Review: Delta Air Lines 737 First Class

Mentioned American more than Delta...

Very nice review! That attendant really went all in on making sure you had a good time onboard - I would have written to Delta to praise her.

You don't always fly Delta because Delta doesn't offer award redemptions in international first class. That's the deal breaker for me.

I personally appreciate the domestic reviews since as you said, I fly domestically far more than internationally so it’s more relevant to my everyday use.

Also I completely agree with your assessment of Delta, and it’s why I always pick them over United or American.

"while American and Delta pre-board select elite members, the premium cabin passengers on Delta actually get to board first." United?

'...where Winston is waiting on the other end feels as...though our flight from Boston to Tampa took 73hr15min' combined those for ya.

Agreed. Again, I got off a United Polaris 78X flight to Frankfurt and before that a 15 hr sin sfo. Not one thank you for my business etc. I spent $22,400 of my own personal money on United ytd. I only had a thank you for my loyalty and business once this year from a united club employee. Their stews are annoying me. I’m the dumbass. I should switch to Delta or B6.

I’m like domestic reviews - this was great. I would add having just flown JFK - TXL and back that my experience was on par with your domestic one and the food was some of the worst I have ever been served on an airline the fish out was dry and ill conceived the beef on the return on a nice sauce and sides but was as overlooked and tuff as show leather. Was the only done side to an otherwise good flight.

Boy, keep sucker-punching American. We get it.

@ Abidjan @ David -- The reason for the comparison to American is because that's what I'm most used to. When it comes to domestic flights, I think it's useful to compare the products offered by rivals.

@ Simon -- Thanks for the correction, fixed. And hah, that's exactly right re: Winston!

I like the domestic reviews too

I’ve very rarely run across a C minus crew with Delta. I spent a few years working for a couple of different airlines, and I have to say that Delta is the “big” airline that feels like it operates the way I’d want an airline to run.

I get the nonstop attraction living in Miami, but I have to wonder if a few more connections that you can depend on being on time 80ish percent of the time or more isn’t a decent trade for a nonstop that’s 50/50 on whether it operates or not.

I live 2.5 miles from DCA. I want to fly American....really. Have friendships there that I value. But until the airline turns itself around, it’s my last choice of the big airlines.

While I love Delta, don’t you think every time “Benjamin Schlappig” flies the airline that someone in the customer loyalty department makes sure FAs pay special attention to you?

Also, You mentioned you didn’t think it made sense to upgrade to Comfort Plus. Keep in mind a few things
1) Comfort plus often has more empty seats as Delta charges for it and does not allow self upgraders - I have been on many flights with a full F cabin, half full C+ and full economy, being in C+ is comfortable on that situation
2) Free alcoholic drinks and Delta snack basket, which can be meaningful on longer flights

That is so bizarre how bad DL's catering looks. That sandwich looks disgusting! Even AA's Zoe's meals look significantly better.

What happened to the review of the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor you said was your next installment? Also I agree I like domestic reviews but I also think that you should review the skyclub as while many are similar DL does do a great job with their SkyClubs. As well as review the check in. I haven’t flown UA or AA in first in a while but when I fly DL the sky priority check in like always takes forever

Delta’s International Business Class meals aren’t anything to brag about, either.

Aa is better than delta. Ben is just so negative with AA because he can’t maintain his executive platinum status and get free upgrades or cheap first class seats like delta. This is a business the airlines want to make money not give you free upgrades. Just buy your cheap delta fares and get a dirty egg sandwich.

food looks worse than Australian or Chinese economy meals.

DL definitely have an edge with regard to crew and overall employee attitude. I too have received exceptional service from the airline customer service wise (from the elite line to gate agent to on board crew).

However, to play devil's advocate here, I have had some of the rudest, most surly crews ever- across all airlines- on DL's ultra long haul flights such as ATL-JNB (which I've taken 6+ times round trip) and LAX-SYD (taken a few times) in DL One.

Consistently, on these flights which I can only suppose are more senior crews (based on age and what I know about crew scheduling and bidding), the attitudes and service on board have been awful. Mind you, these are some of DL's more ridiculously high-priced routes in J.

I'm glad you received exceptional service on your 3 hour flight from BOS to TPA; but I can't help but imagine you encountered a less senior flight attendant. It seems ridiculous to me that, based on an archaic system, someone as energetic and excited as your FA may not be on a long-haul flight for a while (until they're more experienced..and jaded). It's frustrating given how much money I dump into the airline...

FWIW above ^

I've also had exceptional service from less senior flight crew on routes to/from Asia, where there are a surplus of local language crew (forgive me for not knowing the proper term here). Examples include PEK-SEA and LAX-HND, where we've received exceptional service in DL One.

And I don't think the problem I've mentioned above is exclusively a DL one. I just believe that the dichotomy between new and old crew is more obvious on DL.

