Finding reasonably priced Delta One award tickets is more challenging than ever, so when I spotted availability on a flight from JFK to Frankfurt, I booked sight unseen. Tasty food and solid service made this a reasonably comfortable way to get to Europe for the Christmas holidays. Still, I’ve concluded that Delta One on the 767-400ER is nothing special, and those mourning the constant devaluations of Delta’s SkyMiles frequent-flyer program and the scarcity of premium award tickets should take comfort in the fact that they’re not missing out.
How I Booked My Delta One Ticket
Alongside rendering SkyMiles nearly worthless, Delta’s continued onslaught on its frequent flyer program has led to a steady decline in Delta One award availability. The only real opportunity to book these is through SkyTeam partners like Virgin, Air France, or KLM. I booked with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which tends to have the best availability.
In total, I paid 50,000 miles and $5.60. I got my miles by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, though you can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
My flight details were as follows:
- Delta 106
- New York (JFK) – Frankfurt (FRA)
- Departure: 6:50 PM, December 17
- Arrival: 8:40 AM, December 18
- Scheduled Flight Time: 7h 50m
- Delta One, Seat 8A
Check-In
I arrived at JFK Terminal 4 around 5:30, only 1:20 before my flight. Usually, I’d set aside far more time before flying international business class to explore the lounge, but given my Delta One ticket entitled me to Delta SkyClub access, I opted to leave later and spend more time with friends in Manhattan.
Terminal 4 has a dedicated Delta One check in area at its near end so if you’re arriving by car, pull up to drop off area A. Once you enter the terminal, you should see signs for Delta One check in.
The line was short, but there weren’t many Delta check in agents, so I waited around 10 minutes before getting to the front. There were several dedicated Virgin Atlantic desks that were mostly empty, so I’m not sure why the two airlines don’t just share agents.
Boarding & Takeoff
My flight was boarding from gate B38. It was around a 15-minute walk from security and by the time I arrived boarding was about to begin. Moments later, I stepped onto the plane and made my way to seat 8A.
A flight attendant came by offering a choice of orange juice or champagne–I opted for the latter, a glass of Deval Leroy Brut.
Boarding was quick, and we pushed back from the gate right on time. Due to inclement weather across the East Coast, we sat on the apron for nearly an hour before taking off into stormy skies.
Delta Business Class 767-400ER Cabin & Seats
Delta’s business class cabin on the 767-400ER contains 34 seats laid out across nine rows in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Though the plane is over 20 years old, the cabin was refurbished within the last few years and features the same blue and off-white color palette Delta has been using for at least two decades. It feels modern and clean, albeit slightly sterile.
Seats are staggered such that window seats in odd-numbered rows are much more private than odd-numbered seats which are closer to the aisle. I opted for 8A which, as you can see, is pleasantly set back from the aisle. These seats, dubbed “open suites,” are essentially doorless copies to Delta One seats on the Airbus A350 and A330-900neo.
The seat itself is 21 inches wide and 77 inches long when fully flat. While it’s certainly not the roomiest business class seat in the sky (and is probably one of the narrowest ones out there), I’m around 5’8 and found it comfortable enough.
To the right of the seat is a fairly large surface that fits a small laptop and phone. To its right is a seat control panel, a universal power outlet, and two USB charging outlets.
In front of the seat was an 18-inch touchscreen display that was crisp and responsive.
Below that is a footwell which, in keeping with the general coziness of the seat, is fairly tight. That makes turning over somewhat uncomfortable and, if I hadn’t boarded the plane already quite tired, it may have impeded my ability to sleep solidly.
Delta Business Class Amenities
Delta’s amenity kit comes in a blue fabric bag. It contains an eye mask made from the same fabric, hand cream, and lip balm by Australian beauty company Grown Alchemist, earplugs, pen, and dental kit.
You’ll also find a pair of gray slippers–not very comfortable but convenient for trips to the lav–and noise-canceling headphones.
Delta Business Class Entertainment & Wi-Fi
Delta’s 18-inch IFE screens are plenty large considering how close they are to the seat, and there were well over 200 movies and TV shows to keep me occupied. Delta also has a great interactive moving map perfect for any AvGeek.
The supplied headphones actually produce good sound and are quite comfortable, but they’re not noise canceling, so I ended up using my own.
Like on most Delta flights, WiFi was free. I used it briefly as we flew over Eastern Canada and it was speedy.
Delta Business Class Dinner Service
The dinner menu looked promising though given my new pseudo-vegetarianism I was fairly limited.
Dinner service began about 45 minutes after takeoff with a bowl of warm nuts. I ordered a glass of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, which was phenomenal.
A few minutes later, my starter arrived: poached shrimp, a creamy cauliflower soup with chives, a simple salad with tomatoes and radishes, and a roll of sourdough. The soup was tasty, and though I don’t eat shrimp, my neighbor assured me they were delicious.
For main course, I ordered spinach ravioli with butternut squash. It was pretty mushy and bland, but the butternut squash was great and mostly saved the dish.
After my plate was cleared, flight attendants came by with a dessert cart carrying molten chocolate cake, ice cream sundaes, and cheese plates. I opted for the cake, which was the highlight of the meal by far.
Overall, the meal was nothing special, but did the job. Since I was trying to get to sleep as soon as possible, I appreciated the pace of service.
Delta Business Class 767-400ER bed
I slept solidly from the moment dinner ended until 10 minutes before landing. That was mostly down to how little I slept the night before rather than the quality of the bedding, though the provided pillow and recycled polyester comforter aren’t bad. The biggest issue by far is the tight footwell which means turning over almost always results in hitting your legs against the side of the seat.
Delta Business Class 767-400ER bathrooms
There are just two bathrooms in Delta One on the 767-400ER. With 34 seats in the cabin, lines formed periodically but were never too long. I found the bathrooms clean throughout the flight.
Delta Business Class service
While not overly friendly, the flight attendants were efficient and attentive. My priority on this flight was maximizing sleep, so it was a relief that the cabin crew moved fast and allowed me to rest undisturbed.
Generally, I don’t expect superb service on American or (most) European carriers, and this flight was no exception.
Arrival in Frankfurt
I woke up 10 minutes before touchdown and was treated to a stunning sunrise before our plane dipped below thick clouds.
We touched down around 7:55 AM local time and taxied for around 15 minutes before parking at the gate.
Conclusion
My Delta One experience on the 767-400ER from New York to Frankfurt was reasonably comfortable but largely unmemorable. While the cabin has been recently updated and the seats are private enough, they’re pretty narrow and the footwells are uncomfortably tight. Service was efficient though not particularly warm. As for the food, a couple of highlights, like the chocolate molten cake and Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, were surrounded by lackluster courses.
Ultimately, Delta One on the 767-400ER gets the job done as a way to fly business class to Europe. Yet as award availability dwindles, those longing for the golden age of Delta One award tickets can take some solace in the fact that this product fails to match the likes of United’s Polaris or JetBlue’s Mint.
2 comments
I didn’t realise the 767 was still being used on mainstream airlines. Is the -400 a version with updated engines and avionics?
From what I understand, the -400 cockpit has updated avionics and looks very similar to a 777. The -400 also has raked wingtips, optional B8F engines, and 777 wheels and brakes.