Yesterday I shared my experience flying Delta’s Airbus A350 business class from Santiago to Atlanta. It’s probably the best business class offered by a US airline. Well, from Atlanta I connected to Mexico City on a Delta Boeing 737-800 business class, and this flight was basically the opposite extreme.
In this post:
Delta’s 737-800 cabins make me dream of American
Historically, Delta has been known for flying older aircraft, but maintaining the cabins well, and making them feel new (just see my recent review of the carrier’s Airbus A319 first class). Some of the carrier’s Boeing 737-800s are an exception, and just as I give the airline credit where it’s deserved, I think it’s only fair to call out the airline where it falls short.
I flew on a 23-year-old Delta Boeing 737-800 with the registration code N3754A, and the cabin was far from modern or luxurious.
The seats were fine (I’m always grateful just to be in first class), but the lack of any sort of head rest makes this one of the less comfortable first class seats out there, in my opinion.
There was seat back entertainment (or in my case, entertainment on the bulkhead), but my gosh, this screen must be an original from when the plane was delivered in 2001. It was tiny and so low resolution, and fit into the category of “why bother?”
But even beyond that, the cabin was just a mess. For example, take a look at the chargers underneath the seats. I’m not sure whether to be more shocked by the presence of ethernet ports, or how damn filthy it is. Is no one even pretending to be cleaning these planes?
Then there were the volume controls between seats, which… well, I’ll let the picture speak for itself.
While I didn’t take a picture of it, my seat mate’s tray table wouldn’t even stay up correctly, and kept collapsing.
For a moment I wondered if Delta had some sort of a wet lease agreement with Cubana (okay, that would be a dream), but nope, this is just Delta. It’s not often I say this, but I’d take an American 737 any day over this. At least the cabins are modern and relatively clean (in the sense that there’s no grime on the ethernet ports).
To Delta’s credit, the airline is in the process of updating the interiors of these jets. But at the end of the day, I booked a ticket on the plane Delta is flying now, not the plane that Delta is flying in the future.
The Delta “premium” juxtaposition
Delta is such a fascinating airline. There are so many things the airline does well, like positioning itself as a premium brand, having (on average) the best staff of the “big three,” and selectively investing in the passenger experience.
But Delta is also inconsistent. Take my experience yesterday, for example. In addition to flying the above Delta 737, I also spent quite a bit of time in Atlanta:
- Delta has no Delta One Lounge in Atlanta, and has no plans to build one (and also doesn’t have official plans to build one in Detroit); these are the carrier’s two biggest hubs, and American and United have a much more impressive setup in most of their hubs, especially with United Polaris Lounges
- When you look at the variety of aircraft at Atlanta Airport, you really appreciate just how many not-modern planes Delta has (to put it politely), from Boeing 757s, to Boeing 717s
- Delta’s Boeing 767-300ERs have the worst long haul, wide body business class product of any US airline, Delta has no plans to update them, and they’ll fly for several more years; compare that to United’s gorgeous 767-300ERs
Can I also just say that even Delta’s (reportedly) best Sky Club in Atlanta, in Concourse F, is… kind of just okay. Yes, the terrace is cool, but it’s not all that modern at this point, cleanliness could use some help, and am I the only one who doesn’t love eating off disposable plates, with single-use cutlery that you have to remove from plastic packaging?
I’ve also never seen anything quite like when they’re transitioning from the breakfast to lunch service. They closed the buffet for around 30 minutes, and the staff seemed to get a genuine thrill out of yelling at the customers that would walk up and try to get something. “SIR, THE BUFFET IS CLOSED!”
Many passengers in the lounge were Korean (ahead of the Korean Air flight) and clearly didn’t speak English, since they didn’t respond to these commands. So that just caused the staff to yell louder.
Bottom line
While I had a great flight on a Delta A350-900, it was a different story on the carrier’s 737-800. It’s not just how outdated the cabin was, but how poorly maintained and dirty it was as well. It was like stepping back in time, with some dirt added for good measure. It even made me miss American’s interiors, which is saying something.
There are lots of things Delta deserves credit for, including how it manages to position itself as being so much better than the competition, despite some major gaps when it comes to customer experience.
Has anyone else had the pleasure of experiencing these Delta interiors?
Has anyone ever used one of those onboard Ethernet ports?
Yes, in August flew from SEA-LAS FC on an old bird like this! Wasn’t comfortable at all! On a return trip from LAS-SEA in FC eight days later, flew on refurbished bird with hi-def tvs and much more comfortable seats. It was like day and night on Delta!
