Flight: Delta DL 129 from Seattle to Beijing
Duration: 11 hours 50 minutes
Aircraft: B763(Boeing 767-300)
Class: Business
Seat: 1C-1D (Middle Rows)
Seat Specification: Flatbed seat, Seat pitch: 76.0 “. Seat width: 21 ”
Delta operates a Boeing 767-300 on Seattle – Beijing route with a 26 Flat bed Business Class in 1-2-1 configuration. I was happy to have redeemed a total of 280,000 Skymiles for this one-way trip for 4 of us. I had forgotten to select seats and after arriving in Seattle the agent assigned me and Karen 1 C-D (first middle row) and my parents 7 C-D (last middle row).
Compared to other business class products I have flown in the past, there was a definite shortage of space around the seat to keep blankets, amenity kit etc. The overall cabin felt a bit cramped in space however it was not going to be an issue because the prime selling point of business class for me is a full flat bed and this one had it.
The flight attendant came by and introduced herself and handed us the amenity kit and dining menu. I mentioned to her that my mom did not eat meat (shrimp excluded) and if she would be able to secure the Kung Pao seafood from Chinese selection for her. She came back informing me that Chinese selection was limited and no longer available. She however assured me that she would prepare some vegetarian item in the galley just for her.
The salmon appetizer was moist and flavorful. I opted for the salad while Karen went with the soup. Both the soup and the salad were standard, as in nothing to rave about.
Both me and Karen chose the herb crusted lamb. Mine was fairly soft and easy to cut into while Karen’s came out pretty tough. The flavor was there however I did not care much for the Quinoa that came with it.
The vanilla ice-cream sundae was delicious and made for a good ending of my meal. Karen went with the Lemon Tart and felt it was very delicious.
After dinner, Karen went straight to bed while I stayed up finishing my in-flight movie.
Pre-arrival meal service started about 2 hours before landing. Both me and Karen chose Potato and Parmesan Frittata which was a bit too much on the dry side for me.
Bottomline:
Seat: ***1/2
Service: ****
Food: ***
With 1-2-1 direct-aisle-access for all seats it is a very competitive product with all of the leading business class products. However, the seat still felt a little cramped with not much space to put your belongings.
The two female flight attendants serving on my side of the aisle were very courteous, friendly and efficient. Both of them went above and beyond to ensure that my mom did not go hungry even considering all of her dietary restrictions and the limited range of menu selection on this flight.
The lamb entree was pretty good although not the best (or the worst!!) I have had in a business class cabin in the past.