Guide to Delta One and Delta First Class
Key takeaways
- Delta One is the airline’s most premium cabin available on long-haul routes and select transcontinental flights within the U.S
- Delta First is the airline’s domestic front-of-cabin seats that provide larger recliner seat vs. a lie-flat experience.
- Both offer premium benefits and you can use Delta Skymiles to purchase upgrades to these elite services.
Delta Air Lines is one of the largest airlines based in the United States, having transported over 190 million customers to 290 destinations around the world in 2023, according to corporate figures. Alongside its 20 worldwide partner airlines via its SkyTeam Alliance, Delta Airlines offers seating options and a route network with plenty of options for frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike.
But for its most premium flyers, Delta offers two options that enable you to have a more comfortable and efficient journey from check-in to landing. Whether you’re a globetrotter with insatiable wanderlust or a business traveler putting in the miles, continue reading to learn about Delta’s premium cabin offerings — Delta One and First Class — and what to know about both before you book your next flight.
Delta One vs. Delta First Class: What’s the difference?
Delta One and Delta First Class are the most premium cabin options on Delta flights. Delta One is the airline’s most premium cabin offered on long-haul routes as well as select transcontinental flights within the United States. It offers a lie-flat seat that turns into a bed and premium food and drink options.
Although “first class” usually denotes the best an airline has to offer, Delta First refers to the airline’s domestic front-of-cabin seats that are a larger recliner seat vs. a lie-flat experience.
Regardless of which option is on your flight, both offer a range of benefits including larger, more comfortable seats versus economy. Not only do these cabins provide more comfortable seats and upgraded in-flight amenities, but you’ll get other perks too, like the flexibility to make changes to your ticket and priority boarding. But there are key differences to keep in mind before you book, including the types of flights that offer each cabin option.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from Delta One and how it differs from Delta First Class:
Delta One details
Delta One is the airline’s most premium cabin offered throughout its fleet. Every Delta One flight includes lie-flat seats, access to the Delta Sky Club airport lounges, and SkyPriority to ensure fast and smooth check-in and boarding experiences. Once in the air, Delta One passengers also receive a refined culinary experience with a variety of seasonal meal options inspired by regions around the world, wine pairings and complimentary spirits and handcrafted amenity kits.
But the airline didn’t stop there.
In 2017, Delta began flying an updated version of Delta One seats known as Delta One suites. In addition to being a lie-flat seat, these suites include a full-height door that passengers can close for additional privacy along with a Do Not Disturb sign that can be activated. The seats include enhanced memory foam cushioning, improved storage options within the suite for your shoes and underseat carry-on, customizable ambient lighting, and upgraded high resolution entertainment screens.
Delta One suite seats have direct aisle access and can be found on board the airline’s Airbus A350 and A330-900neo planes. For passengers on Delta’s Boeing 767-400 fleet, you can expect a modified version of the suite, but without a door.
Regardless of seat, expect a premium environment and a seat that can lie-flat for sweet dreaming on all Delta One experiences. Delta One is available on long-haul international flights (like New York to Accra, Ghana or Atlanta to Cape Town, South Africa) and select domestic transcontinental routes (like San Francisco to New York).
Delta One airport amenities
The perks of being a Delta One passenger begin at the check-in experience. Included with your ticket is Sky Priority, which provides access to dedicated check-in areas, priority security lines (at select airports) and early boarding. If you check a bag (two free checked bags are included with your Delta One ticket), your bags will be expedited to arrive first at baggage claim once you reach your destination. In select airports, including LAX in Los Angeles and JFK in New York, Delta One passengers have access to exclusive entrances and premium check-in areas.
Once you’ve made it through security, you have access to Delta’s airport lounges, the Delta Sky Clubs, where you can enjoy free food, drinks, WiFi, TV and even a shower in some locations prior to boarding. Starting later in 2024, Delta plans to begin opening exclusive premium lounges, starting in New York – JFK and Los Angeles – LAX, that will be accessible to select people, including Delta One passengers. Details are currently limited but expect an even better on-ground experience once these lounges open.
Delta One seat options
While all Delta One cabins offer lie-flat seats, the experience and seat offerings can vary depending on the operating aircraft for your flight.
