Delta’s 767s to HNL
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Currently in Bloomington, IN, but Normally NYC, CDG, and even POZ or wherever FT takes me.
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Delta’s 767s to HNL
As I am forever searching for ways to get to/from Hawaii well-rested, I ran across some good fares on the nonstop JFK-HNL (“good” being relative in this case, all lie-flats to Hawaii are ridiculously expensive).
Anyhoo, I used to fly EWR-HNL on CO pretty regularly, so I know that that sort of flight is what I need.
However, I’ve read elsewhere that DL uses ancient 767s for this route, and that everything on these planes is terrible.
Is this true? (It would explain the “cheap” fare). But it doesn’t sound like you get any full Delta One treatment or hard product at all. Is this true?
Anyhoo, I used to fly EWR-HNL on CO pretty regularly, so I know that that sort of flight is what I need.
However, I’ve read elsewhere that DL uses ancient 767s for this route, and that everything on these planes is terrible.
Is this true? (It would explain the “cheap” fare). But it doesn’t sound like you get any full Delta One treatment or hard product at all. Is this true?
#2
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: NW GE
Posts: 607
It’s real d1 service lite. Probably comparable to the trans on d1 (tho I haven’t been on that recently).
you do get duvet, pillow etc, but the catering is more along the lines of domestic F
equipment is indeed prehistoric zero privacy 767 d1
you do get duvet, pillow etc, but the catering is more along the lines of domestic F
equipment is indeed prehistoric zero privacy 767 d1
#3
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,386
As I am forever searching for ways to get to/from Hawaii well-rested, I ran across some good fares on the nonstop JFK-HNL (“good” being relative in this case, all lie-flats to Hawaii are ridiculously expensive).
Anyhoo, I used to fly EWR-HNL on CO pretty regularly, so I know that that sort of flight is what I need.
However, I’ve read elsewhere that DL uses ancient 767s for this route, and that everything on these planes is terrible.
Is this true? (It would explain the “cheap” fare). But it doesn’t sound like you get any full Delta One treatment or hard product at all. Is this true?
Anyhoo, I used to fly EWR-HNL on CO pretty regularly, so I know that that sort of flight is what I need.
However, I’ve read elsewhere that DL uses ancient 767s for this route, and that everything on these planes is terrible.
Is this true? (It would explain the “cheap” fare). But it doesn’t sound like you get any full Delta One treatment or hard product at all. Is this true?
Is the DL 767-300 my favorite option to Hawaii? No. There are better lie-flat hard products out there, including (at least IMO), HA on JFK-HNL, even if HA is 2-2-2 on the A330. If you go via ORD or IAD on UA and get a Polaris equipped bird, it's not a bad-way to go. Again, AA is also a good option, if you go via DFW or can find a 787 via PHX (less common now). But I'm willing to compare price and schedule and for an upcoming trip, price and schedule had me go with the DL 767-300 on HNL-JFK and it'll be adequate and still a lie-flat. Better than a redeye in a domestic FC seat for sure.
#4
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Central FL
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Being of shorter stature (5'6") I'm "OK" with the 767-300 D1 seats. But just OK. I find I have a hard time doing the full flat recline in those seats perhaps because my shoulders are just about the same width as the seat. As a result I usually find myself laying on my side rather than my back when trying to sleep on that aircraft. In general I look for a different aircraft when doing long-haul flights in D1.
#5
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
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OP, DeltaOne will get you SkyClub access at JFK and HNL (pro tip - look for the Bubbie's mochi ice cream in the cooler across from the bar) and, starting later this summer, access to the DeltaOne lounge at JFK. The current menu may be found at https://deltaone.mydeltamenu.com/jfk-hnl/ - there will also be two additional entrees that can be pre-ordered. I much prefer UA's Polaris on EWR-HNL (when operating) but I do like the lounge access and not having to go out to EWR.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2020
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OP, DeltaOne will get you SkyClub access at JFK and HNL (pro tip - look for the Bubbie's mochi ice cream in the cooler across from the bar) and, starting later this summer, access to the DeltaOne lounge at JFK. The current menu may be found at https://deltaone.mydeltamenu.com/jfk-hnl/ - there will also be two additional entrees that can be pre-ordered. I much prefer UA's Polaris on EWR-HNL (when operating) but I do like the lounge access and not having to go out to EWR.
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2002
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Thank you all kindly for the exhaustive responses. I will keep keeping a lookout for decent fares, but might lean toward AA ex-DFW after all, as I don’t necessarily want to backtrack to NYC (I’m currently based in IND).
Maybe I remembered things through rose-tinted glasses, but even when CO’s 767s ex-EWR were considered “inferior” to CO’s longhaul C/D product, they were still the best way to got to the airport in Honolulu and wake up in New York well rested (it helped that I lived in Manhattan, and that was my one flight for the day).
Maybe the DL product is similar, and I’m just picking nits.
Maybe I remembered things through rose-tinted glasses, but even when CO’s 767s ex-EWR were considered “inferior” to CO’s longhaul C/D product, they were still the best way to got to the airport in Honolulu and wake up in New York well rested (it helped that I lived in Manhattan, and that was my one flight for the day).