While I don't dispute your assessment of Delta service, I think the comparison to United seems a bit dated.

Over the past year, I've noticed a large improvement in overall service from United. From more friendly flight attendants/pilots/ground crew, to more proactive communication, they've now reached parity with Delta.

When there are delays, you can even see very detailed explanations/apologies on their app. At this point, I think the only advantage I see with Delta vs United is a more consistent seat back tv. Otherwise, they are definitely on par and the negative reviews with United are more based on perception (from previous service) than reality. Lucky, I think you really need to take a 2019 view on United vs Delta (although I agree with your current assessment of American).

Lucky,

Thanks for the review! Since you asked, definitely do more domestic reviews. They are really great and add a lot of value to your website, so more domestic reviews would be fantastic.

As always, you're the best and keep up the great work! I know it's a lot of work on your part, but it's much appreciated.

Have a great rest of your weekend and I can't wait for your next trip report

We love Delta too Lucky! We are based in NY and they are good in the European markets and to most of the US, though United is much stronger to the Carribean and Asia especially.

Do you think Delta is going to announce any more service to Europe for next year? I know they are usually somewhat conservative in this area. (I would expect JFK or ATL)

Ha! I was in the seat in front of you. Couple things... I'm pretty sure this was an equipment change in Seattle because the original said 11" screens and would have been an updated 738.

I caught some of the conversation about your meal. I'd actually say you were polite given how big a deal the fa made of not having your meal. She was fantastic, but at some point, we get it... You're sorry. I'm guessing perhaps she knew you write this blog, since it was a bit over the top on apologies.

Either way, Delta consistently has great service and great fa service.

Funny that I listened to this whole thing on your meal, then read about it here!

You picked the oldest 737 in Delta’s fleet. Fly a Delta 737-900 model with bigger screens!! They have much more of those than the model you flew on.

@1kSUCKS Lmao, 30 grand a year spent on United is small change my man. Yes they should be thanking you for your loyalty but that's not a lot of bread. Apple spends that on 3 r/t flights in biz to send their execs from SFO-HKG. And those 3 r/t flights could take place in a month or two, not an entire year.

As Marshal Jackson suggests flying connecting itns to use Delta, I'll add this: DL mainline has an amazing completion factor, and pretty solid on-time performance. Some airlines I'd think twice about connecting, but unless it's a 35 minute MCT though Atlanta, it is likely to go well.

And, I appreciate the domestic review. I am reminded, in seeing the view aft in F, that one issue I consistently have with DL (but not SWA, my second tier airline, or KL when in Europe): there is ZERO lumbar support in those seats. You can see in the pics how concave and flat the seat is. The Y seats aren't good for that either. Maybe short customers are comfortable, but I *have* to fold up a blanket (or, in Y, anything I can wad up like a jacket or scarf).

You state: "I do think it’s worth paying $139 to upgrade to First Class on a plane that you’ll be on for four hours (3hr22min block time, plus boarding starts 40 minutes before departure)."

I agree! But it would be helpful if you tell us how many more redeemable miles you earn from a paid First Class ticket compared to Economy, and then factor that into the price difference. Wouldn't that make it even less than $139? Reviews often factor in the savings of using a points-earning credit card, but not this.

This information would be great in future reviews related to paid Business or First.

I always fly United, although would love to change given my recent experiences with their ground staff, because it offers direct flights from Newark. The other option is to take American through Philly, but I rate American's in-flight services slightly lower than United's. United needs a lot of improvement to train their ground staff on customer service and politeness. If it was not for the direct flights, I will switch to Delta immediately.

I’ll play devil's advocate here.

For everyone saying that Lucky just received better treatment because his named catches the attention of airlines' PR departments, why doesn’t he receive the same from other airlines? Surely United, American, BA, and other airlines that are generally considered to be below average can notice his name on a manifest. Why aren’t they going above-and-beyond even in a superficial sense? I think it’s because they don’t care as much about their customers.

There are perfectly valid reasons why someone would fly American or United over Delta. For most it’s just about convenience. If you live in Houston, then you’ll probably be a frequent United flyer. If you live in Miami or Dallas, then you’ll probably be a frequent American flyer. I think Lucky is learning the reality of domestic flying. He lives in a fortress hub for American. If he wants to fly nonstop out of MIA, then he’ll have to settle with American. If he desires better customer service with Delta, then he’ll have to connect in Atlanta or New York.

Thanks for the domestic flight review. Sounds like the cabin crew was terrific, but those (ugly) seats look awfully close together...

And that meal! Yesterday I flew LHR to CDG in Business class on an Air France A321. The captain announced a flight time of 40-minutes. Once aloft the male purser and a charming 'hotesse' served all 32 passengers a delicious meal that included smoked salmon with a horseradish cream cheese, two other types of French cheese, a cold potato and vegetable salad, warm baguettes right from the oven, and for dessert, two delicious petit-fours. Drinks WITH REFILLS were offered by the two crew members who never looked or acted the least bit rushed.

