Review: Delta B717-200 First Class (AVL-ATL)

The term review-delta-b717-200-first-class-avl-atl refers to a detailed evaluation of Delta Air Lines’ First Class product on the Boeing 717-200 aircraft operating between Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). This review delta b717 200 first class avl atl short-haul route, often used as a connection hub through Atlanta, features Delta’s compact yet efficient First Class cabin with a 2-2 seat configuration, limited in-flight entertainment, and streamlined onboard service—perfect for regional travelers seeking comfort in a quick journey.

What makes this flight stand out isn’t just the plush leather seats or the complimentary snacks—it’s the way Delta elevates a quick hop into something smooth and polished. The charm lies in its efficiency. Within under an hour, you’re served, seated in style, and landing with ease. It’s a quiet luxury that frequent flyers appreciate, especially when time matters more than bells and whistles.

In this review-delta-b717-200-first-class-avl-atl, you’ll find insights into seat comfort, crew service, onboard offerings, and the overall value of upgrading on this brief segment. Whether you’re flying for business or linking up to a longer leg, Delta’s B717-200 First Class proves that even short flights deserve thoughtful touches.

Booking Experience

When you’re connecting through the world’s busiest airport, every bit of comfort counts. I recently flew Delta Air Lines Flight DL 1677 from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in First Class aboard a Boeing 717-200. This comprehensive review delta b717 200 first class avl atl covers everything you need to know about this short but significant hop on one of Delta’s most interesting aircraft.

The AVL-ATL route serves as a crucial gateway, connecting Western North Carolina travelers to Delta’s massive Atlanta hub and the world beyond. At just under 200 miles and approximately 45 minutes of flight time, you might wonder if First Class is worth it on such a short-haul flight. That’s exactly what I aimed to find out.

The Boeing 717-200 holds a special place in Delta’s fleet. These narrow-body jets, originally developed as the MD-95 before Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas, came to Delta through its acquisition of AirTran Airways. With their distinctive T-tail aircraft design and 2-2 First Class configuration, they offer a unique flying experience that differs from Delta’s other regional options.

“The 717 might be the most underrated aircraft in Delta’s fleet. It’s perfect for these short but important routes, offering more comfort than regional jets while maintaining efficiency.” – Veteran Delta pilot

My journey took place on a Tuesday morning, typically a lighter travel day, which also influenced the experience. Let’s dive into what you can expect when flying this route in the premium cabin.

See Also: Miami–Aruba AA 737 MAX 8 Business Class Review

Fare Analysis and Upgrade Path

I initially booked an Economy ticket through Google Flights at $149 one-way, which represented the lowest available fare at roughly three weeks prior to departure. Two days before my flight, Delta sent me a Delta upgrade offer via email:

Cabin Class	Cash Upgrade Cost	Miles Upgrade Cost
First Class	$79	9,500 SkyMiles
Comfort+	$39	4,700 SkyMiles

Working out to roughly 0.83 cents per mile value for the First Class upgrade, I opted for the cash option as it fell below my personal threshold for redeeming SkyMiles (I typically aim for at least 1.2 cents per mile in value).

For Medallion members, this route frequently sees complimentary upgrades clear, even for Silver members. During my flight, the First Class cabin was only 75% full (9 out of 12 seats occupied), suggesting decent upgrade chances during off-peak times.

Pro tip: For this specific route, Delta often drops upgrade prices 48-72 hours before departure if First Class isn’t filling up through paid bookings.

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) Experience

Ground Transportation and Check-In

My day began with a rental car return at Avis, conveniently located just steps from the terminal at AVL. The compact size of Asheville’s airport makes for a stress-free start, especially compared to navigating Atlanta’s massive rental car center.

The Asheville airport terminal was undergoing some construction during my visit (Spring 2023), but operations remained smooth. The Delta check-in counter had no line at 8:30am for my 10:15am departure, and the agent efficiently tagged my checked bag with Sky Priority designation.

For those unfamiliar with Asheville’s airport, it’s refreshingly simple:

• Single terminal building
• Single TSA checkpoint
• Gates located along one central concourse
• Limited but sufficient dining options post-security

Security and Gate Area

Despite my Sky Priority lane access, it made little difference at AVL’s single security checkpoint which was handling passengers for all airlines efficiently. From curb to gate took less than 15 minutes—a welcome change from the major hubs.

