Review: Delta B737-800 Comfort+ (AUS-JFK)

A “review-delta-b737-800-comfort-aus-jfk” refers to an in-depth travel experience and evaluation of Delta Air Lines’ Comfort+ service aboard a Boeing 737-800, specifically on the popular route from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). It typically explores seat comfort, in-flight amenities, boarding efficiency, cabin ambiance, and service quality. These review delta b737 800 comfort aus jfk are essential for frequent flyers and leisure travelers who want a glimpse into the value and perks of Delta’s premium economy offering on domestic transcontinental flights.

Few domestic flights match the intrigue of this specific route—linking the tech-savvy charm of Austin with the fast-paced energy of New York. What makes it even more enticing is the experience of flying Comfort+, Delta’s enhanced economy class that straddles affordability and upgraded comfort. Think more legroom, priority boarding, and complimentary premium snacks—details that turn a routine flight into a more memorable journey.

This review goes beyond the seat map and service checklist. It captures the nuances—like the early boarding vibe at AUS, the upgraded Sky Club access, and the subtle perks that make the Comfort+ cabin stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned SkyMiles elite or just weighing the value of an upgrade, this deep dive into the Delta B737-800 Comfort+ AUS-JFK experience uncovers exactly what to expect at 35,000 feet.

The Ultimate AUS-JFK Flight Experience Guide

Flying from Austin to New York represents one of America’s busiest business routes. After recently experiencing Delta Air Lines’ Boeing 737-800 in Comfort+ cabin, I’m sharing everything you need to know about this popular flight option. This comprehensive review covers every aspect of the air travel experience – from booking to baggage claim.

Flight Overview: What You’re Getting Into

Delta’s Austin to JFK route operates multiple daily frequencies on the Boeing 737-800, making it a cornerstone of their domestic network. This particular aircraft features 160 seats across three cabin classes, with Comfort+ occupying rows 6-9.

Here’s the flight breakdown:

• Route: AUS (Austin-Bergstrom International Airport) to JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport)
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 (configured 16/36/108 seats)
• Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Distance: 1,521 miles

The timing couldn’t be better for business travelers. Early morning departures connect you to New York’s business district by lunch, while evening flights get you home for dinner.

Booking Experience: Strategic Planning Pays Off

Flight booking through Delta’s website proved surprisingly straightforward. The fare display clearly differentiated between economy class and Comfort+, with real-time pricing updates.

Reservation Process Breakdown

Delta’s booking engine excels in transparency. You’ll see:

• Base fare pricing
• Comfort+ upgrade costs (typically $89-149 each way)
• Seat selection fees
• Baggage allowances
• SkyMiles earning potential

Pro tip: Tuesday afternoons often show the lowest Comfort+ fares. I saved $47 per segment by booking then instead of Sunday evening.

Upgrade Options and Strategies

Several upgrade paths exist:

1. Direct purchase during booking
2. SkyMiles upgrade using miles + cash
3. American Express Platinum Card benefits
4. Complimentary upgrades for elite members

The SkyMiles upgrade option required 15,000 miles plus $75 – decent value if you’re swimming in Delta miles but need to preserve cash.

Pre-Departure: AUS Terminal Experience

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport continues impressing with its efficiency. The TSA PreCheck lanes moved quickly, processing my documents in under three minutes.

Check-in and Security Process

Mobile check-in worked flawlessly 24 hours prior. The app generated a clean boarding pass with gate information updating automatically.

Security checkpoint times varied dramatically:

• 6:00 AM: 5 minutes
• 8:00 AM: 15 minutes
• 12:00 PM: 25 minutes

Delta Sky Club Access

My American Express Platinum Card granted Delta Sky Club lounge access, though AUS’s club feels cramped during peak hours. The space offers:

Amenity	Quality Rating	Notes
Food Selection	7/10	Limited hot options
WiFi Speed	9/10	85+ Mbps consistently
Seating Availability	6/10	Crowded 7-10 AM
Beverage Program	8/10	Full bar, quality coffee

The airport lounge provides decent refuge, but don’t expect culinary miracles. Stick to coffee, light snacks, and WiFi productivity.

Boarding: Zone System Actually Works

Flight boarding process at AUS Gate 25 impressed with its organization. Delta’s zone system makes sense:

• Zone 1: First Class, Diamond Medallion
• Zone 2: Comfort+, Platinum+ Medallion
• Zones 3-8: Economy class by seat location

Gate Experience

The boarding gate announcement came 30 minutes early – unusual but appreciated. Gate agents clearly communicated delay information and boarding sequence changes.

Overhead bin space disappeared quickly. Comfort+ passengers board early enough to secure spots, but pack strategically. Full-size roller bags fit sideways only.

Seat Analysis: Comfort+ Reality Check

Seat comfort represents Comfort+’s primary selling point. Row 7A provided 34 inches of pitch – genuine improvement over economy class’s 30-31 inches.

Physical Specifications

The numbers tell the story:

• Seat pitch: 34 inches (vs. 30-31 in economy)
• Seat width: 17.2 inches
• Recline: 4 inches
• Under-seat storage: 18″ x 13″ x 8″

Comfort Assessment

Four-hour flights become manageable in Comfort+. The extra legroom matters most during taxi and descent when you can’t recline. My 6’2″ frame fit comfortably without knee contact.

Seat padding feels standard – not plush but adequate. The fabric holds up well despite heavy use. Armrests provide decent support though they’re narrow.

Power and Connectivity

Each Comfort+ seat includes:

• 110V power outlet (functioning properly)
• USB-A charging port (2.1 amp output)
• Personal device holder
• Adjustable headrest

USB charging worked efficiently, adding 40% battery to my iPhone during the flight. The 110V power outlet handled my laptop without issues.

