Business class has changed dramatically on US-based carriers in recent years. No longer just a small step up from economy, it’s flourished into ‘an experience’ with sliding privacy doors, lie-flat beds and large screen entertainment.
All of the above are found on Delta Air Lines’ flagship Delta One business class, which regularly jets across the Pacific between Sydney and Los Angeles, with Brisbane also lifting offfrom December.
Delta One is the airline's flagship international cabin.
But what exactly is Delta One and how does it compare to the airline’s first class?
What is Delta One?
Delta Air Lines’ seat naming convention can be a little confusing for the uninitiated, with Main Cabin (economy), Comfort+ (extra legroom economy) and Delta Premium Select (premium economy) just a few of the names on its books.
First class is used to describe seats at the front of most domestic flights (it’s actually more like premium economy, with a seat similar to Virgin Australia business class), whereas Delta One business class is primarily found on international flights (plus select transcontinental ones too).
Delta One suites.
As the seat featured on most long-range flights, Delta One is a true business class delivering a fully-flat bed, combined with upgraded service and lounge access.
Simple, right? Not quite. There are actually twoDelta Ones: a seat and a suite. Both still feature a lie-flat bed and direct aisle access for every passenger, but the actual Delta One you’ll be settling into depends on the aircraft you’re travelling on.
Airbus A350s (the ones featured on Sydney and Aucland to LAX) and A330s feature a fully-enclosed Delta One Suite, while domestic Boeing 767s – commonly seen on transcontinental US routes – have an open seat.
Delta One on the Boeing 767.
Aside from the seat variations, service is a consistent highlight, with passengers treated to an upgraded meal service of seasonal and regional dishes.
International flights also lift off with a dessert trolley laden with delicious bites.
Meal time is never dull on Delta One.
Passengers on international flights receive an amenity Someone Somewhere amenity kit packed with Grown Alchemist products and other travel essentials, plus enjoy a pair of slippers and hot towel service to freshen up.
Delta One benefits: lounge access, priority boarding
Regardless of which Delta One you find yourself in, benefits remain the same. This includes ‘Sky Priority’ accelerated check-in, security and baggage handling service, together with access to Delta Sky Club lounges.
It’s worth noting that on many journeys in the US, including both domestic and international flights, lounge access isn’t always included as a standard benefit: even when flying in business class or first class. But, in Delta One, it always is.
Delta one check-in at LAX.
Delta Air Lines boasts a stable of some 50 Sky Clubs, with these lounges in the likes of New York JFK and Atlanta all dishing up delicious bites, co*cktails, high-speed Internet access and more.
However, the club most Australians are likely to encounter is in Los Angeles – a sprawling 30,000 sq ft, which opened as part of the $2.3 billion LAX Delta Sky Way development.
Delta Sky Club at LAX.
Inspired by the city, its coastline, and the golden age of Hollywood, the Delta Sky Club at LAX offers multiple seating options, virtual queuing, and a rotating food and beverage program which shines a light on local produce and restaurant talent.
The Sky Deck at Delta Sky Club LAX.
Delta is also set to debut a fresh business class lounge concept at New York JFK, with the airline teasing to have less of an airport vibe and closer to that of a chic hotel or restaurant.
Getting an upgrade on Delta
Delta Air Lines offers unlimited complimentary upgrades to its own SkyMiles elite frequent flyers on many flights, including US domestic routes where Delta One is sold.
These upgrades are, naturally, subject to availability – and only when a paying passenger hasn’t already booked the seat. However, these complimentary upgrades aren’t available on international Delta One flights.
Delta One suites.
If travelling within the United States, SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond Medallion members can use a Regional Upgrade Certificate to secure a Delta One upgrade.
Alternatively, you could use frequent flyer points or miles. Delta’s own SkyMiles can be used to secure an upgrade when availability permits.
Not yet a SkyMiles member? Delta Air Lines is offering a status match targeting Qantas and Virgin Australia, making it easier to land elite status in the program.
Delta business class FAQs
Do you get pyjamas flying Delta business class?
No, pyjamas aren’t offered on any Delta flights.
Does Delta business class have WiFi?
Yes: most Delta flights feature inflight Internet access for SkyMiles members, which covers the use of messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and iMessage.
Broader access, such as for emails and web browsing, comes at a charge and is not included in your Delta business class fare.
Does Delta business class include lounge access?
Lounge access is included, where available, to business class passengers on flights sold as Delta One, including domestic and international routes.
However, lounge access is not included by default with your business class ticket when travelling in Delta ‘first class’ (being business class by another name on flights with reclining seats), or in other cabins such as Delta Premium Select.
This is where the right frequent flyer status, credit card or airport lounge membership comes in handy to get you through the door.