Similar experience when I first visited the F concourse lounge ahead of KE flight to ICN. Probably somewhere around 11:25 I went to grab some food ahead of the long flight. It's around lunch timing and nothing to suggest the food area was closed. As I went to open a tray which has food in it, "EXCUSE ME, THE BUFFET IS CLOSED!" by an attendant standing off to the side. Damn, just ask if I...
Similar experience when I first visited the F concourse lounge ahead of KE flight to ICN. Probably somewhere around 11:25 I went to grab some food ahead of the long flight. It's around lunch timing and nothing to suggest the food area was closed. As I went to open a tray which has food in it, "EXCUSE ME, THE BUFFET IS CLOSED!" by an attendant standing off to the side. Damn, just ask if I may wait a minute as they're switching over to lunch. That was like 5 years ago, so nice to see nothing has changed.
To DLs credit, when F concourse was first opened domestic lounges were way weaker. Cheese cubes and dated decor, so outdoor terrace, decent food, and plenty of showers for the size of the lounge, this lounge was a step.
The seat back entertainment monitor design looks like it was inspired by a 1984 Apple Macintosh. Fly different. ;-)
Yeah, we get a lot of those planes up here in SEA. A few have the new interiors, but most look like this. On one recent trip to PHX, on the flight down, they said the first class bathroom was broken, though I saw the pilots use it. A few days later on the way home, I realized I was on the same 737-800. They let people use the first class bathroom, but the sink...
Yeah, we get a lot of those planes up here in SEA. A few have the new interiors, but most look like this. On one recent trip to PHX, on the flight down, they said the first class bathroom was broken, though I saw the pilots use it. A few days later on the way home, I realized I was on the same 737-800. They let people use the first class bathroom, but the sink was still broken, so they just filled it with those Purell wipes that they were handing out early in the pandemic.
Well, the sad truth is, if you're in Atlanta, the typical person working as a server at the airline lounge is not going to know how to act of with a certain class of behavior. They get hired off the street to do food service, and without any training revert to the behavior they see in rap videos and talking to customers as if they themselves are the ones to give the orders.
Lol. What a thinly veiled racist statement. Tool
Delta has always been the worst of the US3 in my book. United has consistency across its widebodies, and I have always found AA to have the best in-flight service.
Delta constantly has old cabins that they get away with, high skymiles redemptions, and seem to be very "by the book". I've noticed crews on AA and UA you can actually have a conversation about life, but on DL... no. It's peculiar. Don't even...
Delta has always been the worst of the US3 in my book. United has consistency across its widebodies, and I have always found AA to have the best in-flight service.
Delta constantly has old cabins that they get away with, high skymiles redemptions, and seem to be very "by the book". I've noticed crews on AA and UA you can actually have a conversation about life, but on DL... no. It's peculiar. Don't even begin on Atlanta (which you touched on), the sole reason I avoid Delta.
I recently flew a Delta 737-800 cross country and an American 737-800 cross country. While I agree American was more comfortable with head rests actually my American plane was filthier. I think Mainline Delta still cleans planes at hubs between flights while American only does end of day (or at least that’s what it seems like based on how fast American turn times are but I always see Delta cleaning crew get on at hubs...
I recently flew a Delta 737-800 cross country and an American 737-800 cross country. While I agree American was more comfortable with head rests actually my American plane was filthier. I think Mainline Delta still cleans planes at hubs between flights while American only does end of day (or at least that’s what it seems like based on how fast American turn times are but I always see Delta cleaning crew get on at hubs even after a 1 hour flight in the morning and their turn times are longer)
Also service in economy on a 4+ hour flight. American did one round of drink+biscoff service and then didn’t even come around with water. I felt bad asking for water bc they closes the curtain to the galley so it would be intruding. Delta on the same flight 2 full drink+snack services, one coffee water tea service in between and coming around with water every once in a while. Plus their galley remains open so...
Also service in economy on a 4+ hour flight. American did one round of drink+biscoff service and then didn’t even come around with water. I felt bad asking for water bc they closes the curtain to the galley so it would be intruding. Delta on the same flight 2 full drink+snack services, one coffee water tea service in between and coming around with water every once in a while. Plus their galley remains open so you don’t feel bad abt asking for more water if needed. I think Delta is overhyped and then I fly United/American on these long flights and miss Delta (doesn’t matter for <2 hr flights)
“The maintenance capacity is simply not present to do significant mods - which is exactly why UA has converted less than 10% of its existing fleet to United Next.”
