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Delta Air Lines has begun serving Shake Shack burgers to select first-class fliers, and early reaction is mixed — a small online crowd is scrutinizing presentation while others praise the taste. The rollout, which started Dec. 1 from Boston, raises fresh questions about value and expectations for premium cabin dining.
What passengers saw on their tray
A Reddit post showing the in‑flight meal — an Angus burger on a potato bun, a side Caesar salad, a brownie and a bag of chips — prompted debate over whether the offering lived up to the Shake Shack name. The airline has replaced the chain’s usual crinkle fries with chips, a change Delta says reduces the challenges of reheating onboard.
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Some commenters questioned whether the sandwich was actually Shake Shack, while others who tried it defended the product. One passenger who participated in the Boston taste test told fellow travelers that the burger matched the chain’s flavor profile, though it appeared underwhelming before they assembled the toppings themselves.
How to get it — and who pays
- Availability: Offered to customers in first class who pre-select their meal.
- Timing: Meal must be selected up to seven days before departure and can be changed up to 24 hours ahead.
- Sides: Chips substitute for fries; salad and a brownie complete the set.
- Onboard option: Some passengers say they’ll buy a Shake Shack sandwich in the terminal instead to avoid paying for a first-class seat and to get fries.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Reddit poster for comment about their experience. A Delta spokesperson said the initial response has been largely positive and that a sizable portion of customers who pre‑select meals are choosing the burger.
Context: not the first fast‑food tie-up
Delta described the deal as a “first‑of‑its‑kind partnership” with Shake Shack. Travel industry observers note the concept—airlines teaming with recognizable restaurant brands—has precedent. Blogger and industry analyst Gary Leff pointed to past collaborations such as United’s partnership with McDonald’s, which included specially outfitted galley carts to keep hot items warm and cold items chilled. Delta and Shake Shack have also previously offered the burger to Delta One business travelers on transcontinental routes.
The wider takeaway for travelers is practical: branded menu items can be a selling point for premium cabins, but presentation and perceived value matter. Some passengers are happy to pay for the novelty and flavor; others prefer to bring a restaurant purchase onboard to get the full side options and avoid upgrading for a single menu item.
Delta said feedback from flight attendants and customers has been positive and noted social‑media praise for the offering. The airline reported a higher‑than‑expected selection rate among pre‑select customers, and singled out at least one social media post giving the burger top marks.
Why this matters now
As airlines look for ancillary ways to enhance premium cabins and differentiate service, partnerships with known food brands are becoming higher profile. For travelers weighing the cost of an upgrade, these collaborations change what “value” looks like in the air — but early reactions show presentation and expectations can quickly shape whether such deals are seen as a perk or a missed opportunity.
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