Flying through the night in comfort. (Day 1 flying into Day 2)

All too often these days, those two words – flying and comfort, do not go together. Seats are cramped, space to move is limited, less legroom, and don’t get me started about the “recline” angle. Even up in first class, the seat does not recline much more. The seats are wider, there is a bit more legroom, and food service with alcoholic beverages at no cost. Yes, all of these are a plus to one’s trip, but still not luxury, like it used to be.  

For this trip to Peru, I promised myself I would be smart about things, but I also wasn’t going to make myself miserable or hurting at the start of the trip, especially knowing our time in the rainforest basin was going to be rustic. To ensure success, I started my ticket search early and frequently, knowing there would be a sweet spot when the price was just right or a sale. And I was right. In late March, I found a Delta One (sort of the new international business class) for less than $500 more than a “main” cabin (economy) ticket. For the difference in airfare, I would have a first-class seat for both domestic flights, access to the Delta Lounge for layovers in Atlanta and Lima, and, best of all, a fully reclining seat that becomes a fully flat bed for both of my nearly 7 hours international flights. In my country, my 2 domestic short flights (less than 90 minutes) were economy (not an issue). 

The two blessings of the ticket were the lounge access: free food, free beverages including basic alcohol, comfortable lounge chairs, bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, access to electricity for device charging, and, if desired, private shower rooms. I have always loved being able to chill for long layovers (2+ hours, in my opinion) in the Delta Lounge. The shower options had come in handy many times from early AM flights, all-day sweaty flights, and late-night flights like this one. I will admit the old-fashioned business class seats have also been a nice perk I have been able to purchase living and working internationally. The extra free bag and 70 lb weights are added bonuses. But this Delta One cabin was a huge perk that I was excited to try, especially with the late night of the flight and long travel days in both directions.  

Boy, did it not disappoint. My flight from Atlanta to Lima was 6 hours and 30 minutes through the night, not including the one-hour time change back. At the point we departed, it was nearly 11 pm. I personally started my day at 8 am in order to get things done before departure (dishes, dogs, etc.). Then, I had an hour’s drive to the airport area. Plus dropping my car at the dealership for service, and a friend taking me to the actual airport. My GSP to Atlanta flight was one of those more time boarding, taxing, and deplaning than actually flying 45 minutes air kind of flight. Then, a nearly 5-hour layover. I was fighting my eyes to stay away to board the plane.

The Delta One section was amazing. The lighting was a calm blue tone and dimmed level. It felt spacious with the design of the staggered seating and pod-like coves. If you were in a window seat, no one was next to you. If you were in the “middle,” there was one other person, but there was space between you with the way the seat was designed. Both seats had their own access to the aisle without impediment. When you sat down, you had what felt like an “end table” on one side. Because of the design, there wasn’t a partition or partial wall, but you could not easily see into the seat in front or behind you. The seat portion was also staggered, so the other passenger was sitting in line with your “end table”. The space below the “end table” was the angled footrest for you when seated, space for your legs to be raised, and when converted into a recliner or the bed, your seat glided down and out into the cavity below the other passengers “end table”. For you, that end table was light a bedside table, it had a stashed tray to come out for food service, had a night light, your electrical and USB plug, noise-canceling headphones, and a remote control for the personal TV screen. The little screen (similar to a tablet size) was on the wall in front of you. You could watch the screen seated or lying. 

As I explored my seat, I discovered that in addition to the raised leg rest and reclining bed option, there was also a heater and massager for your back (similar to those at nail salons when getting a pedicure). I thought, “How over the top” but a few hours into the flight before going to sleep, it felt really good. Delta also provided a sanitized blank and real-size pillow packed in its own sack. Plus, a little amenity kit that included a toothbrush, toothpaste, and eye mask to help with sleeping. All from recycled material or bamboo. 

As if the “pod” wasn’t good enough, the service and attentiveness of the cabin crew were wonderful. There were maybe 30 pods (30 passengers) max for this plane design. There were 2 main attendants and 1 assistant attendant. Each “senior” attendant was responsible for half the cabin (they split it on the left and right side of the plane). The assistant was the goofer who brought the drinks, refills or cleared your tray while the senior attendants were taking orders, talking, or serving. They took your food order for dinner and breakfast at the start of the flight, plus let you request a food service time. They had dinner out ASAP (we took off at 10:30 pm) and did not wake you until your requested breakfast time (for me, it was 4 am, as we were landing by 5:15 am). 

Oh, the other great part of the Delta One cabin – LARGER bathrooms. It was like a double economy bathroom size. One could actually stand up and turn around in the bathroom to wash your hands. It was actually big enough to change one’s clothes if needed. I personally packed a pair of sweatpants and a tank top to sleep in but changed in the lounge minutes before heading to board the plane. I was so glad I did, because it certainly made sleeping my 4 hours much better. The flight home should be just as wonderful too, though not through the night that time. 

I felt very touristy taking pictures, but I just could not pass up the chance. Many friends asked to see what it was like, so here are the few I could take on my trip. I have flown first class and business class internationally many times before, but not since returning home 6 years ago after 5 years in Panama, Central America. I had heard about these new bed pods for international travel, but I never imagined it would be affordable or on flights I was taking. So happy it was, and I got to check it out. Not sure if I will ever want to travel long distances any other way again!