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Delta Airlines First Class: Seats, Perks, Book, Upgrades & Lounge Access

Delta Airlines First Class: Seats, Perks, Book, Upgrades & Lounge Access

Delta First Class offers a premium experience on domestic routes within the United States and between U.S. and Canada. Delta Air Lines passengers can book these tickets when traveling domestically to enhance their journey with greater luxury and comfort. Top-notch in-flight services are provided in this cabin, including wider seats with recline, extra legroom, dedicated flight attendants, and priority facilities like Sky Priority for expedited check-in, security, and baggage handling. Entertainment is offered during the flight, including complimentary snacks and drinks (alcohol is available on some flights). Additionally, Wi-Fi and charging points are easily accessible. Sometimes, the Delta Sky Club can also be included for Delta First Class, if passengers fit the criteria to ensure their relaxation even before the flight.

Delta First Class vs Delta One: What’s the Difference?

Delta First Class and Delta One are products of Delta Air Lines that offer premium quality travel, but on different routes. The differences are basic yet distinguishable.

FeatureDelta OneDelta First Class
FocusLong-haul international routes and selected transcontinental routes.Domestic routes within the United States and routes between the U.S. and Canada. 
SeatsLie-flat seats that convert to a bed, offering a comfortable sleeping option.Larger Recliner seats, but not lie-flat. 
FacilitiesPremium bedding,noise-canceling headphones, and more personalized services.Extra legroom, noise-canceling headphones, upgraded meals, and beverages.
Delta Sky ClubAccess to the Delta lounge before boarding the flight.The Delta lounge is not accessible.
DiningChef-curated meals with a wide selection of complimentary beverages.Premium menu offerings on select flights. 
PricingMore Expensive as it offers more services, and the duration is also longer on international routes.Less expensive due to offering limited services and being available on domestic routes.

NOTE: Delta First Class and Delta One are very good options for different types of fliers, depending on their routes, whether it’s domestic or international.

Delta First Class Amenities, Seats, and Services Explained

Delta First Class cabin showing spacious seats, premium amenities, and onboard services

Delta First Class offers a wide range of amenities and a luxurious experience when it comes to its layout, seats, and facilities for its passengers.

  1. Layout
  • The First Class cabin of Delta Air Lines is generally located at the front of the aircraft and has fewer rows than the main cabin.
  • Seats are arranged in the configuration of 2-2, reflecting two seats on each side.
  • The specific layout depends on the type of aircraft, as in the newer A321neo aircraft, Delta is introducing new seats with privacy shields and larger entertainment screens.
  1. Seats
  • Delta First Class seats offer more legroom and recline compared to Main Cabin seats.
  • Most First Class seats are recliner-style with ample space for relaxation.
  1. Services
  • Priority Boarding: Delta First Class passengers are provided with the benefits of Sky Priority for an accelerated check-in, security, and boarding process. 
  • Dedicated services: A dedicated flight attendant provides personalized services like food, beverages, or any other inconvenience of passenger inconvenience.
  • Overhead Space: Passengers have their own overhead space to keep their carry-on luggage.
  • Entertainment: Every seat in the Delta First Class cabin has built-in entertainment screens with Delta Studio.
  • Wifi: A Complimentary internet connection is provided to every passenger of this cabin.
  • Power Outlets: All the seats have power outlets and USB ports for charging devices.
  • Premium Food and Drinks: Fresh chef-prepared food and snacks with a wide options are served along with a selection of beer, wines, and soft drinks. 
  • Baggage: First Class passengers have the advantage of extra baggage allowance and priority baggage handling with Sky Priority.

These services are better than the Main Cabin and satisfactory to make any domestic travel journey comfortable. 

A Complete Guide to Booking a Delta First Class Ticket

Travelers can directly book a first-class ticket from Delta’s official site or app. They can also use miles to pay a portion of the ticket fare or the entire fare. Upgrades on existing tickets are also available; economy tickets can be converted to  First class, depending on the availability of seats.

  • Purchase a Delta First Class ticket
  1. Travelers can book a Delta First class ticket by choosing it in the cabin option in the “advanced search” section presented on the website www.delta.com  or the app.
  2. Choosing preferred routes and dates will show the available flight options.
  3. Fliers will have to enter their information to book the desired ticket.
  4. Once the flight is selected, passengers can move towards the payment for their journey. 
  • Use Miles to Upgrade
  1. If passengers have enough SkyMiles in their account, they will be provided with the option to upgrade their existing flight ticket. 
  2. A booked economy ticket can be converted into a Delta first-class ticket by using SkyMiles points through the website in the “My Trips” section.
  3. Similarly, after selecting an economy ticket, at the time of booking, travelers will be given the option to upgrade using SkyMiles. 
  • Complimentary Upgrades for Medillion and Reserve Cardholders
  1. Delta Medillion members and Delta American Express Cardholders are eligible for complimentary upgrades on domestic and international short-haul flights. However, they depend on the seat availability.
  2. These upgrades are done automatically by the airline, and the status of these can be monitored on the website or Delta’s app.

Comparison of Delta First Class booking options

BasisDelta First ClassDelta First Extra
Delta Sky Club AccessPermitted with Credentials Permitted with Credentials
Mileage Earn for general SkyMiles membersEarn 5 miles per $1Earn 7 miles per $1
Priority BoardingZone 1Zone 1
Flight ChangeAvailableAvailable 
CancellationOnly E-credit is eligibleRefund to the original mode of payment
Cancel AwardFull mileage is redepositAward travel booking is not available for extra experience
Same Day ChangesFree changes, but on standby Confirmed free changes
Seat Selection Before Flight AvailableAvailable 

Do Delta First Class Passengers have access to the Delta SkyClub Lounge?

