Prologue:

Hello and welcome to this special TR where I get fly on a new airplane model - A220.

As an avgeek experiencing a new plane is a cherished event that is highly anticipated. The first time that I saw this model was a DL one right here at SFO. Since then I always wanted to try it and after Seb's fabulous TR about AF delivery of its A220 I decided to just book a ticket on one.

I believe that DL is the only US carrier that flies this plane at the moment and out of SFO there are two routes using the A220 - SEA and SLC. I happened to find a great fare for USD 93.20 (EUR 80.26) R/T total and jumped on it.

This was going to be a quick 1 day trip. I would have preferred to do an earlier flight but DL schedules the A220's to SEA in the afternoon and the returns in the morning so that meant that I would experiencing the A220 one way. My return would be on an E-175.

I woke up at around 6:00A which is way too early for my flight. Unfortunately I couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to head to the airport and do some lounge hopping. I entered the Intl. Terminal which was getting busy.

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First lounge stop is the AF one at the Intl Terminal in A.

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The only reason I came here is for these hot flaky "pain au chocolate" or "chocolatine". At least I don't call them "couque chocolate"

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I hid in the Technology room of the lounge to enjoy my sinful treat alone. By the way I find this ad a bit stereotypical. The "Mona Lisa" wearing a beret? Pls... why desecrate a work of art like this?

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The Intl Terminal A was a bit empty inside.

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You can now connect between the Intl Terminal A to T1 Harvey Milk after security. In my case I still had to go through security later on to get to the AMEX Centurion lounge because it's located at the UA T3.

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Hallway connecting the two terminals and on the left is the AF lounge.

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Welcome to T1 used by domestic carriers like AA WN and B6.

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A view outside while going through the corridor.

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A lonely JL plane.

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Entering T1.

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Looking back.

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T1 has a contemporary feel.

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"Four Corners" depicting iconic San Francisco scenes by Emily Fromm.

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A modern woof.

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I like this terminal.

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Flight attendant's uniform exhibit.

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NW and TWA uniforms from the 60's.

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UA uniform in 1968 by French designer Jean Louis. This design proved to be one of the most popular and iconic in UA's company history.

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Braniff's ground breaking uniform from the mid 70's by Emilio Pucci.

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I entered the AMEX Centurion lounge at UA T3. They are very strict about guests arriving 3 hrs. before their flight. If you show up earlier you will not be admitted even by a minute.

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Reception.

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About 30 min. later this was the scene at the reception desk. The lounge can get extremely crowded at times.

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Meals inspired by chef Ravi Kapur.

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Salad bar.

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My lunch.

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Ground turkey and kale soup.

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Only cookies or fruits for dessert. I passed.

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Once again I had to go through security one more time because T2 is not connected to T3 after security. The welcome was warm and the agent informed me that the flight was leaving 10 min. earlier.

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Took the elevator to the upper floor.

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After stepping off the elevator on 2nd floor.

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Bar.

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Lounge can get full but not as crowded as AMEX Centurion lounge.

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Talk about making yourself at home.

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Buffet at DL Skyclub is pretty good. There are different salads sandwiches 2 kinds of soups one or 2 hot dishes and dessert.

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Mac n cheese with cauliflower.

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Mexican dishes - black beans rice and carnitas (pork).

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My snack.

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An A220 at C3 viewed from the lounge. My plane was at gate C11 which doesn't have a view of the plane from the gate area.

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DL check in counter at T2.

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I used the self check kiosks to print my boarding card.

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On my way to the gate.

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At the gate there was a basket with masks. The agent invited me to take one.

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Boarding.

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FA greeted everyone at the door and handed a wipe.

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Cabin with a 3x2 layout. The other FA in Y was super nice and welcomed me aboard.

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Good legroom.

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IFE.

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Pour toi Seb. ;)

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Nice light fixture.

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Overhead controls.

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DL's new Oct. safety video.

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Take off.

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Must be OAK.

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Service started after reaching cruising altitude. Crew handed these items individually without a cart. Flight was about 30-40 pct. full.

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Window on the right WC.

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Floor pattern on the WC.

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I moved to a 3 seat row.

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Spectacular views from the right side of the plane.

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Landing.

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Downtown SEA.

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Space Needle in the back.

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Trees are starting to turn colors for the fall.

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Cloudy day.

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Deplaning shots.

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Plane at the gate.

