Review of Delta Air Lines flight Detroit Tokyo in Business

Airline Delta Air Lines
Flight DL275
Class Business
Seat 10D
Aircraft Boeing 747-400
Flight time 12:35
Take-off 30 Dec 16, 13:10
Arrival at 30 Dec 16, 15:45
DL   #33 out of 96 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 826 reviews
socalnow
By 2207
Published on 19th April 2017
Welcome aboard for a series of flight reports around the Asia Pacific.This series will contain reports on 6 segments and cover 3 airlines. So, to borrow a phrase from many pilots, sit black, relax and enjoy the reports.

Background

The genesis of this trip (and others I have undertaken) occurred when I observed a fairly empty Delta One cabin for DL275 DTW-NRT around the New Year. This stands to reason with many business travelers home for the holidays especially the period between Christmas and New Year. This being the final year of Delta 747 service I decided to have a go at another ride on the Queen of the Skies. I built the rest of the trip around the DTW-NRT leg.

The routing and procurement method were as follows:

American Airlines LAX-ORD A321 First (Cash - No Report)
American Airlines ORD-DTW CR7 First (Cash - No Report)
Delta Air Lines DTW-NRT 747-400 Business (NRSA - This Report)
Delta Air Lines NRT-PVG 767-300ER Business (NRSA - Here)
Singapore Airlines PVG-SIN 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Here)
Singapore Airlines SIN-HKG 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Coming Soon)
Asiana Airlines HKG-ICN 777-200ER Business (Cash - Coming Soon)
Singapore Airlines ICN-LAX 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Coming Soon)

Riding on the Delta 747 is like catching up with an old friend, there's never a bad time to do so. I was thankfully, assigned seat 10B in the second J cabin on the main deck between doors on and two. It's the largest of the J cabins with 20 Cirrus seats. The Cirrus seats found on the 747 and A330 fleets are my favorite in the Delta inventory.

Some views around the cabin.



The seat was adorned with 2 pillows, a duvet, a Tumi amenity kit, and slippers. Pre-departure beverages are passed by the flight attendant on trays and the choices consist of sparkling wine, orange juice, and Asahi beer. Carts are passed through the aisle first with newspapers and then with the Delta One "lounge wear". The purser introduces himself to each passenger and presents the menu for the flight.

Getting settled with a glass of Prosecco, served with some flavored cashews, and the new-to-me Delta One slippers.

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I take a moment to peak out the window from the R2 door. Love the view.

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There is a slight delay in departing due to a maintenance issue but we are well informed by the flight deck crew. The door is finally closed and after a brief taxi we're off.

Service begins with a hot towel. My lack of menu pictures in these reports is embarrassing at this point. I almost always forget.

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Next the bar cart makes a pass with salmon appetizer. I request a glass of the fizz (Gardet Brut Premier Cru). The salmon was OK but not the most generous of portions. This is a blessing in disguise as there is quite a lot of food presented if you participate in the entire meal service. Which I do. :) I appreciate the cart service more and more as it seems so much more efficient. For example, after serving the appetizer the flight attendants pass back by and top up everyone's beverage.

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Soup, salad and bread are served, again, from the cart. I switch to a still white wine (A German Pinot Blac). The tomato soup is hot, well seasoned and garnished with cheese curds. A good fresh plate of greens and citrus with a warm pretzel bread.

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The main is served by hand and nicely plated. I have opted for Salmon. I find it well cooked and seasoned, however the bechamel style sauce was too rich for my taste and not visually enticing.

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The two tiered dessert cart was paraded through next and i was unable to resist the temptation. A class of the dessert wine (Chateau du Cros Loupiac), ice cream with Biscoff crumble, and some cheese was a delightful way to wrap up this most satisfying meal.

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Having not slept much the night before on a domestic F red eye I was quite knackered. I setup the bed and was quickly down for a nap. It was a short lived rest but suited me well. I came to above the great Northwest Territories poking into the Arctic Ocean.

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Up to use the lav I browsed the snack offerings in the galley by door R1.

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I had a nice chat with the flight attendant on duty at the time. We both lamented the finish line that is in sight for this great airplane. I was offered a snack from the menu and I took him up on some soba noodles and an Asahi. I enjoyed this light and refreshing dish.

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Again I succumb to sleep and find us over Russian airspace when I awake. A beautiful dusk like light outside, I assume not because of time of day but rather being so far north. The cabin is still in sleep mode however not everyone is dosing.

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Some distance further, near Andryushkino Russia, I observed the R2 window was open so I captured a shot of stunning desolation.

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My picture taking window.

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A couple more over Sakhalin island.

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Meal service started as we were over Honshu island. I requested the egg dish. The tray also had fruit, sausages, and a potato dish. Warm bread was passed from the basket. I picked at it but wasn't terribly hungry. I also enjoyed some coffee and San Pellegrino.

