What should I know about Delta?

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We have just relocated from Canada to the Metro Detroit area. For 11 of our 12 trips to Orlando, we have flown Jetblue from either Buffalo or Syracuse. DTW is now our closest airport.

We are planning a rather last-minute trip for the end of April/first of May. Jetblue doesn't fly nonstop to Orlando from DTW, and DH is not a fan of connecting flights (neither of us are "good" fliers.....I have a tendency to be airsick and DH just isn't a fan.....BUT, its better than a ridiculously long drive). We were looking to fly nonstop to Fort Lauderdale via Jetblue, but their Blue Plus fare for our dates is going to be a whopping $870 for the two of us with Even More Space seats (DH is 6' 4" tall and 310 pounds.....so he NEEDS that additional room).

Oye .

I was checking out alternatives, and we can fly first class with Delta for $30 less (also into FLL, not MCO.....so we would be looking at a drive thereafter either way). From what I can tell, first class looks pretty roomy and the listed inclusions (snacks, beverages, TV's, priority boarding) are all similar to the things we like about the Even More Space upgrade with Jetblue. Is there anything I should know about flying with Delta? Give me your opinions...do you love them? Hate them? Is first class as comfy as it looks? Has anyone flown both Delta First Class and Jetblue Even More Space and could compare the two?

Any insight you would care to share is appreciated. I am hoping to make a decision and complete the booking within the next few days. Unless you think I might luck into a fare drop at the 6 week point?


And just because I am also venting, may I say that I hate the thought of learning my way around two new airports? Sigh .

 

[sam_gordon]

Delta is generally my "go to" airline, although I've never used them for first class. The biggest downside I know is Delta will make changes to the itinerary that could affect your times/seat assignments. It is advisable to continue checking your reservation after booking to make sure there hasn't been a drastic change. If your departure time or arrival time has changed by more than an hour, you can call Delta and they'll reschedule you on a flight of your choice that day.

As far as TVs go, that will depend on the aircraft. Some have no TVs, some have them in the seat backs in front of you, and some have the "shared TVs" overhead. Most planes have wifi available (for an added cost). Some have the ability to stream movies and TV shows to your device (for free). The "personal" TVs may have games where you can play with anyone on the plane (want to play checkers with the person in 15F?).

I know you're talking first class, but even if you're in coach, you still get a free snack (cookies, pretzels, or peanuts) and a drink (non alcoholic) complimentary.

I personally have found their customer service to be pretty good.

As far as a fare drop... sure, you might luck into one. Or the prices can go up. You have to ask yourself, "do I feel lucky?"

 

[debster812]

We're flying Delta for the 1st time in years on March 17th. Used to fly with them all the time, back when they had non-stops to Ft Myers. I check my Delta reservation about 2x a week, because they can be famous for changing times (last one was by 1 minute), changing equipment, etc. Typically it's just a click to accept the change, but sometimes the changes are drastic, and things have to be re-booked, re-assigned. Not saying any of this to scare you off, because our experiences have been fine, just you need to be aware, and keep an eye on things.

Delta took VERY good care of us several years ago when the entire North East was crippled by a huge snowstorm on Valentine's day. It was also leading into President's Week. EVERYTHING was cancelled, and it took several days for Delta to get us out. However, the phone rep I was speaking with told me that because I was the 1st person in 5 hours (FIVE HOURS) who had not yelled, and blamed her personally for the the weather, she booked us in 1st class. My 10 year old (at the time) thought that was kind of awesome!

 

[Best Aunt]

I flew Delta for the first time last year. I normally use different airlines. I paid for Priority Boarding, which meant I would be in Zone 1. Little did I know that Zone 1 does not mean that you are the first to board the plane. The order of boarding the plane is:

a) those Needing Extra Time to Board the Aircraft
b) Families Traveling with Children Under the Age of 2
c) First Class cabin and Diamond Medallion frequent flyer status.
d) Sky Priority Customers (SKY). Includes Platinum and Gold Medallion frequent flyer status.
e) Zone 1. Includes Silver Medallion frequent flyer status and Delta AmEx holders.
f) Zone 2
g) Zone 3

I don't know what happens in Zone 2 and Zone 3, because I was already on the plane.

The whole thing made me feel like a second class citizen because I didn't have their credit card or frequent flyer status. Two-thirds of the plane boarded before me, even though I had paid for Zone 1.

I know OP said they have First Class, but I thought others reading this thread might not.

 

[Sarahraegraham]

I will repeat what others have said, that they change your flight times a lot. My last trip had 3 changes from the time I booked until the actual flight 3 later. I will never fly with them again for that reason alone. But the flight, staff, seats were all fine.

