Flying home always sucks, but at least we’re doing it with a little style. Today’s ride home is a Delta 330-200 in Delta One Business Class. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden on a Delta One aircraft so I’m excited to see how this are going. The Delta A330ceo are getting a little old and are not equipped with the Delta One Suites like on the A330-900neo(Full Review Here). The A330-200 is an interesting plane, they are a shorter version of the A330 and have a longer range than the -300, not that it’s needed for our FRA-DTW flight.
Daytime Westbound Trans-Atlantic flights are usually a flight where I don’t mind riding in economy or premium economy. I’m not usually trying to sleep like on the overnight east bound trip. We’re riding in Delta One Business Class because I had some miles to burn and used them to upgrade this flight. It’s very nice to relax on the way home. Even though it’s named “Delta One” it’s Business Class, Delta doesn’t have First Class on long haul international flights.
Bottom Line: The Delta A330-200 Delta One Business Class experience is solid. The meal was very good and flight attendants were fantastic. The Delta One seats are starting to show their age, but are comfortable and private.
Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Terminal 2 is a pretty terrible airport. The whole thing is just kinda unpleasant. We had already gotten our boarding passes on the Delta App, so no need to stop at the counter, we’re traveling carry-on only.
The first step for us is Schengen Exit Immigration. This part of the process was very fast as we can use the E-Gates with our US passports. Just had to make sure that I got an exit stamp after passing through the automated turnstile.
After passport control, there are shops, restaurants, and lounges. Security here at FRA Terminal 2 is somewhat like at Singapore. There’s not a central security checkpoint, there’s a checkpoint for a small cluster of gates. You don’t want to head to the gate too early as there’s very little after security. We’re scheduled to depart in about 45 minutes so we headed right to the gate.
The individual security checkpoint was one of the slowest I’ve ever experienced. Every single bag from every traveler was getting pulled by the x-ray for extra inspection. The person doing the second inspection was getting frustrated as there was no reason for that many bags to be flagged.
After security there’s very little in the way of services. There’s a bathroom, a few airline desks, and the gate. You definitely don’t want to hang out in this area longer than required. Unfortunately for us, as soon as we passed security, we got a flight delay notification on our phones.
The boarding area was a little crowded, but we found a space for ourselves. We have a 95 minute connection in DTW. They are showing a 35 minute delay, usually a 35 minute delay isn’t a huge deal, but that’s pretty tight, even for me. But we’ll see what happens.
We finally started boarding about 45 minutes late. Our Delta A330 is the plane on the left. I love the cargo Asiana 747 taking off in the background.
Delta A330-200 Delta One Business Class Cabin
The Delta One cabin on the A330-200 has 34 seats divided into 2 sections that are split by the second boarding door. I prefer to sit in the most forward cabin in these situations, there tends to be less foot traffic that way.
I stowed by bags in the overhead bin. There’s no in seat storage so everything needs to be overhead. Unlike some other planes, the Delta A330 has storage bins over the center section of seats. After stowing my bags the flight attendant came and offered to take my jacket.
Delta A330-200 Delta One Seat Review
I found my seat on the left hand side of the plane. The A330 Delta One seats are a reverse hearing bone 1-2-1 configuration. Every seat has direct aisle access and I prefer a window seat for the view.
These Delta One Seats are pretty roomy, but are showing a little bit of wear. I remember more than a decade ago these seats were considered some of the best in the world, business class sure has changed.
In my seat was bedding, slippers, an amenity kit, bottle of water, and headphones.
There’s pretty much unlimited leg room on the Delta A330 Business Class seat. I also find the seat very wide and comfortable. The footwells are also large enough to not notice them. With the in seat entertainment screen folded away the seat feels very spacious but also private because I’m facing the window with a nice little cove around me.
Delta A330-200 Delta One Seat Features
The main seat controls for the Delta One Seat are up on panel near the in seat entertainment screen. Next to that is the IFE remote and the button to release the screen from it’s stowed position.
Over my left shoulder is a set of headphones. They are decent, but I used my Sonys instead.
This is the reading light, you push the button to release it and turn it on. I like that the cabin has these style of lights in addition to the overhead ones. On a dark overnight flight, they don’t flood the cabin with light and disturb others.
