While not marketed as the full Delta One experience, this domestic first class flight on Delta offered a comfortable way to fly with a great crew at an affordable price.

Booking

While it’s certainly possible to book domestic Delta first class with points, I had a couple of companion tickets that were expiring at the end of 2022. The cabins and fare codes you’re allowed to book with Delta’s companion tickets vary depending on the credit card they came from. The mid-level Delta Platinum credit card allows access to the L, U, T, X, or V fare codes (all regular economy). Mine came from the higher-end Delta Reserve credit card, which in addition to the above fare codes, also allows W and S (Comfort+) and I and Z (domestic first).

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the Delta companion tickets. There are a lot of rules regarding these tickets that make it difficult to use (cannot be used between the mainland and Hawaii/Alaska unless you live in Hawaii/Alaska, cannot be used on domestic Delta One, cannot be combined with gift cards or credits, cannot be redeemed for an open jaw itinerary). In this case, we were heading to Washington, DC. There is a nonstop flight between LAX and DCA, but we were not allowed onto that flight because it’s marketed as Delta One. Even trying to book into economy wasn’t allowed on that flight.

I wish Delta would make the certificates as easy to use as the companion tickets from Alaska Airlines, which are as flexible as can be for economy travel, but I don’t expect them to reverse course on this anytime soon.

Here is a refer-a-friend link to the Delta Reserve Card, which would provide a companion ticket that can be used for first class on renewal (not as a sign-up bonus). While you shouldn’t feel obligated to use my link, I certainly appreciate it if you do.

Boarding and First Impressions

If we had to route through another city on the way to Washington DC, I tried to make it as comfortable as possible for the family. On some frequencies between LAX and ATL, you might happen upon an Airbus A350, which offers significant comfort and style in all cabins over the standard domestic plane. Since this flight is not marketed as Delta One, we are able to use the companion tickets without a problem.

The kids certainly enjoyed stretching out in the big seats, wasting no time to get on their preferred devices for the flight (and ignoring the large monitors right in front of them. The plane has a sleek look to it, with seat cushions that felt adequately padded for lengthy flights (more than adequate for this four-hour flight).

Before takeoff, flight attendants did come around to offer pre-departure beverages. I was feeling rather bold and went with a Coke while Char opted for apple juice.

The Seat

We took up four middle seats, two middle seats per aisle. There is a divider between each pair of middle seats. It’s a bit unfortunate the divider cannot be completely removed, but it does open up to allow for easy conversations between seatmates. If you have younger children, it can be a little tough to hold hands between the divider if you don’t have long arms but it can be done. Each seat does have a door that can be closed while in flight, providing extra privacy. I honestly find it a bit unnecessary on this particular routing as it’s a bit short to get a decent sleep.

The seat has plenty of space for my legs (I’m 5’10”) while both in sitting position and when laying down. Even if there isn’t enough time to sleep, if you’re going to give me the option of lying down on a flight, I will absolutely take you up on it. Seat controls are easy to use and are located just along the center console.

Headphones are provided at each seat. Despite not having all the bells and whistles of a Delta One flight, it is nice they provide better headphones for the journey. It is a significant step up from the earbuds that are normally passed around before takeoff.

Food and Beverage

Once we leveled off in the air, flight attendants came around to lay a small cloth on each passenger’s tray.

The food options on this flight are consistent with the options available on other domestic Delta first class flights. For breakfast, I ordered the French toast bread pudding. This dish is definitely on the sweet side and is perfect for those who love carbs. I found it could use a bit more balance–perhaps instead of a croissant on the side, it might be preferred to have some plain Greek yogurt. It was a bit difficult to eat the croissant after the bread pudding but the fruit was refreshing.

The other option, which is what Char got, was the quiche. This dish seemed better balanced and the croissant did not feel out of place here. The quiche certainly has a lot of cheese on it, so if you have dairy concerns, it might be better to choose something else. Char, naturally, loves cheese so this dish should be right up her alley.

After the meal service ended, I decided to fill up on beer. It was nice being served a proper glass instead of the plastic cups I’ve been used to seeing.

Recommendation: Yes

If you happen to be flying between LAX and ATL, be on the lookout for flights on the A350. On top of the plane being more aesthetically-pleasing across all cabins, it’s a much smoother, quieter ride than other plane types running the route. Just don’t come in expecting any additional service above a normal flight. I’d still prefer Delta to relax on the restrictions on their companion tickets, but I don’t expect to be winning that fight.

Have you flown an internationally-configured plane on a domestic route? How was your experience?