-False. As of today, UA has 38.5% of its narrow bodies without lie flat seats converted to NEXT and 20% if you exclude the Maxs and Neos.
“DL's fleet is younger than UA's. DL has multiple domestic fleet types that are younger than 20 years;...
“The maintenance capacity is simply not present to do significant mods - which is exactly why UA has converted less than 10% of its existing fleet to United Next.”
-False. As of today, UA has 38.5% of its narrow bodies without lie flat seats converted to NEXT and 20% if you exclude the Maxs and Neos.
“DL's fleet is younger than UA's. DL has multiple domestic fleet types that are younger than 20 years; UA has only the 737.”
-By fleet type, United’s 757s are younger than Deltas. By subfleet, United’s A320-200, A321neo, and 767-400ERs are younger than Deltas.
Tim’s a one trick pony. Deflects with whatsboutism riddled with factually incorrect claims with no data to support.
On some things like facts, Tim simply does a poor job - which is probably why he gets so much less page views than Ben or Gary.
Yeah today's Tim bingo card is missing a lot of words. Even with all the fluff.
You can't even cross off "premium" on the card today.
And this is an official bait to cross off "rent free".
TBH this was his funniest attempt at putting lipstick on a pig.
Bet that -800 was a garage sale find for DL from AI !
What???? No vlogger wiped the surfaces to make a sensational point? Def a missed opportunity…
But they've brainwashed their Diamond members to defend absolutely everything and break their backs to continue spending more money for this type of "premium" product. I'm so glad I found my way out of the cult. I feel bad for so many of the people in here defending this.
Off topic, I'm shocked that I still had to wait 7 mins for the Diamond phone agent. My no status colleague waited 0 with AA.
COVID was over for how many years now?
Delta needs to be sent to the retirement home.
My husband flew one of the ancient DL 767s between PRG-JFK yesterday. His seat kept reclining on its own. Then at JFK, he had to wait 45 minutes for his bag. Once he got it and dropped off his bag and cleared security, he had a 20-minute wait to get into the Skyclub.
People rag on AA all the time, but experiences like his (plus the ridiculous Skymiles redemption rates and an o-fer year on...
My husband flew one of the ancient DL 767s between PRG-JFK yesterday. His seat kept reclining on its own. Then at JFK, he had to wait 45 minutes for his bag. Once he got it and dropped off his bag and cleared security, he had a 20-minute wait to get into the Skyclub.
People rag on AA all the time, but experiences like his (plus the ridiculous Skymiles redemption rates and an o-fer year on upgrades as a platinum medallion) are why I switched to AA in 2022 and have not looked back.
first,
let's be clear that no US airline should be offering a product like that.
but second, anyone with objectivity knows that EVERY US airline has aircraft in its fleet that are like that. Even a handful of the respondents recognize it happens.
Gary makes a hobby out of posting stuff like this from other airlines.
third, DL intended to refurb the 738s long before covid but obviously everything got put...
first,
let's be clear that no US airline should be offering a product like that.
but second, anyone with objectivity knows that EVERY US airline has aircraft in its fleet that are like that. Even a handful of the respondents recognize it happens.
Gary makes a hobby out of posting stuff like this from other airlines.
third, DL intended to refurb the 738s long before covid but obviously everything got put on the back burner. They have pushed hundreds of aircraft through mods including used aircraft they acquired knowing full well that Boeing was not going to deliver what it promised. The maintenance capacity is simply not present to do significant mods - which is exactly why UA has converted less than 10% of its existing fleet to United Next.
fourth, DL's fleet is younger than UA's. DL has multiple domestic fleet types that are younger than 20 years; UA has only the 737. DL spent money on domestic fleet - like American - the 738s just happen to be the ugly ducklings.
finally, there is a place on the internet where you can track mod status on DL's fleet and about 1/3 of the fleet has been converted so far - which is a whole lot higher ratio than for AA's A320 or UA's older domestic fleet types.
That 738 shouldn't look like that; anyone w/ any degree of objectivity knows very similar things happen at other airlines. Doesn't make it any better but objectivity would be to make sure to nope the flaws on other carriers.
On some things like this, Gary simply does a better job - which is probably why he still rakes in more page views than Ben.
