I flew on Delta's Boeing 767 from Sweden to New York in economy and it was the best transatlantic flight I've taken in a long time

Taylor RainsSep 4, 2022, 18:28 IST

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Delta Air Lines is the world's largest operator of the Boeing 767 widebody jet, receiving its first in 1982.
The carrier initially planned to retire the fleet by 2025 but has since decided to keep them longer.

Delta Air Lines is world's biggest operator of the Boeing 767 family aircraft

A Delta Boeing 767 plane.Getty Images

The carrier's first 767 was delivered in 1982, and over the years, Delta has flown all four types, including the 767-200, 767-300, 767-300ER, and the 767-400ER.

The Spirit of Delta — the airline's first 767.Delta Air Lines

The -200 and -300 models were retired in 2006 and 2019, respectively, but Delta still flies 56 -300ERs and 21 -400ERs.

Delta Boeing 767-300ER.NYC Russ/Shutterstock

During the pandemic, the airline said it planned to retire the aging widebodies by 2025 but went back on that late last year, saying it wanted to be flexible on the timeline.

Delta 767-400.kamilpetran/Shutterstock

During the pandemic, the airline said it planned to retire the aging widebodies by 2025 but went back on that late last year, saying it wanted to be flexible on the timeline.

"It's hard enough to say what we'll be flying in January, let alone what we'll be flying in 2027," Delta President Glen Hauenstein said during a November 2021 pilot webinar, per Airline Weekly. "You don't want to get yourself in a box where you've committed specifically to flying or retiring those planes."

Delta 767.Markus Mainka/Shutterstock

"It's hard enough to say what we'll be flying in January, let alone what we'll be flying in 2027," Delta President Glen Hauenstein said during a November 2021 pilot webinar, per Airline Weekly. "You don't want to get yourself in a box where you've committed specifically to flying or retiring those planes."

While Delta does eventually plan to retire its 767 fleet, the carrier has retrofitted 19 of the -300ER models in the meantime.

Delta 767-300.Angel DiBilio/Shutterstock

The new layout, dubbed "76K," includes a brand-new Premium Select cabin and a few upgrades to its Delta One and economy sections, like adding LED lights and power ports to coach.

LED lighting on Delta's 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

The new layout, dubbed "76K," includes a brand-new Premium Select cabin and a few upgrades to its Delta One and economy sections, like adding LED lights and power ports to coach.

Premium Select is Delta's upgraded cabin that offers a leg rest and bigger seatback screens compared to Comfort+, among other amenities. The product is currently on the carrier's Airbus A350s, A330neos, and Boeing 767-400ERs.

Delta Premium Select.Delta Air Lines

Premium Select is Delta's upgraded cabin that offers a leg rest and bigger seatback screens compared to Comfort+, among other amenities. The product is currently on the carrier's Airbus A350s, A330neos, and Boeing 767-400ERs.

Although Delta's 767's have an average age of 25 years, the retrofits suggest the airline still sees a place for them in its fleet and has trust in the jet's reliability and performance.

Delta 767-400.Delta Air Lines

Although Delta's 767's have an average age of 25 years, the retrofits suggest the airline still sees a place for them in its fleet and has trust in the jet's reliability and performance.

I flew on one of Delta's Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on a recent trip from Stockholm to New York City — here's what it was like.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

My trip started at Terminal 5 in Sweden's Stockholm Arlanda Airport at 9:00 a.m. for my 12:05 p.m. flight.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

The day before, I tried to check-in online but the Delta app told me I needed to check in at the ticket counter due to "government regulations."

Screenshot of my Delta app when I tried to check in.Taylor Rains/Insider

In line, there were signs reminding non-US citizens and nonimmigrants that they need to submit a "health attestation form" before the flight saying they are fully vaccinated or have an exemption.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

In line, there were signs reminding non-US citizens and nonimmigrants that they need to submit a "health attestation form" before the flight saying they are fully vaccinated or have an exemption.