On older aircraft (including the Boeing 767-300, premium 757s, Airbus A330-300 fleets), Delta One seats offer an older seat with a smaller entertainment screen and no doors. On premium 757 planes, seats are in a 2×2 configuration, meaning not all seats have direct aisle access.
On newer aircraft (including the Airbus A330-900 neo and Airbus A350-900 fleets), you can find the latest Delta One suites product.
If you want to know the aircraft for your route to ensure you are in a Delta One suite, check for the Delta One suites tag when searching flights on Delta’s website.
Delta One flight amenities
Once you’ve boarded and found your seat, expect to find a handcrafted amenity kit by Someone Somewhere. Inside the kit, you will find a toothbrush, lotion, lip balm and other tools to help make your flight more comfortable.
Alongside the kit will be a comfortable duvet and pillow to use during the flight. On select ultra long-haul flights you will also be offered a lumbar pillow that can also function as a mattress pad.
Your suite also includes a larger entertainment screen (and access to hundreds of TV shows, movies, podcasts and music through Delta Studio), WiFi, universal outlets and high-powered USB ports to keep your devices fully charged during the flight.
Delta also offers free messaging through iMessage, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp on all WiFIi enabled flights.
Delta One meal options
Delta continues to elevate meal options onboard its aircraft. In addition to offering a variety of meal options to meet most dietary needs (must be reserved ahead of your flight), the airline has been rolling out the ability to pre-select or opt-out of a meal for your upcoming flight, giving you better clarity into what to expect once onboard.
Food and drink offerings
Delta has spent the last few years upgrading its onboard product offerings, including its food and beverage program.
Delta One passengers can enjoy a dining experience with seasonal, chef-curated meals (your choice of entrée, bread and dessert) made with locally sourced ingredients and paired with wines, top-shelf spirits or assorted beers. Entrees can change depending on your departing airport. On flights from Japan, you might be offered ramen noodles as an entree versus on a flight from Accra you may be offered local jollof rice, letting you try dishes from around the world.
Delta First Class details
Delta’s First Class fare option offers many of the same amenities as Delta One, though it’s missing some of the special touches that set the Delta One experience apart.
Delta First Class airport amenities
Customers flying First Class on Delta Air Lines enjoy many of the same airport amenities as Delta One passengers, including SkyPriority services (accelerated check-in, security and baggage handling), priority boarding and two free checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each. What First Class doesn’t come with, though, is day-of-departure Sky Club access and a guaranteed lie-flat seat once onboard.
Delta First seat options
Most Delta First seats are recliner style with a large, push seat and entertainment screen. On newer A321neo aircrafts, Delta is rolling out a new first class seat that provides privacy shields, more space to store your phone during the flight and larger, high resolution entertainment screens. All seats provide a comfortable experience to help your journey fly on by.
Delta First Class flight amenities
Delta’s First Class cabin provides premium perks similar to that of Delta One, with a dedicated flight attendant and chef-prepared meals that can vary depending on your route.
While there are differences depending on the aircraft, seats in First Class offer an extra eight inches of legroom and can recline an additional 50 percent compared to seats in the Main Cabin.
Many First-Class seats also feature seatback screens of up to 11 inches, albeit with fewer entertainment options than those in Delta One suites, and flyers who forget their headphones will be offered a free pair of earbuds.
Other Delta First Class benefits include plenty of built-in outlets and fast WiFi to help you stay productive in the air but the pillow and blanket waiting at your seat — while flimsier compared with Delta One’s bedding — may entice you to have a snooze so you can arrive at your destination rested and refreshed.
Delta First meal options
Delta First provides a meal option on most flights with a variety of fresh and delicious options. Similarly to Delta One, Delta often allows passengers in First Class to pre-select their meal ahead of their flight via the Fly Delta app or main website.
