Delta Business Class Review: JFK, New York to Dublin

After an incredible week of sightseeing, fun and cocktails in New York City we were travelling back to Ireland in style with a Delta Business Class flight from JFK to Dublin. Having flown to New York with KLM from Amsterdam it was our first time flying long haul with Delta and we were excited for a direct flight back to Dublin and some business class fun. We started the evening in the Delta lounge at JFK and made the short walk to our gate ready for the 7 hour flight home!

The Airport

The dedicated Delta Sky Priority check in area is a fab addition to JFK’s Terminal 4 and check in was fast and efficient. Security didn’t take long and we arrived in the lounge very quickly. For more on our Sky Club experience, check out our lounge report here.

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Welcome on Board

We were welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique and a small bag of almonds.

Champagne time!PinMaybe Delta ran out of bowls?!Pin

The Cabin

Delta operates the Boeing 767-300 on the Dublin to New York route and the business class cabin has 26 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The seats are staggered so the single seaters on alternate rows are either directly beside the window or closer to the aisle. We were travelling as a twosome and opted for a middle two seater for the journey.Pin

The Seat

There are 40 seats in the 747 business class cabin and every seat has direct aisle access. Each seat has a substantial arm rest on one side so the two seaters felt quite spacious. I preferred having the arm rest on the aisle side as there is less chance of getting bumped against in the night!

The seats are designed so the footrests are in the shell of the seat in front meaning the seats are a little cramped when standing up but have room to stretch out when sitting down.Pin

The 2 seater:Pin

I like my red shoes! Aisle seat legroom:PinEntertainment:Pin

Food and Drinks

Main Service

Dinner was served about 90 minutes into the flight. The service began with drinks orders and a ‘settling in’ snack of smoked duck. This was followed by a soup and salad starter, a choice of beef, ribs, chicken or vegetarian for mains and cheese, a sundae or a sweet tasting for dessert.

The food, in particular our beef and ribs mains and the sundae, was very good although my soup arrived cold. I mentioned it to one of the crew who was working in the cabin and, instead of taking it away, told me to find the person who served it to me and get them to heat it up. I was a surprised by the response and ended up skipping the soup course. The blue smoke sundae was a definite highlight and a fab treat!

Settling in snack:

Smoked duck with grilled apple butter and spiced pecansPin

Starter:

Sweet potato and roasted pear soupPinRoasted Mushroom and Chicory salad topped with goats cheese and a honey mustard vinaigrettePinMains:

Roast Beer Braised Beef with garlic and herb smashed fingerling potatoesPinBaby backed pork ribs with baked pit beans and cornbreadPinDessert:

Blue smoke sundae barPinSelection of cheeses:Pin

Almost there

Breakfast was served the next morning shortly before landing and we opted for some granola over the scrambled egg dish.

Granola, fruit and coffee:PinFood menu:Pin

Drinks:

The drinks menu included 2 red wines, 2 white wines, a dessert wine, a port and champagne together with a selection of spirits and soft drinks.

Drinks menu:

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Sleep Time

The seat converted into a lie flat bed and we were provided with a Westin heavenly pillow and a blanket.  The main part of the seat connects with the foot rest and I had had plenty of room to stretch out but it was a tighter squeeze for the taller husband.

PinThe bed:Pin

Amenity Kits

Tumi amenity kits were provided and contained an eye mask, socks, toothpaste, tooth brush, a comb, a pen, moisturiser, a glasses cloth, tissues, ear plugs, a wet wipe and a tooth flosser. The kits were nicely presented and the contents useful.

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Which seat to choose

When travelling solo:

The single window seats are by far the best option for solo travellers. For a little more privacy choose one with an aisle side arm rest as then the seat is directly flush with the window and there’s some space between you and the aisle.

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When travelling in pairs:

The middle two seaters are excellent for travelling companions. The seats are close enough to chat but the thick middle arm rest gives some space between you and your travel buddy.

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Overall

The good:

The Delta flight was enjoyable and, when we flew earlier in 2015, the flights were much more competitively priced than the other direct flights between New York and Dublin. The seat was comfortable, the cabin was in good condition and we were wined and dined throughout the flight.

 The not so good:

We feel that a business class flight should be a special occasion and this is where Delta fell down slightly for us. The service was a little disappointing at times and the presentation of the meal service is behind other carriers.

Overall

We enjoyed the Delta flight and found it a great option for the Dublin to New York route. The flexibility of being able to fly with KLM (check out our flight to New York with KLM here), Air France or Delta for the same return price was an added bonus and we loved the option of trying two airlines!

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