Elevate Your Journey: Pre-Order Delta First Class Meals

So, you’re flying Delta in one of those snazzy premium cabins, be it the domestic first class or the grander Delta One business class. You’re probably aiming for the full experience, right? Well, buckle up because Delta lets you pre-select your meals before you even hit the runway. Granted, it’s not as simple as some of their competitors. So, let’s dive straight into the finer details of how, when, and why you should seize this culinary opportunity.

Reserve Your Meal Before You Fly Delta

Don’t get your hopes too high in terms of Delta being a trendsetter here. They’re not exactly leading the pack. Still, if you’re in a premium cabin, they’re on board with the idea of letting you choose your meal before you board the aircraft. Confusion usually strikes here, as this isn’t as user-friendly as American Airlines, where you can click through your options a whole month in advance. Let’s explore the Delta narrative.

For which flights can you pre-select your meal?

If you’re cruising in first class or Delta One’s swankier business class, you’re in luck to pre-select your main course. This perk covers domestic first class, short-haul international business flights, and Delta One routes. But remember, meals aren’t part of the deal if you’re on a flight where a mere snack is your sustenance.

When can you pre-select your meal?

Delta takes the last-minute planner’s route, offering a meager window from 24 hours to a week before your flight to make your choice. So, if you book way ahead, hold tight and wait until you’re about a week out before you start fretting over your in-flight gourmet aspirations.

How do you pre-select your meal?

Ah, the process question! Delta sometimes plays nice by emailing you a nudge to select your meal—but these aren’t the most punctual or reliable. Want to play it safe? Tap into the Delta app within a week of your travel, head to the “My Trips” section, and you’re halfway there to seeing the “View Meal Selections” button, leading you to your culinary options.

Here’s a bonus: delta offers exclusive pre-order meal choices on some flights, which aren’t available if you wait until you’re strapped in. So you might snag something unique if you act fast.

What are the pre-select meal options?

Your options usually mirror what’s otherwise available onboard, with a dollop of exclusivity if you pre-order. But don’t expect the extravagance of something like Singapore Airlines’ famed Book the Cook program. Why bother pre-ordering? Simple—to snag your top choice before other passengers get dibs. Extra meals aren’t usually part of the domestic flights’ curriculum, so make the first move if you’re picky.

How can you see the menu for your Delta flight?

Before you travel, check out the menu via Delta’s platform, although, caveat emptor, you’re only seeing what’s on offer for a limited time. For a real-time sneak peek, Delta’s seatback entertainment system is your friend. Click “More,” scuttle over to “Food & Drink,” and scan the QR code for a list of culinary delights awaiting you.

For you trivia fans, Delta’s crews use the “FEBO” method on narrow-body flights—orders start from the front on even-numbered flights and from the back on odd-numbered ones. But, fairness alert, reality doesn’t always align with this practice. On wide-body, it’s straightforward—front to back.

Bottom Line

In Delta’s dining theater, pre-ordering your meal when traveling in a premium cabin is the saving grace. It guarantees your top pick, warding off the potential heartbreak of being left with leftovers. Your role? Make the move, and won’t you board with a delicious sense of anticipation?

If you’ve played the pre-ordering game with Delta, how did it play out for you?