Review of Delta Connection flight from New York to Chicago in Domestic First

Good morning from a bluey skied, semi-cloudy JFK!

It's time to head upstairs to Terminal 4 for our flight over to Chicago O'Hare today.

Who arrives 7 hours early for a domestic First flight? I do!

Delta occupy, alongside other SkyTeam alliance airlines, Terminal 4 here at JFK.

$208.48 cash fare paid today due to an absence of miles. Not too bad for the journey although just remember that this Domestic First fare doesn't include lounge access.

Two options of Delta Sky Club lounges available to me today through my American Express Platinum Card. I'm headed to the one near A8 but if you want a shower, head to the one near B32.

Accessed using my American Express Platinum Card and same-day Delta departure boarding pass.

Classy entrance into the lounge with sweeping apron views.

An amazing centrepiece bar. I'm in need of a margarita!

And the amazing outside terrace. I love this feature in a lounge!

There's a business lounge if you need a quiet spot to do some work or print some documents.

And plentiful seating dotted around the rest of the lounge.

Time for that cocktail! Most of the offerings are complimentary with a few select and premium brands being on a 'charge for' basis.

Fortunately, the margaritas are free!

I settled in to do some editing. This was the view from my seat.

A nice selection of hams, meats and cheese and crackers were on offer.

The hot food choices were small but of good quality. This mustard cream chicken dish was great!

Accompanied by pilaf rice.

Later on, just before boarding, I caught the most incredible sunset at JFK. It was truly mesmerising!

A short delay, nothing too big though!

Then it was time to board, and yes, boarding zones were strictly observed. Nice to see this when travelling in a premium cabin.

The reason for the delay was due to the aircraft arriving late on it's last inbound leg.

My seat for today is 2A. The Delta Connection First cabin is arranged in a 2/1 layout.

Legroom is comfortable.

And a 200ml bottle of Dasani was my welcome drink.

It was quite warm on-board so I was glad of the overhead air vents. These should be mandatory on all aircraft types (in my opinion!).

Time to go! Or at least that's what we thought…

We got caught in the obligatory JFK departure queue. Took about 30 minutes to get airborne with repeated updates from a frustrated flight deck. Congestion here is a very real problem!

Up we go!

And I'd say from this point of the climb out was where the turbulence started.

New York was looking beautiful though!

The cabin crew tried their best to run a service. I got one drink before she had to take a seat. The seatbelt signs had not come off at all and we were over an hour in.

Managed to get the snack basket about 20 minutes later. I opted for a pack of these shortbread biscuits…

…and props to Delta. These were great!

Presumably the crew felt guilty as none of us could leave our seats. They brought me a pack of Cheez-It crisps.

And yes, the seatbelt sign stayed on. I've never felt anything like it. Something was battering us from climb-out to descent. And it really didn't stop!

My thoughts on Delta's domestic First product? It's okay. I wouldn't say all singing and dancing but if the price increase isn't too much more I'd say go for it. Don't however, splurge big amounts on it. I feel you'd be quite disappointed if you did.  

Thanks for reading/watching!