Booking

Emirates first class isn’t cheap, but strategic use of miles can make it a phenomenal value. Emirates partners with many credit card programs, including American Express, Chase, Capital One, Bilt, and more, making it easier to accumulate Skywards Miles for a redemption. This flight was booked using Skywards Miles, achieving over 6.5 cents per point in value. The alternative? Paying nearly $17,000 for a round-trip ticket. For those looking to maximize their miles, flexible dates can make all the difference in securing a premium redemption.

Ground Experience

Check-in was effortless, with a dedicated counter ensuring a smooth start. Security and passport control were seamless, and within minutes, it was time to unwind in the lounge. While Emirates does not have a dedicated space in Athens, first class passengers are granted entry to the Goldair Handling Lounge. It was packed but comfortable enough – a quieter retreat with plush seating, a solid selection of food, and plenty of staff to keep things clean and well-stocked. Don’t expect the same experience as an Emirates lounge though! Boarding was a little delayed, with first and business class passengers welcomed to board at the same time. I was met with a warm ‘welcome back’ from the crew and promptly brought to my suite, setting the tone for the exceptional journey ahead in this Emirates first class review.

Cabin

Emirates’ B777-300ER first class cabin features eight private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each enclosed by sliding doors. The design embodies Emirates’ signature opulence, with gold accents, polished wood, and soft ambient lighting creating a refined atmosphere. The seat offers an impressive amount of space, reclining into a fully flat bed with a mattress and linen. Overhead, the starry ceiling adds a magical touch. The suite also includes a desk and vanity area with a lighted mirror, ample storage, along with a personal minibar and snack basket!

Dining

Service began with a glass of champagne (Veuve Clicquot – they didn’t serve Dom Pérignon on the ground), as well as dates and Arabic coffee – a fantastic way to start to the experience. Once airborne, I opted for a glass of Dom Pérignon, which was soon followed by an amuse bouche – prawn salad and a relish tart. The food was spectacular, highlighted by their signature caviar service of course. For lunch I had the herbed barley salad, followed by the chocolate delight. Emirates’ dine-on-demand concept allows passengers to craft their own meal schedule, a level of flexibility that enhances the premium experience. Closer to landing, I opted for the lobster salad, greek-style poke bowl, and lemon polenta cake!

Service

The hallmark of Emirates first class is its service, and this flight was no exception. The cabin crew delivered a flawless experience, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion. Every detail, from personalized greetings to proactive refills of champagne, reinforced why Emirates remains a gold standard in luxury travel.

Tech

The ICE entertainment system continues to be one of the best in the industry, with an endless selection of movies, TV shows, and music. The giant screen in first class delivers crisp visuals, complemented by Bowers & Wilkins noise-canceling headphones for an immersive experience. Each suite also includes a personal tablet to control seating, lighting, and entertainment. In-flight Wi-Fi was available, and the seat is outfitted with an outlet/USB port along with a standard smaller IFE controller. 

Amenity Kit

Luxury extends beyond the seat with stylish leather Bvlgari amenity kits, featuring premium skincare essentials including: a comb, dental kit, lip balm, body lotion, shaving kit (razor, shaving cream, and aftershave), deodorant, tissues, earplugs, and a full-sized cologne—a rarity among airline kits. The suite’s vanity area was also stocked with Byredo products (eye cream, facial toner, pillow mist, sleep oil, and facial towelette) as well as an Emirates-branded pen and notepad. In addition to the amenity kit, first-class passengers are treated to a pair of super-comfy hydra-active moisturizing pajamas, slippers, and an eye mask, packaged in a stylish jute-inspired grey bag.

Lavatory

While the Boeing 777 lacks the iconic A380 shower spa, the space is well-appointed with toiletries and Voya products (hand lotion, cologne, perfume). The crew maintained the lavatory impeccably throughout the flight.

Conclusion

This Emirates first class review reaffirms why the airline continues to be a force in luxury aviation. As the only direct flight between Athens and New York City in first class, this fifth freedom flight offers an unparalled experience. The combination of privacy, amenities, exceptional dining, and world-class service makes this a flight worth every mile (or dollar). Whether for a special occasion or simply for the love of flying, Emirates first class delivers an unforgettable journey that raises the bar for luxury travel.

The post Emirates B777 First Class Review: Athens ATH to New York/Newark EWR appeared first on Trekking for Tiramisu.

Booking

Booking Emirates first class with points and miles can be elusive on this route, much more so than their business class awards between New York and Athens. Emirates Skywards partners with many credit card programs, including American Express, Chase, Capital One, Bilt, and more. For this flight I redeemed miles plus minimal taxes and ended up getting over 6.5 cents per point, which I consider to be a fantastic value! If cash fares are more your style, expect to pay around $17,000 round trip for this route, depending on the season. There are no other airlines with direct flights from NYC to Athens in first class, but United and Delta also offer direct flights in economy and business class.

