This Delta One Business Class flight began as one of my most unexpected travel itineraries with more plot twists than a novel. I will be writing a full-on report of the experience. However, in short, I first misconnected a flight the previous day and ejected that journey. Then, my backup trip got partially canceled overnight, and I was rebooked to DAL 121. Following on from that, there was some computer glitch, and the seat was dropped on the first flight.
On the positive side of the intense experience, Delta accommodated me on the first flight, although they had to bump a fellow passenger to get me on board. Then, on the route to Japan, I was on a brand-new Delta A330-900neo out of Minneapolis St. Paul, a product I’ve wanted to write about for quite some time. Finally, at the gate, I managed to snag a fantastic window seat at the gate, seat 4A.
Overview
I must confess this was one of the best flights I’ve had with Delta. It was definitely my best international flight and a massive difference from my previous Delta flight from Atlanta to Tokyo Haneda on the A350. The service was stellar, and Minneapolis MSP is an excellent crew base for Delta and my favorite hub airport in their network.
This is not to forget the excellent hard product on the aircraft, including IFE, seats, and more. In addition, the food was near perfection, and the service was perfect.
On the downside, and I am sad to say this, the Wi-Fi was a total bust. I had a really important document to get out to a client on this flight and couldn’t get it until 7 hours past the deadline due to a lack of working Wi-Fi; it was pretty disappointing, frankly!
Booking a Delta One Business Class Ticket
This was initially my backup reservation, to my primary reservation the previous day. My original flight was LGA-DTW-HND on the Delta One A350-900, which I didn’t necessarily want to fly again but was willing to give a second shot.
I tracked availability on the A330-900neo flight through Minneapolis, which was far more expensive on a Global Upgrade certificate. However, the travel gods smiled down on me when my flight was canceled overnight. I was magically rebooked onto this flight – which was an incredible coincidence in some regards.
The entire flight cost me $1871 plus a Delta Global Upgrade certificate. While expensive, it is substantially less than the $6,000 plus it would have cost to pay for the ticket in cash.
My Crazy First Flight from New York LaGuardia to Minneapolis
I got a notification late at night that my first flight from LGA to DTW was canceled, and there was no option to get to Detroit to catch my flight to Tokyo the next day. Did I say late at night? I am sorry; I meant early in the morning since the notification only got to me at 1 a.m.
I did what any sensible Delta Diamond would do and called Delta around 1:30 a.m. and waited. Then, I waited a bit longer until I finally spoke to an agent at 3 a.m.
After much searching, they could not find a way to get me DTW or MSP, for that matter, in first class. Finally, I asked the agent to put me on the upgrade list for the first flight from LGA to MSP. However, I did see availability for both First Class and Comfort Plus before I left for the airport, so I was hopeful.
I left for the airport by taxi at 6:10 a.m. to wrap up a lovely night since my flight was set for 7:55 a.m.
The Flight
Arriving at La Guardia, I was dropped off at Door 5 instead of Curbside check-in. I found out you can’t do international flights at curbside check-in. While there was a small queue at Sky Priority, I managed to get to an agent by 6:55 a.m. I was checked in and dropped off my main bag. However, the agents could not print a boarding pass with my seat on it. Instead, I was advised to use my Mobile Boarding Pass. I rushed to head to the gate at 7:10 a.m.
On the way, security was extremely fast, as always, and I managed to stick my head into the La Guardia Sky Club to grab some coffee. Although it was a long walk, I got to the gate on time, and that is when things went south again.
I was supposed to get a complimentary upgrade to Comfort Plus. However, there was some computer glitch, and the seat was dropped; I had no seat, and the aircraft was full.
The ground crew was terrific at this point; in one of the most awkward moments of my life, someone had to be removed from the aircraft so I could take their seat. And I got the last seat on the plane – an aisle seat if you care to know.
Although I felt terrible for the person removed, I was just happy I was finally on the way to Japan after having misconnects the previous day and a cancellation overnight.
