Special Note: this flight was taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. No middle seats were sold during this time to help with social distancing.
Elite status: none
Aircraft type:
B737-800
Seat: 16D (non-reclining aisle seat)
Padding:
Padding was quite worn on the old interior of this aircraft. It was adequate for the 45 minute flight duration.
Recline:
This seat was a non-reclining seat in front of the exit rows.
Pitch:
I had 3 inches from my knee to the seat in front of me. The width between are rest was 17.25 inches. The living space was 29 inches from seat back to the seat in front of me.
ATL-JAX
May 23, 2020
Distance: 270 miles
Schedule:
Depart: 9:55AM
Arrive: 11:00AM
Scheduled: 1h 5m
Push back: 10:38AM (43 minutes late)
Touch down: 11:30AM (30 minutes late)
Arrived at gate 2m later
Actual duration: 0h 54m
Cost:
Paid with: cash
Prices at time of booking:
Miles: 25,000
Cash: $165
Payment method reasoning: I don’t chase airline status. I paid cash using a voucher from a previously cancelled trip due to the pandemic. It was bought around 18 hours before departure.
Boarding:
Pandemic boarding with Delta is no longer by zone. They board back to front to help with social distancing and first class can board any time. Boarding did go quickly even though the flight was mostly full.
During boarding the flight attendants were offering free individual Purell wipes to wipe down your own seat area which is nice and wise to do.
Service:
Service during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited on all Delta flights. No middle seats are sold nor occupied. Flight attendants only do safety checks, hand out snack packs (pictures below) and pick up trash.
The snack pack included a single use packet of Purell hand sanitizer which is a nice touch.
IFE and power:
Seatback IFE (old) and power outlets were available during this flight. I did not use it much except to test to avoid touching as much as possible. It did offer movies, shows, live TV, and a flight map.
The onboard WiFi also had streaming options which are better during this time.
WiFi:
WiFi was offered in flight. It offered free select message services and free streaming entertainment options. I found the messaging the most useful on this short flight but the other options would be great on longer flights.
I did not stream any video nor purchase WiFi as the flight was quite short.
Food:
The snack pack included a packet of cheez-its and a granola bar. No other options, including paid options, were available. This is ok for a short flight but bringing your own for longer flights is advised.
Drinks:
Only bottled water in the snack pack was available. No other options including no alcoholic beverages. This is ok for a short flight but bringing your own for longer flights is advised.
Best seats:
Bulkhead and exit rows have the most leg room. Any other seat that doesn’t restrict recline is acceptable. Since middle seats weren’t sold during this time they are not an issue!
Pros:
Delta is considering customer health during this pandemic. Service is still very good even though it is limited.
Cons:
Limited food and beverage service is not ideal but only a minor complaint during a pandemic. My seat didn’t recline but it was fine for the short flight.
Would I fly again?
Yes! Delta is doing the right thing during the pandemic to space people out and offer sanitizer on board. Face masks are required but not enforced.
