I took back-to-back flights on Delta's Airbus A321neo and an older model. The new plane is a huge upgrade.

Jennifer Bradley FranklinJun 15, 2022, 00:30 IST

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I recently flew Delta's newest passenger plane, the Airbus A321neo. It has a completely redesigned first-class cabin.
Afterward, I flew home in an economy seat on the A321neo's predecessor, the A321ceo.

Delta introduced its new Airbus A321neo to the public on May 20, 2022, flying from Boston to San Francisco.

The Airbus A321neo.Delta

More transcontinental routes are planned in the coming months. I got to check it out in first class on a "ferry flight" to move the first plane from Delta's Atlanta headquarters to Boston.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

More transcontinental routes are planned in the coming months. I got to check it out in first class on a "ferry flight" to move the first plane from Delta's Atlanta headquarters to Boston.

But I didn’t stop there. On the way back, I flew economy on the old plane — the A321ceo — to see how different the experience was.

The Delta gate.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Though it's hard to really "see" the difference, the narrowbody A321neo planes are 20% more fuel efficient than the A321ceo. They're powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

The Airbus A321neo.Delta

Though it's hard to really "see" the difference, the narrowbody A321neo planes are 20% more fuel efficient than the A321ceo. They're powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

Walking down the jet bridge to Delta's new A321neo is basically the same experience as on other planes, but as soon as you can see inside, the refreshed overhead lighting design is a clue to how many upgrades you're about to see.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

Walking down the jet bridge to Delta's new A321neo is basically the same experience as on other planes, but as soon as you can see inside, the refreshed overhead lighting design is a clue to how many upgrades you're about to see.

Upgrading the first-class cabin aboard the A321neo was a major focus, and the changes are apparent immediately.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The seats have futuristic-looking "wings" on either side of the headrest to afford passengers additional privacy.

The Airbus A321neo.Delta

The new design is the product of five years of customer and flight attendant focus groups and intense work by the airline's in-house design team.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I took some time to explore the rest of the A321neo. It has one lavatory in front of the first-class cabin (behind the cockpit), one between first class and Comfort+, and two in the rear of the plane (behind economy).

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I took some time to explore the rest of the A321neo. It has one lavatory in front of the first-class cabin (behind the cockpit), one between first class and Comfort+, and two in the rear of the plane (behind economy).

All seats have built-in entertainment monitors and upgraded memory-foam cushions.

The Airbus A321neo.Delta

The attractive ambient lighting extends through the whole cabin, which consists of 20 first-class, 42 Comfort+, and 132 economy seats for a total of 194.

The Airbus A321neo.Delta

Because the flight I took wasn't open to the public, I had an entire row to myself. The new first-class seat design is focused on increased privacy, storage, and space.

The Airbus A321neo.Delta

I found everything — from the placement of storage compartments and plugs to the generous 21-inch seat width and high-definition 13-inch monitor for on-demand entertainment — to be smart and thoughtful.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I found everything — from the placement of storage compartments and plugs to the generous 21-inch seat width and high-definition 13-inch monitor for on-demand entertainment — to be smart and thoughtful.

Overhead bin space in Delta's new A321neo is noticeably roomy, featuring Airspace XL overhead bins, which hold 60% more luggage (as compared to the A321ceos) across all cabins.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

Overhead bin space in Delta's new A321neo is noticeably roomy, featuring Airspace XL overhead bins, which hold 60% more luggage (as compared to the A321ceos) across all cabins.

The doors open upwards. It's a subtle change, but closing them doesn't require a passenger or flight attendant to push a downward-opening bin door upward with weighty luggage inside. Shorter passengers (say, under 5-foot-6) might find it challenging to reach the open door.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The doors open upwards. It's a subtle change, but closing them doesn't require a passenger or flight attendant to push a downward-opening bin door upward with weighty luggage inside. Shorter passengers (say, under 5-foot-6) might find it challenging to reach the open door.