There were also security agents who checked my passport and asked detailed questions about my trip to Sweden, like where I stayed and my occupation. I travel to the US from Europe frequently, and this is the first time I've gotten this type of questioning.

We were questioned while we waiting in line to check in.Taylor Rains/Insider

There were also security agents who checked my passport and asked detailed questions about my trip to Sweden, like where I stayed and my occupation. I travel to the US from Europe frequently, and this is the first time I've gotten this type of questioning.

After waiting about 20 minutes, I made it to the agent. She checked my passport for a second time and issued my boarding pass. I noticed I was assigned seat 49D, meaning I was in the middle seat of the middle section.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

After waiting about 20 minutes, I made it to the agent. She checked my passport for a second time and issued my boarding pass. I noticed I was assigned seat 49D, meaning I was in the middle seat of the middle section.

While I was a little disappointed in the random seat, I knew it was a gamble when booking basic economy.

Screenshot of Delta's basic economy seat policy.Delta Air Lines

After check-in, I headed to security, which only took about 15 minutes. I was happy to see the chaos happening at airports like London Heathrow and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was absent from Arlanda.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

After check-in, I headed to security, which only took about 15 minutes. I was happy to see the chaos happening at airports like London Heathrow and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was absent from Arlanda.

After security, I made my way through the airport, passing through a large duty-free area before heading to gate 17.

The duty free area was not crowded.Taylor Rains/Insider

The gate was actually in a secure area just past a passport control checkpoint, where my document was checked for the third time.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Once in the boarding area, my boarding pass was checked by another agent who pointed out the dreaded SSSS written across the top, meaning I had to wait in another line to get a secondary security check.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Once in the boarding area, my boarding pass was checked by another agent who pointed out the dreaded SSSS written across the top, meaning I had to wait in another line to get a secondary security check.

After about 10 minutes of waiting in line and another 10 minutes of swabbing my bags, I was finally able to wait by the gate.

Waiting to get my bags checked.Taylor Rains/Insider

Around 11:00, the flight started to board, starting with those with kids or needing extra assistance…

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…followed by active military personnel, Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+, Sky Priority, Main Cabin one, two, and three, and basic economy.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was the last to board, which was no big deal.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Walking through the plane, I passed both Delta One and Premium Select and noticed how nice the "76K" version of the Boeing 767-300ER was. The seats were plush, and the jet felt much newer than 20 years old.

Delta One.Taylor Rains/Insider

Walking through the plane, I passed both Delta One and Premium Select and noticed how nice the "76K" version of the Boeing 767-300ER was. The seats were plush, and the jet felt much newer than 20 years old.

However, Delta One was not the new suite product installed on the carrier's 767-400ER, but it still had new finishes and better cushions than the previous design.

Delta One suite on the 767-400ER.Delta Air Lines

Moreover, the 2x3x2 layout means couples sitting on the sides get a row to themselves.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I quickly got to my seat and stored my luggage. Like other 767s I've flown on, the overhead bins closest to the fuselage are meant for roller bags, while the middle ones are smaller and better suited for duffels and backpacks.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I quickly got to my seat and stored my luggage. Like other 767s I've flown on, the overhead bins closest to the fuselage are meant for roller bags, while the middle ones are smaller and better suited for duffels and backpacks.

My carry-on suitcase easily fit in the larger bin.

My carry-on bag is on the far left.Taylor Rains/Insider

When I took my seat, I was happy to find a large water bottle…

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a pillow and blanket waiting for me.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was also impressed with how roomy the seat was. At first, I was a little nervous about sitting in the middle seat of the middle section, but it proved to be perfectly comfortable.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was also impressed with how roomy the seat was. At first, I was a little nervous about sitting in the middle seat of the middle section, but it proved to be perfectly comfortable.

At 5'3" and on the smaller side, I had more than enough legroom for both my feet and my backpack. Delta's 767-300 offers 31-32 inches of pitch, so shorter and average-height passengers should have plenty of space.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

At 5'3" and on the smaller side, I had more than enough legroom for both my feet and my backpack. Delta's 767-300 offers 31-32 inches of pitch, so shorter and average-height passengers should have plenty of space.

