When Kristie Kellahan decided to upgrade her seat to Delta’s Comfort Plus on a flight from Miami to New York’s LaGuardia, she expected a more luxurious experience. However, the reality fell short of the promises, leaving her questioning the value of the upgrade.
The flight, Delta Air Lines DL2339, operated on an Airbus A321-200, promised a host of amenities for Comfort Plus passengers, including more legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, early boarding, and premium snacks. The upgrade cost was $99 USD, but the experience did not live up to the expectations set by the airline’s marketing.
The Comfort Plus Experience
Upon boarding, Kellahan discovered that her seat, 13C, was located in an exit row. While this often means additional legroom, it also came with several drawbacks. The seat’s width felt constrained due to immovable armrests that housed a TV screen and a tray table. Additionally, the lack of underseat storage meant her carry-on had to be stowed several rows back, delaying her disembarkation.
The entertainment system, a key feature of the Comfort Plus offering, was another source of frustration. The screen, which popped up from the seat divider, failed to stay at a convenient angle, rendering it almost unusable. Power outlets located under the seat were also problematic, with a loose socket causing frequent disconnection of her device.
Service and Amenities
While the flight attendants were friendly, Kellahan’s post-flight email expressing dissatisfaction received a lukewarm response. Delta acknowledged her disappointment but offered no tangible remedy. This lack of resolution added to her dissatisfaction with the overall experience.
Despite the promise of premium snacks and complimentary drinks, the offerings did not significantly differ from those available to Main Cabin passengers, further diminishing the perceived value of the upgrade.
Delta’s Loyalty Program and Future Plans
Delta’s SkyMiles program, part of the Skyteam alliance, allows members to earn points across various airlines, including Virgin Atlantic and KLM. However, loyalty benefits did little to enhance Kellahan’s experience on this particular flight.
Looking ahead, Delta plans to expand its premium Delta One Lounge locations, aiming to enhance the travel experience for its premium passengers. Whether these improvements will extend to Comfort Plus passengers remains to be seen.
The Verdict
For Kellahan, the $99 upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus did not justify the cost. With similar seat width and only marginally more legroom compared to the Main Cabin, the additional expense seemed unwarranted. The experience highlighted the importance of managing expectations when it comes to airline upgrades.
As airlines continue to market enhanced seating options, passengers must weigh the potential benefits against the cost. For now, Kellahan plans to stick with Main Cabin bookings on future flights, opting for the predictability and value it offers.
In conclusion, while Delta Comfort Plus may offer benefits on paper, the actual experience can vary significantly. Passengers should carefully consider their priorities and expectations before investing in such upgrades.