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A couple of shots as we are nearing Chiba and the greater Narita area.

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With minimal vectoring we were cleared to land and greased the mains on 34L. The turn off the active was just about at north wing of terminal 1 and we had a short taxi to gate 15.

Some shots of 6302 resting before returning to DTW.

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The transit security was a breeze and I was back airside in a matter of minutes. Just enough time for a quick taste of Japan before heading down to PVG.

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Thank you for reading and happy flying.
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Verdict

Delta Air Lines

8.0/10
Cabin8.0
Cabin crew7.5
Entertainment/wifi8.5
Meal/catering8.0

Detroit - DTW

7.8/10
Efficiency8.0
Access7.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness8.0

Tokyo - NRT

9.3/10
Efficiency9.0
Access9.5
Services9.0
Cleanliness9.5

Conclusion

I am as giddy as a schoolgirl when i get to ride on the 747. Combine that with a long flight to one of my favorite places int he world and we have one content flight reporter.

The Ground Service: I checked in with a very friendly Delta agent as multiple kiosks refused to read my passport. The pre-check line was easily accessed and there was a minimal wait.

The Lounge: I spent some time in the main Delta Skyclub but it was very crowded so I did not make enough pictures to provide a review. I had a good shower after a not insignificant wait. There are only 2 shower rooms.

The Cabin: Flat bed and direct aisle access are really the expectation now in long haul J. The cirrus seat is my preferred reverse herringbone seat in the Delta fleet. There are nicer examples out there but this one is great for me. Of course more storage would be welcome but the massive bins on the -400 can accommodate everything one could bring on board and then some.

The Crew: The service was generous and efficient. I observed the crew in the aisles frequently overnight passing water bottles and offering refreshments to those who were awake.

The Food and Beverage: On the whole I really quite enjoyed the meal offerings. Food on an airplane is rarely very memorable. There were some interesting wines on offer and portions were beyond adequate.

Overall: Did I mention I'm a fan of the 747-400? It's true. So, there was no way for his not to be a great flight. Add on some nice meals, kind service, and good rest and we have a winner.

Thank you for reading and please join me for the next installment.

Information on the route Detroit (DTW) Tokyo (NRT)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 4 avis concernant 1 compagnies sur la ligne Detroit (DTW) → Tokyo (NRT).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est Delta Air Lines avec 7.4/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 12 heures et 36 minutes.

  More information

6 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 394204 by
    Razza_Pr 215 Comments
    Hello, Socalnow, and thank you for this FR.

    It truly is regrettable that the old 747s have to go. What a game changer it had been, and to the boneyard it must now go. I think your photos on this report does the old girl justice. Especially the overwing shots!

    How lovely they serve flower-shaped butter! Though I imagine it's only offered on flights to/from Tokyo. Not a determining factor of course but a nice tough regardless.

    Thanks again. Cheers!
    • Comment 394232 by
      socalnow AUTHOR 976 Comments
      Greetings Razza_Pr and thank your for your thoughtful remarks, as always. I appreciate getting feedback on reports.

      "t truly is regrettable that the old 747s have to go. What a game changer it had been, and to the boneyard it must now go. I think your photos on this report does the old girl justice. Especially the overwing shots!"
      -Very well put. There is something about looking out over teh wing adn seeing 2 engines. It's such a rare site these days. Long live the Queen.

      Thanks again and happy flying.
  • Comment 394252 by
    757Fan 632 Comments
    Another great report, Socalnow. How great to get on a 747 - I am going to be sad when they are no longer in the Delta fleet. I need to fly on one before they are all gone!

    Delta One looks great - food looks plentiful and really nice.

    Thank you for sharing!

    Matthew
    • Comment 394337 by
      socalnow AUTHOR 976 Comments
      Hi Matthew and thanks for the feedback on the report.

      "How great to get on a 747 - I am going to be sad when they are no longer in the Delta fleet. I need to fly on one before they are all gone!"
      -Sniff, sniff...me too. They weren't with Delta very long but I have managed 63 segments with them. I hope to add to that number before the end of the year.

      Thanks again and happy flying.
  • Comment 394291 by
    SKYTEAMCHC GOLD 10068 Comments
    Thanks for this new report, I really enjoyed reading it.
    I too, love the 747 and am sad to know it's gradually disappearing from the skies.
    The cabin looks very good and confortable and I love all 3 meals that you have shown in detail.
    The view from the window over snow covered Andryushkino in Russia is really stunning.
    • Comment 394338 by
      socalnow AUTHOR 976 Comments
      Thanks for the feedback SKYTEAMCHC, much appreciated.

      "I too, love the 747 and am sad to know it's gradually disappearing from the skies."
      -It revolutionized this industry we love and made the world much smaller. Oh, and it's beautiful.

      Thanks again for reading and happy flying.

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