However, taller passengers may want to upgrade to Comfort+, which offers 35 inches of pitch. Both cabins offer 17.9 inches of seat width.

Comfort+ cabin.Taylor Rains/Insider

As far as amenities, Delta had everything I needed for the eight-hour journey, including underseat power outlets...

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a large seatback pocket…

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…an in-flight entertainment screen…

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a USB port…

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…an adjustable headrest…

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a deep recline…

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a travel kit with an eye mask and earbuds…

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a tray table big enough for my laptop.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I worked during my flight, so I had to rely on the WiFi en route, which cost $9.95. At first, it was pretty slow during the climb, but it sped up at cruising altitude, and I didn't have any further problems.

For frequent flyers, the monthly global WiFi plan costs $69.95.Taylor Rains/Insider

I worked during my flight, so I had to rely on the WiFi en route, which cost $9.95. At first, it was pretty slow during the climb, but it sped up at cruising altitude, and I didn't have any further problems.

I was also able to tap into T-Mobile's free inflight WiFi and texting on my phone, which was a nice surprise.

Screenshot of the T-Mobile WiFi option on my iPhone.Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour into the flight, the flight attendants started the meal service. For lunch, we were offered either a veggie ravioli dish or chicken curry. The curry smelled delicious, so I went with that.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour into the flight, the flight attendants started the meal service. For lunch, we were offered either a veggie ravioli dish or chicken curry. The curry smelled delicious, so I went with that.

On my most recent transatlantic flight from London to Montreal on Air Canada, I was really disappointed in the food, but I was eager to try Delta's.

My Air Canada 787 economy meal.Taylor Rains/Insider

Fortunately, the carrier's food was much better, and I'd go as far as to say it was actually one of the tastiest economy meals I've had on an airliner. The curry was creamy…

I know the curry looks questionable, but it was delicious mixed with the rice.Taylor Rains/Insider

Fortunately, the carrier's food was much better, and I'd go as far as to say it was actually one of the tastiest economy meals I've had on an airliner. The curry was creamy…

…the caprese salad was a filling side dish…

Flying Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and the salted caramel ice cream satisfied my sweet tooth.

Flying Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Shortly after serving the meals, the flight attendants came through with drinks. Alcohol was free in economy, so I opted for a Diet Coke and Bacardi.

Flying Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

After the meal, I headed to the lavatory, which was nothing special but still big enough to change and move around.

Flying Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

There was also a large baby changing table.

Flying Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Back at my seat, I turned on my TV screen and pulled up the flight tracker to have in the background while I worked.

Flying Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I spent about six hours working, which surprisingly flew by despite being trapped in the very middle seat. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all during the flight, which goes to show how well Delta has designed its cabin.

A view of my neighbor's seat.Taylor Rains/Insider

I spent about six hours working, which surprisingly flew by despite being trapped in the very middle seat. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all during the flight, which goes to show how well Delta has designed its cabin.

The blue mood lights were on during the flight, which helped me focus, and the flight attendants came by with water and orange juice several times, keeping me hydrated.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour before landing, passengers were served a second smaller meal. The options were a chicken spring roll or a feta and spinach pastry. I chose the latter to try a vegetarian offering.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour before landing, passengers were served a second smaller meal. The options were a chicken spring roll or a feta and spinach pastry. I chose the latter to try a vegetarian offering.

Like the first meal, I was again not disappointed in the pastry's taste. The texture of the filling is my only critique, but it was a very minor issue as the flavor made up for it.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Like the first meal, I was again not disappointed in the pastry's taste. The texture of the filling is my only critique, but it was a very minor issue as the flavor made up for it.

I was also given raspberry yogurt. It was actually better than the yogurt offered on United's transatlantic flights, so I was impressed.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Shortly after collecting the trash, we started our final descent into New York and landed right on time.

