I’ve seen it many occasions on my solution to my fundamental economic system seat. I’ve tried to sneak a peek on the unique options, and I’ve all the time puzzled what the lavatory was like.
In October 2025, I lastly bought to expertise Delta’s first-class cabin for myself on a flight from NYC to West Palm Seaside, Florida. A fundamental economic system ticket would have price $350, and I paid $150 extra to improve to top quality.
I might flown top quality as soon as earlier than as a child, and I barely bear in mind it. However this was my first time upgrading to the premium cabin with Delta — my top-rated airline for economic system vacationers.
The practically three-hour flight stunned me in 10 other ways.
I did not understand that my first-class reserving included entry to a sooner TSA lane till I arrived on the airport.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
I have been seeing Sky Precedence indicators in Delta terminals for years, however I by no means stopped to learn them earlier than flying top quality.
Sky Precedence is basically a quick lane by means of check-in and safety for Delta Medallion Members and premium-class passengers. Though not all of those perks can be found at each airport, each have been current at John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport, the place I flew out of. My first-class ticket additionally included two checked luggage, however I did not have any.
I’ve TSA PreCheck, which was sooner than the Sky Precedence safety lane, in accordance with the airline worker I spoke with. Nonetheless, I assumed this was a pleasant perk for vacationers who aren’t enrolled in this system.
I did not count on to get refreshments as quickly as I boarded.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
Being among the many first to board the plane was a totally new expertise for me. As soon as contained in the first-class cabin, I noticed a mini water bottle at each seat. As I used to be settling in, a flight attendant got here by to take our beverage orders.
I wasn’t anticipating such fast service, and I hadn’t thought-about what different drink I might need. I used to be additionally nervous as a first-timer within the cabin, so I simply blurted out “no, thanks” with out pondering. The attendant handed me one other bottle of water anyway.
Because the economic system passengers started filtering in, many passengers in my cabin have been already sipping on espresso or soda.
The seat had storage areas I’ve by no means seen in economic system.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
I figured first-class would have bigger seats with extra legroom, and it did, however I wasn’t anticipating to search out two extra storage compartments.
I put my water bottles in a small nook between the 2 chairs in entrance of me. My digital camera and headphones match snugly contained in the console, separating the window and aisle seats.
I might additionally by no means had entry to 2 home windows on a flight earlier than.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
With extra legroom, I knew first-class seats have been certain to be farther aside, however I did not understand I might have twice as many home windows because of this. I think about this is able to be particularly cool for scenic flights.
It took me a minute to discover a charging port, nevertheless it was proper behind my arm.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
I am used to discovering energy retailers, USB ports, and audio jacks on the seat in entrance of me. In top quality, all of those facilities have been above my armrest.
My tray desk was not the place I anticipated it to be.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
Earlier than meal service, flight attendants requested us to drag out our tray tables. That is once I realized there was no tray desk on the seat in entrance of me. Confused, I noticed the passenger beside me pull theirs out from the armrest and unfold it. It was greater than any tray desk I might ever used.
I bought extra meals than I ever thought I’d on a three-hour flight.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
The flight included complimentary breakfast, and a flight attendant got here round with a basket of snacks earlier than and after meal service. There appeared to be no restrict on what number of we may take.
I did not count on the in-flight meal to be so satisfying.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
I assumed the complimentary breakfast menu can be fundamental — perhaps an egg sandwich or oatmeal. So I used to be stunned when the flight attendant listed the choices: a potato and bacon frittata, Greek yogurt with chia pudding, or a darkish chocolate pistachio bread pudding.
Craving a balanced meal, I ordered the frittata, and I am glad I did. In contrast to most airplane meals I’ve tried, the dish was effectively seasoned with a wide range of textures and flavors. There was a aspect of bacon with a candy maple glaze, sautéed spinach, and cherry tomatoes that paired effectively with the potato-filled frittata.
The meal additionally got here with two sides I did not anticipate — yogurt and a croissant.
I used to be stunned by the posh toilet merchandise.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
I did not even want to make use of the lavatory throughout the quick flight, however I needed to see if it was any completely different from those in economic system class.
It had the identical small dimension and structure, however there was one key distinction — the merchandise. The hand cleaning soap and lotion have been from Grown Alchemist, a luxurious skincare model. These merchandise are unique to top quality, a Delta consultant instructed Enterprise Insider.
Flying top quality made it really feel like my trip began early.
Joey Hadden/Enterprise Insider
Sometimes, I think about the beginning of a trip to be once I arrive at my vacation spot. The flight is nothing greater than a method to an finish.
Nevertheless, with VIP therapy, flying top quality made me really feel like I used to be on trip from the second I stepped on board. And to me, that was the largest shock of all.
