Delta First Class Questions
 

Been lurking a while, and I fly Southwest for business because they're the only ones w/non-stops between my home and work, but I joined FT hoping to get help with a Delta question. I'm taking a business trip from MCO to HLN via SLC and did a self-paid first class upgrade because it was surprisingly reasonable. However, I can't find information on the cabin amenities and suspect the flight out might not be so nice, as its only listed amenity is wireless vs. power and entertainment on the return leg. I paid for window exit row (8) on the puddle jumpers and am finding conflicting info. on whether the exit door encroaches on my space, although it's worth it for the limited recline in front of me. Just curious though.

I'm in 1391 and 4807 on July 16, returning on 4654 and 1158 on the 20th. The aircraft only shows 757 going out and 737 coming back, w/no specific model, and SeatGuru showed something totally different when I tried to look it up there. I'm in 2A on both long legs, as I figured behind the bulkhead should be safe. Puddle jumper only lists as CRJ with no model details.

Also, when I purchased the tickets, it listed Sky Priority boarding as a perk, but I've read other info indicating that first boards in the first group, so I'm wondering which is true.

I know from my research that the meal (breakfast) will be meh but would love to know if there's anything else I should be aware of and if the outbound cabin will be not so nice. I almost bit on Comfort+ as I want space to work or sleep (not a big drinker), but first wasn't much more.

I appreciate any info since, as a WN frequent flyer, my idea of first class is boarding in A1-15 and grabbing the infinite legroom seat.

welcome to FT

according to the seat maps, these are old-config 757s (24F) and indeed have no power ports at the F seats ... the seat pitch (legroom) is a tad better in the 24F jet, however

DL is notorious for tail swaps, so you might want to check the seat map again a day or two prior (the clue will be 20 F seats rather than 24, so the fact that you are in Row 2 rather than Row 6 means you're most likely safe from being involuntarily downgraded) ... at about 24 hours out, FlightRadar24 will show the tail number assigned to the flight (just enter origin/destination), and the Interior Mods thread here on the DL board has a list of which 757s are in which configurations

SLC<-->HLN ... many here call the Canadair CRJ-200 the worst jet in the entire DL fleet (I personally don't agree with that characterization, but it kinda makes WN look good)

F boards with PREMIUM zone (before SKY) ... it will show properly on your boarding passes

F fares permit same-day-confimed changes for a $50 fee (once check-in opens at T-24 hours from your ticketed flight; only requires an open F cabin seat on the desired flights), so if you're willing to spend a couple extra hours in transit on the way back, you can depart half an hour earlier via MSP (arriving an hour later; loooong layover) ... sometimes you can SDC on line, but it's generally better to call in and feed the agent the specific flight numbers ... those flights are a CRJ-900 and a new-config 757, both with wireless and power (and also breakfast on the HLN-MSP leg)

Regarding CRJ exit row, on the CRJ, the exit row is actually worse than regular coach. The only seats that are "good" on this plane are 1B and 1C. Everything else is just horrible. And "good" is only good compared to the rest of the seats on the plane.

Thank you for the excellent information. I knew FT would come through. I'm going to try to cancel the exit row upgrade on the CRJ although guessing I'm out of luck for that. I'll consider it a newbie penalty. I haven't flown Delta for years, but the last time made a very good impression as our pilot made a hellish situation (stuck on the tarmac for 3+ hours) as bearable as humanly possible, unlike my friend on United on the same day/in the same situation with no attempt at making it more comfortable for the pax.

As someone mentioned, you will board with the PREM group, which is either the first boarding group or the third, depending on how you are counting.

The standard boarding order at Delta goes like this:

1. Passengers needing extra time or assistance
2. Passengers traveling with infants or small children in car seats or strollers (which often seems to mean any child who can't grow a beard yet)
3. PREM - First/Business and any Diamond Medallions
4. SKY - Comfort + and any Gold/Platinum Medallions
5. Zone 1 - Silver Medallions and Delta branded AmEx card holders
6. Zone 2 - more or less everyone else
7. Zone 3 - The people who must have really pissed someone off....

However, when you board, you will use the Sky Priority *lane*, which will in theory let you "jump the line" if you happen to arrive late to the boarding area when the numbered zones are boarding.

Also, at the check in counter, if you are checking luggage, you are permitted to use the Sky Priority lane there, as well, which is frequently much shorter during peak departure times. Your bag will be tagged with a yellow Priority tag, which in theory means that it should be among the first to the carousel - but is hit & miss in my experience.

I think the problem is that they just have too many different things labeled "Sky" and "Sky Priority". It becomes difficult to figure out which specific thing they are talking about at any given time.....

I did that once and it made me feel really uncomfortable. If I'm late to the gate I don't mind waiting in line with everyone else. Chances are the jetbridge will be backed up regardless.

I agree. That was more about what you are *allowed* to do, than a recommendation of what you *should* do. That, and another illustration of something branded "Sky Priority".....

Imagine trying to explain to someone who had never been in an airport before...

"Ok, so since you bought a first class ticket on Delta, when you get to the airport, find the Delta counter, and go to the Sky Priority lane. When they check in your bag, they will put a Priority sticker on it for you, so that it will be among the first out at your destination. Since you don't have PreCheck, when you go to security, look for a Sky Priority lane there - some airports have them - to help expedite you through that process. After security, you will go to your departure gate. Notice that there is a lane with a blue carpet that says Sky Priority. That is where you will line up when they call your boarding zone."

"Is my boarding zone Sky Priority, too?"

"No. It's Premium. Duh."

Can't single DL out for this, because both UA and AA do it as well, but it would be a lot easier if Zone 1 boarded first and Zone 10 last. The same person with PREM on his BP, could have a "1" but the confusion would be less.

But, there are still enough suckers who think it means something

I'd prefer that DL just drop the pretense and have the GA yell "mob the gate" into the PA when it's time to board. Let Darwin decide who boards first.

"Mob the gate"
"Please stay seated"

Same thing - LOL!

Are you kiddin' me?!? This is one of the bestest benefits!

If you're a tad shy about what other people may think - - just do what I do . . . .

MARCH up the SkyPriority line - with PURPOSE, like you know EXACTLY what you're doing, and BELONG THERE!!! Just - - keep your head looking straight ahead. Don't look over at the "peons ;)" in the other line! Hand your BP to the GA, and you're on your way! No fuss - No muss - No unnecessary waiting, - AND you won't feel like a SHEEP! :D :D :D

+1 to this ... "look like you know what you're doing" is actually a good way to deal with pretty much any uncertain situation ...

I just don't feel the rush to get on board when in F/J. If I'm in Y I'd be more likely to take advantage, but I've found that I prefer to wait to board until the end in most cases.

I'm with you! I never jump the line.

I'm never in a rush to board anyway. I'm already going to be trapped in this metal box for X hours, why would I want MORE time on the plane?

Well, I sure hope they remember to put it back!!! ;) :D ;)

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