So this is an odd plane… Delta has used the A321Neo for a while, in fact there are more than 100 of them in service with Delta, nothing unusual about this. However, there is a small subfeet of Delta A321Neos with a massive 44 seat First Class cabin. As a comparison the regular Delta A321ceo(Full Review) and A321neo have 20 First Class seats. This is a temporary configuration denoted as 3NP when you’re looking at flights.
Delta planned to have these planes with a true Delta One business class cabin with lie flat seats, however those seats are delayed so delta replaced them with a pile of standard first class seats. Yes, it’s also weird that Delta classifies business class above first class.
Anyway, this is the first time I had a chance to ride on this Delta A321neo(3NP) with 44 First Class seats. We’re flying between ATL and SFO today. The best part of the Delta A321Neo with 44 first class seats is the upgrade potential. It’s a pretty easy upgrade for medallion members. These planes are exclusive used for flights between Atlanta the West Coast.
Bottom Line: The Delta A321Neo, with 44 First Class seats, is unique but not really a different experience from the standard configuration. The meal service was faster and better than I expected. The seats are ok, their recline amount is a double edge sword. The in-seat entertainment is great, the onboard wifi worked well, and there’s inseat power. All in, good flight.
Delta A321Neo First Class Boarding
We’re a little delayed today heading to San Francisco tonight. Flying during summertime in the south east is unpredictable with afternoon storms. Today we took some delays coming into ATL, but nothing too serious. We got to the gate right as they called zone 3, we’re in zone 1 and so we joined the queue.
Our Delta A321Neo ready to take us to San Francisco. You can tell the A321Ceo from the A321Neo by the size of the engines and the black eye mask over the windshield. The engines are much larger on the neo.
We boarded the Delta A321 neo and found our seats in the last row of the 44 sear cabin. This plane is super odd, the first class cabin goes on forever.
Delta A321Neo First Class Seats
These Delta First Class seats on the A321Neo are a little fancier than most first class seats in the Delta Fleet. They have different upholstery, “wings” on the headrest for privacy, leg rests, remotes, and several storage compartments. I found them a little firm, but not uncomfortable. There are more comfortable options though, I especially like the Delta 757-300 First Class Seats.
In the seats, the seat backs are very plain. Just a big screen inset onto the hard plastic shell.
Legroom on the Delta A321Neo in First Class is fine. Nothing amazing and there’s quiet a bit of stuff under the seat that keeps you from really storing a bag under the seat. My Osprey Daylite is only a 13L bag and it doesn’t really fit.
Between our seats and at our feet there is a storage compartment. I’m not really sure what it’s used for.
For seat controls, there is recline, leg rest, and footrest. There’s also another storage cubby
In the center section there is a universal charging port that also has USB.
Overhead panel is pretty normal airbus. There are only 2 seats here in First Class, but there are 3 vents and overhead lights. Not unusual.
Delta A321neo First Class Seat Comfort
We’re sitting in the last row on the right hand side of the plane. These are my preferred seats for a couple reasons. The biggest reason is that I like to look out the window, we’re flying mostly due west in the evening. This way I don’t have a ton of sunlight blinding me.
Delta is using these winged headrest seats on a few new narrow body planes and some retrofits. They have recline, leg rests, and foot rests. The seats themselves are wide and trimmed in black, a departure from standard Delta blue.
Delta A321neo First Class Departure and Push Back
We settled in and the flight attendant offered orange juice or sparkling wine. I’m good with just water, but Val had some of the sparking wine.
The pilots gave their welcome and told us it will be a 4:45 flight to San Francisco. It should be pretty smooth once we’re out of the Atlanta area. Unfortunately we have a departure time of 9:00 so we’re going to have to wait a few minutes after push back.
We pushed back and the safety video was shown.
I settled into a crappy movie on the very good entertainment system.
We took off towards the West. It’s a little odd being this far back on a plane and still sitting in first class.
Unfortunately the guy sitting in front of Val decided to recline almost as soon as we started heading to the runway. These seats get pretty tight when someone reclines into your lap. There is some good news, the entertainment screens do tilt so you can still see your movie, even if you don’t have a lot of space.
Sunset window views are such a nice way to start a trip. There are some storms in the area, but it wasn’t too bumpy.
Delta A321 First Class Meal
Very quickly after takeoff the flight attendant came around and confirmed our meal pre-order selection. I had pre-ordered the Shake Shake burger. The tray tables fold out of the arm rest on the Delta A321 in First Class
Snacks and drinks were distributed along with table cloths. I went for a Sweetwater 420. I like these well enough, but they’re not for everyone. I was a little worried with 44 seats in the First Class cabin service would be slow, I was wrong, service was quick enough with multiple flight attendants working the cabin.
About an hour into the flight we were served our meals. I do have to stay, the Delta Shake Shack burger is decent. I mean, it’s a fast food burger served on an airplane, so there’s obviously better food in this word. I’ve had better burgers, hell regular shake shack is better, but it was good enough. I’ve had way worse meals on planes. I would order the Delta Shake Shack burger again though.
I settled into my seat and reclined after my tray was cleared. The cabin lights were dimmed and the plane was pretty quiet for the majority of the trip. It’s a somewhat late flight and people want to rest.
Delta A321neo Lavatory
The lavatory at the front of the cabin wasn’t anything special. It was kept relatively clean for the whole flight though so that’s nice. There is a baby changing table on the Delta A321 for those who are interested.
Delta A321Neo First Class In Flight
Outside of the window it’s fully dark as we headed west. So far, this flight has been super smooth. We’re just over 2 hours in and I’m starting a second movie.
The cabin mood lights are on full display tonight. The Delta A321Neos all have this lighted ceiling, not just the 44 First Class seat variant.
As I watched my movie, I extended the leg rest from my seat and settled in. I was even able to get ~90 minutes of sleep. Not bad for me, I rarely sleep on domestic flights. Because of that, this review gets pretty short…
Delta A321 First Class Arrival and Landing
With about 35 minutes left in the flight, the pilot gave us some arrival information and asked for the flight attendants to prepare for landing.
Outside we are starting to see some suburban lights from the bay area.
The cabin was readied, and the flight attendants took their seats for landing.
A few minutes later we touched down in San Francisco.
Delta A321 Neo First Class Final Thoughts
Delta’s unique A321neo with 44 first class seats is kinda fun, but at the same time, is just another domestic first class experience. It’s nice for medallion members because the upgrades are easy, with 44 first class seats, the odds are in your favor for a free upgrade to first class. I was worried that service for the cabin would take a while, I was wrong, it wasn’t any slower than any other plane.
My Shake Shack burger was pretty good, it’s still fast food on a plane, but I’d eat it again. I’m not sure if that speaks to the burger being good or plane food being generally bad.
I like that Delta is exclusively using these 44 first class seat planes on flights from ATL to the west coast. That’s probably best case scenario for passengers, more space for more people on longer flights.
If I had the opportunity to choose one of the A321s, I would do so again.