Maybe the DL product is similar, and I’m just picking nits.
#8
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 780
I believe most of the 763s have been "refreshed" with new memory foam seats and seat covers in D1 (along with a PS cabin), which helps. While I felt like I had to cross my fingers each time I tried to operate the mechanical seat controls as I wasn't sure how well they'd work, I wasn't unhappy flying this old bird because lie-flats beat First Class recliners any day. Sure, the IFE sucks (I just pack my iPad), but the food seemed on-par with international DeltaOne (except no ice cream sundae bar!). The footwells are a bit cramped, so I like the front row.
If you are IND based, you could consider MSP-HNL (763) or ATL-HNL (330-300). If your trip is far enough out, just book the cheap JFK routing, wait for the inevitable schedule change, then switch to your preferred routing gratis!
Cabin interior video:
.
If you are IND based, you could consider MSP-HNL (763) or ATL-HNL (330-300). If your trip is far enough out, just book the cheap JFK routing, wait for the inevitable schedule change, then switch to your preferred routing gratis!
Cabin interior video:
#9
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You don't say when you're traveling but if it's more than about 2 months out, there's a good chance of a DL schedule change between now and then. You could book the option via JFK, wait for the (probable) schedule change and then switch to go via ATL which is either on the A330-300 or the A350 (Ex-LATAM with 2-2-2 in D1, not D1 Suites but still decent seats from reports on here). Lately even very minor schedule changes trigger the ability to make changes online without incurring a fare difference.
(ETA: Looks like tardyturtle beat me to the punch with this point)
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,117
I believe most of the 763s have been "refreshed" with new memory foam seats and seat covers in D1 (along with a PS cabin), which helps. While I felt like I had to cross my fingers each time I tried to operate the mechanical seat controls as I wasn't sure how well they'd work, I wasn't unhappy flying this old bird because lie-flats beat First Class recliners any day. Sure, the IFE sucks (I just pack my iPad), but the food seemed on-par with international DeltaOne (except no ice cream sundae bar!). The footwells are a bit cramped, so I like the front row.
If you are IND based, you could consider MSP-HNL (763) or ATL-HNL (330-300). If your trip is far enough out, just book the cheap JFK routing, wait for the inevitable schedule change, then switch to your preferred routing gratis!
If you are IND based, you could consider MSP-HNL (763) or ATL-HNL (330-300). If your trip is far enough out, just book the cheap JFK routing, wait for the inevitable schedule change, then switch to your preferred routing gratis!
Last edited by xliioper; Apr 26, 2024 at 10:26 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MCO
Programs: DL PM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 4,339
I believe most of the 763s have been "refreshed" with new memory foam seats and seat covers in D1 (along with a PS cabin), which helps. While I felt like I had to cross my fingers each time I tried to operate the mechanical seat controls as I wasn't sure how well they'd work, I wasn't unhappy flying this old bird because lie-flats beat First Class recliners any day. Sure, the IFE sucks (I just pack my iPad), but the food seemed on-par with international DeltaOne (except no ice cream sundae bar!). The footwells are a bit cramped, so I like the front row.
If you are IND based, you could consider MSP-HNL (763) or ATL-HNL (330-300). If your trip is far enough out, just book the cheap JFK routing, wait for the inevitable schedule change, then switch to your preferred routing gratis!
Cabin interior video: cabin tour here.
If you are IND based, you could consider MSP-HNL (763) or ATL-HNL (330-300). If your trip is far enough out, just book the cheap JFK routing, wait for the inevitable schedule change, then switch to your preferred routing gratis!
Cabin interior video: cabin tour here.
#13
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: FB
Posts: 22
Hello, we have flown CDG to LAX many times on Air France and after the AF Business class the Delta First is a come-down: the seats on the 767 are more or less lie-flat but very much like hard, little coffins with a duvet and a pillow; the food is atrocious; most of the TVs are out of order; the plane is noisy and the staff vary between pleasant and sullen if not unpleasant. The only saving grace is the MARVELLOUS DeltaOne check-in at LAX: instant check-in, no line, very pleasant attendants, available showers, etc. Gets crowded but very pleasant on the whole. Food and drinks plentiful, terrace. The 767s should be avoided--terrible planes.
Enjoy your trip. Cheers
F.W.
Enjoy your trip. Cheers
F.W.
#14
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BOS/DEN/BUR
Programs: DL Gold, UA Gold, B6 Mosaic, Marriott Gold
Posts: 745
Hello, we have flown CDG to LAX many times on Air France and after the AF Business class the Delta First is a come-down: the seats on the 767 are more or less lie-flat but very much like hard, little coffins with a duvet and a pillow; the food is atrocious; most of the TVs are out of order; the plane is noisy and the staff vary between pleasant and sullen if not unpleasant. The only saving grace is the MARVELLOUS DeltaOne check-in at LAX: instant check-in, no line, very pleasant attendants, available showers, etc. Gets crowded but very pleasant on the whole. Food and drinks plentiful, terrace. The 767s should be avoided--terrible planes.
Enjoy your trip. Cheers
F.W.
Enjoy your trip. Cheers
F.W.