Would you pay $116 for this Delta 737-800 first class seat?

[@FlyersAviation]

Honestly this first class seat reminds me of the one's United have on their 737s. It doesn't look too good (especially the IFE) but for $116 I'd definitely give it a go!

[@redcomusic]

Wow, the IFE has yellowed like an old IBM desktop PC and monitor! Sadly these are now essentially just relics of the "pre-smart devices" age (2000s).

[@sanspotter]

Haha, yeah, that’s a perfect description. 🤣

[@bos2phxflyer363]

@@sanspotter -I didn’t realize they were even still around.

[@Calebs_Aviation]

I’d so pay that for a Delta First class seat!!!

[@sanspotter]

For that kind of price, it’s hard to resist. 👍🏻

[@alangrant2728]

I recently booked a vacation for my wife and I for her birthday later this year. The flights are on a 737-900ER and a 737-800. I'm not a big fan of main cabin and I generally go Comfort+ just for the extra leg room. When I was going to checkout it was showing me that I could upgrade to first class for only $200 more per person. It was already running $2500 for the two of us in Comfort+ and I was like "$400 increase in total price and we get more legroom, wider seats, free checked bags, better meal, and we don't have to deal with a third person next to us? Sounds good to me!" They aren't the best first class seats, but for the small price difference from Comfort+ it seemed worth the upgrade to me.

[@nelsonprendergast9655]

I used to de-ice airplanes at AVP (Scranton, PA.) airport for Delta Connection. I loved it as much as I love watching your videos!

[@LoganAviation]

Coming back to this video after trying this plane for the first time. My plane had the old seats, but the new IFE screens. This caught me off guard completely!

[@leehasenour6202]

I love your videos Scott! Your sense of humor makes them even better! 😁

[@kianakan96826]

I agree!

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Lee!!

[@theplatinumtakeoff6215]

The Delta 737-800 has the best non lay flat first class seats in their fleet. Not like the wimpy little slim line seats that the airlines love putting in their planes these days. The first class seats on Deltas 737-800’s are thick, plush, and look like a real first class seat should.

[@Blank00]

Your thoughts on Delta's A220 first class?

[@astre7904]

We all have moments like this, Scott! One time, I received a free upgrade on Delta's 757-200 from Economy to Comfort+. I was excited, to say the least... until I realized I had landed myself in a row without a window XD Great video as always!

[@sanspotter]

Oof - those window seats without windows are the worst. I would’ve asked for my old seat back.

[@ubahnlexi]

Row 22?

[@johniii8147]

LOL not an exciting "upgrade" even with a window.

[@astre7904]

@@ubahnlexi Yep, 22 :(

[@roberthamilton1301]

Thanks for the video, One of the things I like best about your videos is your voice. So there, thanks

[@budgettri]

I paid for a first class seat from LAX to HNL on Delta 767 but got bumped (got $800) volunterily and was given a 1st class seat on a 737-800 to my final destination direct (KOA) and it was not what I was expecting on the 767 but it still was way better than an economy seat on the same flight and the food was great, drinks flowed and I even took a nap finally on a flight. My only beef is that 1st class to the Hawaiian islands don't get access to the Lounge!

[@v1rotate_aviation]

6:57 very likely. Since Delta has fitted out most of their aircraft with their new interior.

[@sanspotter]

Someone else mentioned that they may not be keeping them. Makes sense with some of the other aircraft types they have that can do everything that the -800 can do (and better).

[@lindaformy-duval446]

Almost cried. Your seat soooo made my butt happy, just looking at it. We fly the "frugal" giant (don't want to say the real name) airline, when we can, because of price. Their seats, after 20 minutes, are like sitting on a steel beam. So small that they almost feel like a vice grip, on your hips. The frugal giant makes United economy seats feel like a luxury ride. Thank you for the tour.

[@MikeLimTravel]

I just caught a Delta flight last minute from jfk to sfo and had to get assigned a seat. They asked me if I wanted an exit seat. That was heaven just from the legroom!

