Review: Delta One Business Class Boeing 767 (JFK-LAX)

For the last segment of my Aria Suite Adventure to Hong Kong, I flew Delta’s Boeing 767-400ER business class (marketed as “Delta One”), on the six hour flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX). Delta has a fleet of over 60 767s, and while they operate select premium transcon flights, they also operate some long haul flights to Europe, South America, etc.

Ultimately for a flight across the country, I found this to be perfectly pleasant, with comfortable enough flat beds, very friendly service, extensive entertainment, and free Wi-Fi. For that matter, the best part of the experience is Delta One Lounge access, as these facilities are simply incredibly good.

However, the experience also isn’t perfect, with two major downsides. First of all, Delta’s premium transcon soft product isn’t very good, with food and drinks more in line with what you’d expect in a standard domestic first class product, rather than on a flight that’s marketed as Delta One. Second of all, I find Delta’s 767s to offer the weakest business class hard product of any wide body operated by one of the “big three” US carriers, with the exception of United’s domestic 777s.

How I booked my Delta business class ticket

It’s hard to redeem Delta SkyMiles for outsized value in premium cabins, and the airline doesn’t really make any saver level award seats available in these transcon markets. So I took a different approach.

I booked the following in business class for $1,272.83 (I used Amex Pay With Points, so since I have the Amex Business Platinum, this ended up costing me 82,733 Amex Membership Rewards points):

2/09 DL738 New York to Los Angeles departing 3:45PM arriving 7:19PM

That’s not the most exciting value on earth, but I figured it was worth it, to be able to review Delta’s 767 business class, plus to check out the Delta One Lounge JFK and Delta One Lounge LAX.

Delta business class lounge & boarding

In the previous installment, I reviewed the incredible Delta One Lounge JFK, which I had access to on account of my ticket. Delta really knocked it out of the park with this lounge, and I’d argue that was by far the best part of this experience.

My flight was departing from gate B29, just a short walk from the lounge. While the 767-400ER is far from the most cutting edge aircraft, and isn’t as “curvy” as some of the newer planes, I still think it’s a sexy beast.

Boarding was scheduled for 3:05PM, 40 minutes before departure. Sure enough, that’s exactly when boarding started, with Delta 360 members being invited to board first, followed by Delta One passengers.

Delta 767 business class cabin & seats

I boarded through the second set of doors, where I was greeted by a friendly flight attendant, and then turned left into business class. Random tangent, but one major advantage of the 767-400ER over the the 767-300ER is that it’s possible to board through the second set of doors, which makes for a lot less foot traffic in business class during boarding.

Delta’s 767-400ER business class cabin consists of 34 seats, spread across nine rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration (the center section only has eight rows). Delta opted for a customized version of the Thompson Vantage seat, which is a pretty average staggered product.

Those traveling with someone may prefer to select a pair of the center seats. Note that the two seats are always equally far apart from one another, so the only thing that varies with each row is how far the seat is from the aisle. There are no “honeymoon” seats in this configuration, unlike in some other staggered layouts.

If you’re traveling alone and end up in one of these seats, worry not, as there are privacy shields that can be raised, so you’ll actually have more privacy from the person seated next to you than from the person across the aisle.

Most people will probably prefer the window seats, where you don’t have a seat mate, and you have a view out the window, while still having direct access to the aisle. In this staggered configuration, there are two kinds of window seats.

In odd numbered rows, you’ll find seats that are closer to the aisle and further from the windows, which would be the less preferred seats. These seats really offer such little separation from the aisle, and it’s easy to get bumped into by anyone walking down the aisle.

The best seats are generally considered to be the window seats in even numbered rows, where seats are closer to the windows and further from the aisle. These seats offer more privacy, and you’re less likely to be bumped into. I assigned myself seat 8A, the “true” window seat on the left side in the second to last row.

As far as seat features go, each seat has a panel to the side of the seat, where you’ll find an AC power outlet, two USB-A outlets, a headphone jack, and all the seating controls. There are no USB-C outlets, or wireless charging.

Beyond the specific seat recline functions, there are also some pre-sets right next to the seat, if you want to turn your seat into a bed, or want to put it fully upright.

There’s an entertainment controller to the side of the seat that’s located underneath a panel, and when that’s flipped over, there’s also a little mirror.

The seat’s tray table extends from the console to the side of the seat, and is easy to use. When stored, it’s flipped over in half.

