Delta Air Lines to bring Shake Shack burgers to first class

How about a burger in first class?

That’s what Delta Air Lines passengers departing Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) can be treated to starting next month.

The Atlanta-based carrier on Tuesday announced a new partnership with popular American eatery Shake Shack that it’s dubbed a “first-of-its-kind” collaboration.

Starting Dec. 1, Delta domestic first-class passengers will be able to preselect a Shake Shack cheeseburger as their entree option on flights over 900 miles in distance.

Then, over the course of 2025, Delta plans to roll out the Shake Shack offerings to other cities across the U.S.

“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, Delta’s managing director of onboard service, said in a statement Tuesday.

Related: Delta One private security opens at JFK, with direct link to high-end lounge

How Delta’s Shake Shack partnership works

To be clear, Delta will still offer nonburger dining options in its front cabin. Passengers who want to experience the Shake Shack offering will be able to make or edit their entree option using Delta’s mobile app (or online) up to 24 hours ahead of departure.

The cheeseburger will come with the option for toppings, such as tomato, lettuce and “Shack Sauce,” served on the side — along with chips, a Caesar salad and a dark chocolate brownie.

Related: Delta unveils all-new look for cabins, featuring new seat coverings and fresh mood lighting

Brand names inflight

Delta’s new Shake Shack partnership is notable, in part, for incorporating (and promoting) another dining brand on board — as opposed to merely relying on its own catering service that’s largely anonymous from a customer-facing standpoint.

JetBlue is one exception among U.S. carriers, with its transatlantic coach meal service curated by New York City-based eatery Dig, plus a rotating selection of partners, for the airline’s premium Mint cabin.

How will the Shake Shack burgers compare to TPG’s long-running tests of the best patties in the sky? Time will tell.

In the meantime, loyalists of the fast-casual restaurant — which has more than 300 U.S. locations across nearly three-dozen states — can celebrate this bit of good news after Shake Shack dropped off the list of establishments eligible for the $10 monthly statement credit on the American Express® Gold Card in favor of another burger chain (Five Guys – enrollment required).

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