 

[sportel]

We've flown delta out of dtw a few times (mostly to mco or den) and I haven't had any issues. I actually really like flying delta and we will select it over JetBlue if the price / schedule is better. We've had some minor flight time changes, but nothing significant - and less often than seems to happen with westjet. I can't comment on the even more space / first class because we only fly plain old coach ...
I will say that I also really like flying out of dtw. I find it a comfortable, enjoyable airport (if there is such a thing anymore!)

 

[GingerPilot]

I'm Gold Medalion with Delta and I don't think I've had a flight time change in the last 3 years.... so not sure how often they actually happen. Just MCO routes? I've flown those too and no issues.


Your DH will be fine in first class. My DH is 6'4" and 280 and he is more than comfortable. We don't fly coach (always FC unless it's not available), though I will gamble on complimentary upgrades when I'm traveling alone and always manage at least Comfort+ which is manageable. On most flights over 2.5 hours Delta serves a meal too, and of course complimentary beverages (adult included!). As far as seat amenities it depends on the aircraft. The 757 is probably the best domestically though the Airbus' aren't terrible. You will most definitely have more room on Delta FC than JetBlue Even More Space because IIRC those are a 3-3 configuration where Delta FC is a 2-2 configuration. Comfort+ is a 3-3 configuration with additional legroom from coach and free adult drinks, which is more comparable to the Even More Space.

Hope that helps.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I'm Silver Medalion and have never had Delta change a flight time on me, ever. Granted I'm in ATL at a monster hub, but still, has never been an issue for me.

Delta First Class is pretty much like other airlines. It's not white-glove pampering service, but it's fine. Delta has a huge fleet so sometimes you can be in an 'older' plane, sometimes a newer/refreshed one with better A/V tech, lighting, seats, etc. Lately it seems all of my MCO flights have been in newer/nicer planes.

Delta can be a little inconsistent with things like drink service in First Class before you take off. If they're trying to board and get out of there quickly, they could easily waive it off.

I wouldn't call their first class seats "comfy" but not so much I wouldn't book it. Still the best seats on the plane!

I prefer first row / bulkhead seats in First so there's no one in front of you to recline their seat.

Not exactly answering your question but hope that helps.

 

[rigs32]

Is it really worth the 3+ hour drive each way rather than flying into MCO?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Is it really worth the 3+ hour drive each way rather than flying into MCO?

A 3 hour drive, in the pleasant Florida weather, is NOTHING for us northerners. Living in Canada until just recently, all of our trips involved a 2.5 - 4 hour drive to and from the airport, regardless of whether we flew to Florida from Ontario or New York State. At least we don't have to worry about snowstorms, sleet or other winter weather conditions when driving from FLL to our resort in Lake Buena Vista.

So...to answer your question (which has nothing to do with my questions about Delta seating and service ) yes, it is worth it. Our flight would arrive before noon and check in at our resort isn't guaranteed until 4 pm, so we have plenty of time at our disposal (and hey, we might even see something new and interesting along the way). On our return, our flight does not leave until 7:30 pm and check out at our resort is 10 am, so again.....plenty of time for the commute with oodles yet to spare. Who wouldn't like to spend a few hours on the beach before returning home to the northern USA? Add in the $500 that we save, and well, its an easy decision. Is it ideal? Of course not. But we hardly see it as a hardship.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We've flown delta out of dtw a few times (mostly to mco or den) and I haven't had any issues. I actually really like flying delta and we will select it over JetBlue if the price / schedule is better. We've had some minor flight time changes, but nothing significant - and less often than seems to happen with westjet. I can't comment on the even more space / first class because we only fly plain old coach ...
I will say that I also really like flying out of dtw. I find it a comfortable, enjoyable airport (if there is such a thing anymore!)

That's good to know . Thank you for the reassurance. We live quite close to DTW (about 20-25 minutes away, I understand) so it makes sense to fly from there if at all possible. We are used to flying from very small airports, so I think we're just a bit intimidated by the much larger facility. Definitely outside of our comfort zone, but hopefully it will make a good impression on us next month!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks to all who provided the great feedback that I was seeking. Your input was super helpful, and I feel better about keeping Delta open as an option for future trips. I think we are going to end up flying Jetblue next month (I didn't realize we had accumulated as many Trueblue points as we had, so the flight there will be free save for our Even More Space upgrades) but Delta will be a contender from here on out. I was kind of bummed to see that even though First Class touted "premium entertainment", seat guru showed the plane for our particular route as having no TV's at all. But....now I know .

