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You will hear people say this turtle is extinct. It isn’t. The four-eyed turtle is just holding on in the remote mountain streams of Vietnam and southern China. The vivid false eyes on the back of its head act as a decoy to confuse predators. Poachers and severe habitat loss almost wiped them out completely. But they are still out there, hiding in the forest pools.

Would you still pay for First Class if the perks disappeared… but the seat stayed the same?

That’s the bet Delta is making.

The airline has introduced cheaper versions of its premium cabins, including First Class and Delta One, where you’ll still get the exact same seat, the same meals, and the same onboard service—but you’ll lose many of the extras.

That means no advance seat selection, fewer SkyMiles, no complimentary upgrades, change fees, and no Sky Club access unless you already have a membership or qualifying credit card.

When asked about the backlash, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said most passengers are really paying for the seat—not the perks.

He even suggested that if you’re already flying First Class, you “may not need to go in the lounge.”

The strategy comes as premium travel becomes an even bigger business for Delta, with premium cabins now generating more than 40% of the airline’s passenger revenue.
Do you agree with Delta’s CEO, or are the perks part of what makes First Class worth paying for? ✈️