Minneapolis St. Paul Ground Experience
Arriving in MSP, my first flight docked into the G18-20 Gate area. This was ideal as it was only a short walk to gate G13 for our flight to Tokyo.
I got to take various shots of the plane, which turned out to be brand new!
When I got to the gate, the flight was just five or ten minutes away from boarding.
The Delta Sky Club Lounge and Boarding
Time was my enemy at this point. I wanted to board the plane early and only had about fifteen minutes until boarding was due to start, so I opted to skip the Delta Sky Club this time. However, if I did have time, I would have used the Delta Sky Club at MSP G18-20, which I have reviewed previously.
That said, if I am honest, I did have an ulterior motive for hitting the gate early. I wanted to snag Seat 4A! Usually, this seat is reserved for the crew to rest overnight. However, you can request this seat at the gate only, and it’s strictly based on availability.
My original seat to that point was 7A, an aisle-facing window seat in the 1-2-1 configuration.
To my surprise and sheer delight, the agent happily gave me Seat 4A and handed me a new boarding pass. I must say the agents were super friendly and accommodating.
I then happily lined up to board early with my pass in hand.
Boarding
Boarding started with Delta One and Diamond Medallions, and I was fortunate to be the first person to board.
Realizing I would have the plane to myself and a very long Jet Bridge, I actually ran to get on the plane so I could have it all to myself and take some pictures of the empty aircraft.
The Delta One Business Class Cabin and Seats
When I said the plane was new, I did not appreciate how unique it was. Before takeoff, the captain came on the PA and announced that it was a brand new plane and that this was its first revenue flight. Wow, what luck! The aircraft was spanking clean and had that “new plane smell,” which I’d never smelled before. This was the first time in my life I had experienced a brand-new plane on its maiden flight.
Since I was the first on the flight, I managed to squeeze off some shots of every cabin on the aircraft, including Comfort Plus and economy.
I also got some shots of the brand-new Premium Select seating.
Delta One Cabin
Needless to say, I got a ton of Delta One images. Delta One cabin is in a 1-2-1 layout. All seats have suite doors, which is fantastic for privacy.
One thing to keep at the back of your mind if you are flying this hardware is that seat 8A is missing a window and is to be avoided if you are set on a window seat.
Along the windows, the even-numbered seats are closest to the window, and the odds have Aisle-adjacent seating.
The center seats alternate in their center or aisle alignment, and are staggered. These also have a center partition that can be raised or lowered.
The Suite doors are an incredible feature, and this is one of the most comfortable suite configurations. I prefer this suite over Delta’s A350 Delta One cabin.
Forward Restroom
The Delta One business class cabin has two forward and mid-cabin restrooms. The forward bathroom is triangular-shaped and the larger of the two.
Walking in, there is a large, tall mirror on the left and a metal washbasin. Next to the basin is an air nozzle to use as a hand dryer and the usual paper towels.
There is a fold-down table over the toilet. This has a special black pad on the top for seating comfort.
The included amenities leave a little to be desired. There are only a couple of amenities from Grown Alchemist in the restroom.
Mid-Cabin Restroom
The mid-cabin restroom is significantly smaller than the forward one. It is located on the right-hand side of the aircraft near the rear of the Delta One section.
The key feature of this square-shaped restroom is the much larger fold-down table above the toilet. This tray is set at a much higher level than the one in the front of the cabin and is clearly intended to be the primary baby changing table.
Delta One Business Class Seat 4A
The seat is very comfortable and private due to the suite door. However, I will say this upfront: the seat does not have a lot of storage, only the footwell and a storage area above the side table.
That said, the footwell is not cramped and has a good amount of room, but one side is angled.
Seat Features
The seat has some excellent viewing potential due to the great window alignment.
However, when you want privacy, the suite door is brilliant and blocks some light if you want to sleep.
