Delta Air Lines Partners With An Iconic Brand For A Game-Changing Dining Experience

In an industry known for cutting costs, like squeezing in more seats to give you the worst legroom, at every opportunity, it's hard to know if a recent change to its first class cabin menu is Delta Air Lines' newest bid to save a buck or if it's an answer to premium cabin passengers' prayers. As of December 1, travelers flying first class on routes longer than 900 miles have the option to pre-order a meal from Shake Shack. The initial test run applies only to flights originating at Boston Logan International Airport (which has great playground areas for kids), but the Atlanta-based airline is optimistic about expanding the offering to other U.S. markets in 2025. "A delicious cheeseburger is an iconic comfort food," Stephanie Laster, Delta's managing director of onboard service, said in a company statement. "Our customers know that, which is why burgers are one of the top ordered menu items we offer, and we're thrilled to elevate the offering with Shake Shack."

Although Delta Air Lines' first class passengers won't be able to free-form order off the Shake Shack menu, they will be able to customize their burger. Each meal consists of a 100% Angus beef patty, topped with cheese, and served on a toasted potato bun. Condiments and toppings offered on the side include tomato, lettuce and Shake Shack's signature ShackSauce. The meal comes with chips, a Caesar salad, and a dark chocolate brownie. Via the Fly Delta app or by connecting through an email link, passengers traveling from participating gateway cities will be able to select their order up to seven days prior to their scheduled flight time. The system will accept order updates or changes until 24 hours prior to scheduled departure.

Founded by well-known chef and restaurateur Danny Meyer, Shake Shack originated as a one-off hot dog stand near New York City's Madison Square Park. Meyer had already established himself a culinary industry leader, having successfully created two iconic New York eateries, Union Square Café and Gramercy Tavern. This isn't the first time Meyer and his company, Union Square Hospitality Group, have teamed with Delta. When the New York Mets opened Citi Field to replace the much-loved Shea Stadium in 2009, two USHG brands — Shack Shake and Blue Smoke — were among the ballpark's concessions. In addition, USHG provided catering service for the stadium's Delta SKY360º Club, an on-site premium club membership lounge. One thing led to another and, in 2013, Delta reached out to Meyer with a proposition: "What do you guys think about doing a collaboration in the air?" Meyer recalled to Forbes in 2016. USHG brands Blue Smoke, Marta, and Union Square Cafe have all been featured in Delta's business class cabin.

Only time will tell how the carrier's first class passengers will receive the soon-to-debut Shake Shack meals. It's a far cry from in-flight service in the glory days of air travel when white tablecloths, silver flatware, and multi-course meals were de rigueur, but back then even passengers seated in the main cabin could expect a fairly decent meal. Those days are long gone. On the other hand, we know of at least one way travelers in the back of the plane can avoid feeling left out of the Shake Shack experience. The brand has a growing presence at airports across the United States and even a few international gateways. The last time we checked, there's no rule that forbids stopping by Shake Shack for burger to go en route to your gate.