- Introduction: Around The World For Allegris
- Review: Delta Sky Club Miami Airport (MIA)
- Review: Delta First Class Boeing 737 (MIA-MSP)
- Review: Delta First Class Airbus A319 (MSP-YVR)
- Review: Lufthansa Allegris Business Class Airbus A350 (YVR-MUC)
- Review: EgyptAir Business Class Airbus A320neo (MUC-CAI)
- Review: Le Meridien Cairo Airport, Egypt
- Review: Kuwait Airways First Class Airbus A330 (CAI-KWI)
- Review: Waldorf Astoria Kuwait City
- Review: Kuwait Airways Elite Lounge Kuwait Airport (KWI)
- Review: Kuwait Airways First Class Boeing 777 (KWI-BKK)
- Review: Coral Finest Business Class Lounge Bangkok Airport (BKK)
- Review: Turkish Airlines Lounge Bangkok Airport (BKK)
- Review: Thai Airways Business Lounge Bangkok Airport (BKK)
- Review: Thai Airways First Lounge Bangkok Airport (BKK)
- Review: Thai Airways First Class Boeing 777 (BKK-NRT)
- Review: United Polaris Business Class Boeing 777 (NRT-SFO)
For the first segment of my Allegris round the world journey, I flew Delta Air Lines’ Boeing 737-900ER first class on the 3hr20min flight from Miami (MIA) to Minneapolis (MSP).
On balance, the Delta experience impressed me. I appreciate Delta’s excellent entertainment and free Wi-Fi, as well as friendly service. The food was better than I was expecting, and definitely a step up compared to what I’m used to on American. Let’s get into the review…
In this post:
How I booked my Delta first class ticket
I decided to fly Delta from Miami to Vancouver via Minneapolis, given that the airline had the best first class fare and schedule for my last minute booking. Specifically, I booked the following in first class for $762:
5/01 DL1565 Miami to Minneapolis departing 6:00AM arriving 8:51AM
5/01 DL2489 Minneapolis to Vancouver departing 10:05AM arriving 11:56AM
In this installment I’m reviewing Delta’s 737 first class from the first segment, and in the next installment I’ll review Delta’s A319 first class from the second segment.
Delta first class lounge & boarding
I’ve already reviewed the Delta Sky Club Miami Airport (MIA), which I had access to prior to the flight. While a standard domestic first class ticket doesn’t get you lounge access, there are all kinds of ways to access Delta Sky Clubs.
My Delta flight was departing from gate H8, just a short walk from the lounge. Boarding was scheduled to start at 5:20AM, 40 minutes before departure. Sure enough, that’s exactly when boarding started, with those needing extra time being invited to board first, followed by first class passengers.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-1.jpeg)
Delta 737 first class cabin & seats
Delta’s Boeing 737-900ERs feature a total of 20 first class seats, spread across five rows in a 2-2 configuration. Seats feature 37″ of pitch and 20.9″ of width, so that’s pretty standard for domestic first class within the United States.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-3-1.jpeg)
I assigned myself seat 2D, the window seat on the right side in the second row (it was the last available window seat when I booked). The legroom on Delta’s 737s in first class is fine — some other Delta jets feel a bit tighter in first class, but that’s not an issue on this aircraft.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-4.jpeg)
I appreciate how Delta has seat back televisions at every seat on 737s, which is quite a contrast to flying with American. You’ll also notice that the 737s have a USB-A outlet right underneath the entertainment screen.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-5.jpeg)
Each seat also has a seat back literature pocket. I like how there are multiple areas where you can place things, since stuff tends to fall pretty deep down if there’s only a single “pocket.”
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-6.jpeg)
Each seat has a center console where you can place drinks during the flight, in addition to the tray table, which also folds out from the center armrest.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-8.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-9.jpeg)
Underneath the center console, there are two AC power outlets, useful for charging electronics during the flight.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-7.jpeg)
Delta’s 737 overhead consoles feature reading lights and individual air nozzles.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-10.jpeg)
All-in-all, this is about as good as first class gets on one of the “big three” US carriers, so kudos to Delta (Alaska’s 737 first class stands out, as it features significantly more legroom).
