of Name-Brand Treats to Increase

Delta Air Lines has new options for high-quality branded foods, available for purchase on select flights. Delta is implementing its program by teaming up with the leading fast-casual restaurant in the Southeast, Atlanta Bread Company(R), and caterer Gate Gourmet International. In flight menus also include snack favorites from Nabisco(R), Frito Lay(TM), DEAN & DELUCA and M&M Mars(R).

Food is available for purchase in coach class on 44 Delta flights. By March 2004, Delta expects to have food available for purchase on all flights that offer meals in coach within the continental United States.

"Our customer research has shown that the most important attribute in food programs is the meal quality," said Sharon Wibben, senior vice president of In-Flight Service at Delta. "We are committed to giving our customers convenient options for restaurant quality food and name brand snacks."

Delta is implementing its food sales program following successful testing, which began on select flights in mid-July. More than two-thirds of passengers surveyed rated the food "very good or excellent," and more than 60 percent indicated they were "very likely or likely" to purchase the products on future flights. Delta will continue to evaluate customer satisfaction and refine food options and sales procedures, as needed.

They're not making you pay for a meal you don't want.

From fruit plates to brownie buttercup cheesecake, Delta's menu will include a variety of food options to satisfy most dietary preferences. Prices range from $2 to $10 for items. Atlanta Bread Company menus include exclusive a la carte items such as the turkey jack bagel with shaved roasted turkey, pepper jack cheese and cream cheese; and the Tuscan trio sandwich. Other menu items include the breakfast panini with shaved smoked turkey and cheddar cheese; market veggie chopped salad; and challah twist turkey Sandwich.

You don't need exact change, either:

Delta says it "...leads the industry in offering customers both credit card and cash options for purchasing products in flight. Using hand-held cash management technology, Delta makes receipts available to customers for their onboard purchases." Delta is evaluating other options for providing customers services and choices they value, including food sales in the gatehouse area and in Crown Room Clubs.

FMI: www.delta.com