Photo: Starbucks
The Delta and Starbucks In-Air Coffeehouse Shows the Benefits of Airline Loyalty at 30,000 Feet
Hey reader,
Let’s be honest: most flights are the emotional equivalent of beige wallpaper. So when Delta and Starbucks teamed up to turn actual air travel into a caffeine-fueled pop-up, I responded appropriately. This wasn’t a press release stunt; this was a real in-air coffeehouse, complete with guided tastings, burlap sack nametags, and empty middle seats (yes, please).
Joshua Kaehler, Delta’s managing director of Loyalty Partnerships, and his team are on a mission to flip the tired old loyalty perks playbook. On the other end of the flight he told me that Delta’s goal “is to figure out what do customers want from brands they care about. In the airline’s case, instead of just “earn miles,” it’s “win moments worth talking about.” The In-Air Coffeehouse brought 50 contest winners, their plus-ones, and some fortunate media aboard to taste coffee and experience how innovative farmers are growing it for a changing planet. We boarded from Atlanta, surrounded by a gate party more energized than a Tuesday should have any right to be, and spent the flight clapping for affogatos like we were at a concert.
Then Costa Rica happened — Starbucks’ Hacienda Alsacia coffee farm, sustainable coffee nerdery, and enough “bean-to-cup” knowledge that I came back with a totally different take on what I wake up to each morning.
If airlines want to remind us why flying used to feel magical, this is exactly the sort of weird, delightful thing they should keep doing. Check out photos and moments from the experience here.
Tim Wenger, transactional content editor
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No affiliate links. Just solid finds.
Palazzo di Varignana, Italy: 20% off a one-night stay, available Feb 13–15
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Woodstock Inn & Resort, Vermont: Book two nights for a $250 resort credit, or four nights for $500, toward spa, dining, or experiences
Hilton Sandestin Beach, Florida: Couples package with spa treatments, steakhouse dinner, and a sunset cruise
Thompson Zihuatanejo, Mexico: $150 resort credit for spa treatments, fine dining, or curated experiences. Promo code SUITE.
Finolhu, Maldives: Up to 25% off accommodations with this limited-time Seaside Escape offer
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More of a hotel kind of vibe? Check out these last-minute HotelTonight deals*:
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The Matador Editorial Team
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