If you’re flying Delta Air Lines and are considering its premium offerings, you may have questions about Delta first class vs. business class – and which is right for you.
But first, some clarification. Delta’s most premium cabin is not first class, as one might expect, but Delta One – its international business class product. Launched in 2017, it’s available on most international routes and select long-haul domestic flights.
First class, meanwhile – or Delta First, in the airline’s parlance – is available on shorter-haul domestic routes. It’s a big step up from economy, but it’s not as elite as Delta One.
There’s definitely a learning curve to understanding Delta business class vs. first class (i.e., Delta One vs. Delta First) and what each entails for seats, meals, lounge access, and other perks. Our handy guide takes out the guesswork.
Delta One vs. first class: Key differences at a glance.
You won’t find both Delta One and Delta First on the same aircraft; it will be one or the other. Here’s a by-the-glance look at what each offers.
| Feature | Delta One (Business Class) | Delta First Class |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Long-haul international & select transcontinental domestic routes | All domestic routes and nearby destinations like Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America |
| Seat type | Lie-flat beds; some newer aircraft, including the Airbus A350 or A330-900, may offer suites for more privacy | Recliner-style seats |
| Meal service | Multi-course fine dining, with some routes featuring menus curated by celebrity chefs representing the region | Premium meal or snack service, including drinks (and alcoholic beverages) |
| Lounge access | Yes, to upscale Delta One lounges, where available, Delta Sky Lounges, and partner lounges | Not included (except for passengers with Sky Lounge membership) |
| Amenity kits | Yes | Limited or none |
| Price range | Most expensive (business class fares that easily stretch into the thousands) | Moderate (premium economy upgrade) |
Delta first class vs. business class: Cabin experience.
While Delta’s highest cabins each offer a significantly elevated experience from economy, they also have several notable differences. Here, a few key ones.
Seats.
Delta One boasts the best seats on a plane: wider, lie-flat versions, some with sliding doors, ideal for privacy and rest on a long flight.
Passengers on an Airbus A350 or A330-900 aircraft may score the fanciest version of the product yet: Delta One suites. These seats feature fully enclosed sliding doors and direct aisle access thanks to the 1-2-1 configuration, creating an even more exclusive experience.
Delta’s first class seats, meanwhile, are recliner-style, with up to eight inches of additional legroom (compared to economy) and more recline. Blankets and pillows are available on some flights.
First class cabins on A321neo aircraft are currently being renovated. The new seats offer more privacy, comfort, and additional storage.
Food & beverage.
While Delta provides non-alcoholic beverages and snacks for free across all cabins, Delta First and Delta One offer a significantly elevated dining experience.
Delta First:
- Hot meals on flights of 900+ miles
- Regionally inspired dishes served on actual dinnerware with real utensils
- Snack baskets on shorter flights
- On select flights of 900+ miles, passengers can snag a Shake Shack cheeseburger
- An upgraded beverage program featuring seasonal wine menus and premium liquor brands at no extra charge (a perk also available for Economy Comfort and Premium Economy cabins).
Delta One dining and drinks program:
- A pre-departure drink
- Multi-course meals curated by prominent chefs that reflect the route (Spanish chef José Andres is a recent partner)
- An expanded wine list and premium cocktails
Lounge access and boarding.
On-the-ground perks for Delta First include Sky Priority check-in lines and expedited security lanes at some airports. However, most first class tickets do not include Sky Lounge access.
This is a notable difference between Delta First and Delta One – and a big disadvantage unless you also have elite status, access via credit card, and/or a Sky Club membership.
A major perk for Delta One passengers is access to both Delta Sky Club lounges and the ultra-luxe Delta One lounges. These swanky spaces boast fancy sit-down restaurants, spas, and cocktail bars – all complimentary (though tips for staffers are highly encouraged).
Available at major Delta hubs including JFK, BOS, and LAX, Delta One lounges artfully showcase local culture and cuisine – think a seafood-centric restaurant in BOS and a wellness lounge with massage chairs in LAX. I was lucky enough to visit the JFK location once, and following that experience I highly recommend arriving at the airport early to take advantage of everything they offer.
Entertainment & wifi.
Delta’s in-flight entertainment, called Delta Studio, is superb – especially in first class and Delta One.
Most aircraft feature screens at each seat, with screens as large as 11 inches wide in first class. Hundreds of movies, TV shows, music, games, and often live TV – a big bonus for sports fans (like me) who hate to miss a big game while traveling – are available.
Delta One passengers can enjoy the extensive selection of entertainment on larger, high-definition screens.
Almost all domestic Delta flights offer WiFi — a big bonus for business-minded travelers. The service is free for members of SkyMiles, Delta’s loyalty program. A larger rollout of free WiFi also is underway for international and regional flights.
Delta One vs. first class: Pricing and value considerations.
Not surprisingly, Delta One fares are the most expensive, reflecting the product’s service level. That said, if you can afford it, the experience will likely spoil you for future flights.
How to get an upgrade with miles and points?
There are a couple of ways to get an upgrade to first class or Delta One. For passengers with elite status, upgrade certificates and complimentary same-day upgrades are the most common options. You can also pay for an upgrade with points or miles (though Basic Economy fares are not available for upgrades).
And if an upgrade isn’t possible, I highly recommend Delta Premium Economy, if it’s available – it offers an upscale experience at a significantly lower price point.
Routes and aircraft.
Offerings and service can vary significantly depending on the route and aircraft. More modern planes, including the Airbus A350 and A330, come with upgraded Delta One suites. Older aircraft, meanwhile, have outdated configurations – but the good news is that Delta is continuing to roll out renovated cabins.
Below, some popular domestic routes that offer Delta One. Remember: Aircraft will feature either Delta One or Delta First – not both cabins.
- New York JFK – Los Angeles (LAX)
- New York JFK – San Francisco (SFO)
- New York JFK – Seattle (SEA)
- New York JFK – Las Vegas (LAS)
- New York JFK – Honolulu (HNL)
- Washington Reagan (DCA) – Los Angeles (LAX)
- Boston (BOS) – Los Angeles (LAX)
- Atlanta (ATL) – Honolulu (HNL)
- Atlanta (ATL) – Maui (OGG)
Delta One vs. first class: Which to choose.
Again, a Delta One comparison to first class isn’t exactly apples to apples, since they’re not available on the same aircraft. But the following checklist will help you decide which cabin is a good fit for your trip.
- For long-haul luxury: Delta One is the way to go, thanks to spacious lie-flat seats, an excellent dining program, and top-notch service.
- For short-haul comfort: Delta First offers a quieter, more exclusive experience than economy, especially if you’re traveling on business.
- For redeye domestic flights: You may not have lie-flat seats, but the extra recline and legroom and quieter cabin of Delta First enable a much more relaxing experience than economy on overnight flights.
- For milestone trips and bucket-list adventures: Delta One gets the vote. There’s no better way to kick off a big trip than turning left when you board.
FAQs.
No. Passengers on Delta One have access to both Delta Sky lounges and the even swankier Delta One lounges. But first class passengers can only get into Delta Sky Lounges with a Sky Lounge membership or access via credit cards.
That depends on your budget, destination, and whether included benefits like lounge access and premium meals are must-haves. In short, Delta One offers a high-quality experience ideal for international or domestic long-haul flights. Delta First is a less-pricey – but still elevated – option for domestic flights.
