Delta Premium Select 777

Delta's refreshed 777 aircraft features 58 seats in the popular Delta Premium Select cabin, offering customers additional space (with adjustable head and footrests) and dedicated cabin service.

Come November, there will be one less Boeing 777 operator.

• DELTA PREMIUM SELECT BOEING 777-200 TRIP REPORTDelta made retrofitting process in all their Boeing 777 fleet starting 1,5 years ago. Since then, their Premiu.
• Flying a Delta Airlines Boeing 777-200LR soon? Get the best seat possible with our Delta Airlines 777-200LR seating chart and traveler seat reviews.

In a pandemic-related fleet shakeup, Delta is gearing up to bid farewell to one of the largest planes it operates — the Boeing 777. This widebody jet was the workhorse on many of Delta's flagship long-haul international routes, including flights from Los Angeles to Syndey and from Atlanta to Johannesburg.

But then the coronavirus came stateside and nearly wiped out all demand for these routes. Although Delta recently completed a cabin retrofit project across its 18 777s, the Atlanta-based carrier later decided to simplify its fleet for cost-effectiveness.

To that aim, in May, Delta announced the retirement of its entire fleet of 777s by the end of the year. Well, 2020 is nearly over (thankfully), and the carrier has scheduled its final two 777 flights.

If you're looking to catch one final ride on this Boeing widebody, you better start planning now. The final two flights are as follows, according to Cirium schedules and confirmed by a carrier spokesperson.

Boeing 777-200lr Delta Premium Select

• Oct. 30: Delta Flight 8787 ATL — LAX, 3 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
• Oct. 31: Delta Flight 8807 JFK — LAX, 1 p.m. — 4 p.m.

Of course, there's a possibility that the dates and timing shift. Over the past few months, there's been an increased number of pandemic-related schedule changes across airlines. So while these are the final scheduled flights, anything could theoretically change at the last minute.

There are still seats left for sale in all cabins on the first retirement flight from ATL to LAX. The JFK to LAX flight is currently sold-out in business, but there are seats left in the other two cabins. Coach fares start at $149, premium economy starts at $350 and business class starts at roughly $1,200.

Award availability is limited, though there are currently some coach seats available at saver rates on the JFK to LAX flight. Delta's charging 16,000 SkyMiles, though you can book the flight through Virgin Atlantic for 12,500 points.

You'll still see plenty of these Boeing jets flying across the country. Aside from the myriad of international airlines that fly the 777 to the U.S., two of Delta's biggest competitors — American Airlines and United — both operate the 777-200 and longer 777-300 variant. You'll even find AA and UA 777s flying on domestic routes from time to time.

Related: These are the jets that could end up in the boneyard

Delta's retirement of the 777 is just the latest in a long list of planes being sent to the boneyard across the world. With a full recovery not predicted for a few years, carriers are streamlining their fleets and saying goodbye to the gas-guzzling jets of yesteryear. In Delta's case, the airline has so far retired the Boeing 737-700, McDonnell Douglas MD-88 and the MD-90.

Aviation enthusiasts like me (case in point: check out my Instagram page) will mourn the fact that many Airbus A380s and Boeing 747s — two of the world's largest passenger planes — are getting scrapped. Just this week, British Airways retired its final two Queens of the Sky. BA was previously the world's largest operator of the 747. Going forward, it'll have none, leaving just a handful of airlines still flying the 747.

Delta International Premium Economy

While long-time fans and enthusiasts will miss the flying the 777 in Delta's livery, the carrier already has a swanky modern replacement, the Airbus A350. Going forward, the A350 will be DL's flagship aircraft. The A350 burns 21% less fuel per seat than the 777s they're replacing.

Plus, these are some of the newest widebodies to enter the airline's fleet. The cabins are outfitted with the latest Delta One Suites, Premium Select, Comfort+ and standard coach seating.

It's not all sad news; the A350 is actually opening up a new market for Delta: Cape Town.

Related: Delta to serve all 777 routes with A350s, and add Cape Town

Delta's refreshed 777 aircraft features 58 seats in the popular Delta Premium Select cabin, offering customers additional space (with adjustable head and footrests) and dedicated cabin service.

Come November, there will be one less Boeing 777 operator.

• DELTA PREMIUM SELECT BOEING 777-200 TRIP REPORTDelta made retrofitting process in all their Boeing 777 fleet starting 1,5 years ago. Since then, their Premiu.
• Flying a Delta Airlines Boeing 777-200LR soon? Get the best seat possible with our Delta Airlines 777-200LR seating chart and traveler seat reviews.