The in-flight experience aboard the new A321neo seems quieter, so it's easier to hear announcements by the crew.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

Each first-class seat on the new Delta A321neo has a bi-fold tray that opens from a compartment alongside the seat.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The tray measures a generous 22 inches by 10 inches. That's plenty of space to hold a 13-inch computer plus a meal or snack.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

Each of the redesigned first-class seats comes with a roomy floor cubby that's big enough to comfortably hold a computer, notebook, e-reader, and more.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

It's a smart design solution that means passengers' essentials are within easy reach.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

In Delta's A321neo's new first class, the leather-covered headrests adjust up and down and may be bent to cradle to cradle your neck. They may be plush enough to replace a travel pillow for some passengers.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

In Delta's A321neo's new first class, the leather-covered headrests adjust up and down and may be bent to cradle to cradle your neck. They may be plush enough to replace a travel pillow for some passengers.

Each first-class seat aboard the new A321neo has two USB-A outlets and a universal power outlet plus a built-in mobile device holder so passengers can charge their devices without concern that they might be misplaced.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

Each first-class seat aboard the new A321neo has two USB-A outlets and a universal power outlet plus a built-in mobile device holder so passengers can charge their devices without concern that they might be misplaced.

Delta's A321neo's new first class also has a fixed tray in between each pair of seats. It's a perfect spot for water bottles or any other drinks you choose while in the air.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Delta's A321neo's new first class also has a fixed tray in between each pair of seats. It's a perfect spot for water bottles or any other drinks you choose while in the air.

The 13-inch high-definition screens can be angled so you can adjust them if the person in front of you reclines, making it easy to watch Delta Studio's more than 1,000 hours of in-flight entertainment.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The 13-inch high-definition screens can be angled so you can adjust them if the person in front of you reclines, making it easy to watch Delta Studio's more than 1,000 hours of in-flight entertainment.

First-class seats aboard Delta's A321neo have five inches of recline, but sadly, the footrests are stationary.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Each first-class row has a privacy divider in between the forward seats, the base of which features a leather-covered ledge.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The leather offers just enough grip, so you can rest a small item or mobile device.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

Delta's new A321neo's ambient lighting can be adjusted for different phases of the flight, from boarding to meal service to deplaning.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The lighting above the overhead bins draws your eyes upward and makes the ceilings appear taller somehow.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

Each of the 42 Comfort+ seats aboard Delta's new A321neo measure 18 inches wide and have 34 inches of pitch, an upgrade over the 31 inches of pitch in standard economy seats.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

Each of the 42 Comfort+ seats aboard Delta's new A321neo measure 18 inches wide and have 34 inches of pitch, an upgrade over the 31 inches of pitch in standard economy seats.

For domestic long-haul flights, that extra space could make a significant difference.

Delta

The smart privacy "wings" in Delta's A321neo's new first-class cabin really do block other guests from view.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The A321neo features Delta's fastest wifi connection across all cabins, and guests can enjoy $5-per-device streaming internet access. If you don't spring for wifi, you can still use Delta's free option for text messages.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Franklin

The A321neo features Delta's fastest wifi connection across all cabins, and guests can enjoy $5-per-device streaming internet access. If you don't spring for wifi, you can still use Delta's free option for text messages.

Between the fast wifi, the roomy seat and the generous bi-fold tray, I found it easy to get some work done in the air.

The Airbus A321neo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Overall, it was a comfortable experience. I could envision enjoying a domestic long-haul flight in one of these seats.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

When I deplaned from the A321neo in Boston, I made a beeline to catch my flight home to Atlanta aboard Delta's A321ceo, an aircraft that Delta's been operating since 2016.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

When I deplaned from the A321neo in Boston, I made a beeline to catch my flight home to Atlanta aboard Delta's A321ceo, an aircraft that Delta's been operating since 2016.

Delta's A321ceo has 20 first-class, 29 Comfort+, and 142 main-cabin seats for a total of 191.

