I upgraded to a ‘Comfort’ seat on this flight. I want my money back

The airline: 
Delta Air Lines

• Route Miami to New York LaGuardia, flight DL2339
• Frequency
 Five non-stop flights, daily.
• Aircraft 
Airbus A321-200
• Class 
Delta Comfort Plus; seat 13C, aisle
• Flight time 3 hours, 5 minutes (on time)

Checking in

During online check-in, I treat myself to a Delta Comfort Plus upgrade for $US99 ($A151). The spiel is enticing: more legroom, more space to work, dedicated overhead bin space, the promise of boarding early and deplaning quickly, plus premium snacks and complimentary alcoholic drinks.

An Uber from PortMiami cruise hub to the airport costs $US25 ($38) and takes about 25 minutes. I’m not checking a suitcase, so I head straight for security screening.

Baggage

One carry-on bag and one personal item are included. Carry on bags must under 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 centimetres). Delta Comfort Plus and Delta Main cabin passengers may check one standard suitcase, weighing under 23 kilograms, for $US35. A second checked suitcase under 23 kilograms is an additional $US45.

The flight is full and there’s no space in the overhead bins near my seat. I’m in row 13, and my bag has to go in the bins above row 23. It means I’m one of the last to disembark when we get to New York.

Loyalty scheme

Delta SkyMiles. Delta is a member of the Skyteam alliance. SkyMiles members earn points on Virgin Atlantic, LATAM, Korean Air, KLM and other airlines.

The seat

The twenty-nine seats in Delta Comfort Plus are in a 3-3, one-aisle configuration, except for Row 13, which is 3-2. My seat (13C) is on the aisle. The seat width is 18 inches (46 centimetres) and pitch is 34 inches (86 centimetres). By comparison, Main Cabin seats are the same width, with 30-31 inches (76-79 centimetres) of pitch.

Had I known my seat was in the exit row, I wouldn’t have upgraded. The seat width feels narrower than 46 centimetres because of chunky, immovable armrests/seat dividers that store a TV screen and a (very wobbly) tray table. There’s no underseat storage in front.

Entertainment + tech

Delta SkyMiles members have access to fast, free, inflight WiFi. If you’re not already a member, sign up onboard. A good selection of complimentary films, series, live TV and music are available on seatback screens. In my exit row seat, I have a screen that pops up out of the seat divider. It won’t stay fixed at a convenient angle, so I give up and put it away. Main Cabin passengers plug their devices into power outlets attached to the seat in front, while mine is under my legs. It’s a loose socket and I accidentally knock my cable out a few times.

Service

Attendants are friendly. However, I’m less than impressed by the response to the email I send after the flight. While acknowledging “how disappointing it must have been to pay for an enhanced experience and feel let down by the seating arrangement and amenities”, no remedy is offered.

Food

Complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea and juices, plus pretzels, cookies, granola bars or SunChips. Comfort Plus guests can also have beer, wine, spirits and premium snacks at no charge.

Sustainability

Delta is collaborating with JetZero to develop a more sustainable aircraft (up to 50 per cent more fuel-efficient).*

One more thing

Three new premium Delta One Lounge locations and various expansions are planned for this year.

The price

From $US334 ($511) one way in Delta Comfort Plus**

The verdict

I regret paying to upgrade. Next time, I’ll stick with Main Cabin.

Our rating out of five

★★★

The writer flew at her own expense. See delta.com

*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.