On the right side of my seat was a wide table and rest. Within that, the main table pulls out. This is done by pulling a latch and then pushing a button, and the table glides out.
I found this main table to be highly stable for laptop work.
The seat has a massive 18” TV in the back of the seat in front of you with touchscreen functionality.
There is also a flip-up console with a wide mirror and pull-out remote for TV controls
You can also hang your coat on the coat hook.
Delta seems to have thought about everything on this plane, and you also have a headphones hook.
The seat also features plenty of charging and power options with 2x USB-As and 1x Power Port.
You can also customize your ambient lighting on the side and in front along the top with dimmable switches.
Above you, there are overhead lights and air nozzles.
The seat comes with a water bottle, as well as slippers at the seat.
Overall, I found these faux leather seats to be extremely comfortable and would love to fly them again.
Seat Controls
The seat controls are found on two parts of the Console. On the upper table side, you can find the detailed seat controls. Below the table side, you can find the abbreviated functions.
The controls are numerous, with multiple settings and reclination settings to play with.
Other features of the controls include:
- Upright, Relax, Lounge and Bed
- Suite Lighting Controls
- Feature Light
- Do-Not-Disturb function.
Sleep Mode
Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to have a big sleep. In fact, I only tried this briefly for approximately 40 minutes at the tail end of the flight before landing since I worked through most of the flight.
I found the seat in lie-flat mode to have a slight downward pitch, but otherwise, this seat is extremely comfortable.
I loved the bedding, with a large, comfortable pillow and blanket. It wasn’t too thin or thick, just perfect, with good warmth and comfort.
I must say a mattress pad would be welcome; however, Delta does not currently include these.
The Delta One Business Class Amenity Kit
The truth of the matter is that Delta has let itself down with this amenity kit on an otherwise exceptional aircraft. The kit is by Someone Somewhere but feels very basic, almost like an afterthought.
The Delta One business-class amenity kit is available in various colors. I ended up with the red and blue version.
Amenity Kit Contents
- Bamboo Toothbrush and Toothpaste.
- Matching Eye mask (red and blue).
- Ear plugs.
- Grown Alchemist Hand Cream and Lip Balm: these smelled really nice!
- Delta Pen.
Delta One Business Class Inflight Entertainment & Wi-Fi
The Inflight Entertainment Screen on these new A330-900 Neo is absolutely massive. Which nicely compliments an excellent IFE system with plenty of choices.
As well as many language choices, you also have a huge selection of the Delta One suite of movies
Navigating the controls is accessible via the remote or using the touchscreen interface.
Alternatively, if you are working or otherwise occupied, then the IFE has a great route map so you can watch as you slowly make your way towards your destination.
Delta One Business class headphones
Delta supplies some noise-cancelling headphones for the duration. These are Delta-branded ones; however, I found them to be excellent.
They were comfortable to wear and produced great audio. Also, the plane noise was incredibly dim once you had the headphones on.
Wi-Fi
There is not much I can say about the Wi-Fi on the flight since it was not working correctly. Delta knew this, and the captain warned us before Take-Off that the Wi-Fi wasn’t working.
However, the cost for the whole flight was a very reasonable $15. Initially, I connected and found it was working for the first hour and a half, then stopped working for the remainder of the flight. This was quite annoying, as it prevented productive work.
This was a problem since I hoped to finish an important Budget update spreadsheet for a construction project. As mentioned earlier, this caused an issue with a massive issue with a project client, as they were depending on me to send a file to them at 6pm EDT or so; by the time I landed, it would be 1am EDT New York time.
Delta One Business Class Flight
We had no delays, and we got off the ground on time and were even early to arrive. After takeoff, our routing was to the Northeast over St. Paul, putting us on a Northerly heading through Winnipeg, Canada, and then over Alaska.
Looking out the window, I noticed we flew over some spectacular Alaskan scenery in broad daylight. Which reminded me that is one place I definitely need to visit.
While I did try to be aware of everyone sleeping, it was challenging since I stayed up working the whole 12-hour flight.