[@sanspotter]

You got lucky! Getting a seat assigned at the gate gives me major anxiety. 😄

[@LoganAviation]

It’s a good price. “Considering the cabin hasn’t been updated since the Obama Administration” 😅

[@sanspotter]

Thinking back on it, the video screens are probably “Bush administration” old 😄

[@alexanderholmgren305]

@@sanspotter Safety Demonstration: “Please listen as we demonstrate the safety features on this aircraft. Please keep in mind that your Nokia 5110 should be stowed in the little pack in front of you in the seat. All you 7 year olds with Xbox 360’s in the back please turn it to airplane mode. Thank you.”

[@johniii8147]

@@sanspotter Yep that was Bush era. Those planes have just had new seat covers added since delivery.

[@Unuthryear]

Actually not that long ago. $118 would be a good coach price

[@YAZZYUTUBE]

Clearly since the plane arrived safely, what's important is the plane has been maintained. An old entertainment screen and old leather seats don't matter.

[@leavemealone469]

Back in July of '09, I hitched a ride on a Delta 737-700 to Nicaragua (MGA). I remember those IFE screens in the back, had a awesome ride and fun time kicking butt in Trivia. Hopefully they renovate these ones soon.

[@joshgoldstein1568]

If you think the DL 73H in 2021 is “retro” would have loved to see your review of the AA 757s with brown leather seats that flew until 2014

[@sanspotter]

I have a review of one of those things on my blog! I remember that shade of brown well…

[@johniii8147]

Those were actually pretty comfortable. IFE on the domestic aircraft wasn't a thing yet.

[@joshgoldstein1568]

@@johniii8147 it’s just funny seeing the DL 73H with Panasonic AVOD being branded as “retro”. Considering majority of domestic seats in US don’t have seatback IFE

[@UnitedB739]

The DL 738’s that had the overhead screens were refitted with the new interior in 2017/2018. These ones that already had screens (about 30) were given the same mods, except keeping the old seats as there was already IFE installed. I’ve heard of an upcoming program to bring these final 30 ships up to fleet standards, as well as possibly adding split winglets.

[@UnitedB739]

As for the 757s, the only aircraft that should have the old screens are late-mod 75D’s and most of the ETOPS 75H’s. These economy seats are from the old BusinessElite recliner 75E fleet that was created in the early 2010s. I’m pretty sure all 757s have the new screens in F.

[@clivefolkard7076]

Entertaining video Scott as always. Cabin crew missed you not having your seat belt on during their checks!!🤫

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Clive! Yeah I totally got away with it that time. 😬

[@JuanWayTrips]

This is why I avoid the Delta 737-800s. Their seats are quite uncomfortable (at least in economy) and half the planes still have the old TVs and you never know what you'll get. There's also a few 757s with these TVs, but only in economy.

[@sanspotter]

There are that many aircraft with the old TVs still? I had no idea!

[@lvthud]

Just a quick correction for you Scott, no, not all US airlines cut service to the joke level up front, AA still served meals, and soft drinks and coffee, yes the much hated turkey croissant grew old very quickly, but they also offered charcuterie boards (either veggie or meat) on longer flights that were fantastic.

[@heathertruskinger6214]

I, for one , didn't mind watching. In Australia , the 737-800 are the backbone of both Virgin and Qantas. Here, it's called " business class". Virgin having just 2 rows, Qantas having 4. The fleets over here have some planes as old as that Delta one you flew on. Virgin have no IFE in the back of the seats at all ( you just download an app). Some Qantas have inbuilt IFE systems, some just have a couple of drop-down TV screens. But one things for sure , they both have seats easily as comfortable as that Delta plane. Some retro things are just too good to change !☺️

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Heather! I got roasted for calling Qantas 737-800 business class “first class” several years ago. I’ll never make that mistake again. 🤣

[@heathertruskinger6214]

@@sanspotter lol 😂

[@MattCook206]

Great review ! Thanks

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Matt - and you’re welcome!

[@NCKyle1980]

I don't regret how I spent this eight minutes. :) Just think of the free baggage and bonus MQMs you got for flying first class at this price. Excellent deal. Thanks for sharing. Take care, sir. Oh and your voice isn't annoying.