Ground Experience

After arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport, check-in was a breeze with a dedicated counter and no wait. For eligible passengers, Emirates offers a complimentary chauffeur drive, making airport transfers stress-free. However, it’s worth noting, as per the Emirates website, that this service is not available for Skywards Business and First Class Classic Rewards or Economy-to-Business Class upgrades.

Once through security, I headed to the lounge. While Emirates doesn’t operate its own lounge at Newark, they partner with SAS to provide a comfortable pre-flight experience. The SAS Lounge was perfectly serviceable, offering a basic buffet and drink selection, but it lacked the luxury Emirates brings to its first class lounge. The space was crowded in the end but not uncomfortably so, with ample seating and outlets available. The staff were attentive, keeping the area clean and well-stocked throughout.

Boarding was efficient and well-organized, with first and business class passengers invited to board together. Upon entering the aircraft, I was warmly greeted by the crew and escorted directly to my suite—more on that next in this Emirates first class review!

Cabin

While the hard product shows its age in some areas, the Emirates first class cabin on the 777 remains a stunning space that embodies luxury. The color palette of soft golds, creams, and wood finishes exudes an unsubtle opulence, and the starry ceiling adds a serenely magical touch. The cabin features two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. My suite was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with a fully lie-flat seat, a generously sized entertainment screen, and a desk/vanity area complete with a lighted mirror. 

The suite’s tall sliding door offered an incredible sense of privacy, even though it’s not fully enclosed. There was plenty of storage, and a minibar stocked with drinks and snacks. The seat’s tablet conveniently allows you to do anything from adjusting the seat to navigating the in-flight entertainment. If you didn’t want to use the larger tablet, there was also a standard smaller IFE controller.

Dining

Dining in Emirates first class is nothing short of a culinary adventure, with their dine-on-demand service allowing passengers to enjoy meals on their schedule. Before departure, I was offered a welcome drink and opted for a glass of champagne (Veuve Clicquot – Emirates doesn’t serve Dom Pérignon on the ground, though I’ve heard that may change). Arabic coffee and dates were also offered, though I declined, hoping to catch some sleep not long after our midnight departure.

Once airborne, the indulgence began with a glass of Dom Pérignon, served alongside warm mixed nuts. This was followed by a delightful amuse-bouche, featuring shrimp with horseradish sauce and a deconstructed Caprese salad. And what Emirates first class review would be complete without caviar?? Their signature caviar service was the undeniable highlight, served with all the classic accompaniments. Next, I enjoyed a seasonal salad topped with chicken leg confit, followed by a rich and comforting warm apple blackberry torte for dessert.

For breakfast, I opted for a lighter start with Greek yogurt, followed by a flavorful mushroom omelet, which came accompanied by baked beans, spinach, and sautéed potatoes with onions. Every dish was well-presented, portioned, and timed. Though tempted by the “movie snacks” menu—which featured treats like sliders and lobster salad—I simply couldn’t find room for more! As a sweet final touch, the crew left a box of assorted chocolates at my seat, which I enjoyed over the next few days.

Service

Emirates is renowned for its first-class service, and this flight reaffirmed their reputation with the cabin crew anticipating almost every need. There was only one (very small) miss—while I noticed pajamas and slippers being handed out to other passengers, my set seemed to have been missed? I asked for a set later, and they promptly and graciously brought over my size without hesitation. I’d totally give them the benefit of the doubt on this one—throughout the flight the crew otherwise maintained a perfect balance of professionalism and warmth, making the experience feel genuinely personal.

Tech

The tech on Emirates first class is similarly fantastic. Their ICE entertainment system offers tons of options, including everything from Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, tv shows, music, live TV, and more. The oversize screen was sharp and responsive, and the Bowers & Wilkins headphones provided were great.

Each suite also includes a personal tablet to control seating, lighting, and entertainment. In-flight Wi-Fi was available, though I couldn’t get it too work (admittedly I didn’t try hard and it was nice to disconnect for a bit). The seat is outfitted with an outlet/USB port, along with a standard smaller IFE controller. 

Amenity Kit

The Bvlgari amenity kit provided on this Emirates first class flight was every bit as luxe as you’d expect. Presented in an elegant pouch, it included a thoughtfully curated selection of premium items: a comb, dental kit, lip balm, body lotion, shaving kit (razor, shaving cream, and aftershave), deodorant, tissues, earplugs, and a full-sized cologne—a rarity among airline kits.

The suite’s vanity area was also stocked with Byredo products (eye cream, facial toner, pillow mist, sleep oil, and facial towelette) as well as an Emirates-branded pen and notepad. In addition to the amenity kit, first-class passengers are treated to a pair of super-comfy hydra-active moisturizing pajamas, slippers, and an eye mask, packaged in a stylish jute-inspired grey bag.

Lavatory

While the Boeing 777 lacks the iconic A380 shower spa, the space is well-appointed with toiletries and Voya products (hand lotion, cologne, perfume). The crew maintained the lavatory impeccably throughout the flight.