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========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10
Access and parking: 9/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 10/10

========== American Express Centurion Lounge ==========



Staff Service: 9/10
Entertainment: /10
Business Center: /10
Food: 8/10
Lounge Design: 9/10
Spa and Bathroom: 0/10
Wifi: 10/10

========== Delta Sky Club ==========



Staff Service: 10/10
Entertainment: /10
Business Center: /10
Food: 9/10
Lounge Design: 9/10
Spa and Bathroom: 10/10
Wifi: 10/10

========== Delta Air Lines - Airline ==========



Cabine comfort: 10/10
Crew: 10/10
Entertainment: /10
On-time performance: 10/10
Appetizer: 0/10
Starter: 0/10
Main Meal: 0/10
Main Meal-2: 0/10
Cheese: 0/10
Desserts: 0/10
Alcohols: 0/10
Mid-flight snack: 0/10
Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 0/10

========== Seattle Tacoma Intl Arpt (SEA) - ==========



Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10
Access and parking: 9/10
Services and activities: 9/10
General cleanliness: 10/10

Summary:

Flying DL A220 was a fantastic experience. I love the unique design of this aircraft which gives it a more stylish and and elegant feel. The 3x2 seating is great for those couples traveling. Small touches like the oval window shapes, call button design, IFE and window in the WC make this narrowbody plane unique.

The flight departed and arrived earlier. Crew was super friendly and efficient during the entire flight. I appreciate that I was given 2 snacks automatically during the beverage service without asking.

20 Comments

  • AAFlyer


    Love Amex lounges across the country but it gets wat too busy and it's harder to find a seat. A nice report JetSet.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Absolutely. When exclusivity is no longer associated with a lounge a bit of the luster fades.
  • Casper


    Gracias Amigo!
    As I can see the price is low but the paxex was great. DL lounge is on par with my expectations.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hola amigo,

    It's a win win situation. ;) The DL lounge in SFO is one of the best in the network.
  • Bibopaul


    Too bad that ou need to have a regular Amex card to gain access.
    A good review on this great aircraft. Thanks a lot for sharing.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Only the AMEX Platinum and Black cards are accepted. They used to allow other types of AMEX cards to enter by paying a fee but that is no longer the case. I can see that they are tightening the rules. For 2023 there will be a charge for guests instead of allowing 2 for free. We'll see how that goes.
  • Thomas


    I'm impressed by your report as always :)
    Hard not to enjoy the ride given the price. Wonder if I should take the regular Amex for my Us trip!
    Thanks my friend!

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Thanks my friend. ;) Make sure you bring the right AMEX card.
  • Vendredi13


    Woof ! JetSet' !

    Beautiful !

    Superb presentation of the SFO Airport. It's really tempting... I like Terminal 1 too;))
    Nice comparison of the lounges. "Pain au chocolat" versus "chocalatine".. Congratulations JetSet' ! .You master French. Really.
    Individual screens for everybody on board ! Yet I definitely have a weakness for aerial views. And your pic with the rainblow is charming.


    Thanks, JetSetPanda, for this spectacular ytr.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Woof!

    Lounge hopping is fun. ;) I don't know about mastering French. I still have a loooong way to go. Hopefully I can count on some help. :)

    Aerial views are the best entertainment sometimes.

    Thanks for your kind words.
  • Emile


    I love this plane. A good addition to the carriers fleet.
    Thanks for sharing your nice journey.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Fantastic airplane indeed. I hope more US airlines would acquire it.
  • samlecorsaire


    Hey Panda
    Thank you for reporting a flight in this new and beautiful plane.
    I really liked also the DL lounge in SFO.
    bye

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    The experience was worth it. Now I want to get on it again. :P

    The DL lounge in SFO is truly nice and has some of the best catering in the network. The only thing missing is a deck.
  • Capoune


    Hi Adan!

    Wooow!! What a review of SFO!!!
    Really nice flight onboard this brand new A220. DL choose the -100 one as AF chose the -300.
    Is the J cabin with a 3X2 layout or a classic 2X2?

    Thank you for sharing with us.
    Take care.

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Hey Seb,

    SFO is a great airport in my opinion. The J cabin is 2x2. US travelers will revolt if it is 3x2. :P
  • Nomascoach


    Nice review

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Thanks for visiting.
  • SERGE13


    I liked...
    Nice pictures.
    And a lounge 's collection... ;)
    Thank you

    Reply
    jetsetpanda
    Lounge hopping is addictive. ;)

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