Deplaning was surprisingly quick.Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, the flight was perfect and probably the best long-haul flight experience I've had in a long time — even being in the middle seat.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Delta's upgraded economy cabin was the selling point, which now has inflight power, mood lighting, and memory-foam seat cushions.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Power was previously reserved for Comfort+ and business class, so I wouldn't have been able to keep my laptop charged and work for six hours straight without the added amenity.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

Power was previously reserved for Comfort+ and business class, so I wouldn't have been able to keep my laptop charged and work for six hours straight without the added amenity.

Moreover, the padded, reclining seat kept me comfortable during the journey, and I didn't have any back or leg pain after landing...

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

...and the inflight service was wonderful.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

I would highly recommend flying Delta's 767-300 long-haul. Despite the old plane, the carrier's thoughtful upgrades ensure a smooth, comfortable ride.

Flying on Delta's Boeing 767-300ER.Taylor Rains/Insider

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I flew on Delta's Boeing 767 from Sweden to New York in economy and it was the best transatlantic flight I've taken in a long time

Delta Air Lines is world's biggest operator of the Boeing 767 family aircraft

The carrier's first 767 was delivered in 1982, and over the years, Delta has flown all four types, including the 767-200, 767-300, 767-300ER, and the 767-400ER.

The -200 and -300 models were retired in 2006 and 2019, respectively, but Delta still flies 56 -300ERs and 21 -400ERs.

During the pandemic, the airline said it planned to retire the aging widebodies by 2025 but went back on that late last year, saying it wanted to be flexible on the timeline.

While Delta does eventually plan to retire its 767 fleet, the carrier has retrofitted 19 of the -300ER models in the meantime.

The new layout, dubbed "76K," includes a brand-new Premium Select cabin and a few upgrades to its Delta One and economy sections, like adding LED lights and power ports to coach.

Premium Select is Delta's upgraded cabin that offers a leg rest and bigger seatback screens compared to Comfort+, among other amenities. The product is currently on the carrier's Airbus A350s, A330neos, and Boeing 767-400ERs.

Although Delta's 767's have an average age of 25 years, the retrofits suggest the airline still sees a place for them in its fleet and has trust in the jet's reliability and performance.

I flew on one of Delta's Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on a recent trip from Stockholm to New York City — here's what it was like.

My trip started at Terminal 5 in Sweden's Stockholm Arlanda Airport at 9:00 a.m. for my 12:05 p.m. flight.

The day before, I tried to check-in online but the Delta app told me I needed to check in at the ticket counter due to "government regulations."

In line, there were signs reminding non-US citizens and nonimmigrants that they need to submit a "health attestation form" before the flight saying they are fully vaccinated or have an exemption.

There were also security agents who checked my passport and asked detailed questions about my trip to Sweden, like where I stayed and my occupation. I travel to the US from Europe frequently, and this is the first time I've gotten this type of questioning.

After waiting about 20 minutes, I made it to the agent. She checked my passport for a second time and issued my boarding pass. I noticed I was assigned seat 49D, meaning I was in the middle seat of the middle section.

While I was a little disappointed in the random seat, I knew it was a gamble when booking basic economy.

After check-in, I headed to security, which only took about 15 minutes. I was happy to see the chaos happening at airports like London Heathrow and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was absent from Arlanda.

After security, I made my way through the airport, passing through a large duty-free area before heading to gate 17.

The gate was actually in a secure area just past a passport control checkpoint, where my document was checked for the third time.

Once in the boarding area, my boarding pass was checked by another agent who pointed out the dreaded SSSS written across the top, meaning I had to wait in another line to get a secondary security check.

After about 10 minutes of waiting in line and another 10 minutes of swabbing my bags, I was finally able to wait by the gate.

Around 11:00, the flight started to board, starting with those with kids or needing extra assistance…

…followed by active military personnel, Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort+, Sky Priority, Main Cabin one, two, and three, and basic economy.

I was the last to board, which was no big deal.

Walking through the plane, I passed both Delta One and Premium Select and noticed how nice the "76K" version of the Boeing 767-300ER was. The seats were plush, and the jet felt much newer than 20 years old.