Conclusion

This Emirates first class review of the EWR to ATH route highlights why the airline is a perennial favorite among premium travelers (despite the hard product showing age in some areas). From seamless booking and luxe amenities to the privacy of the suites and exceptional service, every detail is designed to impress. If you’re considering splurging on this experience, rest assured it’s worth every point. Whether for a special occasion or just a luxurious escape, Emirates first class delivers an unforgettable journey that raises the bar for luxury travel.

The post Emirates B777 First Class Review: New York/Newark EWR to Athens ATH appeared first on Trekking for Tiramisu.

Don't forget to check out our guides to Dublin, Galway and Killarney - the ultimate tools to plan your perfect Irish adventure! Wondering about other ways to get to Ireland? Check out our review of British Airways Club Suite!

Booking

There are only a handful of direct flights between New York and Dublin operated by Aer Lingus, United, and Delta. I managed to snag an amazing partner deal on Aer Lingus, and there are plenty of points options especially if you’re okay with a connection. Special shoutout to Aer Lingus’ agents who were super helpful on the phone when my outbound flight got cancelled. They were also quite responsive when dealing with EU 261 flight compensation claims.

Ground Experience

At Dublin airport, business class passengers get access to a dedicated premium check-in area separated by a sleek stone and glass wall. Aer Lingus has a departure lounge both areas of the terminal – a US pre-clearance area (the lounge called 51st & Green) and another area for all other destinations. Arriving in Dublin from North America? They also offer an arrivals “Revival Lounge” next to baggage claim.

51st & Green, located at the end of the corridor, is surprisingly limited to business class passengers and those that pay out of pocket (no credit card access here). It’s a bright space with plenty of windows, a small buffet area, and good tarmac views. There seemed to be plenty of (well-worn) seating and outlets but wasn’t that busy when I was there. I got a better vibe from their lounge in the general departure area.

Cabin

The Aer Lingus business class cabin features 30 lie-flat class seats in a staggered configuration. Some rows had a 1-2-1 layout and others were 1-2-2. Not all seats have direct aisle access, but there are two “throne” seats (3K and 5K) which I was lucky enough to snag in advance. The “throne” seat really gives you a sense of space and privacy! While not overly luxe, I appreciated the understatedly sleek green and grey color palette. The seat was accompanied by the standard amenities – an amenity kit, pillow, blanket, and noise-cancelling headphones. I grabbed my phone charger, stowed by bag, and settled in.

Dining

The crew offered glass of champagne and a menu while I settled in. Once we were airborne, drinks were served with some biscuits and a tasty onion jam. For lunch I started with a salad and the crab and cauliflower on curried couscous, which was fine. This however was followed by the most tender braised beef brisket I’ve had on a plane! It came with parmesan polenta, tenderstem broccoli, and baby carrots. Their strawberry mousse was the perfect way to finish lunch. Prior to arrival we were treated to a choice of sliders  (I chose the tasty beef slider with melted Dubliner cheese) and a trio of “sweet treats.” Overall a fantastic variety and quality of food on this flight!

Service

The crew was fantastic – attentive and friendly throughout, instilling that quintessential Irish hospitality.

Tech

The in-flight entertainment had a good selection and was easy to navigate. Wi-Fi was free for business class passengers. My seat was also equipped with a power outlet, USB port, and noise-cancelling headphones.

Amenity Kit

The amenity kit was simple and stocked with the standard amenities – a dental kit, eye mask, earplugs, socks, hand lotion, and lip balm. While totally minor on an overall really great flight, it’s one of the few areas where Aer Lingus could step up their game just a bit.

Lavatory

The lavatory was simple but clean throughout the flight, stocked with Voya products and air freshener.

Conclusions

After exploring the beauty of Ireland, Aer Lingus business class was the perfect way to relax on the journey home. With a fantastic crew, genuinely good food, and snagging that coveted “throne” seat, it was a great way to hop across the pond in style! 

Don't forget to check out our guides to Dublin, Galway and Killarney - the ultimate tools to plan your perfect Irish adventure! Wondering about other ways to get to Ireland? Check out our review of British Airways Club Suite!

The post Aer Lingus A330-300 Business Class Review: Dublin DUB to New York JFK appeared first on Trekking for Tiramisu.

Don't forget to check out our guides to Dublin, Galway and Killarney - the ultimate tools to plan your perfect Irish adventure! Wondering about other ways to get to Ireland? Check out our review of Aer Lingus business class!

Booking

There are only a handful of direct flights between New York and Dublin on Aer Lingus, United, and Delta. I initially snagged an amazing partner deal on Aer Lingus, but due to a mechanical problem I rerouted on this flight through London Heathrow. Aer Lingus agents were super helpful when rebooking over the phone (despite an expectedly long hold time). There are plenty of points options especially if you’re okay with a connection.

