Delta Air Lines introduced its newest BusinessElite amenity kit in late February 2013, and the fine folks at Delta just recently sent me a couple for my collection – a very nice gesture I will pay forward by giving away the second one here on the blog.
That giveaway will come later this month, so in the meantime, I bring you my critique in this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post.
Delta’s Tumi amenity kit
Bag/Container: More airlines are offering upscale cases than in the past and Delta this time around partnered with Tumi, a leading provider of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories. It’s a major upgrade from Delta’s previous offering in 2012. The exterior fabric of the black zipper bag is a dimpled, rubber-like canvas of extremely high quality. And the zipper operates effortlessly to reveal a nylon-lined interior. Tumi’s logo appears inside and out, along with a semi-tacky “Not for Resale†tag near the base of the interior. Reusability is medium and high, in my opinion – medium due to its relatively small size (see the Thai Royal First Class Tumi case for an ideal capacity), but high for its overall durability. Score: 6.0 out of 7
Delta BusinessElite amenities
Skin Care: Delta selected New York-based MALIN+GOETZ to supply body lotion and lip moisturizer for its BusinessElite passengers. The lotion infused with neroli extract absorbs ultra rapidly and has a very light and pleasant citrus scent. And the essentially tasteless lip gel does its job well. An unbranded, moistened hand wipe enriched with vitamin E and aloe is also included. The enclosed romance/product information card includes a 20% discount offer for online or retail MALIN+GOETZ products. Score: 5.0 out of 7
Interior of Delta’s Tumi amenity bag
Oral Care: This category reveals the usual medium-bristled plastic toothbrush with cover, but I do like the slightly larger than normal tube of Crest Complete Whitening with Scope toothpaste – an upgrade from standard flavor toothpaste and it essentially makes up for lack of mouthwash or mints. A small floss stick is also included. Score: 5.0 out of 7
Comfort Items: Tumi also supplied the one-size-fits-all elastic eye mask for this kit, which is made from similarly dimpled fabric as the bag and sports the Tumi logo. The socks are an upgrade in quality from what you’d normally find in both durability and the addition of rubber grippers. Other items included are (very soft) earplugs, facial tissues, shoe polish, as well as a comb and shoehorn. Very nicely done, Delta! Score: 5.5 out of 7
Intangibles: Delta has stepped up its game by offering a truly elite amenity bag, as well as high quality amenities. This kit evokes the exclusivity I designed this category around. Score: 6.0 out of 7
Total score & comments:
Whereas some airline amenities deteriorate over time, the three versions of Delta’s kits I’ve reviewed have consistently improved. A final score of 5.38 is well deserved. What’s next, Delta? Pajamas? 😉
– Follow Darren Booth on Twitter, @FrequentlyFlyin, for more airline, hotel and travel industry news, reviews and opinions.
Related posts:
Forbes Lists World’s 7 Best Amenity Kits
The Cost and Allure of Airline Amenity Kits
TravelPlus Amenity Bag Award Winners
Delta Air Lines Amenity Kit Review – 2012 Version
PJ’s would be nice but I’d prefer an easier way to upgrade my cattle class tickets to the far east that the company insists on.
“…normal tube of Colgate Complete Whitening with Scope toothpaste”
not a big deal, but that packaging looks more like Crest than Colgate.
I agree with you on preferring the larger tube over the teeny ones.
@Colleen: Oops, good catch! Guess I’m so used to typing Colgate. 😉
Great review. Can’t wait for the drawing!!
The lip balm is terrible at altitude. The gel works well but when opened in the cabin it oozes out and gets all over. You need such a small amount if it too. You use a lot of the lotion per application, so no big deal if it oozes out with the cabin pressure.
@Steve: Ack, yes, that happens all the time and I find some just keep oozing and you have to quickly recap the tube.