As Bloomberg warns, the program doesn’t come with extra frequent-flyer miles; customers who spring for the upgrade will be offered the same mileage they would have gotten on the commercial flight they originally booked.
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(Newser) – For frequent flyers who’d like to feel wealthy for a day, Delta’s got a new upgrade that will cost the shirts off their backs yet still feel like a pretty big bang for the buck.
Initially, the program will focus on East Coast flights, and naturally, they’ll be offered by Delta Private Jets, the private jet unit operated by Delta.
Delta has 66 light, midsize, super-midsize and large jets in its private jet fleet, which are usually only available on a charter basis, either on a pay-as-you-go rate or at a “reduced” hourly rate that starts at $5,500 for those who have pre-purchased at least $100,000 worth of flight time.
Being moved to a first class seat on a flight is regarded as the ultimate upgrade – but Delta Air Lines have thrown the rule book away.
“This is truly a groundbreaking new approach from both industry standpoints”, said James Murray, vice president of operations at Delta Private Jets.
These are caused when private jets are forced to travel to another airport with empty seats.
The upgrades also could help Delta quell one of the thorniest-and costliest-problems in private aviation, known as “empty legs”, or the need to reposition a jet without having a customer headed to that particular location.
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However, the luxury treatment will actually be opened up to include those in the lower elite tier who rack up 25,000 miles or 30 segments annually, spending $3,000 (£1,921) a year.
