Delta First Class Review: Is a $500 Upgrade Worth It?

A traveler recently purchased a Delta first class ticket for $500 to fly from John F. Kennedy International Airport in NYC to Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. The flight lasted just under three hours. The passenger reported that while the service and amenities were excellent, the short duration of the trip meant they could not fully appreciate the upgrade. The ticket cost was a $350 increase over a basic economy fare. Ultimately, the traveler felt the experience was better suited for longer flights.

The journey began at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 7 a.m. for an 8 a.m. departure. The ticket included Sky Priority service, which offers an express check-in and a shorter security line. However, the passenger did not utilize these specific services because they had already checked in online and possessed TSA PreCheck, which proved faster. They also brought only a carry-on bag, forgoing the free checked bag allowance.

Despite typically preferring to board last to minimize time in the seat, the reporter was excited to use the first boarding group privilege. The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 configured with 16 first-class seats across four rows. Upon entering the cabin, the passenger noted a distinct dress code difference compared to their own attire, observing that most fellow travelers were wearing business casual clothing.

The physical comfort of the first class seat was a major highlight. The reporter described the seat as feeling like a sofa for one, featuring quilted stitching and a thick headrest. The seat width was approximately 21 inches, compared to 17.3 inches in economy, allowing the passenger to curl up and lounge. Additionally, the seat pitch was around 38 to 39 inches, providing substantial legroom compared to the 31 to 32 inches found in the main cabin.

Storage space was also abundant. The passenger found storage between the seats for water bottles and a console with enough room for a camera and headphones. The seat featured a large tray table that pulled out from the armrest, which was larger than standard economy trays. The entertainment system offered a wide selection of movies and shows, though the passenger experienced an issue with the audio jack. A flight attendant restarted the system, but the issue persisted. A Delta representative later noted that staff have autonomy to offer service recovery for such issues.

Service began immediately upon sitting down. A flight attendant offered a beverage, and a water bottle was already waiting at the seat. Once in the air, the service included a basket of snacks passed around to each passenger, allowing them to take multiple items, unlike the single-item selection in economy. The flight also offered free WiFi for Delta SkyMiles members.

The complimentary breakfast was a standout feature. The menu included a potato and bacon frittata, Greek yogurt with chia pudding, and dark chocolate pistachio bread pudding. The reporter chose the frittata, describing it as well-balanced, flavorful, and surprisingly tasty for airplane food. The meal also came with yogurt and a croissant. About an hour before landing, attendants passed around more snacks. The reporter also noted that the first-class lavatory featured luxury toiletries from the brand Grown Alchemist.

Despite enjoying the VIP feeling, the passenger ultimately regretted the splurge for a short trip. The flight was only two hours and 50 minutes long. The reporter noted that they did not use the free checked bag allowance or the premium bathroom, and the comfortable seat would have been more appreciated on a long-haul flight. The experience left the passenger with the thought, "I wish that flight were longer."

The cost of the ticket was $500, which was a $350 upgrade from basic economy. The reporter concluded that for any destination three hours away or less, they would stick with coach to save the money. A representative for the airline stated that while the first-class experience is designed to provide added comfort and premium amenities, each customer's perception of value will vary based on flight length and priorities.