Delta Air Lines business class review on Melbourne-Los Angeles route
Consensus Summary
Two identical articles from THEAGE and SMH review Delta Air Lines' business class on the Melbourne to Los Angeles route, specifically flight DL12, which operates three times weekly using an Airbus A350-900. The review highlights seat 11A as the best option, featuring a 76-inch bed and privacy-focused design with closing doors. The flight time is 14 hours 34 minutes, with a late departure and early arrival due to favorable winds. Baggage allowances include two suitcases up to 32 kilograms each or three bags for frequent flyers, along with one cabin bag and personal item. Entertainment includes 300 movies, streaming content, and YouTube videos, with Wi-Fi speeds improving to 120Mbps before landing. Service is praised for prompt attention, though food presentation is criticized for reheating rather than plating. The Los Angeles Delta One Lounge is noted for early bag acceptance and exclusivity. The fare is approximately $7600 return, and sustainability efforts include reusable materials and reduced food waste options. Both sources agree on the experience's strengths and weaknesses, with a four-star rating.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Flight DL12 operates three return flights per week between Melbourne and Los Angeles
- The aircraft used is an Airbus A350-900
- Business class seat 11A (window with aisle access) is reviewed, featuring a 76-inch (193cm) bed and 20.5-inch (52cm) wide cushion
- Flight time is 14 hours 34 minutes, with a 20-minute late departure and 22-minute early arrival due to favorable winds
- Delta One allows two suitcases up to 32 kilograms each, or three bags for Delta Medallion (Silver and above) or SkyTeam Elite/Elite Plus members
- Passengers can bring one cabin bag plus one personal item (e.g., briefcase, backpack, or laptop bag)
- Entertainment includes about 300 movies on an 18-inch (45.7cm) seatback screen, with content from Paramount+ and Crunchyroll
- Wi-Fi works for about two hours after departure with average speeds of 15Mbps, then reboots to 120Mbps 45 minutes before landing
- The Los Angeles Delta One Lounge accepts bags six hours before departure on the return leg
- Business class fare is approximately $7600 return
- Delta One seat layout is 1-2-1 with closing doors for every seat, and window seats ride cooler than center pairs
- Delta minimizes single-use plastics with reusable fabric bags for blankets and paper wraps for headphones
- The Marhaba Lounge in Melbourne is described as 'nice and full' with hot buffet options but no barista-made coffee
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The writer mentions a 'family battles with enough luggage to fill a minivan' at Delta One check-in
- The article notes the crew's vibrancy is attributed to an 'extended Melbourne stopover' due to Delta’s 'thrice-weekly schedule'
- The writer highlights a broken milk frother for coffee, leading to a filtered brew before an espresso shot
- The verdict includes a specific critique: 'plating meals on board – rather than reheating in the serving dish – would bring the dining into the same league as the seat itself'
- The writer rates the experience ★★★★ out of five
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Both sources are identical; no contradictions exist between the two articles
Source Articles
This is the best business class seat across the Pacific (shame about the food)
I’ve tried every business class available on this route to the US and these private suites are top-notch.
This is the best business class seat across the Pacific (shame about the food)
I’ve tried every business class available on this route to the US and these private suites are top-notch.