I'd like to see ANY cabin crew in the States provide a similar service on so short a flight!

Comparing intra-Euro business to US First just doesn't work. Euro airlines offer the lounge as a matter of course, tanker in from base the meal, and save money with the standard front-of-the-cabin seats, movable curtain, and blocked middle seat. US airlines often don't include the lounge, have all their domestic meals catered in the US (by definition. Hey, here's something that could benefit from being outsourced. And please don't judge foreign carrier food by what monopoly contacts force them to load in the US), and have proper seats.

But yeah, Ben, so you're saying:
1. Plane was old, and so was the IFEN
2. Flight delayed.
3. Personal meal order didn't work.
4. Food generally was bad.

But you'll forgive all that because the crew was great.

I always said that the best way to pick a lover was to go on a bad date with the person. If everything goes wrong and you still have a great time, you've got a keeper. Guess that goes for airlines too.

@ Lucky - did you receive an email after they did the miles request? If so, sending a screenshot of that to Twitter will get them instantly credited to your account. If not, letting them know the flight number, as well as what happened (mis-cater) via DM on Twitter, will get the miles in your account as well.

@ Super VC10 - that is not a fair meal comparison at all because it sounds like the entire meal was cold except for some warm bread, which certainly weren't "fresh baked" as you imply from dough on board but rather pre-made and just warmed for 3-5 minutes. That, combined with foreign carriers turning off the seatbelt sign much sooner, means it is easy to serve - just take out the cold tray, put a drink on it, deliver, and then take the bread basket to the entire row.

Even the sandwich above, on Delta, is packaged in an aluminum tin that is heated, then the flight attendant opens it and places it on the plate. That takes more time and work then taking a pre-set cold tray and handing it out, as they do on LHR-CDG you cite.

@ Bubba - great analogy about the dates. Also, I see the estimated arrival of 11:50 AM for what was set at 11:43 AM. Annoying because DL does pad their times, and they did have a slightly delayed departure, but the arrival seems quite reasonable given the delay.

Those power ports look filthy...

In contrast, the 737-900, which is heavily used on transcon SEA routes is an uncomfortable experience in almost all seats in all cabins and is a factor while I may drop from Diamond. JetBlue to JFK is a vastly better experience in Mint and in Y.

Good to hear the crew was nice, but that plane looks filthy (especially your ohtis around the power ports). It also seems like quite a lot went wrong on the flight, though I agree crew attitude makes up for a lot.

I flew Delta from Orlando to Atlanta First class once. The meal was Cheerios and yogurt. Still better than the crap called deep dish pizza on an American flight from LHR/ORD

Thanks for the review Ben! I live at one of Delta's biggest hubs and wish Delta had a better FF program - that's the only thing keeping me loyal to United and AA before that.

It’s darling Delta after all. If American flight had the same issues we would never hear the end of it especially the food. Gary Leff and all would have plastered that as major breaking headline news.

As to whether you should do more domestic reviews, Lucky, you should consider if you are prepared to get progressively more depressed as you scratch around for positive things to say. After the relative high of that flight things will spiral downwards as you move onto UA and AA.
The interior picture you used looks like something from 1987 with a screen smaller than the average i-pad, and the food offering looked positively gruesome.
I think we all know by now that US domestic flights are crap, and will continue to be, so picking through the garbage is probably unwise, for yourself and your readers.

@Ryby - agreed.

Lucky I absolutely loved this format/version of trip report please do this in your next trip report
Sad it’s over

Who gives a .... about first class and the people who fly there?

@Anthony

"I have been on many flights with a full F cabin, half full C+ and full economy, being in C+ is comfortable on that situation"

Let me know when you fly, I'll gladly trade my C+ with your F anywhere anytime.

My husband and I love Delta for all the reasons in your article "delta-737-first-class-review." Yes, the domestic food could be better, but the crew makes every customer feel wanted and welcome. Admitted, we often fly first class or Delta One when we have enough SkyMiles points for our overseas trips, but domestically, we sometimes fly in Delta Comfort (we book Main Cabin and are upgraded automatically due to my Am-X Skymiles Reserve card) if we can't get an upgrade to first class. But even as Comfort and First Class are treated especially well, I listen to the service of those right behind us in the Main Cabin seats and while they don't have pillows and blankets, the crew treats everyone in the same very friendly and caring way, too. And yes -- I would love to see more of your reviews of domestic travel, not just international.

Please do both International and Domestic flight reviews including more reviews from your team. It would also be nice to read more premium economy reviews as well. Thank you, Lucky @Lucky.

Complains about leg room and doesn't even say what the seat pitch is. That's TPG level writing right there.

