In this post Show
Editorial Disclosure
Delta Air Lines was the first U.S. carrier to introduce business-class suites. Now, it’s ready to raise the bar again with its next-generation Delta One Suites.
The long-awaited new suites will arrive on Delta’s flagship Airbus A350-1000 early next year. At the same time, the airline is also unveiling a nose-to-tail retrofit for the Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A330-300.
Here’s everything you need to know about this $1 billion investment from Delta.
Want more airline analysis delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for my free newsletter now!
Delta One Suites on the Airbus A350-1000
Delta’s new flagship aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, will be the first to feature the next-generation Delta One Suites from the factory.
These suites build on the foundation of Delta’s existing A350 pods, but with a long list of upgrades that should make the experience feel noticeably more premium.
For the aviation enthusiasts out there, the new Delta One Suites are a customized version of Thompson Aero Seating’s VantageNova platform. (Delta is the launch customer for this seat.) Delta’s existing suites are based on the older Thompson VantageXL platform.
The biggest change is the layout. The 53 suites will be arranged in a reverse herringbone configuration, which means every window seat faces the window.
The center seats face one another, though Delta will install a fully retractable privacy divider for solo travelers seated in the middle.
This is a major improvement.
Delta’s current suites are all forward-facing, but alternate between being closer to the aisle and the window. I much prefer the consistency of a reverse herringbone layout, especially when you book at the last minute and need to pick from whatever seats are left.
Note that Delta will not install a business-class-plus product in the bulkhead on this jet.
There also won’t be overhead bins above the center seats, which should make the cabin feel much airier.
Another big upgrade comes with the sleep experience.
The new suites feature beds that are three inches longer than the 76-inch beds on the current product. (No word on how big the footwells are.)
The suites also feature a built-in pillow-top cushion, though it remains to be seen how much of a difference that makes in practice.
Of course, the suites will also feature sliding doors for added privacy throughout the flight.
The tech is getting a serious upgrade, too.
Every Delta One Suite will feature a 24-inch 4K QLED TV with Bluetooth connectivity. These screens are powered by Delta’s next-generation Thales entertainment system, which the airline says offers 50 times more content than its standard setup.
(For context, American’s new Flagship Suites feature 17.5-inch TVs, while United’s new Elevated Polaris pods have 19-inch screens — giving Delta a clear edge on screen size.)
You’ll also be able to log in to your SkyMiles account for personalized content, real-time travel notifications, and trip updates.
In terms of power, each suite includes a universal AC outlet, a USB-C charging port, and a Qi wireless charger — the latest and greatest for juicing up your devices.
Delta has also upgraded the seat controls with tactile feedback, making it easier to know when the seat is actually moving.
Furthermore, storage has been improved. There’s a new hook designed for glasses, along with a dedicated tray for your phone hidden under the aisle armrest.
There’s also a shoe cubby under each seat. I love this addition. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tripped over my shoes overnight trying to get to the bathroom (while wearing slippers, of course).
One glaring omission that surprised me: there’s still no enclosed storage compartment for valuables. Delta says this is for three reasons.
- It retains commonality with its existing Delta One Suites
- Enclosed stowage areas make it more likely that you leave valuables behind
- Travelers and crew supposedly like to see the pre-placed headphones and water bottle upon boarding
I appreciate Delta’s rationale, but I’m still firmly on team enclosed storage.
For lounging, the new suite also features a zero-gravity mode designed to provide a more relaxing recline. (I’ve tried something similar before on Starlux, and I don’t fully understand the hype.)
Throughout the jet, Delta is introducing refreshed cabin finishes with red accents, updated mood lighting, and an oversized lavatory for travelers who need additional assistance.
The A350-1000 will also feature a walk-up snack bar in the galley between the forward and rear business-class cabins. It’s not huge, but it should be a convenient place to grab a nonalcoholic drink or a snack in the middle of the flight without needing to flag down a flight attendant.
Delta plans to debut this product on the 20 Airbus A350-1000s it has on order.
The airline says the jet will help unlock new long-haul routes to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, so don’t expect these suites to start showing up on your next summer trip to Europe.
Delta One Suites on the Airbus A330
Delta will also finally bring the suite experience to its legacy Airbus A330 fleet.
This isn’t necessarily a surprise — in fact, I broke this news last year — but Delta is now ready to share what the onboard experience will look like.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Get the front-row look at the evolving world of travel, loyalty, tech and lifestyle — delivered directly to your inbox.
Travelers can expect a product that’s similar in many ways to what’s coming on the A350-1000, but with a few key differences.