Trigger alert for Tim
Late night posting for you
Imagine comparing Ben to Gary lmao. Ben actually posts based on his real life experiences. Gary now relies on constantly scrubbing the internet for click-bait. Half the time those photos/videos he posts of poor hard products are fake or several years old
Gary rakes in more page views because he’s become the TMZ of travel blogs. He simply recycles gossip and social media outrage for clicks. Good for him if it means more revenue, but...
Imagine comparing Ben to Gary lmao. Ben actually posts based on his real life experiences. Gary now relies on constantly scrubbing the internet for click-bait. Half the time those photos/videos he posts of poor hard products are fake or several years old
Gary rakes in more page views because he’s become the TMZ of travel blogs. He simply recycles gossip and social media outrage for clicks. Good for him if it means more revenue, but imagine being proud of posting that garbage. Or being proud of consuming it. Hardly “thought leader” kinda stuff.
@305
How dare you criticize the self anointed "thought leader".
His TMZ method is required to brainwash the public and keep them Dunn, I mean dumb.
“ to NO ONE's surprise, Ben's honest assessment results in a full scale meltdown by a whole bunch of people.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, you should have saved that comment for yourself. LOSER.
If Tim Dunn <> is the real Tim Dunn, is "Mitt Nutt" Tim's troll account used for slander?
Any Delta post on OMaaT usually generates its own entertainment in the comments section (which I can view on my 3" Delta 737 bulkhead screen)
Well…. It is America… a country where personal hygiene and sophistication are considered bougie. This is my experience from generally flying in the US. Also I don’t understand why Americans confuse the toilet with the washroom floor…
Ben, feel free to let us know how much OMaaT spends on cleaning and janitorial service and then how it distributes those costs among each article. Let us know what Winston’s current position for aircraft deliveries. I’ll wait.
Excluding nonheterosexual male parents, then OMaaT doesn’t even crack the top 10 list of miles and points websites. It’s clear Ben is desperate for pages views but more importantly milk for lactose intolerant children.
Are you OK? Perhaps you forgot to take your meds?
Are you OK? Perhaps you forgot to take your meds?
Brunch mimosas started early for auTIsM
Could be worse… at least Delta does not serve rodents on their menu. Apparently Northern Europeans consider vermin a culinary delicacy. Not sure if they are hurting from the poor economy or if this is a tradition.
Check out the United 737's. they are also ancient, utterly filthy, and falling apart... not to mention the vile food in FC. 12 out of 12 trips out of LAX last year on them, all as disgusting if not more than this Delta one you are on now.
I choose American not because they are the best, but they somehow avoid being the worst.
The ports are nastier than a turnpike bathroom. Enough said.
That screen looks smaller than my home's thermostat.
The -800 is the reason I started carrying a European power adapter about 5 years ago. Most outlets are so worn that the US charger won't stay in. Euro charger no problem.
Other than AA's 321T and 77W F (going away soon) and premium lounges there's not much premium about the Big 3.
Alaska is more premium than this garbage.
How dare you insult the world's #1 PREMIUM airline! It's not there to make you comfortable or feel appreciated as a customer, it's there to get from point A to B while maximizing $ for shareholders like my Daddy!
Delta Airlines “The world’s #1 premium airline”, you are pulling our leg TD?
Ranked only #21 according to SkyTrax, even BA can beat it:-)
Thanks for the grin.
Many might benefit from checking out this website ….
https://www.worldairlineawards.com/worlds-top-100-airlines-2024/
Doing so will illustrate the good, the bad and the ugly airlines …. not to mention educating some commenters.
These childish comments are just stupid and not remotely funny..
and yet they come back over and over again.
You truly have to wonder about the mental and emotional state of people that have nothing better to do than jump into comments to mock someone before they have even responded.
Worse yet. You have to ask what planet Ben is on for letting it continue to happen when his real readers - not his thin-skinned airline brats - find it worse than a lav that hasn't been cleaned in 22 years.
You have to wonder about the mental state of someone that spends their day writing paragraphs defending an airline that fired them and seems completely oblivious to everyone else mocking him
One would be interested to know to whom you are aiming your comment Mr Dunn?
Please elaborate ….
Then why do you keep coming back here Tim?
These guys (or guy) are complete a-holes
My only theory is Tim Dunn created fake Tim Dunn because he doesn't have anyone else to talk to but have a lot of free time to spread fluff over the internet.
Flew a DL -800 this week and noticed the same issues. Definitely showing its age. Fortunately we had an amazing FA in first who made the quick flight indeed feel very premium.