Delta’s Domestic First Class: Is It Worth The Upgrade?

Delta First Class is the airline’s equivalent of business class for its domestic flights. However, the airline has a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with an average fleet age of 15.2 years, which means that the product isn’t consistent across the board, and the experience changes based on the route and aircraft being flown.

Let’s see if the experience is worth the extra surcharge.

Airport advantages

The benefits of First Class avail themselves as soon as you enter the airport. First Class passengers receive SkyPriority services, which means faster check-in, security, and baggage handling. For baggage, passengers receive a quota of two checked bags weighing 70 lbs (31 kg) each.

Photo: Delta Air Lines

Unfortunately, as Nerd Wallet states, Sky Club access is reserved for Delta One passengers, so First Class passengers get the short end of the stick here. However, they are eligible for priority boarding, so the time spent in the airport is minimized.

Seats

Delta First Class seats aren’t first class. It’s more like premium economy. The seats are wider and more comfortable than the economy and Comfort+ seats.

Photo: Delta Air Lines

Going.com noted that different aircraft have different seats, and here’s the breakdown:

• Airbus A220, A320-200, A321-200, Boeing 737, and 757: These aircraft are equipped with Delta’s standard First Class seats, which are around 21 inches wide and have 35 and 39 inches of pitch. The seats are arranged in a 2-2 configuration, each receiving a power outlet and an in-flight entertainment screen. The only proper storage is the overhead bins and the seat-back pocket in front of you.

• Boeing 717, Bombardier CRJ-700, CRJ-900, Embraer E-70, and ERJ-175: These are smaller regional aircraft and, as a result, have the least to offer. The seats are the smallest in the lot and are only 20 inches wide, with between 35 and 36 inches of pitch. There’s no inflight entertainment system, so passengers must entertain themselves.
• Airbus A321neo: These seats are 21 inches wide and have 37 inches of pitch. They also have memory foam cushions, privacy wings, better tray tables, and extra storage. The newer aircraft also have larger seat-back entertainment screens (up to a maximum of 11 inches).

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Delta also hands out free earbuds for First Class passengers, should you need them. Passengers also have access to free Wi-Fi to stay productive during their flight.

Food and beverage service

Delta First Class cabins’ food and beverage options vary based on the distance traveled. Longer flights get proper meals, while shorter flights only have snack options.

Photo: Delta Air Lines

Here is what you can expect:

• Less than 900 miles: On the shortest flights, passengers are given a variety of snack options, which include one sweet and one savory snack, bottled water, Starbucks coffee and tea, and soft drinks. Complimentary alcoholic beverages are also available.
• 900 to 2,299 miles: Everything mentioned above and full meals. Breakfast is served between 5 and 9:45 AM. Lunch is served between 9:46 AM and 3:59 PM. Dinner is served from 4 pm to 8:59 pm.
• 2,300+ miles: All snack services and meals are available 24 hours daily.

The airline has partnered with local restaurants to supplement its robust menu and offer passengers fresh, high-quality meals. Finally, service in First Class is quick and efficient with dedicated cabin attendants, reducing wait times.

Pricing

Delta First Class flights have dynamic pricing, meaning the prices vary with the route, aircraft, season, and how far in advance you make your booking. On average, a roundtrip starts at $650. Upgrading can be cheaper, but the upgrade pricing is also dynamic, so it’s never a sure shot.

Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock

Conclusion

Delta’s First Class offers passengers better service and a more comfortable flying experience. However, the dynamic pricing could make tickets too expensive to justify the added benefits. At the same time, if you plan correctly, you could land a great deal.