Comparing Delta's and United's new domestic first-class seats
For the past few years, airlines have spent millions of dollars upgrading their international planes with fancy new premium seats.
Now that most international jets sport fancy lie-flat pods in the pointy end, carriers are turning their attention to the domestic first-class experience.
In the U.S., both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have recently unveiled a new first-class product. Delta's, which debuted in conjunction with the new Airbus A321neo, was the first real innovation we've seen in the domestic premium experience in years.
United just quietly introduced a new first-class seat on its refurbished Airbus A319 as part of the carrier's United Next campaign to elevate the passenger experience.
Personally, I've had the opportunity to try both products, and there are some notable similarities and differences worth discussing — here they are.
Design
This is an area where Delta's new first-class seat shines. Delta always does a great job with design details, and its new first-class recliners are no exception.
I love the leather seat-back stitching, the multiple embossed red Delta logos and the cocktail tray that's covered with an anti-slip material in subtle Delta motifs.
United's new first-class seat feels a bit more sterile. I'm not a big fan of the blue finishes with tan trims, and these seats don't "wow" me the same way that Delta's do at first glance.
While both seats may appear to recline into a shell, that’s not the case. Instead, both products feature an articulating seat bottom; as you recline, the seat slides forward.
Comfort
When Delta's futuristic first-class recliners debuted, the chief complaint I received from frequent flyers was that the seat isn't as comfortable as the previous generation.
This wasn't necessarily something I noticed during my first two-hour flight on the Airbus A321neo, but it's something I've since experienced after a few more flights on this jet.
Delta's new first-class seats aren't as well-padded as the previous generation. I'm not sure if this was by design to save weight or some compromise Delta needed to make to add additional privacy, but this is an area where United's new seat shines.
United's new recliners are just as comfortable, if not a tad bit more, than the previous generation. They're well-padded, and sitting in them feels much better than in Delta's.
On paper, the new Delta and United seats are both 21 inches wide and offer 37 inches of pitch, but United's feels more spacious due to the lack of larger privacy wings — more on that below.
Privacy
What Delta's seat lacks in comfort, it makes up for in privacy. In fact, Delta's new first-class recliner is the single most private domestic first-class product on the market.
The airline added new wings at the side of each seat that might look more like something you'd find on a spaceship than an airplane, but it's the added feeling of personal space that counts.
For a run-of-the-mill domestic flight, Delta's new seat is about as good as it gets at providing privacy.
United, meanwhile, took a page from Delta's playbook with the addition of small privacy wings on its new first-class seat. They're not nearly as large as the wings in Delta first class, but they're certainly better than nothing.
That said, if privacy is what you're after, Delta is the way to go.
Connectivity and entertainment
These days, staying connected, entertained and powered up while traveling is as important as ever. Both products offer some top-notch connectivity options, but I'm inclined to say that United's is a bit more future-proof.
Both Delta and United offer each first-class passenger a universal AC outlet, but I personally prefer the placement of the outlet on United — it's just underneath the center console. (Delta's is at elbow level on the side of each seat.)
Furthermore, Delta opted to install two USB-A charging ports, but United chose a single 27-Watt USB-C charging port at each seat. USB-C is the new charging standard, and with the next-generation iPhone expected to adopt this port later this year, USB-C is bound to become even more popular.
Delta did add a second USB-A charging port underneath each seat-back TV, but these days, I'd take one USB-C port over two USB-A ports.
Both Delta and United installed 13-inch high-definition entertainment screens at each seat, both of which support Bluetooth connectivity for AirPods and other wireless headphones.
Finally, while this isn't necessarily tied to the seat itself, it's worth mentioning that Delta offers fast and free Wi-Fi powered by Viasat across its Airbus A321neo fleet.
United has a mix of Wi-Fi providers, including Viasat, but it has far fewer planes outfitted with high-quality Wi-Fi. Also, you'll need to buy an $8 flight pass to get online when flying United.
Storage
Both seats offer plenty of storage options, and it'll ultimately come down to your preferences as to which one you prefer.
In Delta's new first class, there are specially-designed nooks for all your belongings. You can leave a purse or laptop in the under-seat storage unit, store a water bottle in the area under the armrest and tuck your phone into the seat's side pocket.
On United, there are three main storage areas — a small area for a phone and water bottle just underneath the center console, shelf space for an iPad or a book along the perimeter of the center console, and a larger and deeper pocket at the side of each seat, which is where I store my MacBook during meal service.
Both seats offer a cocktail tray, but United's is expandable at the push of a button.
Delta's tray tables measure 22 inches wide and 10 inches long, while United's tray tables measure 20 inches wide and 11 inches long. Though there's essentially no practical difference in size, it's worth mentioning that United's tray table offers a built-in tablet stand, but Delta's doesn't.
Bottom line
More than anything, it's great to see some innovation in the domestic first-class experience.
Delta's new seat is no doubt the biggest upgrade we've seen in years, and it excels in many ways. From the privacy wings to the larger tray tables and stylish design, you're sure to have a comfortable flight in the pointy end of this jet.
United's new first-class seat feels more like an iterative update, but that's OK — it builds on a strong foundation as a supremely comfortable recliner with some futuristic enhancements, such as USB-C charging ports.
As for which one is better, well, that's up to personal preference. For me, I'm just happy whenever I'm sitting up front.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.