In a pandemic-related fleet shakeup, Delta is gearing up to bid farewell to one of the largest planes it operates — the Boeing 777. This widebody jet was the workhorse on many of Delta's flagship long-haul international routes, including flights from Los Angeles to Syndey and from Atlanta to Johannesburg.

But then the coronavirus came stateside and nearly wiped out all demand for these routes. Although Delta recently completed a cabin retrofit project across its 18 777s, the Atlanta-based carrier later decided to simplify its fleet for cost-effectiveness.

To that aim, in May, Delta announced the retirement of its entire fleet of 777s by the end of the year. Well, 2020 is nearly over (thankfully), and the carrier has scheduled its final two 777 flights.

If you're looking to catch one final ride on this Boeing widebody, you better start planning now. The final two flights are as follows, according to Cirium schedules and confirmed by a carrier spokesperson.

Boeing 777-200lr Delta Premium Select

• Oct. 30: Delta Flight 8787 ATL — LAX, 3 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
• Oct. 31: Delta Flight 8807 JFK — LAX, 1 p.m. — 4 p.m.

Of course, there's a possibility that the dates and timing shift. Over the past few months, there's been an increased number of pandemic-related schedule changes across airlines. So while these are the final scheduled flights, anything could theoretically change at the last minute.

There are still seats left for sale in all cabins on the first retirement flight from ATL to LAX. The JFK to LAX flight is currently sold-out in business, but there are seats left in the other two cabins. Coach fares start at $149, premium economy starts at $350 and business class starts at roughly $1,200.

Award availability is limited, though there are currently some coach seats available at saver rates on the JFK to LAX flight. Delta's charging 16,000 SkyMiles, though you can book the flight through Virgin Atlantic for 12,500 points.

You'll still see plenty of these Boeing jets flying across the country. Aside from the myriad of international airlines that fly the 777 to the U.S., two of Delta's biggest competitors — American Airlines and United — both operate the 777-200 and longer 777-300 variant. You'll even find AA and UA 777s flying on domestic routes from time to time.

Related: These are the jets that could end up in the boneyard

Delta's retirement of the 777 is just the latest in a long list of planes being sent to the boneyard across the world. With a full recovery not predicted for a few years, carriers are streamlining their fleets and saying goodbye to the gas-guzzling jets of yesteryear. In Delta's case, the airline has so far retired the Boeing 737-700, McDonnell Douglas MD-88 and the MD-90.

Aviation enthusiasts like me (case in point: check out my Instagram page) will mourn the fact that many Airbus A380s and Boeing 747s — two of the world's largest passenger planes — are getting scrapped. Just this week, British Airways retired its final two Queens of the Sky. BA was previously the world's largest operator of the 747. Going forward, it'll have none, leaving just a handful of airlines still flying the 747.

Delta International Premium Economy

While long-time fans and enthusiasts will miss the flying the 777 in Delta's livery, the carrier already has a swanky modern replacement, the Airbus A350. Going forward, the A350 will be DL's flagship aircraft. The A350 burns 21% less fuel per seat than the 777s they're replacing.

Plus, these are some of the newest widebodies to enter the airline's fleet. The cabins are outfitted with the latest Delta One Suites, Premium Select, Comfort+ and standard coach seating.

It's not all sad news; the A350 is actually opening up a new market for Delta: Cape Town.

Related: Delta to serve all 777 routes with A350s, and add Cape Town

Though the A350 can replace almost every ultra-long-haul 777 route, the Atlanta to Johannesburg frequency requires a modification. Going forward, the airline's South Africa service will follow a new circular routing that goes: Atlanta-Johannesburg-Cape Town-Atlanta.

The stop will allow for refueling at sea level before beginning the 8,130-mile trek back to the U.S. And it adds a new dot to Delta's route map.

So while Delta's 777 retirement is sure to disappoint some flyers, it ushers in a new era for the carrier's fleet — one focused on more modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Featured photo by Alberto Riva/The Points Guy

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free.

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

--

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Delta Air Lines, one of the world's largest airlines, today debuted the first business class suite with a door flying between Australia and the United States with the launch of its upgraded Boeing 777 aircraft on Delta's daily Sydney-Los Angeles flight.

