Delta’s premium international business class product is Delta One. You will also find Delta One aboard cross-country flights between JFK and LAX or SFO. While planning an anniversary and birthday trip to Paris, I noticed that Delta had scheduled a 747 on the route from Detroit to Paris when we hoped to travel. What could make a trip to Paris more awesome? Flying Delta One on the upper deck of a 747 to Paris! A Delta One review was definitely in order. (Feature image credit: Delta Air Lines)

Booking the Trip

Finding SkyMiles award availability on the flight was not difficult, but it did require some patience. I routinely checked the flight, and when seats at the price point formerly known as “Level 2” appeared (80,000 SkyMiles each way) I booked them. In the end, I was spending a few more miles than my previously booked SkyMiles partner award, but I believed the 747 experience would be worth it. (Hint: I was correct!)

Celebrating the 747

Our trip began at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Saturday afternoon. While there are a handful of nonstops to Paris from Atlanta, none are operated with Delta’s 747-400, so a connection in Detroit was in order. After a visit to one of the Atlanta Sky Clubs, we boarded our flight to Detroit, which arrived just a few minutes early. We did not have a terribly long layover, so we skipped the Sky Club and headed directly to our gate where our beautiful Boeing 747-400 was waiting for us.

Boarding began right on time via two jetbridges with one being for Delta One customers and the other for everyone else. This setup made the Delta One boarding experience much more peaceful overall, and being seated on the upper deck made things even better. After a friendly greeting from the flight attendants, we proceeded to our seats.

Seats and Amenities

The upper deck is equipped with only 14 Delta One seats which contributes to a very exclusive feeling. Some say it has a private jet feel, and I’d tend to agree. While I was tempted to book one of the adjoining seats downstairs since I was traveling with my wife, I am glad we booked adjacent seats on the upper deck. This was a different kind of flight.

And my seat, 77K. My wife was across the aisle in 77A.

I settled in with a welcome aboard glass of champagne.

I also checked out the Tumi amenity kit which contained all the necessities you might expect like an eye mask, socks, toothbrush, etc. My favorite thing – a handy Tumi pen. Having tried every Delta One widebody seat currently on the market, it did not take long to determine that this would be my favorite. Power outlets and lighting were sufficient, the video monitor was large and easy to view, and the space just felt right for both working and relaxing. I far prefer the 747 seats to the 767 product, or even Delta’s 777. Delta’s A330 product is a close second to Delta’s 747 Delta One experience overall, but nothing beats the upper deck of a 747!

For international business class, the number one factor for many, including myself, is whether or not the seat is comfortable enough for sleeping. Perhaps that is the only Delta One review that matters! The verdict for the 747 product – a resounding win! Coupled with Delta’s Westin Heavenly bedding, I found the Delta One seat to be quite comfortable, both on my side and on my back. Here are more photos of the entire Delta One cabin.

Delta One Dining

While I am not one to be excited about airline catering, meals are an important feature of a premium cabin product. Delta’s catering tends to be good, and Delta One featured a respectable meal presentation. Menus were waiting at our seats when we boarded, and some orders were taken prior to takeoff, including mine. Feel free to peruse the menu.

The Argentinian red I ordered was not catered, but a wonderful Bordeaux was featured in its place. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the shrimp and avocado appetizer very much. The salad was fresh and tasty and the soup was delicious. I chose the beef tenderloin for my main course. I loved everything about the main course except the steak. Honestly, I don’t know why I ever order beef on an airplane. I am almost always disappointed. To put it simply, the steak was as hard as a rock. To say it was “dry” would not quite do it justice. Other than that, the meal was very good. I skipped the ice cream dessert and went with a fruit and cheese plate as my meal was more than enough. But I did cap things off with a bit more of that wonderful Bordeaux! Food photography is not a strength of mine, but I tried.

As is my custom, I opted out of the pre-arrival meal and just enjoyed a cup of coffee to prepare for arrival. Upon landing, we made the long walk to immigration and followed the Sky Priority signs to a very short queue to clear formalities and begin our Parisian adventure.

Delta One Review – The Bottom Line

This was a very enjoyable flight. Without question, the 747-400 features Delta’s best international business class product and I hope to enjoy it again before Delta retires the remainder of its 747 fleet. The seat was superb, and importantly, service throughout the flight was top notch, something I have come to expect from Delta flight attendants. I am looking forward to my next Delta One flight.