[@dlandis8146]

So much looking forward to our 10 hour fligt home (Guayaquil- Miami - San Francisco) in 2 days. Our Boeing Max Extra Space Economy will offer barely padded seats, a cookie and beverage for 6 hour flight, and IFE on a device that doesn't work. Time to pack a good book and snacks.

[@pnwlion9337]

We just returned from longish Delta coast to coast itinerary. The IFE either failed or didn’t work at all for all but one of the 4 flights.

[@sanspotter]

That sucks - and not what I want to hear as I’m sitting here at the airport getting ready to board a 5 hr Delta flight!

[@pnwlion9337]

@@sanspotter fingers and toes crossed for you. Otherwise hit the news stand in prep. Good luck !!!

[@irvingjohnson9244]

Appreciate your humor. Love Delta.

[@aviationfascination]

I really enjoy your commentary!

[@sanspotter]

Thanks man! 😆

[@Tony-ml7te]

I think these seats are way more comfortable than the stiff/crammed new seats on 321, 737-900. It just doesn't "look" shiny and new. Video screens are old, but you are not missing anything from Delta entertainment options.

[@sanspotter]

You like these better than the A321 seats? That’s the first time I’ve heard someone say that! 😮

[@alexandergarland77]

Wow absolutely gorgeous terminal!!! But the weather look a little shaky lol The Mountainbiker is hete!!!!!! Let's check out the old school first class another sanspotter video!!!!!!! Let's freaking go!!!!!

[@sanspotter]

Have you ever ridden in weather like that? I’m too wimpy for such a thing. 😆

[@alexandergarland77]

@@sanspotter category three conditions I sure have were we had to land on fully automated Landing with the ILS system in Atlanta on a 757 3 the fog was so doggone crazy when we actually made it to the runway you couldn't even see the runway lights much less the taxi lights it was pretty nuts and one very fun ride down on The Descent I have it on video it's a cheap little cell phone video but I have it if I find it I'll tag you in it and let you see it

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Great trip report as always Scott! I’m with you, I had know idea Delta had any of these floating around anymore!😸😸

[@sanspotter]

Thanks Ryan! I’d like to think that this video will light a fire under Delta’s butt to get these aircraft updated, but I’m not holding my breath… 😂

[@ryanfrisby7389]

@@sanspotter hopefully lol and you’re welcome!

[@Blank00]

The 737-800 is the only plane in Delta's fleet with the old seats. It's similar to how American only has one fleet type with their old seat (although it's the A319 for that airline)

[@michaelshaw4111]

Love your videos!

[@stevehansen932]

I flew back on a red eye from Maui to LAX on one of those planes. The first class was just as uncomfortable as me in Comfort +. I was amazed the first class seats did not even have footrests.

[@rollingtroll]

You can fix any leftover video with a great voice over. Watching to the end a sign of dedication? Not at all, the pleasure was all mine.

[@sanspotter]

I think you might be like the second person who got past the 5 minute mark. 😆

[@rollingtroll]

@@sanspotter can you actually see it in the data? I enjoyed your flight while making soup! It was a very agreeable combination :D

[@Elle-bu6ou]

Great video

[@hisandherscoaching]

I know the topic was the low-end "1st class" seat, but you fast forwarded over an always great part... which is the unique landing at SAN (runway 27) where you come SO close to the tops of the buildings. (You can almost read the brand names of the Air Conditioning units!) When we visit San Diego we go to the gas station on the corner of Pacific HWY and Laurel, and just wait for aircraft to land. You can't see or hear them until they are pretty much right there. Pretty cool (well... in the realm of airplane/airport nerds like me). If you haven't ever filmed there, you should. (At least for some B-roll for something).

[@lilmamadrea87]

I need to know how to take advantage of a price like this wether 2hr flight or 4hr flight. I'm Flying with a passenger of size is it better to buy 2 seats or a first class seat? When i took a short flight in first class the seats did not have seat back entertainment. I dont want to ever have to experiwnce that again.