The gate area at Gate 3 offered basic amenities:

• Comfortable seating with some power outlets
• Small grab-and-go café
• Clean restrooms nearby
• Limited workspace options

I noticed a delayed A320 flight at the adjacent gate, causing some crowding, but the gate agents were proactively managing the situation. Conversations with staff revealed some staffing issues that day, which is becoming increasingly common at regional airports post-pandemic.

Boarding Process

Boarding began approximately 30 minutes before departure with pre-boarding for passengers needing assistance, followed by First Class. The boarding process was orderly despite the compact gate area.

Delta’s ramp crew at AVL was notably efficient, and I watched as they unloaded the inbound flight and prepared our aircraft in record time. The jet bridge was clean and well-maintained—not always a given at smaller airports.

Aircraft Details

The Boeing 717-200 (N988AT) that would take me to Atlanta has an interesting history. Delivered new to AirTran Airways in 2001, it joined Delta’s fleet in 2013 as part of Delta’s strategic acquisition of 88 Boeing 717s from Southwest Airlines (which had acquired them through its AirTran merger but didn’t want to operate the type).

Some key technical specifications that affect the passenger experience:

• Passenger capacity: 110 (12 First Class, 20 Comfort+, 78 Main Cabin)
• First Class configuration: 3 rows in 2-2 layout
• Cruising speed: 504 mph
• Engine type: Rolls Royce BR715
• Average age: 21 years (but don’t let that fool you—these aircraft are meticulously maintained)

What makes the 717 special is its balance between the smaller regional jets and larger mainline aircraft. It’s perfectly sized for routes like AVL-ATL where passenger demand warrants more than a regional jet but doesn’t quite need a larger A320 or 737.

The First Class cabin features a simple yet elegant design with Delta’s signature blue leather seats. The cabin has been refreshed since the AirTran days, though it lacks some modern touches found on Delta’s newer aircraft.

First Class Seat

I selected Seat 3D, an aisle seat in the last row of First Class. The 2-2 seating configuration means no middle seats—already a significant upgrade from economy.

The seat specifications include:

• Width: 19.6 inches (compared to 17.2 in economy)
• Pitch: 37 inches (compared to 30-31 in economy)
• Recline: Approximately 5 inches
• Legroom: Decent legroom but not expansive

The seats feature adjustable headrests with flexible wings that can cradle your head comfortably—particularly valuable even on short flights if you’re hoping to catch a quick nap.

Storage options include:

• Standard seatback pocket (roomy enough for a tablet)
• Small cocktail table in the shared armrest
• Overhead bin space (ample for this cabin class)

One notable absence is the lack of seatback IFE screens. Unlike many of Delta’s other aircraft, the 717s don’t feature built-in entertainment systems, relying instead on Delta’s streaming service for personal devices.

Each seat includes a universal power outlet shared between rows and USB ports for device charging—essential even on short flights to ensure your devices are ready for connections or ground transportation coordination.

Compared to Delta’s regional jets (CRJ series), the 717 First Class seat offers substantially more comfort. Against mainline aircraft like the A320 or 737, the difference is less pronounced, though the 717 seems to have slightly more generous padding in my experience.

In-Flight Amenities

Pre-Departure and Entertainment

The fresh and clean cabin impressed me immediately upon boarding. Despite these aircraft being older, Delta maintains them meticulously. The flight attendant greeted me by name and offered pre-departure water bottles—a modest but welcome touch on a morning flight.

As mentioned, there are no seatback IFE screens on Delta’s 717 fleet. Instead, passengers access Delta Studio via personal devices through complimentary Wi-Fi streaming (note that full internet access still requires purchase).

Delta Studio offered:

• 300+ movies
• TV shows
• Live TV options
• Flight tracking
• Music

The streaming quality was excellent with no buffering issues. I particularly appreciate that Delta makes this entertainment option free even for passengers who don’t purchase Wi-Fi access.

Wi-Fi Performance

The Gogo-provided Wi-Fi performed impressively for a short flight:

Speed Test Results	Download	Upload
At cruising altitude	15.3 Mbps	4.7 Mbps
During descent	8.1 Mbps	2.3 Mbps

Pricing for full internet access was:

• 1-hour pass: $7
• Full flight: $10 (best value even for this short segment)
• Free messaging on platforms like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger

Even on this 45-minute flight, I found the Wi-Fi valuable for checking connections and sending a few work emails.

Food & Beverage Service

Given the brief nature of this short-haul flight, I wasn’t expecting elaborate catering. Delta has significantly scaled back service on flights under 900 miles, but the offerings were still a step above economy.