Delta first class amenities
Waiting at each seat upon boarding was a small bottle of water. It’s nice how Delta consistently offers this, and that’s only part of the pre-departure service.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-11.jpeg)
During the boarding process, pre-departure drinks of choice were also offered, and I asked for a cup of coffee. I appreciate the consistency with which Delta offers pre-departure drinks of choice, especially in comparison to American.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-13.jpeg)
Complimentary earbuds were also distributed throughout the aircraft (not just in first class). Prior to them being distributed, it was announced that a flight attendant would pass these out, and to “please let her know with your words if you want one, and don’t touch, poke, or grab the flight attendant.” It’s pretty sad that has to be stated, eh?
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-14.jpeg)
Delta doesn’t offer any sort of pillows or blankets on standard domestic flights. That’s the same as at American, though I sure do miss those, and we haven’t seen them since before the pandemic.
Delta 737 first class entertainment & Wi-Fi
Delta has among the best inflight entertainment of any airline in the world, in terms of both seat back programming and Wi-Fi.
Delta Studio is the name of Delta’s seat back entertainment, which includes a huge selection of programming, from movies, to TV shows, to live TV, to audio. The selection is very impressive in terms of quantity and quality, and just about everyone should have no issues staying occupied throughout the flight.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-15.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-16.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-18.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-19.jpeg)
As an aviation geek, my favorite feature is of course the map, allowing you to track the progress of the flight.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-20.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-22.jpeg)
Delta also offers free inflight Wi-Fi for all SkyMiles members. You just have to log-in with your SkyMiles account information, and then you can connect with one click. Delta uses Viasat for its inflight Wi-Fi on 737s.
I found the speeds to be reasonably good, though not as good as on American. That makes sense, when you consider there’s a lot more demand for Wi-Fi when it’s free, and ultimately bandwidth is a limited resource in the sky.
Thanks to Delta Sync, there’s all kinds of streaming entertainment you can watch through your own device, though I can’t imagine that’s used all that much, given the seat back entertainment options.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-23.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-25.jpeg)
So yeah, Delta deserves massive credit for its domestic entertainment selection, as the airline has the best seat back entertainment, combined with the best value Wi-Fi (well, along with JetBlue).
Delta 737 departure from Miami
At around 5:50AM, the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 3hr20min. A few minutes later, the main cabin door closed, at which point the inflight leader made her welcome aboard announcement.
Boarding was quite efficient, as the plane wasn’t very full — there were around 60 empty seats in economy. I also found it noteworthy that there were only three people on the upgrade list, as it’s rare to see a list that’s so short (since all elite members are eligible for complimentary upgrades).
Unfortunately at 6AM, the captain was back on the PA to announce that due to lightning at the airport, we’d be delayed, as the ramp had been shut down.
I was a little nervous at this point, given that my connection in Minneapolis wasn’t terribly long, and my entire trip was dependent on being able to get to Vancouver the same day (I know I was taking a risk here, so that’s on me, but I can only build in so much of a buffer on these trips).
Fortunately within about 25 minutes the weather conditions improved. At 6:25AM we began our pushback, and then at 6:30AM, we began our taxi. At that point the safety video was screened.
We had a roughly 15-minute taxi and wait for takeoff, and at 6:45AM we were cleared for takeoff on runway 8R.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-26.jpeg)
The views after takeoff were gorgeous, thanks both to the sunrise, plus bad weather often makes for great views.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-27.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-28.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-29.jpeg)
The climb out was smooth, and the seatbelt sign was turned off around 25 minutes after takeoff.