The crew was terrific on this flight and delivered an exceptional experience. The flight attendants were very friendly, helpful, and courteous.
I especially liked the lead flight attendant in the Delta One cabin, Jo Ellen. The best part of interacting with her was her love for taking photos of passengers – including me and a half dozen others!
We left the gate on time, and the takeoff was smooth. However, it felt like a Jet fighter at full throttle, with the screaming Rolls Royce Trent Engines that power the A330-900neo.
But before you knew it, we were up in the air and on our way. We took off from the SW-NE Runway XX to the Northeast over St. Paul,
Delta One Business Class Meal Service
The service was exceptional, especially that of the lovely Jo Ellen, who came by to give me coffee five times during the flight and checked on me at least one dozen times. She even wrote a personal note at the end, thanking me for flying with Delta. I never get these on other airlines. If you are reading this, Delta she is fantastic!
Delta seems to have upped its service game across the board, and the flight felt well-staffed, with three different people taking care of me.
Pre-Departure Drinks
Drinks were served within ten minutes of boarding, and I was offered a choice of Orange Juice, Champagne, or Heineken Beer.
I went with the orange juice this time.
Post Departure Service
No sooner than we were in the air, then the post-departure service began with a small appetizer course. Warm nuts were offered in a small, hot bowl.
Then, a cart for Drinks, Coffee, and Alcohol was brought out and served before the main meal service began.
Obviously, Delta didn’t overlook the warm towels, which were duly distributed.
Delta One Business Class Main Service
Shortly after take-off, the main meal service began, although the menus were distributed before take-off, and a Purser walked around to take everyone’s order before the door closed.
Having flown Delta a lot, they have upped their game with menus, as previously only single-sheet menus were offered, and now Delta One passengers receive a beautiful booklet. Heading to Japan, I opted for the Japanese meal option this time.
One fun note on this flight – it looks like Delta adopted similar serving styles for the Japanese meals, to what I’ve seen now on ANA and Japan Airlines, for these Tokyo flights!
First main course
The first course was “Zensai,” which consisted of the following:
- Green Tea – Very fresh
- Sesame Tofu – Tasteless, but I guess that’s tofu.
- Roast duck and grain mustard is super bland and a bit stale. Mustard didn’t help, not great.
- Eggplant and Shrimp – I don’t usually eat shrimp, but this one was decently good.
- Spinach carrot and tofu vinegar sauce is solidly tasty.
- Spicy Konjac – Yum! This was delicious.
- Tomato and Wasabi Soy Jelly – this was interesting and not something I’d tasted before. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this, but this was probably my favorite dish!
- Smoked Salmon & Yuzu – Also notable, my second favorite dish.
I also received a mystery eighth dish that was not listed on the menu.
Second main course
Following on from the Zensai, it was time for the second course, “Shusai,” which consisted of the following:
- Miso Soup: this was of the instant variety and wasn’t properly mixed. I got tons of pepper and sauce at the end, which, funnily enough, was also delicious.
- Steamed Rice, which was wrapped tightly and perfectly steamed and fresh.
- Garlic Miso Beef, bell pepper, seven-spice broccoli, Japanese pickles: This was utterly delicious! Wow, it’s one of the best meals I’ve had on Delta. The meat was perfectly cooked and warm and tasted like garlic beef! Not salty or spicy. Tasty in all the right ways. Honestly, this is the best meal I have ever had on Delta.
Dessert and Snacks
I felt a little hungry before the main course and asked for some snacks. I was not expecting to be offered an entire tray containing the following:
- Tofu Instant Ramen w/ Chopsticks
- Bananas (these were cold and very fresh/delicious)
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Almonds
- Miss Vickies Sea Salt Chips
The incredible desert course started once the main course was done and cleared. A full tray was rolled out with multiple beautiful options for dessert. The lead flight attendant even paused it in front of me before service so I could take photos of the tray and servings. This is how it’s done, with beautifully prepared trays and custom garnishes prepared on the spot at each seat.
