How to get to Hawaii on Delta in a much better seat without paying more.
This special report at a glance:
- The difference between domestic and internationally configured aircraft
- How knowing the difference between aircraft cabins means you can get a better seat without paying more
- A Los Angeles to Hawaii example
- How to know what flights have better seats
- What if you need a connecting flight?
- Get best seats with miles or money
How can you make a vacation to Hawaii better? By getting there more comfortably without paying more for the privilege. The way to do this is by knowing about a loophole that arises when internationally configured planes are used on domestic routes.
Domestically Versus Internationally Configured Aircraft on Delta
Airlines configure their aircraft better for international routes. It is, in effect, an “in-class upgrade.” So, if you know what those “upgraded” flight numbers are, you’ll be hula-whooping all the way to Hawaii.
On an international Business Class flight on Delta (as on most U.S. carriers), you’re truly getting Business Class-worthy service. And then there’s Business Class on domestic flights—outrageously titled “First Class.” It’s a huge comedown (apart from several transcon routes) in comfort and experience, and yet the price is the same.
Sample Flight of Fancy: Los Angeles to Honolulu
Let’s take the Los Angeles-Honolulu route as a quick example. Some flights offer a normal domestic seat; others, a seat at the table of paradise.
On October 20, Delta has four non-stop flights on the almost-six-hour flight to Honolulu, three of which offer a boring old domestic seat, and one, a bright, shiny, snuggle-back-and-smile lie-flat international seat.
That winning flight number is DL1283. It uses a B767-300, which has an international Business Class cabin. Beautiful, isn’t it?
The runner-up (or runner-down) prizes go to flight numbers DL1719, DL1149, and DL1559, all of which use a domestic aircraft, a B757.
How to Know if Your Flight Has a Fancy Seat
Airlines move aircraft around and change flight numbers all the time. So what might be offered today or next Tuesday can easily change. So how can you tell during the booking process that you’re getting an international lie-flat seat with Delta?
It’s easy. During your flight selection on Delta’s website look for this rather utilitarian “bed” icon.
Only flights with the lie-flat seat will show the icon. If you don’t see the icon on flights to Hawaii, then you’re on an aircraft with a domestic standard First Class seat. Here’s that icon in context.
For more details click on the "seats" and Delta will show aircraft seating/cabin layout for the cabin class selected.
Finding the international aircraft, with the international seat, is the same when shopping for a paid ticket with cash as with a mileage award ticket.
NETWORKING, CONNECTIONS, AND FREE UPGRADES
Mainland Connections to Hawaii: If you live in Boston, you need to make a connection to Honolulu somewhere. So why not book Delta via Atlanta or Salt Lake City instead of via Seattle? That way you get the international Business Class seat and therefore the free in-class upgrade.
To see if your home airport connects with Delta’s international aircraft for flights to Hawaii go to Delta’s route map here.
HOW DO I BOOK MY ITINERARY AROUND THE BEST SEATS?
Just know where to find Delta’s international Business Class seats on routes to Hawaii. Happily, more are becoming available. For example, Delta just announced that Detroit will also get an international aircraft starting on June 29 with a B767-300ER aircraft equipped with 25 lie-flat seats. For details go here.
FCF Cheat Sheet: Routes With Free Delta In-Class Seat Upgrades to Hawaii
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