Food and drink offerings
Delta Air Lines’ First Class food and drink offerings vary by mileage. Here’s what you can expect based on the length of your flight:
- Less than 900 miles: Prepackaged snacks (one sweet and one savory, these may include the airline’s now-ubiquitous Biscoff cookies, goldfish crackers, potato chips and Clif bars); bottled water, tea and Starbucks coffee; complimentary beer and wine service as well as mini cans of soda, juices and mixers
- 900 to 2,299 miles: All of the above, and may include meal service depending on the time of day (breakfast for flights between 5 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., lunch on 9:46 a.m. to 3:59 p.m. flights, dinner on 4 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. flights)
- 2,300+ miles: All of the above, plus full meal service 24 hours per day
Best credit cards for scoring a seat on Delta Air Lines
An airline credit card could help you earn miles on everyday purchases and make your next Delta flight more affordable — or even free.
Some travel credit cards will even give you Delta travel benefits like free checked bags, savings on in-flight purchases, free Sky Club access and more. But choosing the travel card you should apply for, Delta-branded or otherwise, depends on how often you fly and the specific perks you’re after.
Here are the best travel rewards credit cards for snagging a seat on Delta Air Lines:
American Express® Gold Card
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This AmEx card offers excellent earning opportunities for foodies, whether dining out of shopping at home. Plus, Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Delta if you’re looking to build a bank for future Delta premium travel.
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The American Express® Gold Card has a $325 annual fee, and a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in your first six months. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
You’ll get 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4X points for Uber Eats purchases and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Additional perks include up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, up to $120 in annual dining credits, up to $100 in hotel credits, no foreign transaction fees, free ShopRunner membership, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, extended warranty coverage, purchase protection, Global Assist Hotline, Pay with Points, Pay It, Plan It and an optional rose gold design. Enrollment required for some benefits
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
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If you’re a casual flyer who wants to earn miles for your everyday spending, but isn’t interested in mega-miles (or mega annual fees) this card cna check off some boxes.
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The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers 10,000 bonus Delta SkyMiles after spending $1,000 in your first six months. Long-term, you’ll earn 2X miles at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), 2X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases
Additional perks include 20 percent back on in-flight purchases, car rental loss and damage insurance, Global Assist Hotline, Pay with Miles and no foreign transaction fees.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
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One tier above Delta’s Blue SkyMiles card is the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, which is an approachable card option for those who want a little more, but aren’t committed yet to all the bells and whistles.
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This card carries a $150 annual fee that’s waived the first year. You’ll earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months, and get 2X miles at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 2X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and 1X miles on everything else
Additional perks include $200 annual Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year, first checked bag free, early boarding, 20 percent back on in-flight purchases, car rental loss and damage insurance, Global Assist Hotline, Pay with Miles and no foreign transaction fees
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
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We’re moving into more premium territory now in terms of both perks and annual fee. That said, the perks are worth having if Delta is your go-to airline.
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The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card costs $350 annually and comes with a welcome offer of 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months. You’ll earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and on transactions made directly with hotels; 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and 1X miles on all other purchases.
Additional perks include an annual companion certificate, up to a $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, first checked bag free, early boarding, 20 percent back on in-flight purchases, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, Global Assist Hotline and no foreign transaction fees.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
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Some of the perks offered with this elite card would overlap with the perks you’d receive with a Delta One or Delta First Class ticket. That said, holding the card means you have access to those perks even if Delta One or Delta First Class isn’t available on your route.
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The $650 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months. Plus, earn 3X miles on eligible Delta purchases and 1X miles on all other purchases.
Additional benefits include an annual companion certificate, up to a $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, MQD Boost & MQD Headstart to get closer to Medallion status, free Amex Centurion Lounge access and 10 free visits to the Delta Sky Club access (starting in February 2025) when traveling on a Delta flight, two one-time guest passes to Delta Sky Club every year, first checked bag free, early boarding, priority upgrades, 20 percent back on in-flight purchases, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, Global Assist Hotline and no foreign transaction fees.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
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This card is a perennial travel rewards favorite, regardless of whether Delta is your airline of choice. That’s because it offers a host of perks and credit opportunities. Additionally, you can transfer Membership Rewards points to Delta or any of multiple other Amex travel partners.
