We will be flying Delta Air Lines on a short hop to Portland (PDX) from Seattle, WA in the main cabin of a Delta Airbus A220-100 aircraft. This flight is part of a much larger trip to Europe for the Aircraft Interiors Expo! I look forward to sharing more content from that trip. In this flight review, we will be exploring the following:
- Background & Booking
- Day of Travel
- Flight Plan / Routing
- Delta Seattle Sky Club
- Pre Flight
- Boarding
- Flight Info
- Takeoff
- Mt. Rainier
- Seat, Service & Random Wi-Fi pricing
- Delta A220-100 Main Cabin Seat Details:
- Service
- Random Wi-Fi Pricing
- Arrival in Portland (PDX)
- Delta Portland (PDX) Sky Club
- Delta Air Lines
- Review Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
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Background & Booking
As a passenger, you have multiple options to get from Seattle to Portland:
- Take the car
- Amtrak
- Plane
- Alaska Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
I chose to fly Delta since I had not flown them in a while. My other motive was to visit the Delta Sky Club before the access restrictions kick in next year. I booked the flight using Delta’s website. It was painless as is typical for a large airline. You can also book these flights using Expedia.com.
Day of Travel
I got to the airport with plenty of time before the flight. I noticed Delta had swapped our plane. Originally when I booked this flight it was an A220-300 however Delta swapped it to the smaller A220-100.
![SeattleAirport Seattle Airport Curbside](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SeattleAirport-891x1024.jpg)
I had to check a bag in so I went to the kiosk to tag it (hoping the bag wouldn’t end up in Florida….). The kiosk screen offered me a $52 upgrade to First Class. That was nicer to see instead of ~1100 During the check-in process Delta offered me. My imaginary finance dept kindly reminded me that this was a short hop and likely would not be worth it.
![Delta Upgrade Request Denied screen shot of upgrade request denied](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/87D3CAC3-0E2C-428A-BA86-E0F7784D17A5_1_201_a-1024x408.jpeg)
I hold elite status with Delta, but I forgot to request an upgrade through the app. The app disables the ability to request an upgrade on the day of travel which I find annoying. I’m not quite sure why Delta does this there certainly isn’t a technical reason preventing requesting an upgrade.
![Delta Upgrade Offer Delta 1127.68 Upgrade Offer](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/460283AF-7183-4AB2-8A3A-71F805AD0225_1_201_a-1024x917.jpeg)
Flight Plan / Routing
Seattle (SEA) – Portland (PDX)
![Image-6-4-24-at-5.59 PM DL 879 Seattle To Portland Flight Path](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Image-6-4-24-at-5.59 PM.jpeg)
Delta Seattle Sky Club
![Delta-SEA-SkyClub-Entrance a sign on a wall](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-SEA-SkyClub-Entrance-1007x1024.jpg)
I was able to gain access with the Amex Platinum Card. Delta currently has one lounge in Seattle airport which will soon change with the opening of another club in late 2024. Delta considers Seattle airport a hub so it will be nice to have two Sky Clubs as Seattle’s sole club can get busy.
The current lounge is in Concourse A it has two levels for this review we will focus briefly on the lower level.
Delta has an extensive food offering from small sandwiches to other snacks.
![DCB16781-E58D-46BC-A184-70C7C112F2A2_1_105_c a plate of food on a counter](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DCB16781-E58D-46BC-A184-70C7C112F2A2_1_105_c.jpeg)
![8CA3A359-D7E5-4149-90B7-9CE69275B70A_1_100_o a group of bowls of food](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/8CA3A359-D7E5-4149-90B7-9CE69275B70A_1_100_o-1024x768.jpeg)
Delta also has lemonade on offer with cool straws. The lemonade tastes similar to Minute-Made’s lemonade.
The views in this lounge are great:
![Delta 737 Parked At A1 a plane parked at an airport](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/982702E3-04F7-49B9-9A1E-7B20DDE82304_1_105_c.jpeg)
Pre Flight
I went to the gate from the Delta Sky Club to Concourse S via train. Normally the S concourse at Seattle is for international flights. However, Since Seattle airport is short on gate space multiple airlines utilize S as extra gate space. Delta Air Lines felt that Portland was an international destination. Boarding was briefly delayed since the crew had to walk from B to the S concourse.