For one, the A330 suites will be arranged in a forward-facing 1-2-1 configuration, similar to the current Delta One Suites on the A330-900neo and A350-900. Seats will alternate between being closer to the aisle and the window.
This product is based on the Thompson VantageXL platform.
Note that both the -200 and -300 variants will feature 34 Delta One Suites — the same size as the current cabin on these planes.
Unlike the A350-1000, the A330 will retain overhead bins above the center seats.
The center seats will feature a privacy divider, but it won’t be full-length, making this version less ideal for couples who want a more shared experience.
Otherwise, the seats look broadly similar to the ones on the A350-1000.
They’ll offer the same upgraded tech, including 24-inch 4K QLED TVs, USB-C ports, universal AC outlets, Qi wireless charging pads, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Storage is also similar, though the A330 version won’t feature a dedicated device tray. Instead, there’s a small laptop storage slot on the side of the seat.
The A330 suites will feature a shoe cubby similar to that of the A350. Adjoining suites have a dedicated shoe cubby, while window suites have an open sidewall area to place shoes and small bags.
The A330 will also get a walk-up snack bar similar to the one on the A350-1000.
Note that Delta is removing mirrors from business class. (They’re currently located underneath the cover of the remote control.)
Delta says that “we found the in-suite mirror isn’t commonly used. Many people we surveyed said they either travel with a make-up kit that includes a mirror, or they prefer to freshen up in the lavatory, which has a larger mirror and proper lighting.”
The A330 refresh program will begin in September (following the peak summer period), and the first refreshed aircraft is slated to return to service just days before the year ends.
Delta plans to complete the A330 fleet refresh within the next four years (a bit too slow for my liking).
Delta Premium Select on the A330, A350
The upgrades aren’t limited to the pointy end of the plane.
Delta is also refreshing Premium Select on the A330 and A350-1000.
There will be 21 recliners on the A330-200, 28 on the A330-300, and 48 on the A350-1000.
The recliners retain the same basic structure as the current product, but gain a more modern design and new memory-foam cushions.
Each seat will feature a 16-inch 4K QLED touchscreen TV, along with USB-C charging and Bluetooth connectivity — two welcome tech upgrades.
One design choice I’m perplexed by: the AC power outlets are located in the center console of the seat in front of you. That means you may need to stop charging or move your device so the window passenger can get out.
This feels like poor execution.
Delta Main economy on the A330, A350
Even passengers in the back will see some meaningful upgrades.
Delta is installing new seats in Comfort+ and economy that offer an extra inch of legroom, along with a new seatback shelf to keep smaller items within reach.
These seats will also feature memory-foam cushions, 13-inch 4K QLED TVs with Bluetooth support, USB-C charging ports, and universal AC outlets.
In terms of footprint, here’s what you can expect.
- Airbus A330-200: 32 Comfort, 134 Main
- Airbus A330-300: 56 Comfort, 163 Main
- Airbus A350-1000: 51 Comfort, 162 Main
Delta’s premium push
For years, Delta has been known as the most premium U.S. airline. Whether it’s the stylish lounges or the suites with sliding doors, the airline has done more than its domestic rivals to elevate the premium travel experience.
But despite that reputation, Delta’s long-haul onboard product has become increasingly inconsistent. The aging Boeing 767s and older A330s have been flying with products that feel tired and long overdue for a refresh.
The 767-300s will eventually leave the fleet with their existing cabins intact, while the A330s are finally getting the facelift they’ve long needed. (And even then, it won’t be completed until 2030.)
The new seats, along with the refreshed finishes, updated color palette, and mood lighting, feel far more modern — and far more aligned with Delta’s premium brand — than what’s flying today.
That’s becoming increasingly important because the competition for America’s premium crown is heating up.
United just took the wraps off its Elevated next-generation Polaris product, which is already flying. Plus, United is introducing Airbus A321 Coastliners and A321XLRs with all-new single-aisle premium products. And don’t forget the Relax Row, which will offer a couch-style experience in economy.
Not to mention American is already flying new Flagship Suites on its Boeing 787-9P and Airbus A321XLR, with a full retrofit coming shortly to the Boeing 777s.
For now, Delta probably still holds the premium crown. But the gap is narrowing fast.
Subscribe to the newsletter
Get the front-row look at the evolving world of travel, loyalty, tech and lifestyle — delivered directly to your inbox.
Comments Disclosure
Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. Responses have not been reviewed , approved, or endorsed by any bank advertisers. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.