Points tip! Buying flights with any of the following cards earns 5 transferrable points per dollar spent, each worth about 2 cents per point (that’s 10% back!):

• The Platinum Card from American Express on flights booked directly with airlines or through the American Express Travel
• Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred (annual fee only $95!) on flights booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal
• Capital One Venture X Rewards on flights booked through Capital One Travel

Purchases through these cards also come with a mix of trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and/or baggage insurance which have definitely proved useful.

Ground Experience

My ground experience with British Airways at JFK was less than stellar. British Airways couldn’t see my connecting LHR-DUB flight, so they couldn’t check my bag to the final destination. Given this was a last-minute rebooking, I understood the complication. But this meant I had just 90 minutes in Heathrow to change terminals and recheck my bag. The check-in agent dismissed any of my questions or suggestions, and another staff member, instead of helping, loudly shamed me for simply having questions. They seemed overwhelmed, but rudeness in a premium check-in area is unacceptable – even in NYC.

American Airlines and British Airways offer a co-branded premium check-in area at JFK’s Terminal 8, with expedited security access. Navigating the array of shared lounges is also an opportunity for improvement. There are three shared AA/BA lounges:  Greenwich (described as “premium”), Soho (“ultra premium”), and Chelsea (“most exclusive”). Access is based on a mix of factors including flight, cabin, and frequent flier status. I knew which one I had access to, but this should really be easier. When you check in, the premium check-in area staff should direct you (or provide a card) to the appropriate lounge. That being said, I did appreciate the branding. The three joint American Airlines and British Airways lounges at JFK are named after three neighborhoods that New York and London share (Greenwich, Soho, and Chelsea).

Despite mixed reviews, I found the Greenwich lounge great for what it offered. It was quite busy but consistently restocked and cleaned, with a decent selection of food and drinks. I toasted my departure with a glass of champagne and enjoyed a salad while waiting.

Cabin

This British Airways Boeing 777-300 was outfitted with Collins Super Diamond seats arranged in a shocking three Club Suite (or business class) cabins separated by a galley/lavatory area and emergency exit. There must have been over 70 business class seats! Arranged in an unstaggered 1-2-1 configuration, each seat had direct aisle access, was forward facing, and had a seat-high door. While it wasn’t the easiest door to open or close, flight attendants were always quick to help passengers. My seat was sleek, spacious, and accompanied by the standard amenities – an amenity kit from The White Company, bottle of water, menu, pillow and bedding (also The White Company), and headphones. I grabbed my phone charger, stowed by bag, and settled in.

Dining

Crew were passing around pre-departure drinks during the boarding process, and dinner service started soon after reaching cruising altitude. I was underwhelmed by the sweet potato carpaccio starter, but the buffalo mozzarella ravioli and chocolate lava cake were tasty. Unfortunately it took the flight attendant some 15-20 minutes to find sparking water, eventually borrowing some from first class. She was apologetic and gracious about it but still…maybe it wasn’t restocked appropriately? Since dinner service took longer than expected and the flight was relatively short, I decided to skip breakfast.

Service

Apart from the strangely long wait for sparkling water, the crew were helpful and pleasant, checking on passengers throughout the flight. When I requested not to be woken for breakfast, the flight attendant even clarified whether I even wanted to be woken for coffee before arrival.

Tech

The in-flight entertainment system featured a good-sized screen and wide selection of movies and TV shows. I just wish it were able to swivel up/down to facilitate watching while reclining a bit more. The seat was also outfitted with a reading light and outlet/USB charging port. Wi-Fi was available for purchase, though I didn’t use it.

Amenity Kit

The White Company amenity kit had a sleek look with good range of products – even their Relax Pulse Point oil with a mix of lavender, clary sage, and peppermint. The kit included lotion, lip balm, a toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask, socks, and earplugs.  

Lavatory

Stocked with products from The White Company, as well as air freshener, the restroom was clean and stocked whenever I used it.

Conclusions

Overall, the British Airways 777-300 business class Club Suite offered a great seat—spacious, with good storage and a sleek design—and a helpful, pleasant crew. Despite the large number of business class seats, the service was generally good, although the long wait for water was a notable hiccup. The food was okay, and while there was a service delay, the attentive crew and comfortable, well-equipped cabin enhanced the overall experience. British Airways provided a solid business class experience to hop across the pond from New York to London!

Don't forget to check out our guides to Dublin, Galway and Killarney - the ultimate tools to plan your perfect Irish adventure! Wondering about other ways to get to Ireland? Check out our review of Aer Lingus business class!

The post British Airways 777-300 Business Class Club Suite Review – New York JFK to London LHR appeared first on Trekking for Tiramisu.

Don't forget to check out our epic Maui travel guide, and our 8-day adventure itinerary on Maui - the ultimate tools to plan your perfect Hawaiian adventure! Wondering about other ways to get to Maui or Hawaii? Check out our review of the reverse New York JFK to Honolulu flight in Delta One!

