ExpertTripPlanner

How is Delta's First Class on the longer domestic flights? I've booked two this spring: JFK/PHX and SFO/JFK (redeye).

rkkwan

You don't have many choices for JFK-PHX in FC, but SFO-JFK on DL is a domestic FC seat (37-38" pitch) on a 757-200. On this route, I'd take AA (767-200) or UA (757-200 p.s. service) over DL.

Both UA and AA run 3-class service on those flights. Even business class is better than DL's FC. And if budget isn't a concern, UA has flat bed on their flights, and AA has 62" pitch, though not flat bed.

rkkwan

The last part refers to the First Class service on UA and AA.

ExpertTripPlanner

Thanks, rkkwan. I value your opinion. In fact the DL FC seat priced out about $200 less than AA Business Class at the time of purchase. I figured that it would be sufficient for a 5-6 hour flight in the middle of the night. Yes, I prefer AA (have logged many miles with them), but it was easier to book nonstops for both legs of the open jaw on one airline. I also chose DL for both segments to keep cx penalty to a minimum.

rkkwan

I would think buying two one-way tickets won't cost much more than an open-jaw roundtrip in FC. Which is usually not the case in coach.

I disagree with you about FC for the red-eye. If I'm paying extra for a FC seat on a redeye, I'll make sure I can get a comfortable seat that I can really sleep. The difference between a domestic FC seat and a international business seat (which UA and AA have) are huge. Otherwise, I'd fly coach.

Here's a photo of DL's 38" pitch domestic FC on a 752:

www.airliners.net/open.file/1161190/L/

Hers'a UA's 54" pitch p.s Business Class:

www.airliners.net/open.file/0960616/L/

ExpertTripPlanner

Flew DL domestic first class JFK/PHX - adequate and at a good price.

Flew UA domestic business class (757-200 p.s.) SFO/JFK - outstanding service and great comfort on board. Only problem was with UA ground staff/gate agents in SFO. These people need workshops in how to handle customers - I witnessed quite a bit of rudeness and unnecessary sarcasm directed toward passengers concerned about vague delay information. For this reason, I would probably never fly UA again!

Give me AA any day...

Kay2

I know you are back, but I just was upgraded to FC ATL-SFO and was glad I wasn't paying for it. Of course, the seat was bigger and lots more leg room, got a free movie. Beyond that not so great. Seat not really comfortable or reclining. Breakfast frittata really dismal. Crew was nice and helpful.

Patty

Too late to factor into your decision but I just wanted to add that DL now allows Crown Room Club access on certain transcon routes to/from JFK (and a few to/from LAX) including JFK/PHX and SFO/JFK for FC passengers. I think AA does this too? Don't know UA's policy.

Clematis1

Patty, will this Crown Room access work if you're flying FC Delta lax-IAD via Atlanta? What about Was-Dulles to JNB? (that portion is business class as there's no FC on that SAA flight).

ExpertTripPlanner

Yes, I took advantage of free DL Crown Room access at JFK the day of flight. I was told it was complimentary on transcon and JFK/PHX routings.

Patty

Clem,
As far as I know, from LAX it's only to JFK/BDL/BOS/CMH/RDU so ATL wouldn't qualify. You'll get access to SA (or contract) lounges at IAD and JNB because of your business class ticket. Technically, you won't have same day DL CRC access at LAX or ATL because SA isn't a Skyteam carrier, but you could try asking anyway.

Do you have the Amex Platinum charge card? That'll get you into DL CRCs for free. Priority Pass members also have access to CRCs domestically (there might be a fee depending on your tier level). And finally you can buy one visit passes to CRCs for $25pp (note they're one visit not one day passes, so you'd have to buy one at LAX and another at ATL).

You might have some kind of same day access to Star Alliance lounges because of your SA business class ticket. I don't know what their policies are. But they won't be located in the same terminals as DL, so I'm not sure if it's even worth seeking out.

Clematis1

Patty, I do have AE Plat. So I just show that card to get my spouse and me into the DL CRC? (neat)

rkkwan

Clematis1 - An AE Plat member can go along with one companion to all DL, CO and NW-operated clubs if you're flying on that airline same day.

Also, we're talking about THE AE Plat. Not Costco, not DL, not Starwoods, but the one with the high annual fee.

Patty

Yes, that's right. Just show your card as long as it's the Plat charge card (annual fee for personal card is now $450) and not any of the co-branded cards.

Clematis1

Thanks rkkwan and Patty. Yes, we have the pricey fee AE plat - and you guys just taught us how to get more out it!

ggfinds

Our travel experience with Delta was a complete disappointment. We purchased first class tickets for our vacation to the Bahamas. (LAX- Atlanta Atlanta – Nassau)
By no means were we treated with first class service. The food was terrible, on the outbound flight the dinner was similar to what they served in coach in years past - Junk. The return flight we were served a snack that was a dry chicken wrap and all the produce on the plate was wilted. The seats were old and did not recline. Take note in Virgin Atlantic airlines they know how to serve first class. Our friend that we were traveling with did not get his luggage until the last day of our trip. On the return flight last night we didn't get 3 pieces of luggage and we are still waiting for them to arrive. At least you should get the first class passengers luggage on the flight. Delta is operating in such mayhem that I do not trust the company any longer. I used to prefer Delta to many but sadly this is no longer the case.

annw

Add me to the list of people not impressed with FC on Delta.

We only use it as part of a leg to Europe, going to ATL or JFK (have now sworn to avoid JFK however) and buying upgradable coach tickets which we upgrade with miles.

Jet Blue economy was about as good as Delta FC domestic in my experience--my priority is legroom which seemed quite similar. Better entertainment on JB. No food but it was a night flight and that didn't matter.

I would not pay to upgrade to FC on Delta Domestic.

Business Elite on overseas flights, however, I think is really good.

But I am switching over my mileage cc and flying to UA or AA after I used up the 250k miles I have on Delta.

annw

Let me just add that rkkwan I really appreciate all the great, helpful information you consistently give on this board.

Kay2

Was upgraded again to FC JFC-ATL. This time the seats were comfortable, fully reclining with the inseat entertainment, etc. so much more comfortable than coach for the relatively short flight. No drink before takeoff during long wait. The food was a dismal turkey wrap and corn/bean salad. I asked for the sun chips from coach. The flight attendant kept bumping into me everytime she passed. Just not first class service.