No, Delta SkyClub is not accessible just by purchasing Delta First Class tickets. This airline doesn’t allow only First class members to take advantage of the lounge; they are required to fit the criteria to enter the lounge to make their journey more comfortable, even before boarding. 

When can First Class passengers access the Delta SkyClub Lounge?

Delta First Class passengers can access the lounge if:

  • They are traveling internationally on the same day with a first or business class ticket via SkyTeam Partners like LATAM, Korean Air, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, etc.
  • Delta exclusive elite status members can access the lounge while traveling on a Delta First Class ticket. They can bring two family members with them for a fee of $100 or 10,000 SkyMiles per person.
  • Travelers with reserved cards can access the lounge with ease.

Delta First Class vs. Competitors

Delta Air Lines’ First Class options have many competitors in the market from other well-known airlines like American Airlines First, United First, JetBlue Mint, etc.

FeatureDelta First ClassUnited FirstAmerican Airlines First
Seat Pitch37 inches38 inches36 inches
Lounge AccessLimitedYesYes
Meal ServiceHot MealsSnacks Full Meals

Delta First Class Meals

Delta First Class meals served onboard with premium ingredients and presentation

Food and beverage options are decided by looking at the distance of the traveler’s journey, whether it is a short flight, a medium to long flight, or a longer flight. However, passengers can enjoy complimentary Starbucks coffee, wine, beer, and spirits, but alcoholic drinks are only for people who are above 21 years.

  • For Short Flights: For flights under 900 miles, travelers can enjoy a selection of premium snacks and drinking options.
  • For Medium to Long Flights: On flights between 900-2,299 miles, fliers can enjoy a freshly chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, or night meal, along with a selection of premium refreshments.
  • For Longer Flights: For flights 2,300 miles and over, fliers can find a freshly made meal service and a large selection of appetizers.

Photos of Delta Airlines First Class Seat

Best Routes to Enjoy Delta First Class

Travelers can enjoy Delta First Class on these routes to maximise their benefits. 

  1. JFK TO LAX
  2. ATL TO SEA
  3. BOS TO SFO
  4. ATL TO MCO
  5. ATL TO LGA
  6. LAX TO ICN
  7. SEA TO HND
  8. ATL TO CDG

Tips For Making the Best of a Delta First Class Flight

Although Delta First Class is already a suitable option that provides well-managed and premium facilities on its routes but with these tips, passengers can utilize it in a better way, making the most of it.

  1. Use Lounge: If passengers have access to the Delta SkyClub, then he/she must use it for relaxing before their flight.
  1. Find the best possible rate: For the best and lowest passengers are required to be flexible, use price alerts, check promotions, consider upgrades, especially Economy tickets, use SkyMiles points, etc.
  1. In-flight Entertainment: Travelers must use the entertainment sources to keep themselves busy during the flight.
  1. Amenity Kit & Comfort: Utilize the amenity kit given by the airline to stay fresh. These generally include toothbrushes, wet wipes, creams, and sometimes perfumes too. Use a duvet and pillows for more comfort.
  1. Priority Lanes: While traveling Delta First Class, travelers have the privilege to skip the general queues and move towards the priority lanes. Use those lanes to check in and board early.
  1. Take advantage of everything: All the benefits must be utilized by the passenger, whether food, beverages, personalized services, entertainment, or other amenities.

Final Thoughts: Is Delta First Class Worth It?

Yes, Delta First Class is worth it for people who want to experience premium quality travel without spending much on business class tickets. Delta First Class is the best option, especially when traveling within the United States or to Canada. These tickets are certainly at a higher price than economy or regular tickets, but according to that price, they provide all luxurious facilities along with comfortable seats and extra legroom, which is not possible in the main cabin. Travelers get freshly prepared food, complimentary beverages, free wifi, entertainment screens, and much more. The best part of this is that upgrades are available; if a person has already booked an economy ticket, they can upgrade it to Delta First Class and use SkyMiles points also.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a Delta First Class Ticket?

Delta First Class is a cabin in Delta flights that offers premium services for routes within the U.S. and between the U.S. and Canada.

What is the difference between the Delta First Class and Delta One?

Both are products of Delta Air Lines. Delta First Class offers mostly domestic services while Delta One is primarily known for its extensive international services.

Is the Delta Sky Club free with a First Class ticket?

No, Delta Sky Club is not free with a First Class ticket. Travelers are required to purchase their access separately.

How can I upgrade my economy ticket to Delta First Class?

You can upgrade your economy ticket through Delta’s app or website in the “My Trips’’ section.

Can I use SkyMiles reward points to upgrade my ticket?

Yes, you can use SkyMiles reward points to upgrade your ticket to Delta First Class. You can pay a portion of your ticket fare, or if you want to the whole fare, that is also possible.

What services will be provided at Delta First Class?

At Delta First Class, you can expect priority check-in and boarding, gourmet meals, beverages, free wifi, in-flight entertainment, dedicated customized service from the staff, power outlets, wider seats, extra legroom, and many other services.

In what area does the boarding of Delta First Class passengers happen?

Generally, Delta First Class passengers board at priority from Zone 1.

What are the best routes in the U.S. to travel by Delta First Class?

Delta First Class mostly offers services within the U.S., and some of the best routes are LAX to JFK, ATL to SEA, ATL to MCO, etc.

How much extra baggage is allowed to Delta First Class travelers?

Delta First Class has the allowance to carry two extra bags on their journey.

What is the price of a Delta First Class ticket from LAX to JFK?

A First Class ticket on Delta Air Lines costs somewhere around $500.

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