Game-changing move that could make it worth hanging on to those SkyMiles

In a world’s first, announced in August an all-suites business class cabin (Delta One) that flyers will get to fly starting Fall of 2017 on Delta’s initial A350 routes. Since then we’ve learned what these initial routes are likely to be. This is obviously particularly compelling for Delta travelers, but a wider business travel audience might also consider a switch because this hard product looks all sorts of awesome. As is often the case with airline product announcements, it will be at least a year before Delta has the A350 in operation *sigh*, but I forgive the early announcement – the US carrier business class game is heating up with United’s new Polaris product, so this seems to be a timely move on Delta’s part. Here’s what we can expect from these new Delta One business class suites, as well as where to fly them…

 
 

You’re not dreaming, they really are suites with an actual door

They might be a little cramped compared to first class suites – this is business class after all – but they will offer a not-before-seen level of privacy for business class, and truly allow you to disconnect from much of the goings-on in the cabin. One of the main reasons I like to fly first over business is privacy, so this is a major win that will help me save some Amex points 🙂

As you can see in the rendering above, these look like an improved and more stylish version of the suites used in JetBlue Mint. I really like those seats/suites in rows 2 and 4 on B6, so I expect these Delta business suites to be downright awesome.

 
 

1-2-1 staggered forward-facing configuration

Think Delta’s 767 business class, only you have a door, and possibly a bit more room but it’s too soon to tell (and I doubt it…). If you look closely at that rendering below you can see that it looks a lot like the Thompson seats on their 767s, but now you’ve got a head-height door which will add privacy to the mix. Also expect the seat controls and amenities to be redesigned before these seats take to the air in fall 2017.

 
 
 

The little details we care about…

Just looking at the renderings you get an idea, but below are the details we know from Delta so far. No word on bed length, but my money is on somewhere in the 77-80″ range with 50″-ish of pitch, so your legs will still be in the tunnel in bed mode.

• suite doors will be full-height
• dedicated storage spaces for shoes, laptops, and their noise-cancelling headphones
• new cushions featuring memory foam
• 18″ IFE screen for your viewing pleasure
• outlets and USB ports, as expected…

 
 

First routes: DTW to PVG or NRT or ICN…then LAX/SYD…the more TPAC routes from the SEA gateway (yay!)

That pretty much sums up a mix of news from Delta (press release here) and the rumor mill about the initial A350 routes. Looks like the A350 is intended to replace the 744, so keep an eye on where those jets are positioned over the next 12 months – whatflieswhere.com shows DTW to ICN/NRT/PVG at this point. That’s good news for TPAC travelers, although I was kind of hoping that there would be more emphasis on LAX/SEA, given that DTW is effectively an East coast airport. Still, I’d consider flying out of my way to get on this product vs an older 777/A330/767 configuration. Fortunately, once the A350 is in service, 777s will start getting the retrofit to the new business class suites, which means the Delta A330 business class will remain the same reverse herringbone product (which really is quite good) and the 767 will keep its aging product, though I have my fingers crossed for a refresh of some kind there.

 
 

So what do you think? Is this enough to get you to fly Delta TPAC??

It is for me! But I’m already a Delta flyer and I fly them across the pacific at least once a year out of LAX or SEA. Do let me know your thoughts in the comments section below…