Shortly after reaching cruising altitude, the attendant came through with a snack basket containing:

• Mixed almonds
• Biscoff cookies
• Sun Chips
• Kind bars
• Chocolate squares

The beverage service included all standard options plus:

• Full alcohol selection
• Mimosas (a morning flight specialty)
• Tomato juice and bloody mary mix
• Premium coffee

I opted for a mimosa, which was served in a proper glass—a small touch that enhances the premium feel.

For those wondering about more substantial offerings, flights departing during meal times (even short ones) typically include slightly more robust options like fruit and cheese plates. The flight attendant mentioned that meal service is more comprehensive on the ATL-AVL return leg when it occurs during lunch or dinner hours.

Service Quality

The flight attendant service on this short segment was efficient yet personal. The single attendant working First Class:

• Addressed passengers by name
• Maintained a perfect balance of attentiveness without hovering
• Proactively offered refills
• Demonstrated genuine warmth in interactions

While there’s limited time for service on such a short flight, Delta’s crew made the most of it. The purser made two passes through the cabin for beverages—impressive considering we were only at cruising altitude for about 25 minutes.

One passenger had requested a special accommodation (needed assistance with a bag due to recent surgery), and I observed the crew handling this with professionalism and discretion.

Flight Experience

Our flight pushed back five minutes early from the gate, a pleasant surprise given the staffing issues mentioned earlier. The 717’s Rolls Royce engines provide impressive acceleration, and we were airborne quickly from AVL’s 8,001-foot runway.

The aircraft performance was solid throughout:

• Smooth takeoff roll
• Powerful climb rate (noticeable in mountainous AVL)
• Stable cruising even with some light turbulence
• Quiet cabin for a narrow-body jet

The 717’s flight characteristics differ somewhat from other Delta narrow-bodies—the T-tail aircraft design gives it a distinctive feel during rotation and climbing.

Our route took us directly south from Asheville, providing gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains before we turned slightly southwest toward Atlanta. The captain maintained a cruising altitude of 24,000 feet—lower than longer flights would use but perfect for this quick hop.

Despite some afternoon thunderstorms developing in the Atlanta area, we experienced only minor chop. The pilot kept passengers informed with two detailed updates during the brief flight.

Atlanta Arrival Experience

We touched down at ATL ten minutes ahead of schedule—an early arrival that’s always welcome when making connections at this massive hub. Our aircraft began its taxi to D gates, which is typical for these shorter domestic flights.

After deplaning through the jet bridge, I followed signs to the Plane Train for my connection. Delta’s operations at ATL are remarkably efficient despite the airport’s enormous size:

• Clear signage throughout
• Adequate staffing at connection points
• Frequent train departures (less than 2 minutes between trains)
• Moving walkways for those preferring not to use the train

My connection to a Delta A321 flight was two concourses away, and I made it with ample time to spare. I noticed a Spirit A320 at adjacent gate during my walk—a reminder of Atlanta’s growing status as a focus city for airlines beyond Delta.

For those checking bags, Sky Priority tagging seemed to work effectively—my bag was already circling the carousel when I arrived at my final destination, suggesting it received priority handling at ATL as well.

Value Assessment

Was First Class worth it for such a short flight? Let’s break down the value proposition:

Benefits received for my $79 upgrade:

• Priority check-in (minimal value at uncrowded AVL)
• Sky Priority baggage handling
• Additional 9.6 inches of seat width and 7 inches of legroom
• Guaranteed bin space
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages
• Enhanced snack options
• Dedicated flight attendant service
• Early boarding and deplaning

For business travelers, the productivity benefits alone can justify the cost—having power, space to work, and more privacy creates a better environment for last-minute preparation before meetings.

For leisure travelers, the calculus is more personal. If you value comfort and a more relaxed experience, even short flights can be worth the premium. At less than $80 for the upgrade, I found it reasonable value.

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Who should consider the upgrade:

• Anyone with connections at ATL (arriving refreshed helps navigate the massive terminal)
• Travelers sensitive to the more cramped conditions in economy
• Those who highly value early boarding and deplaning
• Passengers with status who might secure a complimentary upgrade anyway
• Anyone traveling during meal times when catering is more substantial

Who might skip it:

• Budget-focused travelers on simple point-to-point journeys
• Very early morning travelers who plan to sleep the entire flight
• Passengers with no checked bags or connections

Comparative Analysis

How does this experience stack up against alternatives?