![B298DDC0-BB01-4EDF-9807-66B19432416D_1_201_a a sign with an airplane in the sky](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/B298DDC0-BB01-4EDF-9807-66B19432416D_1_201_a-1024x478.jpeg)
Boarding
Delta has changed the boarding process to board based on zones. I feel mostly indifferent about the change.
I love how Delta’s app notifies you when your zone is boarding. I wish other airlines would provide detailed boarding notifications.
![jetway hallway jetway hallway](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/64330C22-B24E-4960-B42C-1BEC47C0E37B_1_201_a-716x1024.jpeg)
![CFFB5CBE-F389-432F-90E2-C78636326D25_1_201_a seats in an airplane with a white wall](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CFFB5CBE-F389-432F-90E2-C78636326D25_1_201_a-875x1024.jpeg)
Upon being seated I noticed that the flight was fairly empty which explains the swap from the A220-300 to A220-100.
![D26F1E35-FAC2-4A3A-9D9A-942FE32E1AEC_1_102_o a blue and white airplane on a runway](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/D26F1E35-FAC2-4A3A-9D9A-942FE32E1AEC_1_102_o-edited-1024x768.jpeg)
Flight Info
Flight No: DL 879
Route: Seattle (SEA) – Portland (PDX)
Plane: Airbus A220 – 100 (Did you know Bombardier designed the A220 originally called the C-Series? Bombardier later sold the plane type to Airbus)
Registration: N116DU
Flight Time: 29 mins
Scheduled Departure: 3:40 pm
DL/BTS Departure: 3:39 pm
All times in local time zone
BTS stands for Bureau of Transportation statistics; their definition is used in most airlines apps in the USA to measure applicable times for airline operations & tracking.
Takeoff
We soon took off as usual the surrounding area is stunning. I will let the pictures do the talking 🙂
![FFBCC7A2-B1AC-427F-A29B-F39C34A4D074_1_102_o an airplane wing and body of water](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FFBCC7A2-B1AC-427F-A29B-F39C34A4D074_1_102_o-1024x768.jpeg)
Mt. Rainier
As we left Seattle we were treated to stunning views of Mt. Rainier. The crew pointed we were flying by Mt. Rainier which was a nice touch. Unfortunately, I was seated on the wrong side of the aircraft.
![7F865ABE-2497-4046-AD0D-7BAB41562FD0_1_105_c a Mt. Rainier with snow on top](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/7F865ABE-2497-4046-AD0D-7BAB41562FD0_1_105_c-1024x576.jpeg)
Seat, Service & Random Wi-Fi pricing
![4B779ED2-5DB5-4B07-B3E4-DB730FD29A91_1_102_o a view of clouds from an airplane](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4B779ED2-5DB5-4B07-B3E4-DB730FD29A91_1_102_o-1024x768.jpeg)
Delta A220-100 Main Cabin Seat Details:
This particular A220 came with Delta PTV equipped. Due to the short flight, I did not get a chance to explore the PTV.
![A5F7F8BE-F04B-4195-94EB-321813C155A4_1_201_a a seat in an airplane](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/A5F7F8BE-F04B-4195-94EB-321813C155A4_1_201_a-1024x711.jpeg)
Main Cabin Seat Configuration: 2 – 3
Seat Manufacturer/Series: Collins Pinnacle
Seat Comments: The Collins Pinnacle seat is popular among the big three US airlines. The Collins Pinnacle seat is comfortable with good padding & an adjustable headrest. The seat width was also great. Please note I did not have a passenger seated next to me.
Amenities: Universal Power outlet, (Paid) Wi-Fi, & USB
For more information see Delta’s A220 page.
Service
Due to the short duration of the flight, there was no service in the main cabin.
