Summary
- The author flew economy on an Embraer E175 to save money and experience the seating difference compared to a Flixbus coach bus. The author chose Delta Air Lines due to no data cap on WiFi and easy booking process.
- The author enjoyed the comfortable economy seat and appreciated the professional service from the flight attendants. The author also noted the E175’s popularity in the United States.
- The author recommends considering boarding order and deboarding when deciding between coach and Delta Comfort+. The author found little difference in comfort between the two.
Recently, I needed a flight back to Seattle from Spokane and the Fairchild AFB Skyfest 2024 airshow for multiple reasons. So I flew an Embraer E175 back – and this time in economy. Read on for the experience.
Why fly economy?
So, with the very real risk of AFA Alaska going on strike at the time, I went with Delta Air Lines. Also, I had previously reviewed the E175’s first class and wanted to save a little money with a short flight, so I decided to fly economy. especially as I took a Flixbus coach bus the other way—the Flixbus was affordable, but the seat was somewhat uncomfortable for a multi-hour trip. I also was capped to 300mb of onboard WiFi versus Delta SkyMiles having no data cap while flying in an economy seat. Additionally, there was no in-ride service for the multi-hour, mutli-stop ride; so I still see a demand for regional flights.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
With that, booking the flight on Delta Air Lines was easy. I used PayPal Pay-in-4 to spread out the flight cost over two months. Additionally, I could and did choose my seat at the back of the E175 as I had no connections to make. I also wanted a window seat.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
Many Simple Flying articles have been written about the Embraer E175, but one should note that the E175 is the United States of America’s most popular regional jet as a jetliner that can meet mainline pilot union scope requirements. As such, the E175 is a jetliner many have flown and will fly on.
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So, I wanted to have the experience of flying in the back when I would normally spend a little more for a premium or first class seat for several reasons. The deboarding procedure and access to more of the airplane are the top two.
Boarding experience
Racing out of the Fairchild Air Force Base airshow to the airport with two hours to spare, I thought I would be able to make transit connections to get to Spokane International Airport with ample time to spare. However, the airshow ran a bit late, and the shuttle route only had one stop, and traffic got a bit, well, serious, so I had to get off at a midpoint stop and hail an Uber. Uber got me there with 25 minutes to spare – not something I recommend. But security screening was thankfully quick, and I was one of the last passengers for flight DL3857 waiting to board at Gate B5.
Sadly, that part of Spokane International Airport has jetbridges, so I did not have a hotside experience like I had with Horizon Air’s Q400 turboprop retirement. One might want to review an April 2023 guide about the airport:
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I decided for this flight not to cite my disability status – partially due to a bad back – and waive my deboarding privileges. As such, I decided to wait until I was in Zone 6 for the flight, according to Delta Air Lines’ new boarding process. Zone 6, according to Delta’s boarding process, was for those coach passengers who were plan SkyMiles members.
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However, I was sitting in Seat 18D, almost at the very back. I had no need to worry about my back being bent over, allowing passengers to pass through. I could just settle into my economy seat and feel very comfortable. The headrest could be adjusted to form around my head, which was a nice touch.
Two flight attendants professionally served the flight, and since there was no seatback entertainment, the flight attendants gave a real-life presentation. Luckily, we did not need to use the evacuation lessons, but even sitting in the back, the safety demonstration was clear. Below, one can read a guide into the safety demonstration:
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Meanwhile, the E175 was being prepped for launch. Boarding, bag loading and other such preparations were running so ahead of schedule that during taxiing, we had to hold short waiting for the slot to arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) because of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s documented constraints such as limited gates.
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The flight itself
After a few minutes, the flight would be cleared for take-off. The take-off was phenomenal from my seat. So, too, was the view of Fairchild Air Force Base from the air, complete with the scorched earth from the pyrotechnics supporting the previously profiled A-10 Demo:
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
However, clouds would impact my aerial photography opportunities. But the pilots cloud surfed for a bit and got the flight above the Cascade Mountains created turbulence.
I will share the WiFi – free for Delta SkyMiles members – was decent for the short flight. But the biggest impression to me was the very comfortable seat of the E175 in economy. Although it’s debatable whether Delta Air Lines is a luxury airline on par with Emirates and Qatar Airways, Delta Air Lines prioritizes passenger comfort. The plush seat was a pleasant surprise, unlike other airlines that shall remain nameless.
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We would after a bit of time of no seat-belt sign, descend in the E175 and make a long, smooth approach into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Some good views of the Seattle downtown were had, such as this review’s cover photo.
Deboarding was easy, and it was nice to relax while others who needed to rush could deboard. Especially after a long day on my feet.
Bottom line
With Delta Air Lines, there is little difference in comfort between coach and Delta Comfort+ with additional legroom. However, one should consider boarding and especially the order of deboarding when deciding.
What are your take-aways? Please share with civility in the comments.