summary
- The author flew in economy class on an Embraer E175 to save money and experience the difference in seats compared to Flixbus coaches. He chose Delta Airlines because of their no WiFi data limits and easy booking process.
- I enjoyed the comfortable economy class seat and appreciated the professional service of the flight attendants. I also noted the popularity of the E175 in the United States.
- The author recommends considering boarding and disembarking orders when deciding between economy class and Delta Comfort+. The author found there was little difference in comfort between the two classes.
Recently, for various reasons, I had to fly back from Spokane to Seattle to attend the SkyFest 2024 air show at Fairchild Air Force Base. So, I flew back on an Embraer E175, this time in economy class. Here’s what I thought of the experience.
Why fly economy class?
So I chose Delta because there was a very real risk that AFA Alaska would strike against Alaska Airlines when I decided to buy tickets in May. I also decided to fly in economy because I had previously considered first class on E175 and wanted to save a little money on a short flight, especially since I had taken a Flixbus coach in the opposite direction. Flixbus was reasonably priced but the seats were somewhat uncomfortable for a few hours of travel. Also, the in-flight WiFi was limited to 300MB whereas Delta SkyMiles has no data limits while flying in economy. Plus there was no on-board service on a multi-stop ride that lasted several hours, so I guess there is still demand for regional flights.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
So booking the Delta flight was easy. I used PayPal Pay-in-4 to spread the cost of the flight over two months. Plus, because I didn’t have a layover, I could (and did) choose a seat in the back of E175. I also wanted a window seat.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
Many articles have been written about the Embraer E175 on Simple Flying, but it’s important to note that the E175 is the most popular regional jet in the U.S. as it meets the scope requirements of the major pilot unions, so the E175 is the jetliner that many people fly and will fly for a long time to come.
Related
Is Embraer’s E175 America’s most used single-aisle aircraft?
The Embraer E175 was first delivered in 2004, but what is the status now?
So, while I would normally spend a bit more on a premium or first class seat, I wanted to experience flying in the back for a few reasons: the disembarkation process and greater access to the cabin being two big ones.
Boarding experience
I was rushing from the Fairchild Air Force Base air show to the airport with 2 hours to spare, so I figured I’d have plenty of time to make it to Spokane International Airport with a connecting flight. However, the air show was a bit delayed, and the shuttle route only had one stop, so traffic got a bit hectic, so I had to get off halfway and call an Uber. I got there with 25 minutes to spare, but I don’t recommend it. However, security was thankfully quick, and I was one of the last passengers on DL3857 waiting to board at gate B5.
Unfortunately, that portion of Spokane International Airport has jet bridges, so there wasn’t a hotside experience like there was with Horizon Air’s retired Q400 turboprops. We recommend checking out our April 2023 guide for the airport.
Related
Spokane International Airport: Everything you need to know
Complete Guide to Spokane International Airport
On this flight, I decided to waive my right to disembark due to my disability, which included back pain, so per Delta’s new boarding procedure, I decided to wait until the flight was in Zone 6, which according to Delta’s boarding procedure is for Economy Class passengers who are SkyMiles members.
Related
How Delta Boarding Groups Work and How to Get Promoted
Airline boarding systems will change from May 1st.
However, I was sitting almost at the very back in seat 18D, so I didn’t have to worry about bending my back to let passengers through. I was able to sit down in my economy seat and feel very comfortable. The headrest was adjustable to fit my head, which was great.
The flight was professionally manned by two flight attendants, and since there was no entertainment behind the seats, the flight attendants gave a live presentation. Fortunately, I didn’t have to take the evacuation drill, but the safety demonstration was easy to follow even if I was sitting in the back seat. Below is a guide to the safety demonstration.
Related
Safety Demonstration Details
Let’s see how it all works.
Meanwhile, E175 was preparing to take off, and because boarding, baggage loading, and other preparations were well ahead of schedule, the plane had to wait a short while while taxiing for a slot to arrive at SEA due to gate restrictions and other constraints at SEA.
Related
Inside Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Restrictions
A brief look at the unique constraints facing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) follows.
The flight itself
A few minutes later, the plane was cleared for takeoff, and the view from my seat was amazing, as was the view from the sky above Fairchild Air Force Base, including the scorched earth caused by the fireworks from the A-10 demo I mentioned earlier.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
Clouds impacted my aerial photography opportunities, however, as the pilot did crowd surf for a while, flying high above the Cascade Mountains and creating some turbulence.
Delta’s free WiFi for SkyMiles members was adequate for the short flight. But what impressed me most was the extremely comfortable seat in economy class E175. It’s debatable whether Delta is on par with Emirates or Qatar Airways as a luxury airline, but Delta does prioritize passenger comfort. Unlike other airlines (which I won’t name), the plush seat was a pleasant surprise.
Related
5 Smart Ways to Use Delta SkyMiles
There are many different ways to redeem miles from Delta’s loyalty program.
After a while when the seatbelt signs didn’t come up, we descended on E175 for a long, smooth approach into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which also offered some great views of downtown Seattle, as seen in the cover photo of this review.
Disembarking was easy and it was nice to relax while others who needed to hurry disembarked, especially after a long day on my feet.
Conclusion
On Delta Airlines, there is little difference in comfort between economy class and the more legroom-rich Delta Comfort+ class, but you should take boarding and especially disembarkation order into consideration.
What are the lessons learned for you? Please share them respectfully in the comments section.