The dessert menu included:
- Chocolate Fondant Cake with Morello Cherry Compote – this was to die for! I enjoyed every minute of eating this juicy creamy cake.
- Ice cream Sundae – I only asked for the ice cream part with no sundae; mine was combined with the chocolate cake.
- Fruit and Cheese Plate – fresh and delicious, I made little snacks with the sauce and cracker chis provided.
I hope my nutritionist is not reading this, but I got all three desserts along with coffee so I could accurately report on them for our readers.
Mid Flight Snack
About halfway through the flight, it was snack time. The purser walked around mid-flight, offering turkey sandwiches.
These were cold-wrapped subs with turkey, lettuce, and mayo. Overall, they were pretty good for a mid-flight snack. They reminded me of the same type of snack on ANA.
Delta One Business Class Second Meal Service
Before we came to land, it was time for the second meal service. It started with another towel being handed out. This time, it was a pre-packaged Grown Alchemist towel.
I was offered a choice of French Toast with Pudding or a Quiche; I went for the quiche. Yet again, the presentation was exceptional (for Delta). The meal was served on a plastic tray with plates.
The quiche looked appetizing, but sadly, it looked better than it tasted. Honestly, it tasted a bit cheap, almost like fast food. Probably the weakest item they had on the food menu today. I wouldn’t have this again.
However, the fresh fruit for breakfast was delicious and refreshing.
Overall, the fruit, jam, orange juice, coffee, and croissant, which were also served, were all tasty, and the croissant was reasonably fresh.
Arrival at Tokyo Haneda
We soon began our landing preparations; however, all Delta One passengers were offered chocolates before the landing sequence. I also received a lovely note mentioned earlier from the lead attendant complimenting me for Diamond Status.
The landing was one of the wildest ones I have experienced. We approached Runway 22, which has a steeply curved entry path to the left. You could view the runway clearly from the window before turning into it at the last minute, which was quite the experience.
We taxied quickly and docked into Terminal 3, on the far North side, next to an ANA jet. While I was off the flight relatively quickly, I had one piece of checked bags to wait for. However, that turned up in no time at all.
Final Thoughts
This was an interesting contrast to my previous Delta flight. The service has improved and really made the flight, honestly. Comparatively, I felt like it was worth the price with a Global Upgrade Certificate.
I’ve flown this seat before on domestic routes, and it is my favorite type on Delta. I prefer it to the A350 seat. The 767-400s also utilize this seat. While storage is a bit lacking, it’s very comfortable.
In terms of airports, Minneapolis MSP stands out as my favorite Delta Hub, mainly due to the interesting flights and very friendly crews based in this city.
The crew was brilliant, the service was stellar, and the hard product was excellent. The food was a near-perfect multi-course meal. Even though I wouldn’t say I liked one of the meals, however, everything else was stellar.
To top all that, the brand-new plane with comfy seating, excellent amenities, a great IFE, and comfortable bedding made this flight hard to beat. Even if Delta needs to add a soft mattress pad and upgrade its rather basic amenity kits, overall, this would have been the perfect flight except for the Wi-Fi not working.
Pros
- Excellent, friendly crew. After the crazy journey it was to get here, sitting on this flight was a huge relief and very comfortable!
- The food and presentation was outstanding this time, which was a massive improvement by Delta. I loved the presentation across all courses as well. That said, I didn’t like the breakfast quiche.
- The flight left on time and arrived early.
- Amazing private suite with large TV, excellent foot space, a door, and comfortable controls.
- The tray table is great for working and using a laptop.
- Lots of IFE selections
- I enjoyed the bedding material and pillow for sleeping but would like to see a mattress pad added.
Cons
- Working Wi-Fi is a must on this caliber of flight.
- The Amenity Kit is weak; Delta really needs to upgrade this.
Verdict: 9.5/10
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