Delta now offers quite a few routes to Tokyo, including Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis (MSP), Detroit (DTW), Atlanta (ATL), and Honolulu (HNL). All routes fly to Haneda (HND). However, the new Delta One Suites are only available on two planes Delta flies: the Airbus A350-900 and the Airbus A330-900neo. On the routes crossing the Pacific to Asia, Australia, and Oceania, you’re basically guaranteed to be on a plane with the new Delta One Suites. For other routes, you’ll have to check carefully what aircraft/cabin is being used!
| Route | HND-SEA |
| Flight | DL166 |
| Cabin | Business (Delta One Suites) |
| Equipment | Airbus A330-900neo |
| Aircraft | N403DX (5 years old) |
| Flight Time | 9h 45m |
Check-In and Lounge at Haneda
For this trip, I was traveling with carry-on only, and I had already checked in using the Delta app. As usual, passing through both security and passport control at Haneda was quick and easy.
Once through to the airside, I made my way over to the Delta Sky Club, which is actually the only international Delta Sky Club location in the world. This was my first time visiting the lounge, so be sure to check out the separate Tokyo-Haneda (HND) Delta Sky Club Review. Thanks to the incredible views from the lounge, I was able to catch my plane arriving in Haneda. A little while later, it was ready for departure, and I made my way down to the gate.
Boarding
Cabin & Seat
I really like the look of this cabin. I like the cabin’s bright color scheme, with the suites’ contrasting colors. It felt spotless and spacious. The Delta One Suites feature a closing door, which helps to offer additional privacy.
I was booked into seat 1A. I usually avoid the very first row to minimize getting disturbed by the galley. However, it was the only window seat left in this particular case. On the A330-900neo, there is quite a bit of separation between the first row and the galley, so I wasn’t really ever bothered.
The suite feels spacious, with a large IFE screen and lots of storage. I especially appreciated the small gap between the floor and the base of the side of the seat, where you can easily store your shoes. There was also plenty of space to keep my backpack to the side, even when the seat was fully reclined.
Like most modern business class seats, this suite is equipped with a range of controls for adjusting your seat, lighting, and do not disturb signs. The inclusion of a power outlet and two USB charging ports adds to the convenience, ensuring you can stay connected and comfortable throughout your journey.
The bedding set includes a large pillow and a comfortable duvet. However, since this flight is not considered an “ultra long-haul” flight, it does not come with the lumbar mattress pad. This is a shame because my only major complaint with this flight was sleep comfort (more on that below).
Meal
I had a very good experience with the full meal service. Service started with a pre-departure beverage, sparkling wine. Menus, which were extensive and available in both English and Japanese, were also handed out.
On the Tokyo routes, both a Japanese course and Western options are offered. The Japanese course seems to be a popular choice, and there is limited supply, so it is recommended that you pre-order this.
All of the usual beverage options are offered.
The meal service started with some drinks and warm nuts.
Followed by a tray with salad, soup, and appetizer.
For my main course, I had pre-ordered the Asian style fish dish, which was really tasty.
I ended the meal with ice cream. Overall, it was a good meal.
Internet & IFE
Delta offers free messaging on its long-haul flights. If you need full internet access, the “Browse” option costs $28.95 for the full flight or $39.95 for the high-speed (Stream) option.
As for the IFE, there were 400+ movies available, enough to keep you entertained for a long time. I watched one movie and used the provided headphones. The headphones were okay, but I much prefer my own fully over-ear headphones.
Amenity Kit
From what I can recall from flying Delta Premium Select (Premium Economy) a couple of years ago, the amenity kit offered in Delta One Suites is precisely the same. I like the contents; the mask is really comfortable, and it is always useful to have a pen and, of course, a toothbrush. The only thing I don’t like is the pouch itself since it doesn’t have a zipper to fully close it (which would be more helpful in re-using it as a storage pouch).
Sleep
Since I would be arriving in Seattle in the early morning, I decided to get some sleep. The seat reclines fully and feels spacious both width and length-wise. Having the option to close the door also makes the suite feel very cozy and helps block out the light from the galley. However, as mentioned earlier, the seat is very hard (probably the most uncomfortable lay flat business class seat I’ve ever experienced). I did manage to get some sleep but found myself constantly waking up from discomfort and changing position.
Arrival in Seattle
I’ve flown into several airports in the US, and Seattle is probably the best arrival experience I’ve had so far. The international arrival hall looks brand new, feels modern and spacious. Furthermore, there was no queue to immigration at all.
One difference from other US airports is that you collect your baggage before passing through immigration. Also, once you’re through immigration, there is a separate security queue for transfer, which brings you directly into the airside terminal.
Lounge at Seattle
Once through to the airside, I had a relatively long layover in Seattle. Since I was arriving at Delta One Suites, I had access to Delta Sky Club. I noticed a queue to enter the Delta lounge, so I instead made my way over to the Amex Centurion lounge, which I could access thanks to my Amex Platinum card. Unfortunately, there was an even longer queue there.
I decided to wait; it took 20-30 minutes to get inside. I was looking forward to a shower; however, when I asked at the reception, I was told that showers were unavailable. So, I just got some food instead, which was good.
After finishing my meal, I made my way back to the Delta Sky Club, which, at this point, didn’t have any queue, so I was able to grab a shower suite there instead. Overall, the Delta Sky Club in Seattle was really nice, and the shower suites there were very spacious.
Summary
Overall, I really enjoyed my flight to the US with Delta. The service was great, the food was solid, and the Delta One Suites were good. I only wish the seat was softer or a mattress pad was provided on all long-haul flights.