During my most recent trip to Panama, I checked out the first class service aboard Delta Air Lines. Here is a summary of my flight experience.
THE ROUTE: Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL) to Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY); Boeing 737; 3 hours, 22 minutes; first class.
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THE DEPARTURE: Check-in at the Delta Air Lines first-class counter was speedy and cheery, with no line at all. My Panama City flight departed from Terminal E at the Atlanta airport, a spacious waiting area with lots of charging stations.
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THE AIRCRAFT: The Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 aircraft had two classes of service, with economy offering premium economy options as well. I sat in first class.
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AIRLINE SEATING: Each of the first-class seats on this Delta Air Lines flight was equipped with a pillow, blanket, earphones and water, and there was an electrical outlet between each pair of seats.
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INFLIGHT SERVICE: A very friendly flight attendant greeted each passenger by name and offered first-class passengers drinks while we were still at the gate. Once in the air, she first offered us drinks and snacks — a tray of pretzels, peanuts and irresistible Biscoff cookies. We then had a choice for dinner: either chicken teriyaki or vegetable pasta. I had the teriyaki and it was quite good; dinner was served on real china, accompanied by salad, veggies and warm dinner rolls served from a basket. Dessert was vanilla gelato.
Later in the flight, the flight attendant came around with bottles of water, followed by a basket of snacks that included bananas, chips, cookies and Brookside chocolates. Inflight entertainment was free and displayed on overhead screens.
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THE ARRIVAL: We arrived at the newer concourse at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama. Flying first class provides the advantage of being one of the first people to arrive at the immigration desk, so processing was speedy, as was baggage delivery and customs. The taxi into Panama City was $30.