In these staggered configurations, one of the space saving techniques is that the footwell is located to the side of the seat in front. Unfortunately the footwells in this configuration are really tight, which isn’t surprising, given the lack of width of the 767’s fuselage. For what it’s worth, the bulkhead seats do have slightly larger footwells, so that could be a reason to select those seats, if available.

On the plus side, the 767 does have individual air nozzles, which helps with regulating airflow and perception of temperature.

To Delta’s credit, the 767-400ER cabins feel modern and fresh. That being said, purely in terms of hard product, this is weaker than United’s Polaris business class, plus American’s 777 business class and 787 business class.

One important thing to emphasize is that Delta’s 767-400ER hard product is way better than the carrier’s 767-300ER hard product. The 767-300ER really is a stain on Delta’s reputation of being premium. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there, but my point is that not all Delta 767s will be this nice (as a matter of fact, most aren’t).

Delta business class amenities

Delta offers its full set of international business class amenities on transcon flight. For one, there was the standard Delta One bedding available at each seat. This was in a zippered pouch, and included a pillow and blanket. The bedding is decent quality, though not to United’s level, for example.

I also finally got my hands on one of Delta’s Missoni amenity kits — I have to hand it to Delta, these are super stylish. The kit contained a dental kit, earplugs, eye shades, a pen, and Grown Alchemist products (hand cream and lip balm).

Delta even offers slippers on these premium transcon flights — very nice!

The headphones were just okay quality, and Delta doesn’t offer bluetooth audio on these jets.

Lastly, there was a bottle of water at each seat.

During boarding, the crew came around with pre-departure drinks, with the choice of sparkling wine or orange juice. However, they were happy to accommodate any other requests as well.

All-in-all, Delta does an impressive with its amenities on these transcon flights, with everything from Missoni amenity kits, to proper bedding, to slippers.

Delta 767 business class entertainment & Wi-Fi

Delta’s 767-400ER business class offers 18.5″ seat back monitors, which are touchscreen. These feature the carrier’s typical selection of entertainment, which is huge. There were 473 movies, 74 TV series (with many having multiple episodes), 141 music albums, live TV, games, and more.

You really can’t argue with Delta’s entertainment selection, and shouldn’t get bored. It’s not just that the selection is huge, but for the most part, it’s stuff people want to see as well.

In addition to extensive entertainment, my flight also featured free Wi-Fi, which is available to all SkyMiles members. There’s no need to actually credit the flight to Delta SkyMiles, but instead, you just have to be a member and log into your account.

If you forget your account log-in details, you can instead enter your name, email, and date of birth, and it will connect you that way.

Lastly, if you don’t want to log-in with a SkyMiles account (for whatever reason), you can buy Wi-Fi for $5. I found the Wi-Fi speeds to be quite good, and appreciated the ability to stay connected throughout the flight.

Delta knocks it out of the park with entertainment, between seat back options and free Wi-Fi.

Delta 767 departure from New York

Boarding was efficient, and wrapped up by 3:30PM, at which point the captain added his welcome aboard, informing us of our flight time of six hours, and our anticipated on-time arrival in Los Angeles. At 3:40PM the main cabin door closed, at which point the safety video was screened.

At 3:50PM we began our pushback, with a gorgeous A330-900neo off our left wing.

Then five minutes later, we began our taxi.

It was a short taxi out to runway 31L, and not much of a queue for takeoff.

At 4:05PM we began our takeoff roll, and then rocketed off into the northwest, on a cold but beautiful afternoon.

The seatbelt sign stayed on until we reached our cruising altitude, as is pretty standard on US carriers.

Delta business class dinner & snacks

Dinner was served on this flight, and service was quick to get started after takeoff. I was disappointed that Delta doesn’t offer menus in business class on these flights. It’s strange how the airline offers proper bedding and Missoni amenity kits, but then it seems like there’s nothing premium about the inflight food and drinks.

Around 15 minutes after takeoff, meal orders were taken, with options described as turkey meatballs or vegetable lasagna. Around 20 minutes after takeoff, warm towels were distributed.

50 minutes after takeoff, the drink cart was rolled down the aisle, so passengers were served warm mixed nuts, plus their choice of drinks. I couldn’t believe how cheap the drinks election was.

