It’s been several years since I’ve ridden on the Delta 757-300 in First Class and I’m glad to be back. Delta Air Lines is the largest operator of Boeing 757s and one of only a few airlines that uses the largest 757-300 variant. These are not a very common plane with only 55 produced and Delta has 16 of the 753 in service.
Today’s flight over to San Diego is a common route for the Delta 757-300. With 234 seats, this is the largest capacity narrow body plane in the Delta fleet and well used on these higher demand (somewhat)trans-con flights out of Atlanta. Like most flights, I didn’t buy First Class on the 757-300, I was upgraded using a regional upgrade certificate. This is also a vacation trip for us and I used a Delta Companion Certificate.
Before the flight there had been a few changes to the aircraft type, it was always a 757 but it swapped back and forth a few times between the 757-300 and -200. I’m glad it finally settled on the 757-300 because I think it’s better in First Class than the -200. Anyway, let’s get into this review.
I’ve reviewed the Delta 757-200 in First Class too, while I like the -300 better, the 757-200 is a good ride.
Bottom Line: In First Class, the Delta 757-300 is a great ride, if I get the opportunity I’ll gladly take this ride again. I really like the Delta 757-300 in First Class, seats are comfortable, the plane has excellent in seat entertainment, and the first class cabin is quiet with more privacy than most narrow body planes.
Delta 757-300 First Class Boarding
After spending a just under 2 hours in the ATL Concourse F Skyclub, we walked down to our gate. Getting around the Atlanta Airport is easy so changing terminals for a long layover is worth the effort. When we arrived they were boarding Comfort Plus so we joined the line.
The 757-300 is a slow boarding aircraft, it’s really long so it just takes a while to shuffle everyone down the single aisle.
The good news is that the 757-300 like it’s smaller brother, boards from the second door.
Delta 757-300 First Class Boarding
So first class boards and turns left. When doing so it’s very private and quiet. No one is shuffling by with bags and it also gives the flight attendants the availability to easily serve drinks while here on the ground. The Delta 757-300 has 24 first class seats in a 2-2 configuration over 6 rows.
Delta 757-300 First Class Seat Review
Today we’re sitting in the last row on the right hand side of the Delta 757-300 First Class section. I usually like the last row of First Class cabins, but today is was out of necessity, these were the only two seats next to each other. When flying to SAN, I much prefer to sit on the other side of the plane for the view, but not going to happen today.
In each seat there is a pillow and blanket for each first class passenger. The leg room here is also very good. These are a very comfortable seat too, much better than some of the newer First Class seats.
The Delta 757-300 has a great in seat entertainment offering. The screens are large and responsive. Unlike the 757-200, all of the -300s have these large screens. The selection is really good as well, plenty of shows and movies to watch.
The overhead vents on the Delta 757-300 are also the old school style that actually put out air, here in First Class there are 3 vents for 2 seats.
In each seat there is power. Down here near your shins is a 110v universal port and then up on the entertainment monitor there is USB.
Delta 757-300 Pre-Flight Beverages
Waiting in our seats were two bottles of water.
Here’s the best part about the 757-300 in First Class. While the rest of the plane is boarding, there’s no one walking through the aisle up front.
The really friendly flight attendant came around and welcomed us. He then asked if we’d like a drink, I first asked if they had any of the TipTop old fashioned, but they were out. So I decided to have a beer. The good news is that he said the Old Fashioned would be back in the summer, I’m excited.
Our drinks soon claim. The Delta 757-300 has a drink holder that extends from the center arm rest here in first class.
Delta 757-300 Departure and Takeoff
The door was soon closed and the jet bridge was retracted. The flight attendants made their welcome and prepared for departure. It’s raining here in Atlanta.
The safety video was displayed as we pushed back from the gate. We’re looking forward to getting to southern California but even there it’s forecast to rain.
The cabin lights were dimmed and the flight attendants took their seats.
We headed towards the runway. Airports always look great in the dark when it’s raining. At least I think they do.
We took off towards the west, it’s a little rough with the rain in the Atlanta area.
Delta 757-300 First Class In Flight Review
For the first 15-20 minutes of the flight it was a little rough and the pilots asked for the flight attendants to keep their seats until it got a little smoother. The seat belt sign was also left on during this time. The 757-300 handles rough air pretty well so nothing uncomfortable, just enough that you wouldn’t want someone walking around.
As we crossed through some more clouds it got smooth enough that the flight attendants began their drink and snack service.
Delta 757-300 First Class Drink and Snack Service
After about 10 minutes the flight attendants came through the cabin, first with a snack basket and then taking drink orders. I went with cookies and pistachios, I’m a predictable person when it comes to plane snacks.
Val had a gin and tonic and I went with another Sweetwater Hazy IPA. Flights between ATL and SAN are long enough that Delta will offer a full meal to First Class. But because this flight leaves ATL after 9pm, there’s no dinner service.
Outside the clouds have cleared and we got some really nice views down below. It’s still a little rough and the seat belt sign was left on for the next few minutes.
I didn’t really care, I was plenty comfortable to just sit and enjoy a movie. I watched “Bad Moms.” Not an amazing movie but a few people said it was worth the watch.
Delta 757-300 First Class Bathroom Review
About an hour into the flight the seatbelt sign was turned off and I went to the bathroom. The Delta 757-300 has 5 lavatories. 1 in the front, 2 at the boarding door, and then 2 more in the rear. This is the front bathroom used by First Class. Plenty of space, in fact it’s probably one of the larger narrow body bathrooms in the Delta fleet.
Delta 757-300 First Class In Flight Review
Back in the First Class cabin the curtain was pulled to separate the cabin and we settled into the remaining ~2.5 hours of the flight.
It was dark and quiet here in First Class. Most people were just watching a movie and relaxing on this Friday evening. The flight attendant came around a few times and offered more drinks and snacks to everyone who wanted.
It was very clear outside and we got some great views as we passed overhead. The only downside of this flight so far is that the free Delta Wifi doesn’t seem to have been rolled out to this Delta 757-300. I thought these all had it, but I guess not.
I put on a second movie as we passed over the Southwest US. I’m pretty tired and with the late departure, I’m starting to doze off a little bit. The seats on the 757-300 First Class recline nicely and are very comfortable.
Delta 757-300 First Class SAN Arrival
I had fallen asleep for the last hour or so of the flight and I was awoken when the cabin lights were turned on in preparation for landing into San Diego. I put my seat back up and the flight attendant came and took the trash from the few drinks and snacks I had onboard.
Outside we had already descended and the outskirts of San Diego were in sight. This part of the world is really beautiful in the daytime. The flight attendants made their final briefing and took their seats.
Just a few seconds before landing into SAN. The other side of the plane is getting a great view of Downtown and the waterfront.
And on the ground here in San Deigo. Time to grab a ride to the San Diego Moxy Gaslamp District(Review Here).
Delta 757-300 First Class Final Thoughts
The Delta 757-300 First Class is a great product. It’s just regular recliners but the 757-300 is a very comfortable plane. With door 2 boarding, it just feels a little bit more private. The seats used here in First Class are very comfortable with plenty of recline and space to relax.
We didn’t get anything fancy for drinks or snacks on this flight to San Diego, but the flight attendants were very friendly and helpful. I liked that Delta has started to again provide pillows and blankets in first class. The 757-300s First Class in seat entertainment is very good. Nice large screens with plenty of selection to choose from.
End of the day, I enjoy the Delta 757-300 and would gladly ride on one again.