Delta 717 vs. Regional Jets

Many AVL-ATL flights operate on Delta Connection CRJ-700/900 aircraft. Compared to those, the 717 offers:

• Wider seats in First Class
• More overhead bin space
• Smoother ride (generally)
• Faster boarding/deplaning due to dual boarding doors

Delta vs. Other Carriers Serving AVL-ATL

American Airlines also serves this market via Charlotte instead of direct. Their regional first class product is comparable but offers:

• Slightly less legroom in most cases
• Similar catering standards
• Less frequent flights

Historical Context

Delta has actually improved the AVL-ATL service over time. Five years ago, most flights on this route were operated by regional jets. The introduction of mainline service with the 717 represents an upgrade for the market.

Final Recommendations

Delta’s First Class on the 717 between Asheville and Atlanta delivers a solid premium experience despite the flight’s brevity. For a hub connection flight that’s so vital to Western North Carolina travelers, the enhanced comfort makes a meaningful difference.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Strongest aspects:

• Efficient operation at smaller AVL airport
• Well-maintained aircraft with comfortable seats
• Professional crew maximizing service in limited time
• Reliable performance and on-time arrival

Areas for improvement:

• No seatback entertainment (though streaming works well)
• Limited food offerings (understandable for flight length)
• Aging aircraft interior (though well-maintained)

Best Seats on the 717

If you’re booking this aircraft, consider these seat recommendations:

For First Class:

• Row 1: Maximum legroom but restricted under-seat storage
• Row 2: Best balance of legroom and full storage access
• Row 3: Slightly more recline freedom as no one behind in First Class, but closest to economy noise

Booking Strategies for AVL-ATL

1. Book 21+ days in advance for best economy fares
2. Wait for upgrade offers 2-3 days before departure
3. Consider mid-week travel for better upgrade chances
4. Morning flights (before 10am) typically have better on-time performance
5. Allow at least 45 minutes for connections at ATL when arriving from AVL

Tips for Enhancing Your Experience

• Download the Delta app before your flight for entertainment access
• Charge devices fully (though power is available)
• Consider bringing a small water bottle to supplement the provided one
• Use the AVL airport’s relatively fast security rather than cutting it close
• For connections in ATL, familiarize yourself with the terminal map in advance

The Delta B717-200 First Class experience from AVL to ATL delivers more value than you might expect from such a short flight. While not the most luxurious product in Delta’s fleet, it provides a comfortable, efficient way to start a journey or business trip.

For Asheville locals or visitors connecting to international flights, the premium cabin offers a taste of comfort before potentially longer segments. The 717’s unique position in Delta’s fleet—larger than regional jets but smaller than standard mainline aircraft—makes it perfectly suited for this important feeder route.

Whether the upgrade is “worth it” ultimately depends on your personal preferences and budget, but having experienced it firsthand, I’d certainly consider it again for this route, especially at the reasonable upgrade price point offered.

See Also: Review: American Express Centurion Lounge Charlotte (CLT)

FAQs

1. What amenities are offered in Delta’s First Class on the Boeing 717-200?

Delta’s First Class on the Boeing 717-200 features 12 recliner-style seats in a 2-2 configuration, offering ample legroom and in-seat power.

2. Is Wi-Fi available on the Boeing 717-200?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available for purchase on all Boeing 717-200 aircraft. Delta plans to roll out free Delta Sync Wi-Fi across the entire 717 fleet by early 2026 .

3. Do First Class passengers have access to Delta Sky Clubs on domestic routes?

No, domestic First Class tickets do not include Sky Club access. Access is granted to passengers with Delta Sky Club memberships, certain credit cards, or those flying internationally in premium cabins .

4. What is the baggage allowance for First Class passengers?

First Class passengers can check two bags free of charge, each weighing up to 70 lbs (32 kg). Additionally, they are allowed one free carry-on bag and one personal item .

5. Are there any entertainment options on board?

While the Boeing 717-200 lacks seatback screens, passengers can access Delta Studio for free on their personal devices, offering a selection of movies, TV shows, and music.

Conclusion

The review-delta-b717-200-first-class-avl-atl shows that Delta offers a solid First Class product, even on short routes. The seats are roomy, the service is quick and friendly, and the flight runs smoothly. It may not have fancy screens or long menus, but for a short trip, it gives you just what you need—comfort, ease, and speed.

If you’re flying from Asheville to Atlanta, this review-delta-b717-200-first-class-avl-atl proves that upgrading can be worth it. You board early, relax in a bigger seat, and enjoy a quieter cabin. It’s a great way to start a day of travel or wind down after one. Short flights don’t need to feel rushed or cramped—Delta makes it feel just right.

Have you flown Delta’s 717 in First Class? Share your experience in the comments below!