What Is It Like to Fly on the Delta One Airbus A330neo?

Delta Air Lines began receiving the Airbus A330-900neo, the latest generation of the A330 wide-body family, in 2019. Since then, it has been the workhorse on the intercontinental network. Occasionally, this aircraft flies the moneymaking transcontinental route of JFK-LAX-JFK between runs to Europe and Asia.

Delta operates 27 A330neos on medium- and long-haul routes / Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Check-In

I finally had a chance to travel on a Delta A330-900neo, operating from New York to Los Angeles, one of the busiest domestic routes in the U.S. I switched from another flight on the same day by paying $100 more.

At JFK Terminal 4, there’s a special section for Delta One and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class check-in counters. This area is being converted into a private check-in lounge with dedicated security screening, just like the elevated Delta One check-in lounge at LAX.

Boarding

Ten minutes before boarding, I headed to the gate from the Delta Sky Club by gate B32 to join the Sky Priority lane. As Delta abandoned zone poles a few years ago, the process has become chaotic, especially for bigger planes. Passengers crowd the gate area even after agents try to line up the herd, resulting in blocked access to the boarding door and common area.

Passengers entering through door 2L can immediately notice the new Airbus diamond-shaped ceiling lights. In the forward cabin, the mood lighting gradually rotates from plum to orange to rose, creating a nightclub-like ambiance.

The Seat

Delta has installed 29 Thompson Aero Vantage seats in the business class cabin in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. These Delta One suites come with sliding doors that are locked in open position when the plane is on the ground and before landing. Flight attendants unlock them for customers once the plane reaches cruising altitude.

Each Delta One suite features sliding doors for added privacy / Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

The Delta One suites are 22.5 inches wide and can be transformed into a flatbed. Passengers also enjoy an 18.5-inch touchscreen. The first row of seats has bigger footwells than the other seats, which provides more storage space beneath the side tables.

All the bells and whistles worked in my suite (1J)—a tray table, night lamp, hidden remote control, USB-A socket and power outlet. Soft products such as slippers, a sustainably made (but skimpy) amenity kit, headphones, a pillow and comforter in a zipper cloth bag were available in each suite.

One pro tip: Testing all the buttons during boarding is always a good idea to ensure the seat can transform to lie-flat mode, especially before a long-haul flight.

The airline offers a premium economy cabin called Premium Select, which includes 28 Collins MiQ premium seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. These seats have retractable footrests, adjustable headrests, seven-inch recline and 13.3-inch seatback touch screens. On domestic routes, these seats are sold and served under the name Comfort +, even though an actual economy comfort section is located above the wings.

The Flight

Prior to takeoff, flight attendants walked down the aisles offering drinks such as sparkling wine, orange juice and mimosas. Shortly after departing, the friendly and attentive crew began the dinner service, providing packaged towels and nuts. It is worth noting that since
September, the service level has been upgraded to include hot towels and nuts served in ramekins, printed menus, separate dessert options of cake or a cheese plate, and prearrival warm chocolate chip cookies on transcontinental Delta One routes.

I had preordered chicken meatballs with mashed potatoes and string beans, served with a side salad, bread and butter and a piece of tiramisu on a single tray. To go with my IKEA-inspired meal, I had also ordered Explorer Cold Brew and Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream to mix my own coffee cocktail.

Delta One usually offers three entrées and two limited-edition options that passengers can choose from online or in the app. The notification email for the preorder menu generally arrives one week before the flight. Once onboard, flight attendants confirm availability with passengers.

Delta’s chicken meatballs with mashed potatoes / Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

After dinner, I relaxed in the cocoon, watched a few films and caught up on some work on my laptop via paid Wi-Fi, all while enjoying the private and calming mood lighting.

Flight attendants also set up snack baskets in the forward galley and walked down the aisles to check on passengers. However, there is one downside—there are only two lavatories in the forward cabin and a gate blocks the forward lavatory when pilots need to use it. The lavatories are stocked with Grown Alchemist liquid soap and hand lotion.

Before landing, the flight attendant kindly gave me a sandwich bag full of goodies—mini bottles of the Cold Brew coffee and Bourbon Cream and a thank-you postcard with handwritten notes from the NYC-based crew. This unexpected and heartwarming touch made my first A330neo flight an outstandingly memorable experience.

Experience

I had a pleasant five-and-a-half-hour flight to LAX. Delta has the highest number of Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, with 27 planes in its mainline fleet and 12 more on order. The suites with sliding doors offer privacy and a premium experience, although the doors can be flimsy. I have flown on this aircraft both on long- and medium-hauls. It’s always a treat, especially when the crew delivers the “Delta Difference” service.