Delta Airbus A321 interior 2.Delta

Boarding the A321ceo was almost an identical experience to boarding the A321neo. I even had the same crew on my flight home.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

One of the notable differences between the two aircrafts in any cabin is that the A321ceo doesn't have the same plush yet firm memory-foam that the A321neo does. It was fine on my short flight from Boston to Atlanta, but I can see missing the extra cushion on a longer-haul flight.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

One of the notable differences between the two aircrafts in any cabin is that the A321ceo doesn't have the same plush yet firm memory-foam that the A321neo does. It was fine on my short flight from Boston to Atlanta, but I can see missing the extra cushion on a longer-haul flight.

This plane's configuration is slightly different. Both the A321neo and A321ceo have a lavatory ahead of first class (behind the cockpit) and two in the rear (behind economy).

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

This plane's configuration is slightly different. Both the A321neo and A321ceo have a lavatory ahead of first class (behind the cockpit) and two in the rear (behind economy).

However, the A321neo has a restroom behind first-class (ahead of Comfort+), while the A321ceo has one in the middle of the economy cabin.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I was fortunate to score an exit row and bulkhead seat, 26A, on my sold-out flight from Boston to Atlanta. That position gave me plenty of extra leg room.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The bulkhead and exit row seat meant that there were only two seats on my side of the aisle, rather than the typical three in economy aboard the A321ceo.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I immediately missed the artistic lighting and the roomier overhead bins, though this plane's storage was more than adequate for my small carry-on.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

My seatmate had trouble locating his under-seat power outlet, so he had to ask a flight attendant. It made me miss the convenient plug placement in the A321neo's first-class seats.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

My seatmate had trouble locating his under-seat power outlet, so he had to ask a flight attendant. It made me miss the convenient plug placement in the A321neo's first-class seats.

One downside of a bulkhead seat is that you can't store anything underneath the seat ahead of you, since there isn't one. I was positioned directly behind the lavatory, but I appreciated the extra legroom.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

One downside of a bulkhead seat is that you can't store anything underneath the seat ahead of you, since there isn't one. I was positioned directly behind the lavatory, but I appreciated the extra legroom.

In addition to Delta's complimentary in-flight entertainment, the company has also started offering gratis headphones to all passengers, no matter the cabin they're seated in.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

In addition to Delta's complimentary in-flight entertainment, the company has also started offering gratis headphones to all passengers, no matter the cabin they're seated in.

I happily accepted the complimentary headphones, as I forgot my go-to pair for this trip.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I appreciated my seat's power plug, but there was nowhere to rest my phone while it charged. I had to tuck it on the seat next to me, all the while missing the thoughtful phone cubby from the A321neo's first-class seats.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I appreciated my seat's power plug, but there was nowhere to rest my phone while it charged. I had to tuck it on the seat next to me, all the while missing the thoughtful phone cubby from the A321neo's first-class seats.

While it wasn't a dramatic difference, the ambient engine noise was more noticeable in the A321ceo than in the A321neo, making it a little more challenging to hear the crew making announcements in-flight.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

While it wasn't a dramatic difference, the ambient engine noise was more noticeable in the A321ceo than in the A321neo, making it a little more challenging to hear the crew making announcements in-flight.

Though it doesn't feature the same artistic lighting design on the ceiling as the A321neo, the Delta's A321ceo has LED lighting that gets adjusted during different phases of the flight.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Though it doesn't feature the same artistic lighting design on the ceiling as the A321neo, the Delta's A321ceo has LED lighting that gets adjusted during different phases of the flight.

My economy seat had a bi-fold tray that opened from my armrest. When fully open, it was large enough to accommodate my 13-inch MacBook Pro.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The tray offered ample space to have a drink and a snack during the flight.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I ordered complimentary ginger ale, water, and a dark chocolate, cherry, and almond granola bar.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Because I was in a bulkhead, my monitor folded out from next to the seat.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Trying to use my computer and make space for two drinks was a tight squeeze on the bi-fold tray.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Swapping from the A321neo to the A321ceo was like going back in time a few years.