Booking

There are unfortunately no direct flights from Maui to New York. With around a hundred options, navigating the myriad of flight options from Maui to NYC has a crucial decision point: where to connect, and on what plane. To avoid potential delay or cancellation issues in the continental US (which seem to be the norm these days), I chose to connect in Honolulu. There are plenty of interisland flights from Maui (OGG) to Honolulu (HNL), and several carriers operate the HNL to NYC route. With flexible dates you can find a pretty good price and value in Delta’s premium cabins, when compared to the alternatives on United and Hawaiian Airlines.

But be careful what aircraft and product your flight search offers up! “Premium economy” searches will include a mix of short-haul economy plus (largely more legroom) and long-haul premium economy like Delta’s Premium Select (elevated amenities in what is essentially a domestic first class seat). Don’t hold your breath for a great redemption value of Skymiles though!

Points tip! Buying flights with any of the following cards earns 5 transferrable points per dollar spent, each worth about 2 cents per point (that’s 10% back!):

• The Platinum Card from American Express on flights booked directly with airlines or through the American Express Travel
• Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred (annual fee only $95!) on flights booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal
• Capital One Venture X Rewards on flights booked through Capital One Travel

Purchases through these cards also come with a mix of trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and/or baggage insurance which have definitely proved useful.

Ground Experience

Since I was arriving from Maui with only carry-on luggage, I fortunately avoided the need to go through security in Honolulu. I grabbed a snack for the long flight ahead and made my way to the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2. While Delta doesn’t provide Sky Club access for Premium Select passengers, I gained entry through a credit card benefit (check out the Platinum Card from American Express, or Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express). The Sky Club felt a bit cramped and had no windows, but there was plenty of seating. The staff were great, and everything was kept well-stocked with a variety of refreshments. The shaved ice machine was a fun surprise! Definitely added a local touch to the lounge experience. Additionally, Priority Pass members have access to the IASS Hawaii Lounge in Terminal 2.

Cabin

The Delta Premium Select cabin on their 767-400 has 20 seats configured in a 2-2-2 layout (3 rows plus an additional partial row). The seat is quite similar to a domestic first class seat, offering a welcome increase in personal space compared to economy. The wider seat, additional legroom, increase in recline, and adjustable footrest made a noticeable difference in comfort for this 11-hour flight. The smaller cabin ambiance was pleasant, with modern seats and a generally quiet atmosphere.

Dining

Delta’s Premium Select dining experience began shortly after takeoff with a welcome drink of sparkling wine (served in a plastic cup) and crackers. The main course options were teriyaki chicken or spinach ravioli with red pepper sauce. This was served with a salad and passionfruit dessert. Dinner was single-tray service but had tablecloth, glassware, and metal flatware (it was a cute tray though). Before landing we were handed a warm breakfast sandwich in a paper bag – I think it was egg and cheese on ube bread, actually quite tasty. While the dining definitely didn’t rival Delta One, you can pre-order meals and dinner did have an elevated presentation compared to economy.

Service

While not distinguished by any particular flight attendant or action, the service in Delta’s Premium Select cabin on this flight stood out for its overall attentiveness and professionalism. Flight attendants frequently checked on passengers when passing through the aisles, and maintained a warm and efficient presence throughout the flight.

Tech

My seat featured a personal USB/power outlet, noise-reducing headphones, and generous seatback screen loaded with Delta Studio’s wide range of entertainment options. I watched one of the newer James Bond movies during dinner, followed by Avatar. Didn’t use the WiFi.

Amenity Kit

The Premium Select amenity kit was a smaller version of their sustainability-focused Delta One kit from Someone Somewhere. It included a dental kit, eye mask, earplugs, Grown Alchemist products, and cozy socks. The sleek, reusable pouch was a nice bonus, perfect for upcycling.

Lavatory

You’ve got a choice between the business class lavatory closeby, or the economy lavatory 18 rows back (there were curtains in either direction, lol). They were kept clean and stocked whenever needed.

Conclusions

Flying from Honolulu to JFK in Delta’s Premium Select cabin proved to be a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The smaller cabin, increased personal space, and attentive service was a welcome upgrade from economy, making the long journey more pleasant. While it doesn’t offer dining or amenities of Delta One, Premium Select strikes an excellent balance between comfort and value. For travelers seeking a more comfortable way to travel on one of the longest domestic flights without breaking the bank, Delta’s Premium Select is a compelling choice.

Don't forget to check out our epic Maui travel guide, and our 8-day adventure itinerary on Maui - the ultimate tools to plan your perfect Hawaiian adventure! Wondering about other ways to get to Maui or Hawaii? Check out our review of the reverse New York JFK to Honolulu flight in Delta One!

The post Delta Air Lines 767-400 Delta Premium Select Review – Honolulu HNL to New York JFK appeared first on Trekking for Tiramisu.