[@ashman4827]

wow... snowing in August must be amazing... :D

[@jackvisser]

Thank you for the excellent Videos

[@sanspotter]

You’re very welcome Jack!

[@gparyani]

It's a great deal if you're planning to check lots of baggage. The upgrade would cost less than the baggage fees and overweight surcharges in coach.

[@sanspotter]

That’s a really good point - I hadn’t thought of that but you’re exactly right. 👍🏻

[@liftoffandtravel]

Another great review 👍as for the floor... we found the previous occupants hair (assuming she has some left) on the floor on British Airways on the 787 in First 🤢the Delta business product seems to always be shot from the front because the seats look good. From the back it looks old.... also to be fair when you look at some other bloggers (not naming them) you don't seem to complain 🙂

[@ewilson8504]

Yeah I just upgraded to this same exact seat from MSY to LA and I thought I too was a genius until I realized it was a 737 instead of an Airbus, denoting an older plane and outdated first class. So I found this video and yeah…

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

They’re finally starting to remove these old first class seats on the -800s. The ones going in are similar to the new A320 NEO seats. Only a few of them have been done so far, but by some point in 2025 these should be gone.

[@lrg3834]

In the old days, this would’ve been a Western Airlines flight. SLC was one of its primary hubs before the carrier was absorbed by Delta.

[@sanspotter]

Bummed that I never got her chance to experience Western. On a side note, I always think of the movie “Commando” when someone mentions Western Airlines. 😄

[@paulcontreras3264]

Was this video made during winter? What's with the snow?

[@swinola5799]

Nice to see the flight attendant doing their job and ensuring all pax have fastened their seat belts prior to take off!😂

[@Robofan001]

I agree your an elitest, your voice isn't annoying. Next time charter your own private jet

[@no_ragrets1967]

Still watching…. As an A321 sits next to yours. I wonder how long DL will keep their 738s?

[@OrientL]

The height of winter? When was this video made?

[@fridayschild19]

I think you are really funny! Didn't mind watching all of it!

[@erik_griswold]

The video screen was the same one first installed the Song 757s!

[@amberwilliams-cl5ev]

How is the last row in 1st class?

[@sanspotter]

Not all that great actually, since there is no hard separation between first class and the first row of economy.

[@jacobmccarthy8666]

I don’t know why DL hasn’t updated these 738s given that they’ve put so much effort into updating everything else (752, A319, A320…)

[@sanspotter]

Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking. They may have slowed down a bit because of the pandemic. I’m not really sure what the reason is. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@simondavey7787]

I'm definitely a dedicated Sanspotter! Do you have any international trips planned now that restrictions are being lifted?

[@hanj31]

$116? Hell yeah I would. At that price it’s like similar in price to spirit’s big front seat or if easy jet and Ryan air had a business class cabin but you get full service amenities.

[@ryanmoroso2681]

Sadly, only 4 of the Delta 737-800s have the new cabin…and I don’t think there are any plans to remodel it retire them…

[@mxyzptlyk]

At 20 years old, the only new interior that it gets should be a cargo conversion.

[@sanspotter]

Amen! 👏🏻

[@gradyadams104]

Informative.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

Depends on the difference twixt First and Steerage probably not much so if so it was reasonable value.

[@LeshVarg]

Goodness, this flight looked like you just took a time machine and saw Delta of the past for only $116.

[@sanspotter]

Haha, heck of a deal, right? 😄

[@pokepress]

Hey, compared to the $600+ Tag I saw on a flight from Minneapolis to Madison in 2019, that’s not bad. I did bite back in 2017 on a $1100 upgrade to business on a United 787 15-hour flight from LAX to Melbourne, Australia. Back in 2010 or 2012 I was offered a $400 upgrade to domestic first for all three legs of Kona, HI->LAX->DEN->Madison. I wish I had taken that. Total first world problems, though.

[@gaila.8830]

Thank you for the video 😄 I wonder what was the price difference between economy and first class?

