Review: Delta One business class
A singing flight attendant … a thank-you note. This airline goes above and beyond on a business-class trip to LA.
Delta Airlines is increasing the frequency of its flights between Sydney and Los Angeles. We find out if it’s up to the task.
THE SEAT
The business class cabin of 32 seats features nine forward-facing rows configured 1-2-1, with a retractable privacy screen between the centre pairs. A sliding door turns my window seat into a “suite”; when closed, crew will not disturb (or serve) you. It’s a wonderfully cosy booth with customisable lighting, reading lamp and ample storage. A large surface area next to the seat holds my laptop, book, toiletries and drink while I eat at the slide-out table. Noise-cancelling headphones hang on a hook and there are dedicated spaces to store my shoes, water bottle and personal bag, plus a large overhead bin for my carry-on suitcase. Most importantly, the seat is a 180-degree flat bed, with a high-quality duvet and pillow. As a side sleeper, I find it a little too firm but the blanket is large enough to wrap around and create a soft layer underneath me. When not sleeping, it’s comfortable, especially with the adjustable footrest. An amenities pack contains toothbrush, toothpaste, eyeshades, earplugs, socks and Grown Alchemist lip balm and hand cream. Slippers are provided.
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LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Business class passengers get 64kg (two bags x 32kg) of checked luggage plus two carry-on items (no weight restrictions).
TECHNOLOGY
Each suite has an 18-inch, HD, touchscreen monitor with retractable remote. An international power outlet and a USB port keep everything charged. Delta offers free wi-fi on all domestic flights, with a full rollout to international flights expected by the end of 2024. I don’t buy the package on this sector but on my connecting flight from LAX, I’m impressed by the speed of the service.
FOOD AND DRINK
Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve Champagne, mimosas, orange juice and a bowl of warm nuts are offered upon boarding. A couple of hours later, dinner is served. A week before departure, Delta One passengers can choose from two limited selection main courses, which change every three months. I enjoy my barramundi with olives, beans, kale and cherry tomatoes, but will try the duck confit on my way home.
For those who do not pre-order, there’s a choice of three meals: chicken parmesan with mashed sweet potatoes and fried eggplant; red wine braised beef with garlic-chive mashed potato, tomatoes and broccolini; or paneer makhanwala with cumin rice, kale and chickpea masala. The set entree is a creamy tomato soup, Sonoma Bakery sourdough roll served with Pepe Saya butter and olive oil, and a green salad.
Dessert options are a passionfruit cheesecake, ice cream sundae, or fruit and cheese plate. No wine lists are handed out, but there are two whites and two reds on the trolley. Other drinks include standard spirits and beers such as Miller Lite. The coffee is Starbucks and the tea is Thrive Farmers. A mid-flight snack of tandoori prawns is a tasty intermission. Passengers can help themselves to Tim Tams, Kit Kats, chips, biscuits and fruit in the galley. Quiche Lorraine and coconut sago porridge are served for breakfast.
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Choose from 300 movies, television series, documentaries, educational shows and games. Delta’s partnerships with Paramount+, Peloton and Spotify extend the range of entertainment with podcasts, curated playlists of various music genres, and meditation and seated stretch classes.
SERVICE
This is the best in-flight service I’ve experienced in a long time. The crew is efficient, friendly and good-humoured. One flight attendant sings as she serves breakfast, while another makes helpful recommendations and leaves a “thank you” note.
ON THE GROUND
At Sydney Airport, Delta One passengers can access the SkyTeam lounge, which was recently redesigned to save water and energy and reduce emissions. Even better is the huge Delta Sky Club at LAX, reopened last year at terminal 3. Refresh in the luxurious shower rooms, get some fresh air at the outdoor deck, or grab a freshly made taco.
LOYALTY PROGRAM
Part of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta has the SkyMiles loyalty program with more than 20 partners, including KLM, Air France, Hawaiian Airlines, Garuda, Korean Air, LATAM, China Eastern and Virgin Atlantic (sadly, no Australian airlines).
IN THE KNOW
Delta is increasing the frequency of its SYD-LAX service to 10 flights a week from October 31; twice daily from December 17. It is also investing in its business class lounges across the US. The first dedicated to Delta One customers will open at JFK and LAX in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Other new or upgraded Delta Sky Clubs were recently unveiled in Chicago, Boston, Nashville and Atlanta.
THE VERDICT
Delta aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, but not at the expense of comfort. The crew are exceptional and the superior suite aids a solid six-hour sleep. Free in-flight wi-fi will make the airline even more appealing next year.
Louise Goldsbury was a guest of Delta.