Delta Air Lines impressed me on my journey from Detroit to Amsterdam, with warm service, excellent food, and a comfortable suite aboard the A350-900 in “Delta One” business class. While it was not a flawless flight, it was very good overall.
Delta A350-900 Business Class Review
At 50,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles and $5.60 in taxes, this marked one of my best award redemptions in recent memories. Delta, as usual, wanted over 300,000 SkyMiles one-way for the same flight in business class.
Check-In
Upon arriving in the Edward McNamara Terminal at Detroit (DTW), I found the Delta One / Sky Priority line, which had about 10 people waiting in it and three agents working. Another employee greeting guests at the start of the line suggested I use the international check-in area instead, which had no line.
While there was only one person in front of me, it took quite some time because he did not appear to have the documentation necessary to travel where he was going. When it was my turn, I presented my vaccination card and a negative COVID-19 PCR test and was issued my boarding pass for Amsterdam. I would be connecting on to Paris, then Tunis, but the next two segments were on a separate ticket.
Lounges
Delta One passengers have lounge access prior to their flight and I had time to check out all five Sky Clubs before my flight:
My personal favorite was the A43 lounge. While the Sky Clubs provide a wide selection of food and drink, I was happy that I waited till my flight to eat.
Boarding
Boarding began 45 minutes before the flight, with Delta 360º and passengers needed more time to board invited to board first, followed by business class passengers.
Gate monitors indicated loads for the flight. While business class would be fully-occupied, economy class was empty such that most passengers could stretch out over three seats to sleep.
Delta 134
Detroit (DTW) – Amsterdam (AMS)
Thursday, February 1
Depart: 6:45PM
Arrive: 8:20AM+1
Duration: 07hr, 35min
Distance: 3,940 miles
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Seat: 6D (“Delta One” Business Class)
A flight attendant greeted me at the door and handed me off to a colleague, who directed me through the galley and left to my seat in the business class cabin.
Seats
Delta’s A350s have 32 seats in business class in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. Each suite in business class has direct aisle access and a sliding door that offers additional privacy. All seats face forward. The modified Thompson Vantage XL seat can also be found on SAS and Qantas (among others), though without doors.
While I normally prefer “true” window seats (which on this aircraft would be odd numbered A and D seats), I chose an aisle seat because there were no windows when I booked my flight. This wasn’t a big deal because the flight departed and landed in darkness. Choose an even-numbered A or D seat if you want to be closer to the aisle.
Each seat is 20.46 inches wide and transforms into flat bed 76 inches long (6 feet 4 inches). The seat can be adjusted into a partially-reclined lounge position by seat controls located in the side console.
A power port and rapid USB A charger were within easy reach.
I liked the red and blue color scheme inside the suite.
A larger personal storage space was available, though it was too small for a carry-on bag.
A “feature light” provided ambient light within the suite.
Suites also had a coat hook, though a flight attendant collected my coat and placed it in the closet.
I found the doors to be very flimsy. Mine had trouble staying shut (it kept sliding open) and it was also difficult to detach it. Even when closed privacy is limited and overall I found the closed doors more gimmicky than practical.
With a flight time of just over seven hours, I only managed about four hours of sleep, despite a prompt meal service after takeoff. Unless you are departing from the West Coast, I find transatlantic flights too short for a deep sleep unless you skip the meal service. Fortunately, air nozzles kept my area cool (though the cabin was not hot) and I slept well using Delta’s new bedding, which somehow is made from recycled bottles but just felt like cotton to me! The pillow was large and duvet warm yet very light, which greatly helped me sleep.
I thought the suite had plenty of room for my feet.
Be aware: Delta recently purchased additional A350s from LATAM that have a very different business class seat in a 2-2-2-2 configuration. Check the seat map to see which configuration your A350 flight will have.
> Read More: A Tale Of Two Delta A350s
Amenity Kit
Delta’s Tumi-branded amenity kit includes basil-scented lip balm and face mist from Le Labo, mouthwash, Crest whitening toothpaste, a toothbrush, socks, eye shade, hand sanitizer, and pen. Overall, this is a very practical amenity kit: I love the scent of the Le Labo products and the large(r) tube of toothpaste is much nicer than the tiny Colgate tubes often offered in business class amnesty kits.
I read that Delta would no longer include plastic wrappers around the amenity kit in order to reduce waste, but mine still had one.
Service
A big shout-out to the flight attendants on DL134, who were extremely kind and attentive. Donna, the purser, greeted every passenger personally prior to the flight with a big smile on her face. She asked how I was doing and was thrilled when I told her that I usually fly United but was trying Delta today.
During our interaction, she also confirmed that my pre-ordered meal had been loaded. More on that below.
