Hi everyone! Welcome back to the first of a short Delta one series. These were flights taken back between 2024/2025, so apologies for the lack of depth compared to more recent flights. I wanted to take a quick opportinity to review some of DL's different D1 products (in addition to the largest one, their A350, on a review already up). I haven't flown DL since joining this website but I hope to do so soon to provide a more thorough review of everything.
With their diverse fleet, DL offers significantly different seating onaboard their planes. From old ex-Latam 2-2-2 A350s to rather squishy/uncomfortable herringbone to incredible A330-Neo pods, you really gotta do your homework before committing and preventing some disappointment when embarking!
Today, we'll be exploring the D1 product aboard a 25 year old Boeing 767-400, from London Heathrow across to Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International.
Delta checks in at T3 where their close partner Virgin Atlanta also operates from. Check-in is quick for D1 and we’re up the elevator to fast track security. There’s an agent who checks your passport before allowing you entry into the check-in line. He looked at me in a way I could tell he was questioning my eligibility, and kept asking “where I got the money to pay for a ticket.” I’m unsure where that oversteps his line of questioning and authority, but the manner and tone really ticked me off. Looking back, I should’ve mentioned something to the staff. There’s always an agent in that position, and they’re always pleasant and kind.
I’m not too much of a Heathrow lounge guru. I’ve seen many passengers/youtubers lounge hop, but I’m not too familiar with all the doors my ticket opens me to. I went to the one instructred for me a the check-in area, the Virgin Atlantic clubhouse.
Sorry for not taking more pictures of the lounge, again being an earlier trip before the site. I first passed by the large cold cut buffet section and grabbed some bites.
I was later recommended by a staff member towards the dining area and a QR code for some elevated options.
The gyoza was good.
I also ordered an Iced Americano and back to the cold buffet for some shrimp and fruit the lady suggested. I wasn’t feeling the best today so I didn’t try more a-la-carte options. The Clubhouse is very sleek, I love the feeling and all staff members were very kind.
My favorite part of it has to be the terrace. Note, I had to ask a staff member for tis location and how to access since it was my first time there, not easily visible. Up some stairs and there I was! Despite the nice views, the rain and heavy wind cut my visit short.
Back inside, I decide to do some quick plane spotting before heading to my gate.
Who else leaves from T3 you ask, ah the almighty EK giants!
A walk down Heathrow’s hallways, I arrived at my gate for tonight. A second round of baggage clearance occurred at the gate, with random (or I think random) selection passengers who needed additional inspection. Sadly, I was selected.
Our bird for the evening!
Boarding begun around 15:10, and D1 passengers given the green light after pre-boarding completed. After a rather uncomfortable herringbone ride on the way over, I was delighted to see my trip this afternoon.
Unfortunately I didn’t manage a window seat with additional privacy, but this was nothing to complain about!
Waiting at my seat were headphones, a botle of water, Missoni amenity kit, slippers, and bedding. Inside the bedding kit was a pillow, duvet, and mattress pad (bonus points for that)).
Sitting down, the small pod felt quite private despite no closing door like on the A330 Neos and (non ex-Latam) 350s. The menu card was distributed. A good IFE screen size!
There wasn’t much of a welcome from the crew and my apologizes for missing out on snapping the drinks.
We pushed out of LHR at 16:08, on time, a rarity given the always jampacked LHR. Above the clouds, we were greeted with a glorious sunset.
Meal service kicked into motion shortly after reaching cruising altitude. Some office for the meal today!
First up, table cloths were distributed and warm nuts. For my beverages of choice, a diet coke and some sort of cocktail I can’t for the life of me remember :(.
Everything excluding my main were brought over on one tray. A chedder spinach soup (which was poured at my table), warn bread, shrimp with thousand island sauce, and a salad. I always love a warm hearty soup and although this wasn’t bad, the portion was tiny. I must’ve had four or five full scoops before it essentially ran out. The same issue on the other D1 experiences, I hope they could whip out slightly larger portions. Same for the shrimp, not bad but just two little pieces. The bread was piping hot which was great especially when dipping in the soup, and salad just like all salads are.
Next up, my main course: Miso cod. I usually go with Delta’s signature short rib, but I was looking for something lighter today. This was solid! I wish there would have been some sort of carbs, maybe a bit of rice (with the Asian Miso style) or perhaps some potatoes. The flavor itself was quite nice. I still firmly standby that Delta’s food top in NA carriers.
Finally, the dessert. What else but a signature sundae. I also got some port win to accompany my meal. Not too hard not melting, the perfect way to end my meal! Considering the only lackluster ice cream sundae I’ve had in the airways was with BA, I can vouch that all three big US carriers do it justice.
With the influence of alcohol, I drifted off to sleep. Apologies again for not including too many pictures of each detail.
A good five hours of sleep later, the crew came by with the midnight snack. Although the chocolate chip cookie was amazing, I would’ve liked if Delta brought some sort of hot dish like they do with Asian flights. For reference, I had the option beteen hot pork buns or spicy fried chicken between Incheon and the US. I get that Asian routes are longer, but something a little extra would’ve be even better.
With just under two hours until landing in Atlanta, we were offered a little light meal as the cabin lights turned back on. Today, “English Afternoon Tea”. I’m convinced the cold cuts were plucked right out of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, while I had a mid-life crisis panick googling whether my throat would close up after I ate the wax layer of the cheese. My favorite from the selection was the pink macaroon, along with the blueberry jam. All in alll, a good pre-landing light meal.
We touched down in Atlanta at 20:59, 15 minutes early, leaving plenty of time before my (very) late connection to St. Louis.
