Video | Delta Airlines Boeing 777-200LR (77L) Seat 14A

Airline: Delta Airlines
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR
Seat: 14A
Class: First  (Business Elite)

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The Seat: This version of Delta Airlines Business Elite is one that’s stirred up tons of discussion since it’s  introduction as the airlines first with flat-bed seating. The reviews have been mixed and I can understand why. The angling of the seats is a little awkward in my opinion. 14A in particular is one that you’ll have to recline a bit to enjoy the benefits of being next to the window. You’ll also be facing in a direction that forces you to stare right at other seats…Again, awkward. Legroom isn’t as generous as other versions of Delta’s business class but by no means constricting (for most). If you’re one of our tallest modhop friends, you may find the curvature of the seat compartment a little frustrating. When the seat is fully reclined in the lie-flat seat position, even I (at 5’8″) found the curvature of the seat at the bottom to be bothersome.  One thing I really liked about the window seats in row 14 is that they’re separated from the aisle by a coat closet, giving the seat a more private feel and a little extra table space to spread out. The same is true for window seats in row 7.

Service: In most cases you would be flying this aircraft overseas so you’ll enjoy the benefits of an expanded menu, full duvet/pillow and amenity kit. This was a domestic flight with service that was adequate but nothing extraordinary.

Notes: This seat has the benefit of being far from galleys or lavatories so traffic is very low. If the bulkhead is free of crying babies, (or crying adults)  it should be a quiet flight.

Summary: The privacy of this seat is great. The extra table space provided in these window seats comes in handy and the seat is quite comfortable in the seated position. The benefits of a true lie-flat seat are enormous if you’re trying to sleep but the smaller area for your feet gives it a tighter feel. Certainly not much of a problem if you’re an average height, but I can see it being a little uncomfortable for the tallest of us. A good seat, but research other carriers to see if there’s a better choice on your route. Trans-Pacific options like Cathay Pacific and Qantas are worth looking into. On trans-Atlantic flights, try Virgin Atlantic…Just a few suggestions (there are plenty more).

Rating: 3 hops (of 5).

Strategy: Look for these larger planes when connecting via the airlines hubs if you’d like to fly them on US domestic routes. In this case, we connected in Detroit en-route to Los Angeles. This is done to position the aircraft for overseas routes or continue on to international destinations (and you’re more likely to find a 767 than a 777).  These larger business class sections create more upgrade opportunities for elites and can mean purchasable upgrades for anyone else at the gate.

How I got it: Delta Medallion Status