Operations

Shake Shack cheeseburgers go first class

In an unusual collaboration, premium passengers on Delta Airlines out of Boston can pre-order a Shack Burger on some flights. But not shakes.
cheeseburger
The meal is an option for flights out of Boston that are more than 900 miles. | Photo courtesy of Shake Shack.

Passengers flying first class on Delta Airlines will soon be able to pre-order a premium meal:

A Shake Shack cheeseburger.

Usually, restaurant partnerships with airlines feature fine-dining chefs. First Class passengers can get meatballs from Jon & Vinny’s on flights out of Los Angeles, for example, or Grey Market pecan granola with peach compote and almond milk by Mashima Bailey on flights out of Atlanta.

It’s less common to see restaurant chain offerings on the in-flight menu. 

But Shake Shack said Tuesday that starting Dec. 1, its signature Shack Burger will become the option for customers flying out of Boston on routes over 900 miles—though both the restaurant chain and the airline plan to expand the offering to other U.S. markets next year.

New York-based Shake Shack is in 19 airports across the country, and it’s coming to Boston’s Logan International Airport before the end of the year (though not in the Delta terminal). That means even cattle-class passengers can bring burgers on the plane too.

“At Shake Shack, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to meet our guests where they are, even at 35,000 feet,” said Michael Kark, Shake Shack’s president of global licensing, in a statement. “Taking our beloved cheeseburger to new heights, Shake Shack is proud to partner with Delta as we elevate the in-flight dining and hospitality experience for travelers across the country.”

Stephanie Laster, managing director of Onboard Service, said, “A delicious cheeseburger is an iconic comfort food—our customers know that, which is why burgers are one of the top ordered menu items we offer, and we’re thrilled to elevate the offering with Shake Shack.”

The meal, which can be pre-ordered on the app or through a link in their email, includes the Shack Burger with lettuce, tomato and Shack Sauce, as well as chips (not fries), a Caesar salad and a dark chocolate brownie. 

Sadly, shakes are not yet an option.

It’s a collaboration that builds on a relationship Delta has had with Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer, who also founded the Union Square Hospitality Group. Meals from Union Square’s events arm are also available on Delta flights out of New York's  JFK airport.

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