Delta first class breakfast service
Breakfast was served on this morning flight. Delta first class passengers can pre-order their meals, so I did that before the flight. Below is what the menu looked like for this flight — it’s nice just how many options there are when pre-ordering, and I’ve gotta say, they all sounded pretty good.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-47.jpeg)
Below you can find the Delta first class drink list.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-48.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-49.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-50.jpeg)
Around 30 minutes after takeoff, the first class flight attendant passed through the cabin to distribute tablecloths.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-30.jpeg)
Drinks were then distributed. I ordered a cup of coffee and some water, with the water being served in a bottle. Delta basically exclusively serves water in small plastic bottles. On the one hand, I appreciate that, since you can keep a cap on the water, so don’t have to worry about spills. On the other hand, it seems kind of wasteful.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-31.jpeg)
For breakfast, I ordered the ricotta avocado omelet, with hash browns, mushrooms, and roasted tomato. This was served with a side of fruit, plus an actually tasty croissant.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-32.jpeg)
I found this to be a materially better breakfast than I’m used to on most other US airlines. For one, as someone who doesn’t like bacon or sausage (or any meat for breakfast, for that matter), I was delighted to find a vegetarian egg dish, for once. I was also happy to see the omelet wasn’t totally swimming in oil or doused in cheese. And it’s not often you’ll find avocado inside an airplane omelet, so I loved that as well.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-33.jpeg)
Big thumbs up to Delta on the food. The crew passed through the cabin frequently to see if anyone wanted anything. There was also a snack basket in the galley, with all kinds of snacks that passengers could help themselves to. This was also passed through the cabin several times.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-35.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-36.jpeg)
Delta 737 first class lavatory
Delta’s 737s have a lavatory located at the front of first class, right by the cockpit door. While the lavatory is modern, unfortunately it’s one of those painfully tight lavatories that you’ll nowadays find on many 737s. Even worse than the size of the lavatory as such is how small the sink is, as it’s hard to wash your hands without splashing.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-37.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-38.jpeg)
Delta first class service
The crew working this flight was friendly and attentive. Interestingly, the flight attendants were Miami based. I didn’t realize that Delta has a Miami base nowadays. I got the sense that the crew was really junior, as they were all quite young.
Service wasn’t anything memorable, but it was about as good as you can realistically hope for on a domestic flight.
Delta 737 arrival in Minneapolis
I spent most of the flight working, and the flight passed very quickly. At 8:35AM Minneapolis time, the captain announced that we’d be landing in around 30 minutes. The seatbelt sign was immediately turned on, and at that point we began our descent.
The weather in Minneapolis wasn’t very good this morning. It was cloudy and super windy, so we had quite a bit of chop on the approach. For a second I thought we were going to have a go around, but the 737 stabilized at the last second, and touched down on runway 30L at 9:05AM.
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-40.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-42.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-43.jpeg)
From there we had a short five minute taxi to our arrival gate, where we pulled in at 9:10AM. I also found it noteworthy how the crew made the announcement after landing about completing the post-flight survey — “it would mean a lot to your Miami based crew if you let Delta know just how amazing we were this morning.” Heh…
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-44.jpeg)
![](https://cdn.onemileatatime.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-First-Class-737-46.jpeg)
Fortunately we only arrived around 20 minutes behind schedule, so that meant I’d make my connection. Upon deplaning I headed straight to the departure gate for my Delta A319 first class flight to Vancouver.
Bottom line
I had a lovely flight in Delta’s Boeing 737 first class. I appreciated the great entertainment, free Wi-Fi, tasty breakfast and snacks, and friendly service.
Delta first class is definitely a cut above American first class, when you factor in the whole experience. Would I go out of my way to choose Delta over American? No, probably not. I’d choose whatever airline offers the best value and schedule, because the difference isn’t that significant to me. But still, I appreciate the effort Delta puts into the passenger experience.
What do you make of Delta’s Boeing 737 first class?