Down just above the “side table” is a USB and Universal Power port to charge devices. On a long flight this is pretty much a necessity these days.
The Delta A330 Delta One Seat has a lower-able armrest separating the seat from the aisle. You can see the wear on the seats pretty well here.
This arm rest has to be down for takeoff and landing, but in flight can be up.
Another benefit of the slightly older plane is the overhead air-vents, I’m not sure why newer planes have removed these in Business Class cabins.
A great feature of the Delta A330 Delta One seat is that even with the tray table out, you can lower the arm rest and slide out of the seat. Then if you need to use the bathroom before your tray is cleared, you can get out.
Delta A330-200 Delta One In Seat Entertainment
Like all Delta widebody planes, the A330 has in seat entertainment. To release the screen from it’s stowed position there’s a release button.
The selection of movies and shows is very good. The screen on these A330s is a little older than what you’ll find on other planes. It’s a good size and has a nice responsive touch screen, it’s just not quite as good as other options.
Delta does a good job of keeping a decent selection of movies and shows. They keep them somewhat updated with both new releases and older favorites. I was especially excited to see Hunt for Red October as I’ve been craving to see it lately.
I will note, there was an odd issue once we were in flight. I selected my movie and it was something else. This happened on a few different selections for myself and Valerie. Most were the right title, but a few just weren’t.
Delta One A330-200 Pre-Departure Drinks
Once I sat down I was offered an option between sparkling wine, orange juice, or beer. I went with the beer. The chief flight attendant came through and introduced himself, welcomed us, and confirmed our meal selection.
Val opted for the sparkling wine option. The pilots were out in the Delta One business cabin talking with passengers and were very friendly.
Delta A330-200 Push Back and Takeoff
After a quick boarding process, the pilot came on and said that we’d be de-icing here at the gate and then pushing back. In all, looks like we’re going to be delayed by about 75 minutes. Not great for our 95 minute connection.
The cabin was all buttoned up and the flight attendants did their walk though. My glass was collected, and the flight attendants made their welcome announcement.
As we pushed back the safety video was shown. We pushed back from the gate at 12:55, nearly 75 minutes late. I’m really not optimistic about our connection.
We headed towards the runway on this snowy wet day here in Frankfurt.
We took of at 1:13 pm. So while the view is pretty great, there’s no chance we make our connection in Detroit.
As we headed out of town, we were under the clouds for a few minutes and got to admire the scenery all covered in snow.
It was relatively smooth as we climbed through the clouds and finally got to see some sun.
Delta A330-200 Delta One Menu and Meal
In each seat there was a menu for the Delta One Lunch Meal. We had pre-ordered our meals online earlier in the week so we didn’t need to make any selections for this flight onboard.
Delta One Menu
Delta One Menu
Delta One Menu
Delta One Menu
Delta One Menu
The meal started with drinks and nuts. I hadn’t seen Voodoo Ranger on a Delta flight before but I was glad to have it. It’s a favorite of mine.
Next the meal was served. The first tray had the salmon appetizer, salad, soup, and bread.
I thought the smoked salmon was particularity good, especially with the bread and butter.
The salad wasn’t my favorite thing, but was well made if you like lots of pepitas and dried fruits.
This is the squash soup, Delta has been serving this for years in Delta One. I like it, but it’s a little mild, I wish it had some kick.
Next came my entree, I had pre-chosen the “selection of German sausages.” It looked like a little bit of a mess but was very tasty. I particularly liked the cheddar sausages. If you’re departing from Germany I would definitely recommend it.
The meal was finished out with a made to order ice cream sunday. These are served from the cart in the aisle and I chose to have chocolate sauce and wiped cream. I also had another beer with my desert.
My tray was cleared and outside it was a great view as we passed over the Atlantic coastline.
Delta A330-200 Delta One Amenity Kit
The current Delta One amenity kits are made by a company called Someone Somewhere. They are a nice little pouch and there’s some details about the person who made it inside. The kit includes ear plugs, hand lotion, an eye mask, toothbrush and tooth paste, and a pen.