Don't forget to check out our epic Maui travel guide, and our ultimate 8-day adventure itinerary for Maui - the ultimate tools to plan your perfect Hawaiian adventure! Wondering about other ways to get to Maui or Hawaii? Check out our review of the reverse Honolulu to New York JFK in Delta Premium Select!

Booking

There are unfortunately no direct flights from New York to Maui. With around a hundred options, navigating the myriad of flight options from NYC to Maui has a crucial decision point: where to connect, and on what plane. The only way travel in a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access for the majority of the trip is by connecting in Honolulu or Atlanta. For instance, even if you snag a lie-flat seat for a flight from New York to the west coast, the following six-hour flight to Hawaii is in a standard reclining seat. To avoid potential delay or cancellation issues (which seem to be the norm these days), I flew New York (JFK) to Honolulu (HNL), and then took one of the many interisland flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Maui (OGG). With flexible dates you can find a pretty good price and value on Delta One, when compared to the alternatives on United and Hawaiian Airlines. Don’t hold your breath for a great redemption value of Skymiles though!

Points tip! Buying flights with any of the following cards earns 5 transferrable points per dollar spent, each worth about 2 cents per point (that’s 10% back!):

• The Platinum Card from American Express on flights booked directly with airlines or through the American Express Travel
• Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred (annual fee only $95!) on flights booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal
• Capital One Venture X Rewards on flights booked through Capital One Travel

Purchases through these cards also come with a mix of trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and/or baggage insurance which have definitely proved useful.

Ground Experience

JFK Terminal 4 has a dedicated Delta One check-in area, which made the start to this trip quite smooth when combined with Clear and TSA PreCheck. After getting through security, I made my way to Delta’s Sky Club in Terminal 4 Concourse B. Delta has a bit of a complex access policy—but flying Delta One provides access. The other common ways to access Delta Sky Clubs are through premium travel credit cards (like the Platinum Card from American Express, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve), club membership, or elite frequent flier membership when booked in a premium cabin. Keep in mind that starting in 2025, cardmembers will receive a limited number of visits per year. You can earn an unlimited number of visits by meeting a credit card spending threshold.

I chose the Delta Sky Club at JFK over the Centurion Lounge – it was closer to my gate and there was no line! It has lots of natural light, ample seating, and a good selection of food. Staff was frequently circling—restocking, cleaning, and checking on passengers. Overall a great experience even if the décor is a little dated, and seating a little worn. Unfortunately there was also a “service dog” barking and jumping on other passengers. I grabbed breakfast of granola, fruit, coffee…and champagne!  

Once close to boarding I headed over to the gate, where (surprise, surprise) I found out that they overbooked the flight. They were offering gobs of money to entice a few passengers to fly out the next day. If I didn’t have a full schedule or people to meet, I totally would’ve taken the fantastic offer.

Cabin

Stepping onto the airplane revealed a single Delta One cabin with 34 lie-flat seats arranged in a staggered non-angled 1-2-1 configuration. All seats have direct aisle access, and feel quite private despite not having doors. Grab one of the seats staggered further from the aisle for an even more private feel. Entering or exiting the seat feels a little narrow, and the bed feels quite narrow when lying down (I’ve heard references to a “coffin” before too!). The cabin has a fresh and clean design, rather than opulent or luxurious. Waiting at my seat was eco-friendly bedding (made from >100 recycled plastic bottles), artisan-made amenity kit, slippers, noise-cancelling headphones, and a water bottle. I grabbed my phone charger, stowed my bag, and settled in.

Dining

In-flight dining elevated the experience, starting with a pre-departure glass of sparkling wine. Once in the air, the crew offered a drink and mixed nuts before starting meal service. For lunch I had a poached shrimp starter with a yogurt sauce, and ravioli in a white wine butter sauce served with butternut squash and pumpkin seeds. Dinner was a refreshing strawberry salad with chicken breast, fruit, and triple chocolate chunk cookie. I’m not a huge fan of airplane food, but it was all reliably good.

Service

The flight crew was fantastic. Always personable with a smile, checking on passengers, and with well-timed meal service. US airlines sometimes miss the mark on premium flight service, but Delta’s crew delivered impeccably.

Tech

The Delta One seat was outfitted with an outlet, USB port, noise-cancelling over-the-ear headphones, and a wide selection of movies and TV on their generously-sized in-flight entertainment screen. I watched Michael Clayton during lunch, and fell asleep rewatching one of the Lord of the Rings movies. I didn’t use the WiFi.

Amenity Kit

Delta provided a sustainability-focused amenity kit from Someone Somewhere, complete with a dental kit, eye mask, earplugs, Grown Alchemist hand lotion and lip balm, pen, and slippers. It is a handcrafted, woven kit from the Mexico-based brand, whose mission is focused on empowering their artisans, the majority of whom are women.

Lavatory

The lavatory was minimal and clean, with Grown Alchemist products adding a touch of indulgence amidst the functional space.

