Regarding service, airlines in North America haven’t always had the most remarkable reputation. However, Delta Airlines is setting itself apart from the rest with its exceptional flagship business class, Delta One.
What Is Delta Business Class?
Delta Airlines employs different terms to define the travel experience on their flights.
The “Main Cabin” refers to regular economy class, while “Delta Comfort+” offers economy class with additional legroom. On the other hand, “Delta Premium Select” denotes the premium economy class.
Regarding seating, “first class” typically designates the plane’s front section on many Delta domestic flights, featuring reclining seats. Meanwhile, “Delta One” represents the airline’s flagship business class experience on domestic and international flights.
Therefore, “Delta One” is equivalent to business class and offers passengers a fully-flat bed on board, enhanced service and access to airport lounges.
Three Reasons We Love Delta Business Class
Relax in privacy on selected aircraft
Delta prioritizes privacy on its latest aircraft as well as those that have recently undergone refurbishment. Passengers in the modern business class suites can enjoy the convenience of a sliding privacy door, placing privacy at the forefront of their travel experience.
These features are commonly available on specific flights operated by Boeing 777, Airbus A330-900neo, and Airbus A350 aircraft. This includes Delta’s services between Sydney and Los Angeles.
Consistency in business class
If your flight is marketed as Delta One, you can be assured that a fully-flat bed will be available onboard. This applies to international and domestic flights, including important routes like Los Angeles to New York.
However, if you come across “first class” during the booking process, it indicates a standard reclining seat rather than a bed. Even if there is an aircraft change, from a Boeing 757 to a Boeing 767 on domestic flights within the United States, Delta One consistently represents the fully-flat bed experience.
Delta One Includes Airport Lounge Access
In the United States, airport lounge access is not typically included as a standard feature on many domestic or international journeys, even when flying in business class or first class.
Thankfully, when you book a flight designated as Delta One, you can count on enjoying this benefit. For example, when flying from Los Angeles to New York, you can access the same Delta Sky Club lounges as passengers travelling to distant destinations like Sydney.
Three Tips Before You Fly Business Class On Delta
Different Delta One Planes Have Different Seats
When planning your travel, you may have the option to choose from various flights depending on the time and destination. In such cases, it’s beneficial to know which aircraft offers the best business class experience.
If possible, prioritize flights operated by Airbus A350-900, Airbus A330-900neo, or refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft. These are equipped with Delta One Suites, which feature convenient privacy doors to enhance your journey.
Since these aircraft are predominantly used for international flights, it is uncommon to come across them frequently when traveling within the United States. In such cases, the next preferable options would be Delta’s Boeing 767s, Airbus A330s, and older-style Boeing 777s.
These twin-aisle aircraft combine fully-flat beds in business class and direct aisle access from each seat, making them perfect for both work and rest during the flight.
Additionally, there are Boeing 757s equipped with Delta One, which feature fully-flat business class beds arranged in a 2-2 configuration. Despite being single-aisle planes, they still offer a comfortable and premium travel experience.
Due to the seating arrangement, the passenger seated by the window would need to either step over or move past the passenger seated by the aisle. However, passengers traveling together might prefer these seats as they allow for easier socializing during the flight.
Earn Miles In A Range Of Frequent Flyer Programs
When you fly with Delta, you can earn frequent flyer points within their SkyMiles program. However, being a member of the global SkyTeam alliance, you can credit your flights to other participating loyalty programs.
This is especially advantageous if you already have a collection of SkyTeam miles and aim to increase your balance for a future complimentary flight. For instance, you can credit your Delta flight to programs like Korean Air Skypass or Air France/KLM Flying Blue.
Furthermore, Delta’s exclusive partnerships with non-alliance airlines such as Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic offer additional opportunities to earn frequent flyer points in Velocity and Flying Club.
Take home your TUMI Amenity Kit
In Delta One, passengers are offered amenity kits created by the renowned designer TUMI. These kits contain a variety of products to enhance your in-flight comfort.
The best part is that the kit is yours to keep and can be repurposed in numerous ways. It can serve as a pencil case, razor bag, cable organizer, mobile first aid pouch, or a practical solution to keep all your international travel adaptors organized in one place.
You can continue using the amenity kit for its original purpose. However, it’s important to note that you must separate all your liquids and gels into a clear bag distinct from the amenity kit at many security checkpoints.
Getting an upgrade on Delta
Delta extends unlimited complimentary upgrades to its elite frequent flyers on numerous flights, including US domestic routes where Delta One is available for purchase.
These upgrades are subject to availability and are offered to eligible passengers when seats have not already been booked by paying customers. However, it’s important to note that these complimentary upgrades do not apply to international Delta One flights.
Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion members have an additional option: they can utilize a Regional Upgrade Certificate to guarantee an upgrade to Delta One on domestic flights. A Global Upgrade Certificate can be used for Diamond-tier guests to secure an upgrade on international Delta One flights.
Another method to consider is utilizing frequent flyer points or miles. Delta’s SkyMiles program allows members to use their accumulated points to secure an upgrade, subject to availability.