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With an annual fee of $695, The Platinum Card from American Express has a lot to offer. To start, earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 in your first six months. On an ongoing basis, you’ll earn 5X Membership Rewards points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year); 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel; and 1X points on all other purchases
Additional benefits include up to $200 in Uber Cash annually and Uber VIP status, up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to a $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck*, up to $189 in CLEAR® Plus credits, up to $100 in statement credits for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases annually, up to $200 in hotel credits (which requires a minimum two-night stay), Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status, free Centurion Lounge access and Delta Sky Club access when traveling on a Delta flight, free Priority Pass Select membership, Amex Global Lounge Collection access, free ShopRunner membership, cell phone protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, extended warranty coverage, purchase protection, return protection, concierge services, Global Dining Access by Resy, Global Assist Hotline, Upgrade with Points, Pay with Points, Pay It Plan It and no foreign transaction fees. Enrollment required for select benefits.
In addition to the consumer cards mentioned, there are numerous business card options that could assist you on the way to earning the miles necessary for a Delta One or Delta First Class flight.
How to use your Delta SkyMiles for a cabin upgrade
The number of Delta SkyMiles required for a cabin upgrade varies based on the flight, time of year and what kind of upgrade you want.
Delta SkyMiles are dynamically priced, so there’s no fixed award chart to make an easy estimate. (That said, we peg the value of Delta SkyMiles at around 1.2 cents on average, according to our latest airline mile valuations.)
Luckily, using your Delta SkyMiles to book a cabin upgrade is easy. All you have to do is choose “Upgrade with Miles” in your Trip Summary on Delta.com prior to finalizing your purchase.
If you already booked your ticket, log in at Delta.com or the Fly Delta app, find your reservation in “My Trips,” pick an available seat and choose “Pay with Miles.” (You can also set your account preferences to automatically request an upgrade whenever you make a reservation with your SkyMiles number.)
If you don’t see an option to upgrade your seat online or in the app, you may be able to get help from a SkyMiles representative. Here’s how:
- Call Delta Reservations at 1-800-221-1212.
- Ask to book a mileage upgrade award.
- If an upgrade is available, your reservation is eligible and you have enough SkyMiles in your frequent flyer account, the representative can confirm your upgrade over the phone.
In addition, all Delta Medallion members (regardless of their tier) qualify for unlimited, complimentary upgrades to First Class — no miles required. (You could even get a day-of-departure upgrade to Delta One on U.S. flights, when available.)
Medallion members who have Diamond status can use a global upgrade certificate on both international and domestic Delta flights in addition to select flights with Delta Air Lines partners, such as Air France or Virgin Atlantic.
Diamond and Platinum members alike can trade in a regional upgrade certificate to move up to First Class or the domestic Delta One experience on the same routes that qualify for free upgrades.
Delta cabin upgrades are refundable for credit after purchase, which means you’ll receive your upgrade cost back as miles or eCredit depending on how you purchased your upgrade.
FAQs
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Delta’s premium business class product is known as Delta One. It’s an enhanced business-class option the airline offers on longer international flights and select domestic routes.
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While Delta One passengers have full access to Delta airport lounges before flying, First Class customers on domestic flights do not — unless you’re a SkyMiles member with Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion status (or hold a qualifying Delta credit card, such as the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Reserve Business).
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Delta First Class is a different level of service and seat features compared to Delta One but is still considered a premium offering. On domestic flights and select short-haul international flights, Delta First Class is the highest service class offered on the plane. When flying on routes with Delta First Class, you can expect a larger seat (but most likely a non lie-flat seat) and other premium class amenities. Be sure to review which service class you will be in before purchasing your ticket.
The bottom line
If you are looking for a more premium experience when flying with Delta, Delta One and Delta First Class are both great options for ensuring a more comfortable journey. Delta aircraft only offer one, not both of these cabins on flights. When flying domestic, expect that you will be in a Delta First cabin barring select premium transcontinental routes. For long-haul international routes, relax and unwind in Delta One with a lie-flat seat, amenity kits and premium food and drink offerings to make your trip a memorable one.
Delta is almost always near the top of J.D. Power’s North America Airline Satisfaction study and offers a great experience for passengers for both short and long-haul flights. Ultimately, when considering a premium experience or upgrade, be sure to keep in mind if the cost and other benefits make sense for you. If they do, Delta One and Delta First can make a long journey even more pleasurable.
Looking to learn more great tips for your next flight or journey? Check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit for tips and tricks on how to maximize travel with a credit card and save for your next adventure.
*Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
