I flew on Delta's Airbus A220 from New York to Dallas in economy. I enjoyed the smaller jet and its unique lavatory window.

Taylor RainsMay 29, 2024, 20:24 IST

Inside Delta's A220 lavatory.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I recently flew four hours from New York to Texas on a Delta Air Lines Airbus A220 in economy.
The smaller aircraft has Delta's usual seatback screens, power, and WiFi but fewer middle seats.

Delta Air Lines has always been my go-to carrier.

I regularly flew the airline to and from Atlanta growing up, and now take advantage of its huge hubs at my nearby New York City area airports.

Other airlines are starting to grow on me, but my dozens of Delta flights over the years have been on time, and I appreciate its large network and consistency in terms of product and customer service.

To add a little excitement to a recent domestic flight from New York to Dallas/Fort Worth, I specifically booked Delta's Airbus A220.

Although the jet is smaller than a typical mainline plane, it's just as comfortable — and you might actually want to visit the lavatory on this one.

My Delta flight left out of Terminal 4 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Premium customers can use the designated Delta One check-in area at the far end of Terminal 4.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The airport was packed, and the Delta counters and kiosks had lines of people waiting. Luckily, I only had a carry-on, so I went straight to security.

The lines to use a kiosk signal the busy travel season is here.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I used TSA PreCheck to speed through security, but Delta also has a special facial-recognition line for eligible SkyMiles members.

Delta's digital ID lane moved quicker than TSA PreCheck, but the "expanded pilot" technology is only at some of Delta's hubs.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

After a quick stop at the newly opened Chase Sapphire Lounge, I boarded Delta's A220-100 at Gate B30.

The Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York-JFK, located on the same level as security, is the best Priority Pass option in Terminal 4, in my opinion.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Only a few other US airlines fly an A220 variant, including JetBlue Airways and Breeze Airways.

The author flew on Breeze Airways' A220 in 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Smaller than mainline narrowbodies, the A220 family has middle seats on only one side of the cabin.

Delta's A220 family is configured with rows of two on the left and rows of three on the right. The A220-100 can carry 109 people, while the A220-300 can carry 130 people.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I took my chances with a random assignment and ended up in 22D — a middle seat. It was still plenty spacious despite the smaller plane.

The seat on Delta's A220.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

At only 5'3" tall, I had enough legroom for the four-hour flight. However, the 30 inches of pitch could be cramped for taller travelers.

Taller passengers may consider upgrading to Comfort+ or booking an exit-row seat, both offering more legroom but the same seat width.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

While the pitch is not as generous as competitors, Delta's cabin is consistent — complete with TVs, WiFi, power, and headrests.

Passengers also get a tray table, a decent-sized seatback pocket, and a complimentary drink and snack. The cabin also features mood lighting.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

I like knowing what to expect when flying on Delta's mainline planes.

I was served a snack and drink onboard, with drinks served upon request as well. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Unique to Delta's A220, however, is a surprise window in the aft lavatory — which is why I wanted to fly on this specific jet.

The lavatory was modern and clean.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The best part is the window-equipped lavatory is in the back of the aircraft — meaning it isn't reserved for just first-class flyers.

The window is commonly called a "loo with a view."Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The Dallas/Fort Worth-bound flight was overall comfortable and on time — though I did have issues with the WiFi.

This isn't unique to Delta, considering I've had internet issues on every US mainline carrier at some point.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

And I'll admit that I prefer American's tablet holder over Delta's TV screen.

I used the tablet holder to watch reality shows that airlines don't stream, like Deal or No Deal Island.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Still, I like Delta's consistent comfort and reliability. And it A220 is worth purposefully flying if you want a funky inflight experience.

First-class on Delta's A220.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

My family of 3 paid $650 to enter early and skip the lines at Universal Studios Japan. Similar perks would've cost us double back home in Florida.

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