Conclusions

Delta One offers a seamless pathway to paradise. From check-in to cabin service, every aspect of the journey exuded professionalism and comfort (even with the narrow bed). It’s a fantastic way to get to Hawaii from the northeast United States, and surprisingly cheaper than the competition. This flight definitely set the stage for the magical adventures awaiting me in Maui’s idyllic paradise.

Don't forget to check out our epic Maui travel guide, and our ultimate 8-day adventure itinerary for Maui - the ultimate tools to plan your perfect Hawaiian adventure! Wondering about other ways to get to Maui or Hawaii? Check out our review of the reverse Honolulu to New York JFK in Delta Premium Select!

The post Delta Air Lines 767-400 Delta One Review – New York JFK to Honolulu HNL appeared first on Trekking for Tiramisu.

Don't forget to check out our guides to El Chaltén, Calafate, and Ushuaia – the perfect tools to plan your trip to Argentine Patagonia! Wondering about other ways to get to Buenos Aires or Patagonia? Check out our review of American Airlines business class on the reverse New York JFK to Buenos Aires EZE route!

Booking

With limited direct flights (American, Delta, Aerolíneas Argentinas) and fixed dates, I didn’t have a lot of options. Business class came with a hefty price tag for this leg, and there wasn’t great award availability. Premium economy, however, offered a decent value cash upgrade at the peak of high season. Keep in mind that snagging a premium economy seat can be challenging, with relatively fewer seats in the cabin compared to business and economy.

Points tip! Buying flights with any of the following cards earns 5 transferrable points per dollar spent, each worth about 2 cents per point (that’s 10% back!):

• The Platinum Card from American Express on flights booked directly with airlines or through the American Express Travel
• Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred (annual fee only $95!) on flights booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal
• Capital One Venture X Rewards on flights booked through Capital One Travel

Purchases through these cards also come with a mix of trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and/or baggage insurance which have definitely proved useful.

Ground Experience

Be prepared for lines at EZE. Get. There. Early. Luckily premium economy comes with priority ground privileges, although the agent needed a gentle nudge to allow access to the priority line. While not quick by any means, this definitely expedited the check-in process compared to the alternative. No lounge access, but if you have a premium travel credit card, you’ll likely have access to the Centurion Lounge or a Priority Pass lounge. Keep in mind that the Centurion Lounge here has a more generous guest policy than what exists domestically. While crowded, the staff was quite proactive at finding people seating and keeping areas stocked and clean. They had a hot and cold food buffet, staffed bar, and limited made-to-order food service (ordered on your phone).

Cabin

The premium economy cabin has three rows arranged in a 2-4-2 layout, separated by a curtain from business class. The seats are similar to those in domestic US first class, wider with decent recline (not flat) and legroom. I didn’t use the extendable footrest, but it might be helpful for shorter people. My seat was in decent condition, accompanied by some standard amenities – a bottle of water, pillow and blanket, headphones, and a power outlet. Of note, there was no amenity kit or printed menu. I grabbed my phone charger, stowed by bag, and settled in.

Dining

Don’t expect a welcome drink or printed menu. I chose the chicken, which tasted fine but nothing to write home about. Snacks were available in the galley between meal services. Breakfast service consisted of a fruit plate, yogurt, and pastry—but more importantly it meant I was almost to New York at this point!

Service

Service onboard was efficient, if not overly warm, with the crew doing their best to take care of the needs of the many passengers. They offered waters and checked in once or twice between meal services.

Tech

American provided over the ear headphones (not noise-cancelling) to enjoy the wide selection of movies and TV shows on their in-flight entertainment system. I watched one of the Mission Impossible movies, and then think I fell asleep rewatching a James Bond one. I didn’t use the WiFi.

Amenity Kit

I didn’t see an amenity kit (which seems to be hit or miss on long-haul premium economy), but didn’t ask for it—didn’t need it and didn’t want to create more waste.

Lavatory

Same lavatory as economy – fine and kept clean and stocked whenever I needed to use it.

Conclusions

Bottom line? American Airlines Premium Economy from Buenos Aires to New York was a solid choice, delivering more space with similar service. The priority ground check-in also sped up the tedious and busy process at EZE. Cheers to a smooth journey with AA!

Don't forget to check out our guides to El Chaltén, Calafate, and Ushuaia – the perfect tools to plan your trip to Argentine Patagonia! Wondering about other ways to get to Buenos Aires or Patagonia? Check out our review of American Airlines business class on the reverse New York JFK to Buenos Aires EZE route!

The post American Airlines 777-200 Premium Economy Review – Buenos Aires EZE to New York JFK appeared first on Trekking for Tiramisu.

Don't forget to check out our guides to El Chaltén, Calafate, and Ushuaia – the perfect tools to plan your trip to Argentine Patagonia! Wondering about other ways to get to Buenos Aires or Patagonia? Check out our review of American Airlines premium economy on the reverse Buenos Aires EZE to New York JFK route!