The upgraded Boeing 777 brings more luxury, comfort and choice to the Australian skies and gives customers the ability to create the travel experience they want. The aircraft features:

• All four branded seat products offered by Delta – including Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin – giving customers the ability to choose the product that best suits their needs and aligning with partner Virgin Australia's offerings.
• The Crystal Cabin Award-Winning Delta One suite – the first business class suite with a door available between Australia and the United States.
• Delta Premium Select, the airline's new premium economy cabin offering greater recline, a foot and leg rest and elevated onboard service.
• Nine-abreast seating, rather than the industry-standard ten-abreast seating, with 47 cm wide Main Cabin seats, the widest Main Cabin seats of Delta's international fleet
• Seat-back entertainment screens at every seat with access to Delta Studio, the airline's award-winning suite of onboard entertainment.
• State-of-the-art interior with full-spectrum LED ambient lighting, Gogo Ku Wi-Fi connectivity, free mobile messaging and power ports available at every seat.
• Photos, video and more information on Delta's upgraded Boeing 777 fleet are available here: https://news.delta.com/delta-emphasizes-customer-comfort-first-refreshed-777-200er

'Ten years since the launch of our service to Los Angeles, we're upgrading the customer experience in a big way with our Boeing 777 aircraft and the Australia-U.S. debut of the award-winning Delta One suite,' said Scott Santoro, Delta's Vice President – Los Angeles and West Sales, whose responsibilities include oversight of Delta's business in Australia. 'Along with the suite, we've invested throughout the aircraft with the addition of Delta Premium Select and our commitment to offer nine-abreast seating in Main Cabin, so our customers will have a great experience no matter which product they choose.'

The Delta One suite features a full-height sliding door at every suite, with sliding privacy dividers between centre suites, 180-degree flat-bed seats, customisable ambient lighting, and a high-resolution in-flight entertainment screen. Customers seated in Delta Premium Select will benefit from dedicated service, additional space with retractable foot and leg rests, seat-back in-flight entertainment, plated meals and distinguished amenities like LSTN noise-cancelling headphones and a TUMI amenity kit.

Investing in the customer experience in Australia and beyond

Delta Premium Select 777-200

The Boeing 777 upgrade is the latest enhancement on the Sydney-Los Angeles route as part of Delta's multi-billion dollar investment in the overall customer experience. In 2018, Delta launched meals curated by celebrated Los Angeles chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo in the Delta One cabin after customer satisfaction scores skyrocketed in response to their menus on the LAX-JFK route. Highlights from the upcoming menu launching June 1 for the U.S. summer season include marinara braised meatballs with Bianco DiNapoli tomato, garlic bread, and Gioia ricotta; pan seared chicken thigh with arrabiata sauce and Thao's Farm broccolini; marinated shrimp with Anson Mills polenta; and three cheese lasagna with pomodoro.

In the past several years, the airline has made significant enhancements to the customer experience across its network, including:

Delta Premium Select 777 Vs A350

• Free mobile messaging, free in-flight entertainment, and access to Wi-Fi on nearly all flights
• Free Main Cabin meals on select coast-to-coast routes in the U.S.
• Upgraded Main Cabin snacks and refreshed Flight Fuel food-for-purchase options on certain U.S. routes
• The addition of sparkling wine in Main Cabin
• Enhanced blankets in Main Cabin
• Refreshed TUMI amenity kits with Kiehl's products and an Alessi-designed collection of serviceware in Delta One

Delta's service in Australia and joint venture partnership with Virgin Australia

Delta launched its flight between Sydney and Los Angeles in 2009 and will celebrate the 10^th anniversary of its service this year. Delta and Virgin Australia began partnering in 2011. Together, Delta and Virgin Australia have served more than 5 million customers on the route with a shared vision of excellence in customer service and the customer experience. Delta's upgraded 777 aircraft means that the Delta and Virgin Australia joint venture offers a more consistent customer experience, with fully flat-bed seats with direct aisle access available on all flights across the Pacific as well as a premium economy option, an economy comfort product with more legroom, and nine-abreast seating in main cabin.

Delta Premium Select On 777

Delta and Virgin Australia offer 25 weekly flights between Australia and the US and the ability to connect from more than 45 destinations across Australia and New Zealand to more than 250 destinations in the Americas. Delta operates a daily non-stop flight between Sydney and LAX and offers customers service from Melbourne and Brisbane to LAX through its Virgin Australia partnership.

Delta Premium Select Review

At its hub in Los Angeles, Delta has been the fastest-growing carrier since 2009 and operates 170 peak-day flights to 70 destinations. The airline is investing $1.86 billion to build the Delta Sky Way at LAX, which will modernize and upgrade Terminals 2 and 3 at LAX and connect them to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (B). When completed, the modernized facility will offer a convenient bridge connecting Terminals 2, 3, and B on the secure side of the airport, as well as a dedicated baggage recheck and security checkpoint for seamless connection of international to domestic transfers, enabling significantly faster connections to Delta and partner flights. The facility will also offer more security screening capacity with automated security lanes, more gate-area seating, more access to power in gate areas, a world-class concession program in partnership with Westfield Corporation, a Delta ONE at LAX check-in space, new Delta Sky Club; and an integrated in-line baggage system, among other features.