 

[kydisneyfans]

I flew Delta on a flight segment for the first time last year and was very happy.
With SW prices getting high now, we are looking for alternate airlines and Delta seems to be the backup plan. Our next 2 trips are scheduled on Delta(CVG to DCA and CVG to MCO). The Cincinnati airport is nicer than Louisville IMO.

Customer service was decent, the flight comfortable, and the flight times were convenient. SW changed their MCO flight pattern from Louisville to 6:00 AM out(2:00 AM wake up call, rough when your Disney room isn't ready until 4:00 PM), and 8:00 PM back (home well after midnight with work the next day, no thanks). Delta is 9:00 AM out, 5:30 PM back. Much better.

 

[antmaril]

I fly almost exclusively on Delta (native Detroiter). Honestly, I have no complaints. I think you will be fine, especially in first class. I have not experienced many flight changes over the years. A couple of years ago, I had a flight booked out of NY after a cruise. The flight was at 12:45. When I booked it, I was a little worried that it might not be enough time. A few weeks later, the flight changed to 12:20. I called Delta and told the rep that I was worried I might not make that flight after my cruise. He changed us to a later flight. I really don't think he had to do that because the difference was less than a half hour, but he was very nice and did it for me.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

.... On most flights over 2.5 hours Delta serves a meal too, and of course complimentary beverages (adult included!)....

.

To be accurate, Delta doesn't serve meals in economy class on domestic flights; rather you can buy snack boxes:

http://www.delta.com/content/dam/delta-www/pdfs/Flight Fuel_MAR17_FINAL.pdf

This is the same as all legacy airlines.

 

[schoen]

My DH is also 6'4 and 310 plus lbs. we fly Delta 1st class frequently to accommodate his size. I have no experience with Jet Blue, so I can't compare service, but he is always very comfortable in Delta's first class. We also fly out of DTW, it is a big airport but very nice, especially Delta's terminal.

Delta DOES change flight times pretty frequently, but they are just wonderful about letting you change your flight if the time change does not work for you. They typically will only move it by a half hour or less. I actually like that they change the times, because I feel like it gives me some flexibility. I have changed flights, and even travel days for free because they altered the time somewhat.

I'm a big fan of Delta 1st class!

 

[schoen]

I was kind of bummed to see that even though First Class touted "premium entertainment", seat guru showed the plane for our particular route as having no TV's at all. But....now I know .

If the flight is wifi equipped you will always have access to their premium entertainment via your personal device. All of their content can be streamed on the flight without paying for wifi. Delta used to charge for some content in coach class, their whole catalog has always been open to 1st class, but they recently opened this option up to the whole plane-another plays for Delta!

 

[GingerPilot]

To be accurate, Delta doesn't serve meals in economy class on domestic flights; rather you can buy snack boxes:

http://www.delta.com/content/dam/delta-www/pdfs/Flight Fuel_MAR17_FINAL.pdf

This is the same as all legacy airlines.

I was referring to first class since that's what the OP asked about

 

[disneyholic family]

i'm late to the party here, but thought i'd throw in my two cents on delta for your future reference...
as a former detroiter whose family still resides there, i visit detroit often...
given that delta has a near monopoly at DTW, i've flown delta zillions of times...
they're not better or worse than the other major US airlines...on par with american/united/etc..

first class is nice in terms of roominess and service...in fact, you only get service in first class - everyone else is treated pretty much as cattle

so yes, out of detroit, i would fly delta non-stop to mco if i were you...

on our trip this summer, since we're flying into the US via JFK, we'll be on jet blue going down and then delta on the way back from MCO to JFK (got that segment for free with FF points....4 free tickets...not bad)...

 

[debster812]

I'm going to follow up with another thumbs up story with Delta. We were staying in Bonita Springs, FL, and flew home out of Tampa (~2 hour drive). We left my parents house 5.5 hours prior to our flight, which is normally fine. Between brush fires, traffic, etc, we wound up pulling into our car rental return about 25 minutes prior to departure. , We returned the car, raced in, asked at the Delta desk if we had a prayer of making the flight, and because we were not checking bags, and had already checked in, they told us to RUN. Got through security very quickly and got to our gate before they closed the door. The gate agents suggested we gate check our larger bags, because as he put it, "if you're boarding with 5 minutes to spare, you don't want to be 'those people' searching around for overhead space"

Bags gate checked, seats reassigned (we were all over the plane, but we made it), we rushed onboard, sat down, and they closed the door. PHEW.

Lots of things went against us, but several went for us, and all the Delta folks we encountered were fabulous!