Delta One is the premier business class product offered by Delta Air Lines, designed for long-haul international and select transcontinental flights. It provides a high-end travel experience with enhanced comfort, service, and amenities.
Delta One A350 Business Class Review: Comfort Meets Privacy:
When it comes to international business class travel on US-based airlines, Delta Air Lines has set the standard with its Delta One Suites, particularly on the Airbus A350. Combining comfort, luxury, and service, Delta’s A350 business class product is widely considered the best in the United States. This detailed review will guide you through the highlights of flying Delta One on the A350, and why it’s a top choice for international travelers.
Delta One Suites: A Suite Above the Rest
Delta One on the Airbus A350-900 offers a top-tier business class experience with 32 staggered suites in a 1-2-1 configuration. The “suite” designation is no exaggeration, as each seat comes with a sliding privacy door, making Delta one of the few airlines to offer such a feature in business class.
The Seat
The seats in Delta One are fully lie-flat, allowing passengers to recline into a bed position. The length typically reaches up to 81 inches (over 6 feet), providing a comfortable sleep experience.
The Delta One Suite is a customized version of the Vantage XL seat, known for its comfort and thoughtful design. The seat reclines into a fully flat bed, and in bed mode, the spacious footwell allows for a more comfortable sleeping position. This is a significant improvement compared to other business class products, where cramped footwells can detract from the sleeping experience.
With a large high-definition screen, a plush seat with leather finishes, and ample storage space, Delta One on the A350 offers a private and refined experience. The personal space is not only stylish but also functional, with easy access to power outlets and USB ports, which is perfect for both work and leisure travelers.
Layout and Privacy
Delta’s A350 business class layout gives each passenger direct aisle access, with staggered rows to maximize privacy and space. The suite doors further enhance the sense of privacy, a feature that stands out compared to other U.S. carriers. Whether traveling solo or with a companion, the design makes it easy to relax and enjoy the flight in your own personal space.
Inflight Entertainment: Delta Studio Shines
Delta Studio, the airline’s inflight entertainment system, is among the best in the skies. The selection is extensive, with hundreds of movies, TV shows, and audio options. What sets Delta Studio apart is not just the quantity, but the quality of the content—ranging from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to quirky, enjoyable content like celebrity interviews and popular TV series.
The entertainment system includes a customizable map feature, which is always a favorite for passengers who like to track their flight’s progress.
Wi-Fi: A Work in Progress
One of the few areas where Delta One on the A350 can improve is in its Wi-Fi service. Although Delta is working toward offering free high-speed Wi-Fi across its fleet, as of now, the experience can be inconsistent. The A350 features Viasat Wi-Fi, which had spotty coverage during parts of the flight on this reviewer’s journey. Full fleet-wide coverage and free Wi-Fi are expected by the end of 2025, but until then, Wi-Fi on long-haul flights remains hit or miss.
Exceptional Catering: Delta Raises the Bar
Delta’s long-haul business class catering is consistently praised, and for good reason. On a recent flight from Santiago to Atlanta, the meal service began with a selection of warm mixed nuts and beverages. This was followed by an impressive first course, including lemon and lime poached prawns, creamy cauliflower soup, and a mixed green salad.
The main course—seared salmon with lemon herb cream sauce, asparagus, and rice—was flavorful and well-presented. In addition to these main options, Delta offers two additional pre-order choices for even more variety. The airline’s dedication to quality is clear in every aspect of the meal service, though there are occasional missteps, like a stale bread roll on one flight. Still, Delta’s inflight dining experience is a cut above its U.S. competitors.
Pre-Landing Meal
Before landing, passengers are treated to a light breakfast to start their day on the right note. The consistent quality of both meals, combined with attentive service, ensures that Delta One passengers arrive at their destination satisfied and refreshed.
Amenities: Thoughtful Extras
Delta’s amenities in business class are solid, though perhaps not industry-leading. Each suite is equipped with bedding from the Westin Heavenly Bed collection, offering a plush pillow and comfortable blanket. While Delta’s bedding is high quality, some passengers may still prefer United’s Polaris bedding, which is considered the best among U.S. airlines.
Slippers are provided at every seat, a welcome touch that makes it easier for passengers to move about the cabin comfortably. The amenity kits include products from Grown Alchemist, though many passengers look forward to the new Missoni kits, which are set to roll out on long-haul flights soon.
How Delta Stacks Up Against American and United
Comparing Delta’s A350 business class product to other major U.S. carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines highlights Delta’s clear advantage in several areas:
- United Polaris Business Class: While United offers excellent bedding and a consistent product across its fleet, its catering falls short compared to Delta’s. The seats are comfortable, but the lack of a privacy door gives Delta an edge.
- American Airlines Flagship Business: American’s business class is decent, but it doesn’t stand out. While the product is solid, it doesn’t quite reach the level of refinement that Delta has achieved, especially in terms of catering and cabin design.
However, it’s important to note that not all Delta One experiences are created equal. Delta’s A350s, particularly the newer ones with Delta One Suites, offer the airline’s top product. But the airline still operates a small sub-fleet of former LATAM A350s with a 2-2-2 configuration that lacks the privacy and direct aisle access of the suites. Passengers flying on these planes may find the experience less satisfying, as the 2-2-2 layout requires the window seat passenger to climb over their seatmate to reach the aisle.
Other Delta Aircraft
Aside from the A350, Delta also offers Delta One on the A330 and Boeing 767. The A330-900neos have a similar Delta One Suite product, though the cabin is narrower. The Boeing 767-400s have been retrofitted with a solid product, though the seats are narrower and less private than on the A350. The older 767-300s, on the other hand, are widely considered to have the least desirable business class product among U.S. carriers.
The Delta One Ground Experience: A Smooth Start
Delta passengers flying in business class enjoy the full benefits of SkyPriority, which speeds up the check-in, security, and boarding processes. Delta’s Sky Club lounges are available at major hubs and offer a comfortable space to relax before the flight. Many Sky Clubs, such as those in Atlanta, JFK, and Austin, even feature outdoor terraces with runway views.
While not yet available, Delta plans to unveil dedicated Delta One lounges starting in 2024, further elevating the premium experience for its international business class travelers.
Sustainability and Service: Delta’s Dedication to Excellence
Delta continues to invest in sustainability, including onboard recycling programs and reducing single-use plastics. The airline is also upgrading its fleet with fuel-efficient winglets, saving millions of gallons of fuel annually.
Onboard, Delta’s service stands out for its warmth and attentiveness. Delta’s flight attendants are known for their friendly, caring demeanor, which enhances the overall experience. The airline’s commitment to service is a hallmark of the brand, and it’s a key reason why Delta enjoys such strong loyalty from its passengers.
Final Verdict: The Best Business Class Product in the U.S.
Flying Delta One Suites on the Airbus A350 is, without a doubt, the best business class experience offered by any U.S. airline. The combination of privacy, comfort, top-tier service, and excellent catering makes Delta the standout choice for international business travelers. While there are still areas for improvement—namely, Wi-Fi and consistency across the fleet—Delta One on the A350 remains unmatched in the U.S. market.
For anyone considering international travel on a U.S. airline, Delta One on the A350 should be at the top of the list. It’s as close to a first-class experience as you can get while flying business class with an American carrier.
Looking to experience the Delta One Suites yourself? Search for Delta flights and book your next trip to discover why it’s the best business class in the U.S.
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