For example, the sparkling wine (described as “champagne) was Gambino Sparkling Wine Brut, which retails for $9.99 per bottle (and significantly less when buying in bulk). For context, the average retail price of Korbel is higher. The red and white selection wasn’t much more impressive, with most options retailing for somewhere around $10 per bottle. I had a glass of Spanish white wine, which was drinkable.

The meal was served around 70 minutes after takeoff, with everything coming on one tray. The meal consisted of a starter with roast beef, a side salad, and then I chose vegetable lasagna as the main. There was also a side of bread.

As soon as my tray was cleared, I was offered the choice of either a pineapple upside down cake or a cheese plate, and I opted for the former.

The meal was relatively good if you view it as a standard domestic meal, but definitely less impressive by international standards.

Once the meal service was done, there was a snack basket in the galley with chips, pistachio nuts, etc.

Then around an hour before landing, warm chocolate chip cookies were served.

Delta 767 business class lavatories

Delta’s business class lavatory situation on the 767 is quite annoying, to be honest. There’s one lavatory located at the very front of the cabin, by the flight deck. Then there’s a second lavatory located at the back right of the cabin, right in front of premium economy. Both aren’t particularly big, and have Grown Alchemist soap and hand cream.

The issue here is that there was almost always a queue to use the bathroom. The bathroom behind the cabin is shared with premium economy (or really anyone who wants to use it), so there’s almost always a wait there. Meanwhile most business class passengers just automatically go to the lavatory at the front of the cabin, so there’s almost always a queue. And that assumes the pilots aren’t using the bathroom, in which case it’s all even more complicated.

It’s not a huge deal on a flight like this, but I have to imagine this get a bit tricky when we’re talking about a transatlantic overnight flight, where everyone wants to use the bathroom before landing.

Delta 767 business class bed

After the meal, I decided to get some rest, as I was quite exhausted, and I still had a long day ahead of me (I’d be taking a redeye the same night from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale). So I reclined my seat and made my bed.

While I was of course grateful to have a flat bed, this seat is really narrow, with a very small footwell. I felt like I was basically wedged in there, with little room to move.

Fortunately my exhaustion from this trip caught up with me, and I managed to fall asleep a bit over two hours after departure…

…and I woke up roughly three hours later, with under an hour remaining to Los Angeles.

Delta business class service

I have nothing but good things to say about the service on this flight. Los Angeles-based Jaylen was working my aisle, and he was friendly and engaging, and took his time with each passenger. He really tried to make sure that each passenger had a great flight, so huge credit to him for his professionalism.

Often it’s the little touches that make a big difference. For example, at the beginning of the flight, he introduced himself by name to each passenger, and said “if you need anything during the flight, don’t hesitate to let me know.” That really sets the tone for good service. Similarly, he kneeled down when he spoke to passengers, rather than towering over them.

Delta 767 arrival in Los Angeles

For the last hour of the flight, I mainly just gazed out the window and looked at the map feature. Here’s something interesting — an hour out, before even passing Las Vegas, we were already down at 24,000 feet, and we cruised there for quite some time.

Of course I understand the basics of why aircraft use different altitudes, but does anyone know why we’d be at such a low altitude so far out? Was there that much congestion in the area, was the jet stream that strong at higher altitudes, or…?

Anyway, at 6:40PM, the captain was back on the PA to announce that we’d be descending shortly, and would be touching down in roughly 25 minutes. A couple of minutes later, the seatbelt sign was turned on.

Sure enough, at 7:05PM we touched down on runway 24R. We then started our taxi to our arrival gate at Terminal 3, which required waiting for around five minutes due to traffic in the alley. We finally made it to our gate at 7:20PM, a minute behind our scheduled arrival time.

Bottom line

All-in-all, I had a pleasant flight in Delta One business class on the 767. However, I’d describe the experience as being a bit uneven.

The single best aspect of Delta One on this flight was access to the Delta One Lounge JFK, which is an unbelievably good facility. Beyond that, I appreciated the friendly service, the extensive entertainment and free Wi-Fi, and the solid bedding and nice Missoni amenity kit.

Beyond that, I can’t say I love Delta’s 767 business class seat, as it’s not very spacious, and feels tight. And I got the better version of the 767, as the 767-300ER business class is even much worse. I also find it disappointing how this flight is marketed as Delta One, but the food and drinks are more in line with what you’d find on your standard domestic flight.

I suppose Delta thinks it doesn’t have to invest more in the soft product due to other strengths, but it’s definitely not an end-to-end premium experience.

What’s your take on Delta’s 767 business class?