What should have been a routine, two-hour domestic hop turned into a flight that was… not quite what I expected.

This was a New York JFK to Chicago O’Hare sector in Delta First Class, operated by an Embraer E175. On paper, it’s a classic short-haul business-style flight: decent seat, quick service, and a fairly civilised way to cross the northeastern US. In reality, the experience was largely defined by one thing - turbulence.

From shortly after levelling off, the seatbelt sign came on and stayed on for almost the entire flight. No wandering the cabin, no popping up for a look around, and very limited cabin interaction overall. I appreciate that safety always comes first, but it significantly shaped the experience and what the crew could realistically deliver.

Ground Experience – JFK T4

Terminal 4 at JFK was busy but manageable. Pricing for this ticket came in at $208.48, which felt reasonable for a First Class seat on a route this competitive, especially given the convenience of the schedule.

One disappointment (though not unique to this flight) is that Delta First Class does not include Sky Club access. That continues to feel like a missed opportunity when compared to international norms. I did manage to get into the Sky Club at the A Gates separately using my American Express Platinum Card and same-day boarding pass, and it was busy but perfectly serviceable. Modern, clean, and exactly what you expect from a high-traffic Delta hub lounge. Also, a great centrepiece bar too!

Boarding & Cabin

Boarding was efficient and well-managed. The Embraer E175 First Class cabin is arranged in the familiar 1–2 layout, which works well for a regional jet and avoids the middle seat problem entirely. The seat itself is comfortable, with good width, acceptable legroom, and plenty of personal space for a flight of this length.

Storage was adequate, but the cabin did need a clean and wasn't overally well-kept.

In-Flight Experience

Once airborne, the persistent turbulence took centre stage. With the seatbelt sign remaining illuminated for the entirety of the flight, service was necessarily limited. The crew handled this professionally and conservatively, keeping movement to a minimum. When service was possible, the snack basket made an appearance - a familiar Delta domestic First Class touch. Nothing groundbreaking, but reliable and decent enough for a short sector. I opted for some chocolate shortbread squares and was given a pack of Cheez-It crackers, too.

The crew were friendly and communicative given the circumstances, and there was a clear emphasis on safety rather than rushing through service for the sake of it.

Arrival into Chicago

The descent and landing into O’Hare were smooth, and we arrived without issue. Despite the turbulence, the flight remained on track time-wise.

Final Thoughts

So was this flight underwhelming? Not really. Surprising? A little. Ultimately, it felt like one of those flights you chalk up to the realities of aviation.

The hard product did exactly what it needed to do. The crew were professional, and the turbulence, while frustrating, isn’t something Delta can control. That said, the lack of included lounge access for domestic First Class continues to stand out as a weak point in the overall proposition. All in all, a solid but unremarkable Delta First Class experience - more shaped by conditions than by the airline itself.


Flight Details:

Route: New York JFK – Chicago O’Hare

Aircraft: Embraer E175 LR

Cabin: First Class

Flight Time: 2h 18m

Cost: $208.48

Happy to answer any questions or compare this with other US domestic First Class experiences if useful.