![5D788695-7973-494E-9A0C-0CCB3818DAD7_1_105_c a screen shot of a computer](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/5D788695-7973-494E-9A0C-0CCB3818DAD7_1_105_c.jpeg)
Random Wi-Fi Pricing
Delta typically gives free Wi-Fi unfortunately not all of DL’s planes are equipped with free wifi. Delta was charging for Wi-Fi on this particular flight, Delta is working to update its fleet with free Wi-Fi.
![Free Messaging Free Messaging](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19BC8BFA-7F36-47D5-BD24-D28587FB48EF_1_201_a-840x1024.jpeg)
![Wifi Pricing Streaming $10 for Wifi on Delta](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/B4FE6DB0-5B0A-4C38-8B20-B330645410F3_1_201_a-774x1024.jpeg)
Unfortunately, I was unable to capture the browse wi-fi pricing.
Arrival in Portland (PDX)
As we descended through the clouds the scenery approaching Portland Airport was jaw-dropping.
![4B44BCDA-6CAB-4791-84CB-2444066A8F6F_1_102_o an airplane wing and the sky](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4B44BCDA-6CAB-4791-84CB-2444066A8F6F_1_102_o-1024x768.jpeg)
![0B59C9E3-925C-4386-BBAB-AA0F19E64F9B_1_102_o an airplane wing and a body of water](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/0B59C9E3-925C-4386-BBAB-AA0F19E64F9B_1_102_o-1024x768.jpeg)
![264D235D-B1C3-4ABE-B4E7-4AE659FC4B4A_1_102_o an airplane wing and a body of water](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/264D235D-B1C3-4ABE-B4E7-4AE659FC4B4A_1_102_o-edited-1024x768.jpeg)
![412C4038-71E3-4AA1-A1A2-320C508D2F11_1_102_o an airplane wing on a runway](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/412C4038-71E3-4AA1-A1A2-320C508D2F11_1_102_o-1024x768.jpeg)
Scheduled Arrival: 4:26 pm
DL/BTS Arrival: 4:41 pm
All times in local time zone
We soon parked at the gate ahead of schedule.
Delta Portland (PDX) Sky Club
I decided to see if I could access the Delta PDX Lounge. Luckily because I was arriving on a same-day Delta ticket I had access (along with the Amex card).
![Delta-PDX-SkyClub-Entrance a elevator with a rope barrier](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Delta-PDX-SkyClub-Entrance-1024x827.jpg)
I felt the Delta PDX lounge was much nicer it was smaller but this Sky Club had better food options.
![9D57E417-D8B3-4A23-A2CE-B14752332AE8_1_102_o a tray of sandwiches on a counter](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/9D57E417-D8B3-4A23-A2CE-B14752332AE8_1_102_o-edited-1024x768.jpeg)
The view from this Sky Club was great as well. This lounge also happened to be less busy and crowded than Seattle. This Delta Sky Club may have limited hours as the last flight from Portland leaves relatively early.
![459087F8-B4C0-4735-85C8-45275229C0E1_1_102_o a room with couches and tables](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/459087F8-B4C0-4735-85C8-45275229C0E1_1_102_o-edited-1024x768.jpeg)
There was plenty of seating in the lounge.
![18ACA230-12FC-4953-AE2C-E8D717BADBFF_1_201_a a tail fin of an airplane on a runway](https://nerdkatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/18ACA230-12FC-4953-AE2C-E8D717BADBFF_1_201_a-809x1024.jpeg)
Overall I felt this Sky Club was better than Seattle since this Sky Club was not as busy & had a wider selection of food options.
Delta Air Lines
Review Conclusion
Delta was adequate on this short hop between Seattle & Portland. It is hard to evaluate an airline & aircraft on a short route like this one. Given that I would probably choose to fly Delta again on this route. I hope you enjoyed this short flight review. I have more coming including one on British Airways!
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The bag made it safely to Portland and not Florida :). Check out the hotel review for the hotel I stayed at in Portland!
Key Takeaways
- If you have Delta Medallion Status be sure to request an upgrade when booking your ticket
- Wi-Fi onboard the A220 may not be free. Delta is working on updating the fleet to support free Wi-Fi
- You may be able to access the Delta Sky Club at both departure & arrival airports using your preferred method of entry
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I hope you have a wonderful day!