The flat air vents on the 737's are useless... very sad hardly any air comes out no matter what you do with them
@ben DL started bringing back pillows and blankets on domestic overnight flights in F. I don’t know what the minimum length is, but I often fly the ANC-SEA DL red eye and was excited to see them back awhile ago!
Also, surprised that the F lav didn’t have a lotion dispenser. It’s one of the little perks I love about DL is most of their F lavs help me keep my dry skin from hurting after flying and washing my hands with a nice brand of lotion offered!
I think you should review domestic premium economy or economy fares. May be not basic fares, but at least regular economy or premium economy. I think you should consider the reality. It cost over $700 one way in domestic first class which is nothing so special and given the price difference many people would probably not fly in the front. Those who are upgraded or those that are flying on the company's dime may be...
I think you should review domestic premium economy or economy fares. May be not basic fares, but at least regular economy or premium economy. I think you should consider the reality. It cost over $700 one way in domestic first class which is nothing so special and given the price difference many people would probably not fly in the front. Those who are upgraded or those that are flying on the company's dime may be more likely to pay. I think the reviews should not be always aspirational but for people to look at as they plan their travel.
I think you're looking at the wrong blog. There are others that will do what you want.
Though I have lifetime AA elite status and I'm very loyal to them, I can't deny that DL is fantastic.
Ironically my first few DL experiences was when AA re-protected me onto DL F when weather issues were happening at ORD & DFW; e.g., AA had no responsibility to do anything other than the basic efforts for me.
I never asked to be re-protected on DL or any other airline, but though I...
Though I have lifetime AA elite status and I'm very loyal to them, I can't deny that DL is fantastic.
Ironically my first few DL experiences was when AA re-protected me onto DL F when weather issues were happening at ORD & DFW; e.g., AA had no responsibility to do anything other than the basic efforts for me.
I never asked to be re-protected on DL or any other airline, but though I had booked Y (as I am always upgraded to F, so why buy the F ticket), AA put me from a Y to F on DL a few times...and DL amazed me with their service. DL is an awesome airline, regardless of my loyalty to AA. They both came out winners in those circumstances.
When I finally did buy a ticket on DL, and they had a maintenance issue/delay...I had to print and send an urgent document so paid lounge access at SEA, but I didn't stay in the lounge as I was with coworkers (okay, and with my boss), all AA loyalists...the DL lounge staff somehow found me in the airport (I have NO idea how), and just walked up with new boarding passes for the entire group on a different flight.
SOOO, yes, I am AA loyal, but DL amazes me. This review does not surprise me.
I am fortunate to be retired and do not fly from anyone's hub city ( Tampa ) and I DO go out of my way to fly Delta. I have actually chosen connections over AA nonstops simply because of the consistency of Delta's service. Again, I realize this is not the norm but hey ! It's my money, my experience right ?
I totally agree with you. Flying from SAN to EWR, I would rather take Delta via DTW or ATL over the others with nonstops. The service and Sky Clubs are always the best. Tim Dunn is correct and Ben confirmed it!
I live in Chicago and still give the vast majority of my business to DL over UA, AA, and even WN - all of which offer plenty of nonstops options. For my money, DL is just worth the higher fare.
We recently flew Boston to Ft.Myers 1st class on Delta’s 737. No bits fell off (that we noticed). Service was superb, breakfast was delicious. (Could it have been the box of truffles we gave the attendant?) We both enjoyed the Swiss Omelette and accoutrements. It took almost half the flight before the seat monitor booted and was useful. I simply read the book I brought. We will be returning soon and expect no less.
For many, including for religious reasons eggs aren't supposed to be "vegetarian " funny but guess the meal options had nothing truly that or for that matter vegan
I think that the biggest drawback is your constant comparison to only American. There are many of us like me who fly United in FC most of the time and have never in over 50 years flown Delta.