Delta

The A321neo's first class is noticeably more comfortable, with plush, roomy seats, extra storage, and upgraded design elements.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

However, for my two-hour-and-20-minute flight from Boston to Atlanta, I was happy with my economy seat in the older plane.

The Airbus A321ceo.Jennifer Bradley Franklin

I flew on Breeze's brand new Airbus A220 from Richmond to San Francisco in first class and it completely exceeded my expectations

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I took back-to-back flights on Delta's Airbus A321neo and an older model. The new plane is a huge upgrade.

Delta introduced its new Airbus A321neo to the public on May 20, 2022, flying from Boston to San Francisco.

More transcontinental routes are planned in the coming months. I got to check it out in first class on a "ferry flight" to move the first plane from Delta's Atlanta headquarters to Boston.

But I didn’t stop there. On the way back, I flew economy on the old plane — the A321ceo — to see how different the experience was.

Though it's hard to really "see" the difference, the narrowbody A321neo planes are 20% more fuel efficient than the A321ceo. They're powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.

Walking down the jet bridge to Delta's new A321neo is basically the same experience as on other planes, but as soon as you can see inside, the refreshed overhead lighting design is a clue to how many upgrades you're about to see.

Upgrading the first-class cabin aboard the A321neo was a major focus, and the changes are apparent immediately.

The seats have futuristic-looking "wings" on either side of the headrest to afford passengers additional privacy.

The new design is the product of five years of customer and flight attendant focus groups and intense work by the airline's in-house design team.

I took some time to explore the rest of the A321neo. It has one lavatory in front of the first-class cabin (behind the cockpit), one between first class and Comfort+, and two in the rear of the plane (behind economy).

All seats have built-in entertainment monitors and upgraded memory-foam cushions.

The attractive ambient lighting extends through the whole cabin, which consists of 20 first-class, 42 Comfort+, and 132 economy seats for a total of 194.

Because the flight I took wasn't open to the public, I had an entire row to myself. The new first-class seat design is focused on increased privacy, storage, and space.

I found everything — from the placement of storage compartments and plugs to the generous 21-inch seat width and high-definition 13-inch monitor for on-demand entertainment — to be smart and thoughtful.

Overhead bin space in Delta's new A321neo is noticeably roomy, featuring Airspace XL overhead bins, which hold 60% more luggage (as compared to the A321ceos) across all cabins.

The doors open upwards. It's a subtle change, but closing them doesn't require a passenger or flight attendant to push a downward-opening bin door upward with weighty luggage inside. Shorter passengers (say, under 5-foot-6) might find it challenging to reach the open door.

The in-flight experience aboard the new A321neo seems quieter, so it's easier to hear announcements by the crew.

Each first-class seat on the new Delta A321neo has a bi-fold tray that opens from a compartment alongside the seat.

The tray measures a generous 22 inches by 10 inches. That's plenty of space to hold a 13-inch computer plus a meal or snack.

Each of the redesigned first-class seats comes with a roomy floor cubby that's big enough to comfortably hold a computer, notebook, e-reader, and more.

It's a smart design solution that means passengers' essentials are within easy reach.

In Delta's A321neo's new first class, the leather-covered headrests adjust up and down and may be bent to cradle to cradle your neck. They may be plush enough to replace a travel pillow for some passengers.

Each first-class seat aboard the new A321neo has two USB-A outlets and a universal power outlet plus a built-in mobile device holder so passengers can charge their devices without concern that they might be misplaced.

Delta's A321neo's new first class also has a fixed tray in between each pair of seats. It's a perfect spot for water bottles or any other drinks you choose while in the air.

The 13-inch high-definition screens can be angled so you can adjust them if the person in front of you reclines, making it easy to watch Delta Studio's more than 1,000 hours of in-flight entertainment.

First-class seats aboard Delta's A321neo have five inches of recline, but sadly, the footrests are stationary.

Each first-class row has a privacy divider in between the forward seats, the base of which features a leather-covered ledge.

The leather offers just enough grip, so you can rest a small item or mobile device.

