One of the perks of flying first class is getting off the plane as soon as it parks at the arrival gate. But when I landed at Palm Beach International Airport, I had a truly shocking thought: “I wish that flight were longer.”
I flew Delta from my home in NYC to West Palm Beach, Florida. The ride was just under three hours, and I booked a first-class ticket for $500 — a $350 upgrade from basic economy.
I flew first class once about 15 years ago, but this was my first experience in the premium cabin with Delta and as an adult. I loved feeling like a VIP for two hours and 50 minutes, but ultimately, I regretted splurging on a first-class ticket for a short trip.
I arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 7 a.m. for my 8 a.m. flight to Palm Beach International Airport.
As my cab approached JFK, I asked the driver to drop me off at Delta’s Sky Priority check-in area. It was my first time having the elite status as a first-class passenger, though I didn’t know exactly what it meant yet.
The first-class perks began with Sky Priority check-in, but I didn’t take advantage of it.
Once inside, I learned from signage in the terminal that Sky Priority is an express service through the airport for travelers in premium classes and Delta Medallion Members. You get to check in faster and go through a shorter security line. First-class passengers can also check up to two bags free of charge.
Unfortunately, I didn’t use any of these services. I checked in online and brought only one carry-on suitcase, since my trip was only five days long.
I also have TSA PreCheck, which was quicker than Delta’s Sky Priority line.
When I got to my gate, I was among the first to board.
Unless I’m competing for overhead bin space, I typically try to board last. I’ve never been in a rush to sit in my economy seat longer than I need to.
Since I was flying first class, I was unusually excited for my journey. So I enjoyed the perk of being in the first boarding group.
The plane was a Boeing 737-800, which holds 160 passengers and has 16 first-class seats.
There were four rows, each with two seats, on either side of the aisle.
Once inside the first-class cabin, I realized I didn’t match the vibe of my fellow passengers. Blazers, button-downs, polos, chinos, and slacks were all around me. There were a couple of people in T-shirts and jeans, but no one was wearing sweatpants or Crocs — no one but me.
There was a water bottle waiting for me at my seat.
There was a console between each set of seats with a water bottle for each passenger. A flight attendant asked if I’d like another beverage as soon as I sat down. I was surprised by the service before we even took off, but I said I was fine with water. They smiled and handed me another bottle.
The seat felt spacious, cozy, and private.
My seat felt like a sofa for one. It was as plush as it looked with its quilted stitching and thick headrest. At roughly 21 inches wide, there was enough space for me to curl up and lounge, which I wouldn’t have been able to do in the 17.3-inch-wide seats in economy.
I also had plenty of legroom, with a seat pitch of around 38 to 39 inches, compared to 31 to 32 inches in economy, according to Delta.
The first-class seats recline about 5 inches, compared to 3 inches in coach. And believe me, those extra inches were noticeable.
I found storage spaces around my seat that you won’t see in economy.
There was storage between the seats in front of me that I used for water bottles. There was also a cupholder and enough space to hold my camera and headphones in the middle console next to my seat.
The entertainment system included a seatback screen. The audio jack and power outlets were conveniently located.
I could have spent the entire flight contemplating what to watch. I found new releases from “Friendship” to “Sinners,” blockbusters like “Barbie” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” hit shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Abbott Elementary,” as well as live TV and YouTube Music.
I went with “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” I felt my way around the rim of the screen but couldn’t find the audio jack. The passenger next to me let me know that it was just above the armrest on my seat. That’s when I noticed that the power outlets were also right next to my seat. It was much more convenient than having them on the seat in front of me.
Unfortunately, the audio wasn’t working at my seat. The flight attendant restarted the system for me, but to no avail. It was a bummer, but it’s something that could happen on any flight, regardless of class.
“Delta people have the autonomy to offer on-the-spot service recovery in the uncommon event of inoperative in-flight entertainment or WiFi,” an airline representative told Business Insider in an email. “Of course, customers can further contact Delta to have additional concerns heard, and additional compensation may arrive on a case-by-case basis.”
The flight also had free WiFi for Delta SkyMiles members.
Once in the air, a flight attendant came around with a basket of snacks.
In economy, I’m used to flight attendants listing the snack options and allowing me to select one. However, in first class, they presented each passenger with a basket of snacks, and we were allowed to take multiple.
Then they took breakfast orders, and I found my tray table.
My ticket included a complimentary breakfast. My choices were a potato and bacon frittata, Greek yogurt with chia pudding, and a dark chocolate pistachio bread pudding. I went with the frittata.
Then we were instructed to pull out our tray tables to prepare for the meal. I didn’t see one in front of me like in economy seating, but I watched the passenger next to me pull theirs from their armrest and followed suit.
The tray table was larger than the ones in the main cabin, and I could fold it to be half the size if needed.
The meal was better than I had expected.
I don’t expect much from airplane food. So this meal surprised me. It wasn’t bland or dry, and it was well-balanced.
There were chunks of potatoes in my frittata, the bacon was glazed with maple, and there were sides of sautéed spinach and cherry tomatoes. The meal also came with yogurt and a croissant — both of which were decent.
All the dishes were flavorful — I didn’t need salt and pepper. And unlike most meals in the air, it was tasty enough for me to nearly finish it.
About an hour before landing, the attendant came around with more snacks. It was more food than I’ve ever gotten on a flight, and it was only three hours long.
The first-class bathroom had a touch of luxury.
This flight was so short that I didn’t need to use the bathroom, but I checked it out for you anyway.
At first glance, it looked like a typical airplane bathroom. It didn’t appear to be any larger than those in economy.
Still, I noticed that there was hand wash and hand cream from the luxury skincare brand Grown Alchemist. This is another perk of first class, the Delta rep told Business Insider.
I had a fantastic time in first class, but I felt like it was a wasted experience for a short trip.
A three-hour journey for my five-day trip to Florida was the wrong time to fly first class. I didn’t make use of all the perks, like free checked bags and a premium bathroom. The ultra-cozy seat, additional legroom, and extra snacks would have served me better on a long-haul flight.
“Our Delta First experience is designed to provide added comfort and premium amenities and service — but we know each customer’s perception of value will vary according to their flight length and other priorities,” the airline rep told Business Insider.
Next time my destination is three hours away or less, I’ll stick with coach and save $350.
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