Delta to Install First-Class Seats on Shuttle Flights

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

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On December 1, [[Delta_Air_Lines | Delta ]] will unveil new first-class seats on its MD-88 Shuttle fleet, reports Travel Weekly (free registration required). The reconfigured planes will have 14 seats in first class, which—in addition to the coveted extra legroom—will also have access to an expanded selection of snacks and free drinks.

An airline spokesperson tells The Wall Street Journal’s Middle Seat Terminal blog, “It will cost between $100 and $250 more for a first-class shuttle seat, depending on the route.” Travel Weekly, however, reports a difference of more than $500 between first class and coach on a midweek flight between [[New_York_LaGuardia_Airport_-_LGA | New York ]] and [[Washington_Reagan_National_Airport_-_DCA | Washington ]] in January.

This much we do know: Delta Shuttle offers service between [[Boston_Logan_Airport_-_BOS | Boston ]] and New York, as well as between New York and Washington, D.C. The airline says its open-seating policy will remain in place for both the first-class and economy cabins; presumably the open seating will be exclusive to each cabin, of course. [[Elite_Programs | Elite ]] SkyMiles members will be eligible for complimentary upgrades.

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