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I flew on Delta’s Airbus A220 from New York to Dallas in economy. I enjoyed the smaller jet and its unique lavatory window.
May 29, 20240
The airport was packed, and the Delta counters and kiosks had lines of people waiting. Luckily, I only had a carry-on, so I went straight to security.
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The biometrics digital ID program lets eligible travelers expedite bag drop and security, according to Delta.
To use the program, customers must upload their Known Traveler Number and passport information to their free SkyMiles account and have the Delta Fly Mobile app.
I used PreCheck out of habit but later realized the shorter Delta digital ID line would have been a few minutes faster — maybe next time.
After a quick stop at the newly opened Chase Sapphire Lounge, I boarded Delta’s A220-100 at Gate B30.
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Delta started flying the modern jet in February 2019 and is the only mainline operator with the plane, flying both the A220-100 and A220-300 models.
The aircraft was previously known as the Bombardier CSeries before Airbus took over the program.
Smaller than mainline narrowbodies, the A220 family has middle seats on only one side of the cabin.
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My regular economy A220-100 seat offered 18.6 inches of width and 30 inches of pitch. Some coach seats have up to 32 inches of pitch, while Comfort+ seats offer 34 inches.
First class are larger loungers with 37 inches of pitch and more than 20 inches of width.
At only 5’3″ tall, I had enough legroom for the four-hour flight. However, the 30 inches of pitch could be cramped for taller travelers.
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According to Delta, it has more than 161,000 seatback screens across 850 aircraft, with TVs being added to Airbus A319s, Airbus A320s, and Boeing 737-800s by the end of this summer.
Delta offers complimentary and paid inflight WiFi options, including free sessions to SkyMiles members and eligible T-Mobile customers on more than 650 domestic narrowbody planes.
I like knowing what to expect when flying on Delta’s mainline planes.
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The full-size lavatory window is a design unique to Delta; neither JetBlue nor Breeze installed the window.
It may sound silly, but we aviation enthusiasts love little details that give us a random “loo with a view.”
The best part is the window-equipped lavatory is in the back of the aircraft — meaning it isn’t reserved for just first-class flyers.
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Delta’s WiFi is typically fast and reliable over the US, but I still find it susceptible to disruptions at times.
Airline WiFi relies on satellites, which can be impacted by natural events like solar storms. The time it takes for signals to travel between satellites and planes can also lag the internet.
Moreover, turbulence can physically shake a WiFi antenna attached outside the aircraft, causing it to cut out. Flying over water can also cause internet issues.
And I’ll admit that I prefer American’s tablet holder over Delta’s TV screen.
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Delta’s recent lounge upgrades, improved cabins, beefed-up route network, and overhauled loyalty program indicate the airline’s focus on developing its “premium” product to attract more high-paying flyers.
Personally, I have had very few bad experiences with Delta, and its customer service is typically helpful.
However, its SkyMiles changes make it harder to earn status, and the “premium” aspect that is at times boosting fares is less important to me. I’d likely book a competitor if the price and timing were right — especially as American, in particular, climbs in my rankings.