For most of the flight, John took care of me. He was also a class act; professional, attentive, and friendly. For example, the menu indicted Old Fashioned cocktails were available (I wanted to compare Delta’s with United’s) but apparently they were not loaded. That did not stop John from spending 10 minutes searching high and low for one (instead of just giving up after a few seconds). He also gently woke me up, as instructed, about an hour prior to landing for breakfast.
I’ve always experienced good service on Delta and appreciated that service remains top-notch.
Dining
The biggest treat of the flight for me was the dining. This flight made me realize how much better catering can be with a just a bit of effort (hint, hint United). After booking my trip, Delta offered me a choice between six different meals when I pulled up my reservation in the Delta app:
I chose the braised Australian lamb shank, which Donna confirmed had been loaded during her pre-flight greeting.
Prior to departure, a choice of water or sparkling wine was offered in a plastic cup. The bubbly was not memorable.
Meal service began promptly after we hit 10,000 feet, which was greatly appreciated considering the short flight. A beverage was offered from a cart: I chose a bellini along with sparkling water. The bellini was decent considering it was pre-mixed in a bottle, though still nothing like fresh peach puree.
Menus were also distributed, though my order had already been placed.
This was just a partial menu, though I followed the QR code to reveal the full menu:
Following the beverage service (no nuts or canapés), a tray was delivered which included:
- smoked red pepper chickpea soup with dill yogurt
- buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomato, and avocado salad
- brioche roll with Banner butter
- chocolate mousse
My flight was last month: this month (March 2022) Delta has reintroduced ice cream sundaes in Delta One.
I must admit, the salad was fresh, delicious, and such a lovely change of pace from the usual green salad. The bread roll was hot, butter creamy, and the chickpea soup with a dollop of yogurt the perfect appetizer.
Next, the main course arrived: but it was pasta. The passenger behind me, who had ordered pasta, received beef short ribs. I alerted John about the mix-up and he seemed confused, since he did not take the meal orders. A few moments later Donna appeared, apologized profusely, and said that she had neglected to heat up my lamb but it would be ready in a moment. I should have asked if I could keep the pasta (it looked lovely) but she took it. Meanwhile, the guy behind me had dug into his beef brisket and was quite happy about the swap.
You could call that a service failure, but it was promptly addressed, Donna took ownership of the situation, and I really did not mind.
When my lamb shank did arrive, it was very much worth the wait. What a delicious meal! Truly, one of the best airline meals I’ve ever had. The lamb was so tender it just fell right off the bone and was brimming with flavor from the thyme and lamb jus. The sweet potato gratin was crispy on top and simply perfect. What a fabulous meal.
I skipped the mousse…after all, breakfast was in a few hours!
A self-serve beverage station was set up in the galley behind business class. Snacks (cookies, chips, candy) were available upon request.
Delta-branded water bottles were present in each suite.
About an hour before landing I was gently awakened for breakfast and another feast awaited.
Breakfast choices were a ricotta stuffed omelet with cheery tomatoes and fresh herbs or mango yogurt. I chose the omelet and found the flavor decent, though too well-done for my. I prefer my eggs on the runny side. The hot croissant was nice as well as the fruit bowl (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pineapple), though I was disappointed that espresso was not provisioned. The Starbucks black coffee was warm…that’s about all I can say for it. Hopefully the espresso machines are back in use this month.
Prior to landing, each Delta One passenger was offered a small piece of chocolate from Ghiradelli.
Overall, I quite enjoyed the meal service on Delta and most importantly, found the quality and flavor to be much better than the premium cabin meals served on American or United.
Inflight Entertainment + Wi-Fi
I enjoyed free wi-fi (one hour) and free messaging throughout the flight thanks to T-Mobile. It was nice to stay connected and not pay for it. Otherwise, wi-fi would have cost $12.95/hour for streaming speeds.
Delta-branded noise-cancelling headphones worked reasonably well, though were a bit tight on the ear.
The Delta Studio collection included movies, TV programming, games, music, and a moving flight map…I chose to sleep instead.
Lavatory
The lavatory included soap and hand lotion from Malin+Goetz. Although not much larger than an economy class lavatory, there was extra counter space.
CONCLUSION
We landed in Amsterdam before the sun had risen, a reminder of the northern winter – my flight was over too soon! I very much enjoyed flight Delta for the first time in many years and highly recommend the Delta One Suite on the A350-900, though the doors seem worthless to me. Most of all, I appreciated the kind service and delicious meals onboard. I hope to fly Delta again.
I’m increasingly warming to Sky Team living in London. Between Delta and Air France, what’s not to like?
Love the A350, love the A350 suites! Too bad my one ride there was only 8 hours long!
My FA back then spoiled me with what seemed to be never-ending shots of whiskey.
I also don’t care about how DL generally prices their D1 fares, but since I got an upgrade offer for $375 from PS, I didn’t even think twice.