@ cbchicago -- I hear you, but there's a reason for it. It's tough to compare any product to United domestic first class, since it's so inconsistent. You basically have three generations of seats -- the nice and modern United "Next" interiors, the previous relatively modern interiors without televisions, and then the ancient interiors with televisions.
Unless half of my commentary in the review is about United, it's hard to make a simple comparison there....
@ cbchicago -- I hear you, but there's a reason for it. It's tough to compare any product to United domestic first class, since it's so inconsistent. You basically have three generations of seats -- the nice and modern United "Next" interiors, the previous relatively modern interiors without televisions, and then the ancient interiors with televisions.
Unless half of my commentary in the review is about United, it's hard to make a simple comparison there. By comparison, American's domestic first class might not be much to get excited about, but it is the most consistent in the industry in terms of hard product.
But you can at least compare it to the food and service.
You all need to accept the fact that Ben is just a person, rather than a de facto hub of all airline knowledge and information.
He's based in MIA, which means he heavily skews AA for domestic. It's just the reality of it.
If you're a frequent United flyer, then why can't you extrapolate your cumulative experiences on it and compare to the relatively objective facts shared in the article? It's pretty easy to tell...
You all need to accept the fact that Ben is just a person, rather than a de facto hub of all airline knowledge and information.
He's based in MIA, which means he heavily skews AA for domestic. It's just the reality of it.
If you're a frequent United flyer, then why can't you extrapolate your cumulative experiences on it and compare to the relatively objective facts shared in the article? It's pretty easy to tell that the food is of notably higher quality than United.
Told you. This is the greatest product any airline has ever offered. Glad you got to experience it Ben.
I had a vegetarian avocado-in-omelet breakfast on BA Club Suites in 2021, but wasn't a big fan as the avocado tasted overly warm and mushy and a little past its expiry date.
I know people have made this complaint before, but BoardingArea needs to do something about the ads on this site. I couldn't even load this page on my phone because it kept crashing due to so many ads.
Ditto. I nearly gave up.
This is not accurate:
“Delta doesn’t offer any sort of pillows or blankets on standard domestic flights. That’s the same as at American, though I sure do miss those, and we haven’t seen them since before the pandemic.”
Delta still has pillows and blankets in domestic Delta One flights. Delta also provided at least pillows in domestic first-class on red-eye and late night routes.
As for Miami, I assume Delta has improved catering there....
This is not accurate:
“Delta doesn’t offer any sort of pillows or blankets on standard domestic flights. That’s the same as at American, though I sure do miss those, and we haven’t seen them since before the pandemic.”
Delta still has pillows and blankets in domestic Delta One flights. Delta also provided at least pillows in domestic first-class on red-eye and late night routes.
As for Miami, I assume Delta has improved catering there. Until maybe a year ago, the flights departing Miami were catered ahead of time out of the inbound aircraft’s departure airport. This was an issue. There are still a lot of airports with unpublished and undisclosed exceptions, meaning no real food.
@ FNT Delta Diamond -- I said "standard domestic flights," which was specifically intended to exclude premium domestic flights like Delta One (which is marketed as business class anyway, and not first class). :-)
It still isn't correct. Delta provides at least pillows on red-eye flights in first-class, which is a standard domestic flight.
Since when? I flew last night lax to jfk. No pillows or blankets.
You mention that "lighting" at Mia delayed your departure. I think you meant lightening.
@ Jason -- Fixed, thank you!
Shouldn't it be lightning with no "E"?
Actually, no. Lightning.
Delta uses DO&CO catering out of Miami (along with Detroit, Boston and JFK). So the food quality out of those airports is the best you can get domestically.
@ Ted -- That explains it... thanks!
Will be interesting to compare this flight to the MSP flight
It's unfortunate you didn't get a chance to check out the new MSP SkyClub on arrival. It is one of my favorite newer SkyClubs in the system, and much better than anything they have at Atlanta.
@ Anthony -- Yeah, I was bummed I didn't have time. Hopefully next time...