@Alex

Complains about review not giving what the seat pitch is even when the important part is comfort not numbers. That’s an emotionless robot thinking engineer right there.

Lucky,

I would suggest removing the bit about the wine for your mother, whether you accepted it or not. While cabin crew sometimes do this, it is certainly not allowed. Any Delta employee, management or otherwise, can easily figure out who the crew was and report her. Delta employees are known to tell on each other and being non-union, can be terminated for something such as this.

I just love your fur baby..glad your Mum takes good care of him whilst youre absent

@Amar - I am sure it is the same with Delta as with most every other carrier - the Flight Attendant in question was doing "service recovery" Delta would praise her for the proactive gesture.

@Scott Bisset

Pardon me, but I think it is absolutely a fair comparison.

My Air France business class cold meal was both appetizing to look at and absolutely delicious, whereas Ford's first class hot meal was an unappetizing-looking, starchy, fatty mess.

Plus, on my 40-minute flight the meal tray contained twice as much food as Ford's meal tray, boarded for a flight blocked at 3 hours and 20 minutes!

Delta is rolling in dough and ought to be able to do much, much better.

@Steven,

Airlines, like any other business with a liquor license, must abide by rules. The rules prohibit giving customers “to go” alcohol. Do FA’s break the rules? Yes. Was it nice of her to do that? Yes. Would she or any other crew member expect their kindness (and rule breaking) to end up on a popular travel blog? I’m guessing, no. Delta employees are notorious for reporting coworkers.
It’s Lucky’s blog, he can state what he wants, but I don’t think omitting that takes away from the overall good experience he had.

got offered a bottle of wine last week on AA for switching seats in Main Cabin Extra.

nice review...but some of the 737's have those FLAT AIR VENTS that nothing comes out of...annoying and hot.esp in the middle seat!

@Amar

You have a liquor license somewhere or you think you know all about it?

I think you are confusing "to go" with "open containers". While it might be against airline policy like on your first post. Which I think is totally ok in this case, nothing but praise to the FA.

Now, airlines might not always have proper liquor license on the ground, I think they are fine up in the air. As long as the bottle was given before landing, all is good.

You probably mistaken it with open container. If you can't get booze to go wouldn't that mean you can't buy booze to consume in private residences? A business with no license giving free drinks instead of selling might have a problem.

The real gray area here is what is considered serving alcohol. It is illegal to serve yourself alcohol in flight. So in a way, if Lucky "opened and drank" that wine in flight, would that be considered he served himself or he was served the whole bottle and can legally open and drink it himself. Now if you BYOB and let the FA open and serve, it is totally legal as long as the airline is ok with doing it.

Delta is great for people in New York, Boston, and elsewhere -- but awful for people in Atlanta, who face truly grotesque rip-off international fares. Oh well...

I agree with you whole heartedly. Delta’s food to me is beyond dismal compared to AA first class. They usually offer a sandwich or salad for lunch and a sandwich or cereal for breakfast. I left AA for DL and miss the food on AA. DL gives you a pillow, but worse blanket, and is not consistent with the IFE. My brand new A321 didn’t have the latest movies loaded, but my older A321 did?

Much of this, particularly the food, the towel and the WC did not look any better than Singapore Air economy class.

@Eskimo,

Thanks, yeah... I’m crew. It’s against policy to give alcohol “to go.”

I’m not mistaking it for anything other then what Lucky mentioned, “to take with me for my mom.”

Given how much information there is about the flight, I don’t think it’s necessary to include that, given ramifications that can come of it. I’m in no way knocking what she did; that was nice.

I think we can all agree that we wouldn’t want her or anyone else to get in trouble for things like this because someone wrote about it on a blog or tweeted, etc.

Lucky, yes, please provide more domestic reviews.

What are your thoughts on a Domestic Product Comparison series? You could call it Getting Lucky on the Way (a lil tongue in cheek). While it may seem redundant, fly the same R/T flights on each airline, Short Haul 4hrs. One example TPA-ORD, TPA-ATL on the Legacy 3 and throw in a JetBlue of equal distance since they're not likely to have same destination, but, similar product.

I can hardly wait to read: Gett'n Lucky on the Way!

But did they have individual air nozzles?

Hi Ben, I was curious to see your review of Hyatt at Logan... any plans for that?

I am currently on. Delta flight from Tampa to Seattle traveling “First Class” at least that is what I paid for. What a disappointment! There is extra legroom and power at the seats but there is a wide divider between the two seats which makes getting in and out difficult AND I am a tiny woman (5 foot tall 100 lbs). The flight left at 9 and is 5 hours so I expected so substantial food. For breakfast ? I had 2 pieces of banana bread, a dollop of yogurt and 4 blueberries. After 4 hours into the flight I asked if we would get another meal - no snacks. So Jet Blue type snacks were offered out of a basket. I know it’s a pandemic but what did I pay for?