While climbing to cruising altitude on a Boeing 717 my entire impression of the A220 just changed. It didn’t live up to the hype but compared to this aircraft, it sure does feel like Delta and Airbus have already entered the next decade. The narrow body jet was built and delivered in Quebec and arrived in Atlanta with fanfare. However, the A220 or ship 8101’s Inaugural passenger flight from LGA to BOS had to wait just a little longer due to the Government shutdown. Folks that had planned to take the January 31 flight had to rebook.
It’s 135 passenger capacity aircraft is fitted with 109 seats. First class has 12 seats in a 2×2 configuration, with 21” seat width, 36” pitch, adjustable armrests and a 13.3” seatback IFE system. It has 15 seats in the Comfort + cabin and 82 in the main cabin in a 2 X 3 configuration with 18.6” seat width (you can say ahh) and 30-32” pitch. The interior measures 10 feet 7 inches wide and about 7 feet high. If you sit in a window seat not only do you have front row seats to a large clear window for perfect picture taking but you’ll have a bit more shoulder room provided by indentations in the cabin walls.
It’s also equipped with 2 KU WIFI with 70-100 megabits/second download speed, high capacity overhead bins, and full spectrum LED ambient lighting. Included in the $81 million cost are Pratt & Whitney’s latest geared turbofan PW1500G engines that boasts up to 20% increase in fuel efficiency over similar sized aircraft. It’s non-metal wings and electric brakes are also expected to lower maintenance costs and it’s wireless IFE system and screens are replaceable with easy to upload software upgrades and content. The jet can fly up to a 3,400-mile distance but you’ll find it available in shorter to moderate distance flights. I’m personally excited that it’s already replacing some aircraft in Delta’s LGA – DFW round trip service. The route between LGA and DFW was often taken on a Bombardier CRJ700 or 900 series in a 2-2 configuration in the main cabin and 2-1 in first class.
It’s like surround sound relative to what we have become accustomed to; the PA system is crystal clear. On flight 1 I sat on the aisle on the starboard side (3 seats) in the exit row or what Delta labels a preferred seat. The leg room did not appear or feel to be as spacious as larger aircrafts. What makes up for it are the overhead bins. I stacked my backpack on top of my roll away freeing up all leg room space in front of me. I was impressed with this. There is also easy access to either the outlet for a plug or even easier access to the IFE for a USB connection. The entertainment system has great responsiveness and more features than previously provided. It has an “Airshow” by Rockwell Collins. The command center provides insight to the speed, altitude, pitch and compass heading. I recommend checking it out. The kids section offers preselected tv shows, movies and games. I count 24 total games.
Leg room is plentiful in 10C. Again, this is on the starboard side (3 seats) and on the aisle. I think it’s the seat you hate to love. During boarding, it’s just horrible. Also, the outlet is under your seat which is a bit more awkward than the outlets available in front of you. The stow away screen and tray table could have been easier to navigate. Perhaps it was because I was fumbling around in the dark. My cell phone light helped me find the lever I needed, and my neighbor helped my figure out the tray table. Don’t forget the screen must be stowed for take off and landing so this cuts into your viewing time. Being on the aisle, I also found the light and air controls so far away; watch for elbows if you are in the middle seat.
Is new always better? Maybe they are just working out the kinks. I went to the bathroom toward the latter part of the flight mainly to check out the window. The faucet did not work. Turns out the water had been shut off in all the bathrooms.
Watch Delta’s A220 “Best in Class” video series for more or better yet book a flight today. Next up for me is a window seat and hopefully an opportunity to experience the first-class cabin.