[@76ers]

4:14 - Whoa... you left your camera behind. Did they turn the plane around so you can grab your camera? 😋

[@sanspotter]

I think they’d basically tell me to get F’d if I asked. 😅

[@ThePrissy11]

That was First Class???😫

[@leanneneville2431]

Being from Australia the Us airfares are so cheap even above economy. We have specials now and again , but for any upgrades to business or even premium economy it’s a lot more by comparison. 😬🇦🇺

[@jamessteinberger3760]

Let's be honest, they're still much better than any narrow body AA first class seat

[@sanspotter]

I don’t know about that - some of the AA A321s (not the transcon versions) are pretty nice!

[@wrbutler3681]

I spent this whole video thinking to myself "On such a short flight what could possibly be bad about a $116 first class seat?" I was just waiting for you to lower the boom...but there was no boom. I mean, there are people who pay more for that on a longer flight on Allegiant for heaven's sake!!

[@alexsxvz]

I think delta's 737-800s are at least 15 years old, and I didn't even know they had modern IFEs with the black frame/bezel around the screen. I always thought it was the yellowish-gray since I've mostly flown on 737-800s, up until November last year. That was also a 737-800 but it had the modern IFE screen

[@sanspotter]

Yeah this one was 20 years old so it’s due for retirement or a new interior soon. Knowing Delta, they’ll throw a new interior in it and keep it flying for another 30 years.

[@Mike-cd5un]

Be careful what you wish for. New airplanes & IFE will more than likely rai$e fares. Competition on that route offers nothing even close to Delta @ $119

[@alexsxvz]

@@Mike-cd5un what

[@tarikrandom7535]

I remember american first class when I was 4 in 2009.This aircraft's first class does have similar vibes.

[@antonin701]

Update from 2024 : they're still around ! I took one on January 6th PHX>SEA, and oh boy was I surprised when I entered the aircraft. I too understood why the flight was so cheap !

[@sanspotter]

The good news is that some of these aircraft will receive the all new first class seats (the ones found on the A321neo). That’ll be quite an upgrade!

[@McGubbins42]

So this was like 6 months ago?

[@sanspotter]

Yup - a flight from February.

[@davidcole333]

I swear if I see one more plastic snack bag being served in "first class" my head is going to explode!

[@sanspotter]

Thankfully those days are just about over.

[@mpsangha]

They've started normal service again.

[@deborahczepiel7883]

Omg, I rode one of these 737-800s from Syracuse to Atlanta, what a joke. I thought I was riding in an antique, those small screens are for the birds and my daughters armrest was bent up in the air. I paid more than $116 for my first class ticket. I hate flying these days.

[@wadewave4323]

Come on... just look at the price. Delta in my mind is the best airline in America. Love your vids...especially your curmudgeony voiceovers. It gives me a lot of joy! :)

[@anonimovirtual2388]

We flew to Cancun earlier this year with the same first class experience and almost same snacks... for 5 and a half hours. I think they gave us some cookies at some point. Meanwhile, United is flying 3h30 flights with hot meals. Delta is a disappointment this pandemic.

[@steveelolf1485]

Delta has really lost the edge with minimal food service in first, during covid they gave you a bottle of water and 2 small snacks, now it is still lacking on anything less than transcon with minimal adult beverage options across the board. They claim safety, but as competitors have been doing better for over a year in offerings and service, they are starting ro look very cheap and lackluster under the safety guise

[@jamaljamal6169]

$ 100 for a pack of goldfish and a warm bottle of water? Gotcha

[@nancyisshopping7950]

It was a nine minute well spent. I am going on an airplane flight in almost exactly 48 hours and I am quite afraid of flying. I have found watching KZbin video after KZbin video after KZbin video of people reviewing airplane flights to be a great help to me. After watching so many videos I’m feeling much less afraid because airplane flying seems quite familiar to me now and normalized in my mind. I am shocked at how much it is helping to alleviate my fears.

[@sanspotter]

I’m glad that my video helped Nancy! Hope you have a great flight.

[@soflaav8r]

Deicing airplanes when you're in a fancy cab like that is fun. Deicing airplanes in an open cab for 14 hours straight is not fun.