Looks like a great flight. Makes you realize just how awful United’s catering and onboard soft product has become – the absolute last among the US/EU carriers – and with this kind of suite available on a brand new aircraft, United no longer has the “we just have a great hard product” leg to stand on. Everything about this experience is better / higher quality – advanced pre-ordering with extended choices, the amount / innovation / presentation / flavor of the food, the FA-Passenger ratio, the amenity kit, the products in the bathrooms. Even the bedding has been cut back so much on United that is no longer an edge.
I feel like Delta’s entire offering is directed at different customers than me. “Red wine,” “white wine,” and “sparkling wine” just seems so cheap, especially with 6 meal choices.
On a comparable flight, AA will have two reds, two whites, a proper champagne, a port, and a wine list with a description of each. Everyone’s taste in wine is different, but Delta seems to not even try to hide that they’re serving plonk
It looks like you are a sommelier so please tell me what US airline offers a wine you think it is worth drinking. In my experience, none. They are all $10 bottles you will find at any cheap liquor store. I definitely don’t fly to drink so I couldn’t care less.
I’m not a sommelier, I’m just an enthusiast, and I know enough to know that you don’t have to spend $100 to have an enjoyable glass of wine. I’m only speaking about international flights here, not domestic… Both United and AA serve champagne onboard, and while not as nice as what you’re getting in First on JAL, it certainly retails for more than $10. I had enjoyable wine to and from GIG last week on AA. Delta just offers sparkling wine, and I think that’s a miss on their part.
Also, it seems like you could have cared less, otherwise you wouldn’t have left a comment 😉
Matthew, how do you feel this compares to the Polaris seat? I really prefer the Delta hard product, curious your thoughts.
Ditto. I fly United Polaris fairly often. This looks like a nicer product. Curious how the two compare.
It definitely shows you are not a sommelier. The fact that both AA and UA serve champagne vs sparkling wine on Delta means absolutely nothing. Champagne means the sparkling wine comes from the Champagne region in France. That doesn’t mean all champagnes are of good quality. I would take a good Italian Prosseco or a Cremant from Alsace over a mediocre champagne any day. What I meant that I couldn’t care less about what is served on airplanes is that my expectation is very low for US airlines so I am happy with a glass of San Pellegrino sparkling water.
Jerry – prepandemic, Delta did have a bit more/better in terms of wine selection. I would expect that to come back soon. But even then, wine wasn’t Delta’s strong suit. Everything else is, though (relative to AA and UA).
Here’s to hoping it improves… I just don’t know how you can be in a JV with AF and not offer Champagne.
Touché
Matt – one correction – Delta prices Delta One flights to Europe on a round trip basis. So while Delta probably wanted 300K one way for DTW-AMS, they also probably wanted 300K round trip for DTW-AMS around your same travel dates. The real comparative cost is 150K each way vs Virgin’s 50K cost.
Fair enough. I was technically correct but you certainly are as well. I’m really ticked that Delta prices awards in this way.
A man tip for everyone. Long before Park Hyatt or, in this case, Delta, hawked Le Labo, I discovered them as a small shop in NYC maybe 10 or more years ago. I was completely hooked on the Santal 33 scent: perfume, bath wash, and moisturizer. It’s perhaps the singular greatest scent ever created in the history of scents. It pains me that Le Labo sold out to mega brand corporate but it still does maintain the quality, though not as exclusive and under the radar now.
Let me be clear, there are few places I ever go to where people don’t ask me what scent I am wearing…Santal 33 is that special. Even my best buddy, when asked by an attractive girl at a bar if the friend he is waiting for is good looking responded, “No, not really, but he sure does smell good!” She ended up dating me for months after we met that evening…she says she can still imagine that smell when we chat now and then.
Love this comment. Thanks.
I also like Santal 33. Bought a full bottle while in London before the pandemic (it is an expensive product) got home, showed to wife and …… she hated ir. 🙁 Well, it is sitting in my closet.
Fell in love with Le Labo after a stay at Park Hyatt Sydney. Bergamot 22 is now my favorite. But I also have 4 other ones.
@Matthew, as did CSR 2.0 did, what do you think is the better overall product, Delta 360 or United Polaris, especially if you are paying and disregarding FF status? I know that you are a big United/Star Alliance fan, but did I detect some weakening in you after this flight???
Delta too weak overall at LAX/FRA for me to consider switching – I prefer Delta One seat to a non-bulkhead UA seat, but think UA Polaris seat is not bad at all. Will write a post on this.