Included in the seat is a set of slippers. I really appreciated these on longer flights. I like to take my shoes off when I’m relaxing in my seat or sleeping, but I obviously want to wear shoes when going to the bathroom. This way I can wear the slippers when I’m out of my seat and not have to put my shoes back on.
Delta A330-200 Delta One Bedding
The bedding provided by Delta in Business Class on the A330 is branded Coz-z-z. It’s honesty pretty comfortable.
The pillow was large and the comforter was soft. When reclined into a bed my bedding fully setup I was very comfortable in my seat.
After my dinner I settled into a movie and tried to get a little sleep. With the delay, I’m pretty sure we’re in for a long way home as we’re going to miss the last flight of the day to GSP from DTW.
The head flight attendant was really great. Super friendly and attentive. He noticed my water bottle was empty and came around with another one.
Delta A330-200 In Flight
After lunch and watching a movie I decided to stretch my legs and take a lap of the plane.
During the flight the Delta One Business Class cabin was nice and quiet. Most people were either trying to get a nap or watch a movie.
The Delta Premium Select cabin is just behind the Delta One Cabin. It has 3 rows of 2-3-2 seating. I’ve ridden in Premium Select on the Delta 767-400 and enjoyed it, I have a full review if you’re interested.
The Delta A330-200 has 168 economy and comfort plus seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. This flight wasn’t particularly full so lots of people spread out and were relaxing. In the back of the plane some people were even laying down across several seats.
Back at my seat the flight attendants came around and offered a snack. It was a hot buttered pretzel. Not amazing but a nice little snack.
So far this flight has been very smooth and comfortable. No real bumps as I tried to get a little more sleep.
Delta A330-200 Bathrooms
The Delta A330-200 has 2 lavatories in the front of the plane for Delta One passengers. They are a good enough size and were fairly clean throughout the flight. There are 4 more lavatories in the rear of the plane for the economy cabin.
Delta One Pre-Arrival Meal
About two hours before landing in Detroit the flight attendants came around and offered a pre-arrival meal. The crew was really great, they remembered I liked the Voodoo Ranger Beer and said they saved the last one on the plane for me. How great is that!
There are 2 options for this meal, a tomato with mozzarella sandwich or a cold charcuterie plate. I chose the charcuterie.
The charcuterie plate was really great. Large selection of different meats including ham, salami, and prosciutto. There was also some cheese, butter, onions and then a piece of bread. For desert a chocolate tart with strawberry.
All in this was a great light meal. I was thoroughly stuffed from all of the food on the flight.
Outside we are passing over eastern Canada on the way towards Detroit. Delta had sent me a notification to the Delta App that we had been re-booked on a flight to GSP via ATL. So that’s a bummer, our great direct flight from DTW-GSP was now a 2 hop trip.
Delta A330-200 Delta One Approach and Landing
With about an hour left in the flight the seat belt sign was turned back on. It had started to get a little rough and the pilots gave the arrival information.
Outside we had started to descend into the DTW area.
The flight attendants came around and handed out little chocolates. I really liked this one, nice and dark unlike the milk chocolate provided by Lufthansa or Austrian.
A few bumps as we passed through the clouds on the way to Detroit. I’m really bummed about our delay, I love connecting in DTW as compared to ATL.
Nice view of downtown Detroit as we approached the airport from the north. The left is usually the best side of the plane for seating when going to Detroit. This is the most common arrival pattern.
Looks like there’s going to be some snow on the ground here in Michigan. Not a surprise, it’s late November.
We landed just about 90 minutes late. As we taxied to the gate I saw our originally scheduled flight to GSP pushing back from the gate. Clearly we’re not making that connection. Oh well.
Delta A330-200 Delta One Final Thoughts
Delta One on the A330-200 is a solid business class product. It’s not amazing or ground breaking, but it’s a very pleasant way to cross the Atlantic. The seats on these planes are getting a little worn but are still very comfortable.
The best part of this Delta One flight was the flight attendants and the meals. The flight attendants were seriously great. Super friendly and just on top of their game. Drinks were never left empty, plates were cleared quickly, and they were just so pleasant to be around. The meals served were also very good. The sausage entree was very good and left me completely stuffed. The pre-arrival meal of charcuterie was just what I wanted.
If I had the option, I’d gladly ride on the Delta A330 in business class again.
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