Delta retrofitted 777... DTW-PEK
May 12, 2018, 8:08 pm
#16
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: DL Charter DM/DM/2MM, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,925
This.
Quite possibly the most significant news related to the 777 retrofit. The fact that Delta did not go to 10 abreast on the 777 truly makes it a unique player among global carriers. You may not think an extra inch or two of seat and aisle width makes a difference, but after 10+ hours, I can guarantee you that you'll notice.
Quite possibly the most significant news related to the 777 retrofit. The fact that Delta did not go to 10 abreast on the 777 truly makes it a unique player among global carriers. You may not think an extra inch or two of seat and aisle width makes a difference, but after 10+ hours, I can guarantee you that you'll notice.
May 12, 2018, 11:44 pm
#17
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SJC, SFO
Programs: Delta DM, IHG Spire, Hertz PC, H.com Gold^3, lowly something on others...
Posts: 1,260
I have been doing crazy amount of TPAC flights back and forth non-stop the last few months. 350 definitely has higher humidity - I have no issue with dry nostrils at all, similar to 787. On 777, 767, 330 and 380, this dry nose thing is very evident, especially if you fly 350/787 and one of the other aircraft type back-to-back. I avoid 787 because of the common 3-3-3 is just too narrow. But I am glad DL is keeping 777 in 3-3-3.
A350 is right now undoubtedly the best aircraft for long haul. My ranking of preference:
A350, A380, B767, A330, B777, B787...
A350 is right now undoubtedly the best aircraft for long haul. My ranking of preference:
A350, A380, B767, A330, B777, B787...
May 15, 2018, 4:51 am
#18
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: KATL
Programs: DL, WN, AA, Marriott, Hertz, National, Chic-fil-A
Posts: 234
Audidudi, I'm not so much surprised as I am relieved that DL did not change their mind. Clearly they are OK with a slightly higher CASM on this type as a way to differentiate their product compared to all the other 777 operators. Delta's doing well enough financially.
May 15, 2018, 7:49 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 5,292
I REALLY hope that Delta begins to market this and call out UA and AA specifically. This is huge to economy travelers. I get it, most don't know what plane they are on, but they do remember the last flight was uncomfortable. Delta is CLEARLY the leader in economy with room, amenities, and catering. They just need to find a way to get through to Mr. and Mrs. Kettle. The frequent flyer community is savvy enough to pick up on it. I refuse to step foot on a 10x 777. I sat in one of the seats on AF while on the ground for about 30 seconds. That was enough.
May 15, 2018, 8:01 am
#20
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
There's basically no chance Delta is going to make a big marketing campaign around this. They only have, what, 18 777s? It's a tiny piece of the fleet and most people don't care anyway.
May 15, 2018, 8:31 am
#22
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 5,292
There is a difference between surviving and enjoying the ride. I prefer elbow room over no elbow room. It is a marketable difference for DL
Last edited by bubbashow; May 15, 2018 at 8:47 am
May 15, 2018, 8:58 am
#24
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
May 15, 2018, 8:59 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: DL Charter DM/DM/2MM, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,925
I don't know why they wouldn't. There will only be 13 A350s in service by the end of next year, and a few more years before there will be more than 18 in the fleet. So I think that with 18 refurbished B777s in the fleet by next year, this should be their flagship for a few years! More space, more lavs, and I'm sure that most people on here will look forward to flying on both to really see which ends up being the preferred choice! Just because the B777s are older, it doesn't mean they are inferior!
May 15, 2018, 9:09 am
#26
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 5,292
With the A350 vs 787 at AA and UA, the 777 in direct comparison to AA/UA, and the 767 (similar to UA/eons ahead of AA), "The most room in economy, the most comfort of any domestic airline over the ocean". Would be pretty easy to back up with stats. I have been flying UA a lot lately...some of it in TATL Y. The catering difference and amenity difference is vast. UA = tiny meals with two choices, no free liquor-wine and beer only, no eye shades, no ear plugs, no mid flight service Westbound.
May 15, 2018, 9:41 am
#27
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
The A350 doesn't really compete with the 787. A350 has over 300 seats compared to ~220 on a 787-8. 767s might be "eons ahead" but spacewise they're essentially the same.
The broader point, though, is (as has already been pointed out) coach pax just don't care about a couple of centimeters of space.
The broader point, though, is (as has already been pointed out) coach pax just don't care about a couple of centimeters of space.
May 15, 2018, 11:58 am
#28
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 770
May 15, 2018, 12:36 pm
#29
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
I'm not saying the difference is negligible, I'm just saying people massively exaggerate how bad it is. I would tend to avoid an AF or KL 777 if possible, but it's not inhumane. It's incrementally worse.
May 15, 2018, 2:40 pm
#30
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,994
Any word on the pitch of those 9-abreast Y seats? It's a real shame that they got rid of Comfort+ on those birds. If the pitch is only 31", it's a non-starter for 10+ hour international flights - even if it is 9 abreast. I too pick flights based on 10 vs 9 abreast 777 but still need the pitch too.
I'd say 32" pitch with 9 abreast compares equally or favorably to 35" pitch (e.g., Y+ on United) with 10-abreast. With 31" pitch though, it basically means no way to work (especially if someone reclines) and so it is a non-starter - even if it is 9-abreast.
I'd say 32" pitch with 9 abreast compares equally or favorably to 35" pitch (e.g., Y+ on United) with 10-abreast. With 31" pitch though, it basically means no way to work (especially if someone reclines) and so it is a non-starter - even if it is 9-abreast.