I have been flying Delta for the last 15 years and it always delivers decently. It is not Emirates or Singapore but it is way better than any other US airline. Their Delta One service is consistent and you know what to expect. Other than a mediocre wine list, their food options are very very good. As for Tumi and LeLabo, unfortunately some snowflake intern has decided to change it to a local Mexican company and the new amenity kit looks like something I will never bring with me after the flight. Great example of not changing what is working but in the times of being a snowflake they had to do it. I am glad I have enough Tumi bags for a couple of generations.
What is this snowflake nonsense you keep bringing up?
Tell me if this is not a snowflake decision.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/delta-air-lines-launches-new-sustainability-focused-amenity-kits
It’s not a “snowflake” decision. A snowflake decision is the one to decide to need to use semi derogatory terms to describe people or ideas that you dont comprehend or agree with. You need a better attitude towards the world, or do you just realize you’re not long for it, so you just don’t care?
Wake up Ron!! What was wrong with Tumi and LeLabo? Why the need to go to a unknown company with a very unappealing product just because it is run by women? Who cares? Did they do any research to know how many women work on Tumi or Labo? I definitely bring the Tumi bags with me after the flight. Won’t bother with this one.
@Stuart – thanks for sharing the story. Im also a fan of Le Labo… most recently experienced in Andaz/PHs.
Nice to hear! Def go splurge on Santal 33. Trust me, it’s far better and more reactionary to those you meet compared to the ones at PH. It’s Le Labo’s most prominent scent and the reason why they won’t give it to hotels.
Thanks for the tip, bought a sample for $6 from Le Labo directly. Looking forward to a swarm of women around me soon 😀
Actually the opposite — certain products (e.g. Santal 33 shampoo, conditioner) are hotel-only and are not available for retail purchase.
The Pulitzer in Amsterdam stocked them, and so the scent is a favorite of ours as it triggers memories of a lovely trip for my wife and I.
Thank you for the thorough and excellent review!
THE TRAY PRESENTATION LOOKED CHEAP!
IF AA SERVED THIS YOU WOULD BLAST AA!
AA INTERNATIONAL MENU SUPERIOR.
AND THE WINES CHOICES LIMITED!
BUT, YOU GET $$$$ FROM DELTA.
CAN WE SAY INFLUENCER?
WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
This guy mad.
LOL
I’M ANGRY AND DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MY RESPRESSED EMOTIONS. THANKS DAD.
Dude – did you skip your meds today?
@Matthew: can you please explain how the free Wi-Fi from T-Mobile works? It clearly says that as an eligible T-Mobile customer you get free Wi-Fi and texting throughout the flight so why you only got 1 hour?
T Mobile One accounts get one hour free Go Go WiFi. T Mobile One Plus get free Go Go WiFi for the entire flight.
Gogo is going away. That benefit is not going to be repeated with Viasat…
Pre-pandemic (how I hate saying this) Delta had a a different wine selection on flights to CDG and LHR. I’ll dig through some old pictures to see if I have more specifics but I know they offered Lanson Black Label champagne on these routes. Interestingly you had to ask for it otherwise you’d get generic sparkling wine and they only served it after departure.
Not sure who came up with the idea of a ricotta cheese omelet, but it is a terrible idea. A simple cheddar, swiss, pepper jack, etc, would have made for a better result for no more cost.
Hi. I’ve tried to find availability in Delta One with points on the Virgin web site but it doesn’t seem to exist. I’ve tried dates all over the calendar and nothing shows except economy. Am I doing something wrong ? Thanks.
No joke, it took me three years to find this space. It’s like a unicorn sighting (well, almost). Keep looking – from time to time you’ll find something.
THREE YEARS???? Akkkk.
Starbucks is overpriced swill. Would rather have Nescafé.
No one finds the D1 suite cramped? Storage is lacking but also the seat doesnt comfortably recline back to watch a movie. It just lowers you and then I find myself too low and almost in bed mode to watch Tv. The IFE is also very close, albeit a very nice IFE. Polaris the actual seat I find cramped but a bit more storage and the ability to recline better. However, hands down the AA 789, non Zodiac 772 blows D1 Suites & Polaris away. The storage is massive the seat reclines perfectly. My back never hurts how it does with D1 One Suites & B6 Mint (same issue of just getting low but not really reclining). DL FA’s by far the best of the Big 3 but I have been sticking to AA as I find the Suites the wost hard product of the best seat from each of the Big 3. Its also by far the most costly.
I didn’t find it cramped, but largely agree with your analysis and prefer AA seat most of all.
It’s lovely to read a review of an International flight where the airline and cabin crew don’t use COVID as an excuse for every kind of sub par service. Hurrah!
There’s also a Skyclub in concourse T and B and… Not sure what see “all five SkyClubs” means when you list out A, A, A, A, C
How did you find availability on DL VIA Virgin? Online, phone call? I’m not finding any online.
There is none online right now. Sadly, you have to search manually and Delta just isn’t releasing any space right now.