Booking

With only a few direct flights (on Delta, American, and Aerolíneas Argentinas) and inflexible dates, we didn’t have a lot of options. Award tickets were priced on the higher side (between 1.1 and 1.5 cents per point depending on cabin) – not an amazing mileage redemption value or use of points. The cost of a non-stop New York to Buenos Aires round trip economy ticket is typically $850-1400. Playing around with multi-cabin itineraries I was able to snag a business class upgrade on the JFK-EZE leg for only $400 more (even less if you normally purchase economy seat selection), which I thought was a great deal.

Points tip! Buying flights with any of the following cards earns 5 transferrable points per dollar spent, each worth about 2 cents per point (that’s 10% back!):

• The Platinum Card from American Express on flights booked directly with airlines or through the American Express Travel
• Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred (annual fee only $95!) on flights booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal
• Capital One Venture X Rewards on flights booked through Capital One Travel

Purchases through these cards also come with a mix of trip cancellation, interruption, delay, and/or baggage insurance which have definitely proved useful.

Ground Experience

American Airlines and British Airways offer a co-branded premium check-in area at JFK’s Terminal 8, with expedited security access. It was strangely empty when we arrived, but quite polished, streamlined, and pleasant. Navigating the array of shared lounges is definitely an opportunity for improvement, though.

There are three shared AA/BA lounges:  Greenwich (described as “premium”), Soho (“ultra premium”), and Chelsea (“most exclusive”). Access is based on a complicated mix of factors including flight, cabin, and frequent flier status. I Googled it en route to the airport, but would love for this to be automated. When you check in, the premium check-in area staff should direct you (or provide a card) to the appropriate lounge. That being said, I did appreciate the branding. The three joint American Airlines and British Airways lounges at JFK are named after three neighborhoods that New York and London share (Greenwich, Soho, and Chelsea).

I’d heard mixed reviews of Greenwich lounge, but was great for what it offered. It was a surprisingly chill area to relax before our 11-hour flight, with a decent selection of food and drink. We toasted our departure with a glass of champagne, and I enjoyed a salad and a cookie while we were waiting.

Cabin

This American Airlines Boeing 777-200 was outfitted with Collins Super Diamond seats arranged in two business class cabins (of 21 and 16 seats), separated by a galley and lavatory area. Arranged in an unstaggered 1-2-1 configuration, each seat had direct aisle access and was forward facing. 

My seat was in good condition, spacious, and accompanied by the standard amenities – an amenity kit, bottle of water, menu, pillow and bedding, and headphones (Bang & Olufsen). I grabbed my phone charger, stowed by bag, and settled in.

Dining

The awesome flight attendants were passing through the cabin welcoming passengers and offering a pre-departure beverage. I started off with a glass of champagne….served in a plastic cup. Not a great first impression, American Airlines. I’m never a huge fan of plane food, but the Cajun shrimp starter was a pleasant surprise. Even though the flight attendant steered me away from the fish entrée, the short rib can’t have been much better. 

The highlight was definitely the ice cream sundae. I skipped breakfast to catch a few more winks, and was told I didn’t miss much with the scrambled eggs. I was looking forward to coffee and a chipa in Buenos Aires.

Service

The onboard crew was great – warm, professional, and had character in our interactions. Dinner service was attentive yet well-paced, and flight attendants were checking on fliers throughout the flight. They ensured a pleasant journey throughout, whether offering a nightcap or ensuring to ask whether I wanted to be woken for breakfast.

Tech

I watched Joy Ride during dinner – filthy and hilarious. Highly recommend. Then I fell asleep to some drama set in Tuscany – predictable but the cinematography had me planning my next trip to Italy. Overall the in-flight entertainment provided a wide selection of movies and TV shows to help pass the time. I didn’t use the WiFi. 

Amenity Kit 

Waiting at my seat was an amenity kit designed by Shinola, which American Airlines has had for a few years.  It was complete with the usual essentials – lotion, dental kit, pen, eye mask, socks, and earplugs. I use them if I think I’ll be able to repurpose the bag, otherwise I try to return the kit unopened.  

Lavatory

Found them sparse but relatively clean and stocked whenever used. I know it’s just a pet peeve, but I hate the empty shelves. Fill them with something!

Conclusions

Overall, this American Airlines 777-200 Flagship Business class experience exceeded expectations, with standout features including the ground services, great crew, and spacious seat. Food was hit or miss, although the ice cream sundae almost made up for the main course! For anyone embarking on the 11-hour flight between these two bustling cities, American Airlines business class offers an experience worth considering. 

Don't forget to check out our guides to El Chaltén, Calafate, and Ushuaia – the perfect tools to plan your trip to Argentine Patagonia! Wondering about other ways to get to Buenos Aires or Patagonia? Check out our review of American Airlines premium economy on the reverse Buenos Aires EZE to New York JFK route!

The post American Airlines 777-200 Business Class Review – New York JFK to Buenos Aires EZE appeared first on Trekking for Tiramisu.