Delta Air Lines Soars with New Chef-Inspired Meals Amidst Brand Dispute with Marriott

Delta Air Lines is enhancing its in-flight dining experience with new menu items curated by celebrity chef José Andrés, available for Delta One and domestic first-class passengers starting November 4th. Simultaneously, the airline is embroiled in a legal battle with Marriott, accusing the hotel giant of infringing on its brand with its "Delta Hotels" chain.

Culinary Delights Take Flight

• Delta Air Lines is introducing a new culinary program featuring dishes inspired by renowned chef José Andrés.

Starting November 4th, passengers in Delta One and domestic first-class will have the opportunity to savor new menu items crafted in collaboration with celebrity chef José Andrés. The airline aims to elevate the onboard dining experience, moving away from traditional catering towards a more restaurant-like feel. Dishes include a Spanish tortilla with pisto manchego for breakfast, and for lunch/dinner, options like braised beef short rib with a smoky pepper sauce and creamy polenta, or Spanish-style braised chicken thigh with celeriac-potato puree.

Delta’s managing director of onboard culinary experience, Stephanie Laster, stated that the goal is "every flight, every bite," focusing on delighting customers with carefully curated dining experiences. The rollout is staggered, similar to the airline’s previous successful partnership with Shake Shack, allowing for meticulous testing and expansion.

Legal Battle Over Brand Identity

• Delta Air Lines is suing Marriott, alleging trademark infringement by Marriott’s "Delta Hotels" brand.

In a separate development, Delta Air Lines has initiated a lawsuit against Marriott, asserting that the hotel company is "hijacking" its brand. The airline claims that Marriott’s expansion of its "Delta Hotels" brand, particularly in the United States after acquiring the Canadian chain, dilutes Delta Air Lines’ well-established brand goodwill. The trial is currently underway, with Delta Air Lines arguing that the use of the "Delta" name in the travel industry, specifically hotels, creates confusion and harms its premium image.

Marriott acquired the Delta Hotels brand in 2015. Delta Air Lines contends that the hotel chain’s expansion, especially given the drastic difference in perceived quality between the airline’s premium services and the hotel’s offerings, is an attempt to leverage the airline’s established reputation. The airline argues that this creates a potential for consumer confusion, particularly as airlines increasingly offer hotel booking services.

Sources

• Delta Air Lines unveils meals by celebrity chef José Andrés, The Points Guy.
• Delta Partners With Chef José Andrés: I Can’t Even With The Puffery!, One Mile at a Time.
• Delta Accuses Marriott Of Hijacking Its Brand — Trial To Force Name-Change Now Underway, View from the Wing.
• Delta Air Lines Sues Marriott For "Hijacking" Brand With Delta Hotels, One Mile at a Time.