Delta's new A321neo's ambient lighting can be adjusted for different phases of the flight, from boarding to meal service to deplaning.

The lighting above the overhead bins draws your eyes upward and makes the ceilings appear taller somehow.

Each of the 42 Comfort+ seats aboard Delta's new A321neo measure 18 inches wide and have 34 inches of pitch, an upgrade over the 31 inches of pitch in standard economy seats.

For domestic long-haul flights, that extra space could make a significant difference.

The smart privacy "wings" in Delta's A321neo's new first-class cabin really do block other guests from view.

The A321neo features Delta's fastest wifi connection across all cabins, and guests can enjoy $5-per-device streaming internet access. If you don't spring for wifi, you can still use Delta's free option for text messages.

Between the fast wifi, the roomy seat and the generous bi-fold tray, I found it easy to get some work done in the air.

Overall, it was a comfortable experience. I could envision enjoying a domestic long-haul flight in one of these seats.

When I deplaned from the A321neo in Boston, I made a beeline to catch my flight home to Atlanta aboard Delta's A321ceo, an aircraft that Delta's been operating since 2016.

Delta's A321ceo has 20 first-class, 29 Comfort+, and 142 main-cabin seats for a total of 191.

Boarding the A321ceo was almost an identical experience to boarding the A321neo. I even had the same crew on my flight home.

One of the notable differences between the two aircrafts in any cabin is that the A321ceo doesn't have the same plush yet firm memory-foam that the A321neo does. It was fine on my short flight from Boston to Atlanta, but I can see missing the extra cushion on a longer-haul flight.

This plane's configuration is slightly different. Both the A321neo and A321ceo have a lavatory ahead of first class (behind the cockpit) and two in the rear (behind economy).

However, the A321neo has a restroom behind first-class (ahead of Comfort+), while the A321ceo has one in the middle of the economy cabin.

I was fortunate to score an exit row and bulkhead seat, 26A, on my sold-out flight from Boston to Atlanta. That position gave me plenty of extra leg room.

The bulkhead and exit row seat meant that there were only two seats on my side of the aisle, rather than the typical three in economy aboard the A321ceo.

I immediately missed the artistic lighting and the roomier overhead bins, though this plane's storage was more than adequate for my small carry-on.

My seatmate had trouble locating his under-seat power outlet, so he had to ask a flight attendant. It made me miss the convenient plug placement in the A321neo's first-class seats.

One downside of a bulkhead seat is that you can't store anything underneath the seat ahead of you, since there isn't one. I was positioned directly behind the lavatory, but I appreciated the extra legroom.

In addition to Delta's complimentary in-flight entertainment, the company has also started offering gratis headphones to all passengers, no matter the cabin they're seated in.

I happily accepted the complimentary headphones, as I forgot my go-to pair for this trip.

I appreciated my seat's power plug, but there was nowhere to rest my phone while it charged. I had to tuck it on the seat next to me, all the while missing the thoughtful phone cubby from the A321neo's first-class seats.

While it wasn't a dramatic difference, the ambient engine noise was more noticeable in the A321ceo than in the A321neo, making it a little more challenging to hear the crew making announcements in-flight.

Though it doesn't feature the same artistic lighting design on the ceiling as the A321neo, the Delta's A321ceo has LED lighting that gets adjusted during different phases of the flight.

My economy seat had a bi-fold tray that opened from my armrest. When fully open, it was large enough to accommodate my 13-inch MacBook Pro.

The tray offered ample space to have a drink and a snack during the flight.

I ordered complimentary ginger ale, water, and a dark chocolate, cherry, and almond granola bar.

Because I was in a bulkhead, my monitor folded out from next to the seat.

Trying to use my computer and make space for two drinks was a tight squeeze on the bi-fold tray.

Swapping from the A321neo to the A321ceo was like going back in time a few years.

The A321neo's first class is noticeably more comfortable, with plush, roomy seats, extra storage, and upgraded design elements.

However, for my two-hour-and-20-minute flight from Boston to Atlanta, I was happy with my economy seat in the older plane.