However, Delta One was not the new suite product installed on the carrier's 767-400ER, but it still had new finishes and better cushions than the previous design.

Moreover, the 2x3x2 layout means couples sitting on the sides get a row to themselves.

I quickly got to my seat and stored my luggage. Like other 767s I've flown on, the overhead bins closest to the fuselage are meant for roller bags, while the middle ones are smaller and better suited for duffels and backpacks.

My carry-on suitcase easily fit in the larger bin.

When I took my seat, I was happy to find a large water bottle…

…and a pillow and blanket waiting for me.

I was also impressed with how roomy the seat was. At first, I was a little nervous about sitting in the middle seat of the middle section, but it proved to be perfectly comfortable.

At 5'3" and on the smaller side, I had more than enough legroom for both my feet and my backpack. Delta's 767-300 offers 31-32 inches of pitch, so shorter and average-height passengers should have plenty of space.

However, taller passengers may want to upgrade to Comfort+, which offers 35 inches of pitch. Both cabins offer 17.9 inches of seat width.

As far as amenities, Delta had everything I needed for the eight-hour journey, including underseat power outlets...

…a large seatback pocket…

…an in-flight entertainment screen…

…a USB port…

…an adjustable headrest…

…a deep recline…

…a travel kit with an eye mask and earbuds…

…and a tray table big enough for my laptop.

I worked during my flight, so I had to rely on the WiFi en route, which cost $9.95. At first, it was pretty slow during the climb, but it sped up at cruising altitude, and I didn't have any further problems.

I was also able to tap into T-Mobile's free inflight WiFi and texting on my phone, which was a nice surprise.

About an hour into the flight, the flight attendants started the meal service. For lunch, we were offered either a veggie ravioli dish or chicken curry. The curry smelled delicious, so I went with that.

On my most recent transatlantic flight from London to Montreal on Air Canada, I was really disappointed in the food, but I was eager to try Delta's.

Fortunately, the carrier's food was much better, and I'd go as far as to say it was actually one of the tastiest economy meals I've had on an airliner. The curry was creamy…

…the caprese salad was a filling side dish…

…and the salted caramel ice cream satisfied my sweet tooth.

Shortly after serving the meals, the flight attendants came through with drinks. Alcohol was free in economy, so I opted for a Diet Coke and Bacardi.

After the meal, I headed to the lavatory, which was nothing special but still big enough to change and move around.

There was also a large baby changing table.

Back at my seat, I turned on my TV screen and pulled up the flight tracker to have in the background while I worked.

I spent about six hours working, which surprisingly flew by despite being trapped in the very middle seat. I didn't feel uncomfortable at all during the flight, which goes to show how well Delta has designed its cabin.

The blue mood lights were on during the flight, which helped me focus, and the flight attendants came by with water and orange juice several times, keeping me hydrated.

About an hour before landing, passengers were served a second smaller meal. The options were a chicken spring roll or a feta and spinach pastry. I chose the latter to try a vegetarian offering.

Like the first meal, I was again not disappointed in the pastry's taste. The texture of the filling is my only critique, but it was a very minor issue as the flavor made up for it.

I was also given raspberry yogurt. It was actually better than the yogurt offered on United's transatlantic flights, so I was impressed.

Shortly after collecting the trash, we started our final descent into New York and landed right on time.

Overall, the flight was perfect and probably the best long-haul flight experience I've had in a long time — even being in the middle seat.

Delta's upgraded economy cabin was the selling point, which now has inflight power, mood lighting, and memory-foam seat cushions.

Power was previously reserved for Comfort+ and business class, so I wouldn't have been able to keep my laptop charged and work for six hours straight without the added amenity.

Moreover, the padded, reclining seat kept me comfortable during the journey, and I didn't have any back or leg pain after landing...

...and the inflight service was wonderful.

I would highly recommend flying Delta's 767-300 long-haul. Despite the old plane, the carrier's thoughtful upgrades ensure a smooth, comfortable ride.