Say goodbye to boring airplane meals and hello to a tasty new upgrade that's ready to elevate your in-flight dining experience
Shake Shack Is Landing on Delta Flights—Here’s What to Know
Published on Nov. 20, 2024
Let’s talk airplane food. Love it or hate it, we’ve all got stories. Some lucky passengers snack on sweet and crunchy Biscoff cookies. Others enjoy gourmet dishes on long-haul flights or fresh meal boxes on shorter trips. And of course, we’ve all had those moments where the food is … well, let’s just say it can be less than stellar at 35,000 feet.
If you’ve ever been stuck with an unappetizing in-flight meal (or found yourself drinking airline coffee or tea despite its dirty secret), here’s some exciting news: Delta is stepping up its food game in a major way.
Keep reading to learn all about the popular airline’s delicious upgrade, including how you can get in on the deal and—most importantly—whether it’ll be ready in time for your Thanksgiving flight. We’ve got all the juicy details!
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What tasty upgrade are Delta flights getting?
Big news for burger lovers in the sky: Delta announced on Nov. 19 that Shake Shack’s cheeseburger is coming to its flights.
“A delicious cheeseburger is an iconic comfort food—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,” Stephanie Laster, the managing director of Delta’s onboard service, said in a press release. “Shake Shack’s people-first culture and commitment to enriching their neighborhoods are spot on with our own brand values of service excellence and helping the communities we serve.”
This marks Delta’s first-ever partnership with Shake Shack, adding to its long-standing collaboration with Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) and its legendary founder, Danny Meyer. Meyer, who founded Shake Shack, has been a key player in bringing elevated dining to the Delta experience. In fact, select Delta flights out of New York’s JFK airport will once again feature meals curated by Union Square Events, USHG’s catering arm.
Who can take advantage of these new onboard offerings?
We hate to break it to our fellow economy and business-class passengers, but the Shake Shack cheeseburger is reserved for first-class passengers only—at least for now! Soon, travelers seated in first class on routes over 900 miles will have the chance to choose the iconic burger as their in-flight meal. It’s the ultimate upgrade for those lucky enough to travel up front.
The Shake Shack cheeseburger will be available for preselection, so you can lock in your delicious choice ahead of time. Here’s how it works: Seven days before departure, simply use the Fly Delta app or the link in your email to choose or change your entree up to 24 hours before takeoff.
When will the food upgrade be available on Delta’s flights?
Sadly, you won’t be able to enjoy the Shack Shack cheeseburger on your Thanksgiving flight. But the menu upgrade will land at its first airport in time for the next holiday.
Starting on Sunday, Dec. 1, passengers flying out of Boston can sink their teeth into this delicious upgrade. And don’t worry—it’s not just a Boston exclusive. Delta plans to roll out this tasty treat to other U.S. markets through 2025. So get ready to elevate your in-flight dining game, one cheeseburger at a time.
What other culinary perks can you expect?
Attention Delta fliers: There’s even more good news coming your way. The airline has some exciting perks lined up to make your travel experience better than ever. Check out what’s in store below:
- A refreshed wine program: Delta teamed up with master sommelier Andrea Robinson to craft an exclusive list of 20 incredible wines, featuring everything from rare Tuscan whites to bold California cabernets.
- New menus: Passengers in Delta One, First Class and Premium Select cabins are in for a culinary treat with brand-new menus on domestic and international flights. Think rich, cocoa-braised short ribs and fall-inspired butternut squash ravioli with beurre blanc.
- New paper cups: Delta is continuing to roll out the use of its new paper cups. The end result: the elimination of nearly 7 million pounds of single-use-plastic on board annually. The airline’s goal is to minimize single-use plastics on board by 2025.
Gourmet dining, eco-consciousness and world-class wines at 35,000 feet? Yes, please!
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Sources:
- Delta News: “Now boarding: Delta to serve Shake Shack burgers on flights”
- Delta News: “Culinary takeoff: Delta brings new wine selections and chef-designed meals onboard”
