Starting off on my whirlwind trip returning to Australia and New Zealand, I flew as a passenger seated in the economy class cabin aboard a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900(L) airplane from Atlanta to Los Angeles — with mixed results.
Review: Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900(L) Airplane
The airplane is a wide body aircraft with two aisles; and has no more than three seats abreast on the left side, the right side, or in the middle of the airplane.
The Airbus A350-900(L) offers three classes of service. My seat was located in the economy class cabin, which is what Delta Air Lines officially calls the Main Cabin. The headrests are adjustable.
Each passenger has access to in-flight technology which offers a number of services, tray tables, netting to place publications and other light objects, and both electrical outlets and Universal Serial Bus — or USB — ports. Earbuds were given to passengers at no extra charge.
I had plenty of legroom — but I wonder if part of the reason is that the seats seem thinner with less padding as compared to other types of seats on airplanes operated by other airlines.
Why do management personnel at airlines sometimes find not providing individual air vents for passengers necessary? I prefer to have air blowing on me — especially when I feel too warm or someone experiences uncontrolled but rather noticeable flatulence within my vicinity. If you prefer individual air vents, the Airbus A350-900(L) airplane is not for you.
Finding out that I am heading for Paris instead of Los Angeles was a surprise to me, as that is usually the wrong direction to travel if heading for Sydney as a final destination. I did admire how Delta Air Lines would get me to Paris hours faster than Air France Concorde ever did.
The mistake was corrected in a significant amount of time after taking off from Atlanta.
The tray tables can either fold out half way…
…or they can fold out all of the way — but do not be concerned, as you will never need to unfold one all of the way in terms of catered service aboard the airplane…
…as Delta Air Lines very generously offers a choice of two snacks and a choice of beverages at no extra charge.
Two bags of Sun Chips top off at one ounce. One whole ounce. For a flight whose duration is a few minutes shy of five hours. Does anyone remember when passengers used to get a full meal at no extra cost on a flight of a similar duration?
But wait — shortly before landing in Los Angeles, passengers were treated to yet another snack — bringing the total weight of consumption to 1.5 ounces of snacks and 16 ounces of drinks. Of course, these results will vary depending on the choice of snack.
The lavatory was nice and clean. The temperature of the water was adjustable; and the water stayed on for a few seconds after the button was no longer being pressed. Basic foaming liquid soap was provided in the lavatory…
…which also included a large illuminated mirror, paper towels, bags for air sickness or soiled diapers; and tissues.
The pièce de résistance of my experience on this particular flight was when I heard a crack coming from the outer armrest while using it for the first time. I then realized that this particular armrest had previously been broken and was taped until it was permanently repaired.
Even though someone at the airline must have known about this issue judging from the amazing tape job, I still alerted a member of the flight crew. She let me know that it will be fixed. I was quite relieved — although that will happen too late for me on this particular flight.
Final Boarding Call
The members of the flight crew aboard this airplane were cordial; but not with the legendary friendliness for which Delta Air Lines was once known.
I am also finding that I have bad luck attempting to photographing a decent image of the exterior of a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 airplane.
Aside from the aforementioned issues, this flight was a pleasant experience — but I still remain unimpressed with this airplane. I did arrive at Los Angeles International airport safely and on time; so I am thankful for that — but do not expect anything extraordinary if seated in the economy class cabin.
At least I enjoyed the experience of test piloting a new Airbus A350 flight simulator at the world headquarters of Delta Air Lines, as seen in this video.
All photographs ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