[@wjts8712]

Can you try out easyJet from Luton

[@davidlazarus67]

While the IFE screen wasn’t great the price and the seat more than make up for that. If you could get a proper meal then it would be even better. If it’s comfortable and cheap then it’s a plus.

[@sanspotter]

It was definitely comfortable and cheap, but the food was lacking.

[@davidlazarus67]

@@sanspotter Yes Covid cost cutting means I am unlikely to try this service. Plus the US border is closed to Europeans anyway. Maybe one day?

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

Depending on the length of a flight, I’d spend a Benjamin for a first class. Going to Oahu yes. Not to Cleveland, though. I live on the east coast.

[@peterhughes7099]

You like the smell of Fresh paint and chicken stir fry? Qhat's happened to the smell of chicken & rice? LOL

[@sanspotter]

That’s what happens from being grounded for so long. It totally screwed up my sense of smell. 😄

[@peanut7260]

wow if first class is $116 i wonder how much is the economy ticket

[@kevinyu527]

Sry but I just had to point out that 2008 was the Bush Administration

[@charlenevalladares8240]

I was on a Delta flying from Boston to Columbus Ohio, it was my first time flying first class. What a disappointment, it was an old plane with no tv screen and barley service. I was expecting to turn left what a joke. Never again!

[@nancybash1814]

Not the intense 2008 vibes😂😂😂😂😂

[@John-oc1ow]

I can say as a guy who has de-iced airplanes. It’s an experience totally worth skipping.

[@sanspotter]

Liar! 😆

[@peterhastings703]

@@sanspotter Don't worry Scott - as a de-icer at SAN, I don't think you'll be kept very busy LOL

[@littlesiddha]

Better than the First Class seat in a brand new A318 I was on from ABQ to SLC last month. To call it legroom would be ironic. Disappointed to know that DL thinks that product is acceptable.

[@sanspotter]

Thankfully they have a lot of other aircraft with a decent domestic first class seat (like the A321). The bad seats are rare!

[@michaelsharp3615]

Looks like your flight was a ghost flight

[@jessicaparra231]

The same thing happened to me a couple of months ago when I flew from Tijuana to Mexico city by Aeromexico 😂

[@sanspotter]

Haha, I have vivid memories of old AeroMexico 737-700 seats.

[@thatfloridian5719]

Fun fact: I was on a delta 737-800 first class flight and when they reset my screen because it was broken a little penguin showed up on my screen

[@sanspotter]

It’s the Linux penguin!

[@ubahnlexi]

Was the flight DL2516?

[@thatfloridian5719]

@@ubahnlexi it was DL2520 GEG-SLC

[@ubahnlexi]

@@thatfloridian5719 Ah.

[@alexsakon]

It’s a good price. The new seats are not significantly better.

[@jcspotter7322]

Yea. Delta 737-800s are hit or miss, they haven't updated their old planes and they're long overdue, sane with some of their 757s

[@robyoungquist5803]

Scott sits down on wrong seat in departure gate. Gets zapped in the ass from the seat along with an admonishment … hey stupid can’t you read? PRICELESS! Best part of the video. 👍🏻😂😂😂

[@sanspotter]

Haha…thanks Rob! It was quite a zap indeed. ⚡️😄

[@FrankMengert]

Try paying $2500 for a family of 3. One way. Delta needs to get it together and sunset these antiques. What a rip off.

[@davidhuskisson1394]

OMG - Don't complain about the clouds.....

[@_w_w_]

I don't think Delta is keeping these old -800, so don't expect new seats. The only 737 will be the -900 and rest of the narrowbody will be the superior A320 and A220 families.

[@sanspotter]

They aren’t keeping the -800s? I guess it makes sense considering the other aircraft that can do the same things better.

[@dbvetter7485]

Flying 1st class, well someone has to it 😂I thought you got free drinks in 1st class.

[@sanspotter]

It’s a brutal thing to experience. 🤣 They were serving drinks on this flight, but I don’t normally drink anything other than water.