Departure: Smooth Operations

Pushback occurred precisely on time – impressive for a Monday morning departure. Austin’s efficient ground operations minimize delays.

The taxi to runway 17R took eight minutes through relatively light traffic. AUS’s compact layout helps here compared to mega-hubs like Atlanta or Chicago.

Takeoff provided spectacular Hill Country views. The Boeing 737-800 climbs smoothly, reaching cruising altitude within 12 minutes.

In-Flight Service: Meeting Expectations

Delta Air Lines cabin crew maintained professionalism throughout. The three-person team managed 160 passengers efficiently, though service felt rushed during the beverage run.

Cabin Crew Performance

Service highlights:

• Professional demeanor
• Proactive communication about turbulence
• Efficient beverage service timing
• Helpful with overhead bin issues

One flight attendant went above and beyond, helping an older people passenger navigate the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.

Food and Beverage Program

Comfort+ includes complimentary beverages and snacks. Options include:

Beverages:

• Full bar selection (premium spirits)
• Craft beer (Stella Artois, local options)
• Wine (decent Cabernet, Pinot Grigio)
• Soft drinks and juices

Snacks:

• Mixed nuts (generous portion)
• Pretzels
• Biscoff cookies
• Fresh fruit (when available)

The mixed nuts impressed – substantial portion with good variety. Skip the pretzels unless you enjoy cardboard.

Entertainment and Technology

In-flight entertainment (IFE) streams to personal devices via Delta’s app. Content library includes:

• 200+ movies (including recent releases)
• TV shows (full seasons available)
• Music streaming
• Games and reading materials

WiFi performance exceeded expectations. Streaming video worked smoothly for $8 full-flight pricing. Speed tests showed 15+ Mbps throughout the journey.

Climate Control

Cabin temperature remained comfortable despite full capacity. Air circulation felt adequate with no stuffiness. Individual air vents provide good directional control.

Arrival: JFK Terminal 4 Efficiency

Landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport occurred 15 minutes early thanks to favorable winds. JFK’s Terminal 4 handles Delta Air Lines operations efficiently.

Disembarkation Process

Comfort+ passengers deplane after First Class, providing quick aircraft exit. The jet bridge connection worked smoothly with no delays.

Terminal 4’s layout makes sense for connections. Clear signage directs passengers toward baggage claim, ground transportation, or connecting flights.

Ground Transportation

Multiple options exist:

• AirTrain to subway ($7.75)
• Yellow taxi ($55-70 to Manhattan)
• Ride-share pickup (designated areas)
• Private car services

The AirTrain connection works well for Manhattan destinations, though luggage makes taxi service more appealing.

Value Proposition: Worth the Premium?

Comfort+ pricing typically adds $89-149 over economy class fares. This investment makes sense for flights over three hours or when you need guaranteed overhead bin space.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Benefits received:

• 4 inches additional legroom
• Priority boarding (Zone 2)
• Complimentary beverages and snacks
• Dedicated overhead bin space
• SkyMiles bonus earning (25% extra)

Comparable alternatives:

• American Airlines Main Cabin Extra: Similar legroom, less service
• JetBlue Even More Space: Better legroom, inferior food
• Southwest Business Select: Flexible cancellation, open seating

Target Passenger Profile

Comfort+ works best for:

• Business travelers expensing flights
• Leisure travelers on longer routes (3+ hours)
• Frequent flyer program members seeking upgrades
• Passengers prioritizing boarding order

Skip Comfort+ if you’re budget-conscious and comfortable in standard economy class for shorter flights.

Competitive Analysis: Market Positioning

Delta’s Comfort+ competes directly with American’s Main Cabin Extra and United’s Economy Plus. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Delta Comfort+	AA Main Cabin Extra	United Economy Plus
Legroom	34 inches	34-36 inches	34-37 inches
Boarding Priority	Zone 2	Group 5	Group 2
Drinks Included	Yes	Premium only	No
Snacks Included	Yes	Premium only	Purchase
Overhead Bin	Guaranteed	Not guaranteed	Not guaranteed

Delta’s service inclusion gives it an edge over competitors. The guaranteed overhead bin space alone justifies the premium for many travelers.

Aircraft Insights: Boeing 737-800 Performance

The Boeing 737-800 remains Delta’s domestic workhorse. This particular aircraft (N3754D) entered service in 2014 and shows minimal wear.

Seating Configuration

Delta’s aircraft seating configuration includes:

• First Class: 16 seats (2-2 layout)
• Comfort+: 36 seats (3-3 layout, rows 6-11)
• Main Cabin: 108 seats (3-3 layout)

The 3-3 seating configuration feels tight, but window seats provide decent views and storage space.

Performance Characteristics

Flight characteristics impressed:

• Smooth takeoff and landing
• Minimal turbulence impact
• Quiet cabin environment
• Efficient air circulation

The Boeing 737-800 handles weather well, maintaining schedule reliability even during challenging conditions.

Practical Travel Tips: Maximizing Your Experience

Optimal Seat Selection Strategy

Best Comfort+ seats:

• Row 6: First row, extra legroom, no recline from ahead
• Window seats: Additional shoulder room, storage space
• Avoid rows 10-11: Near galley traffic, noise issues

Exit row seating provides maximum legroom but comes with responsibility requirements.

Packing Recommendations

Carry-on strategy:

• Pack essentials in personal item (guaranteed under-seat storage)
• Use soft-sided bags for overhead flexibility
• Bring entertainment backup (downloaded content)
• Pack light layers for temperature variation

Connection Timing Advice

Minimum connection times:

• AUS domestic: 45 minutes (recommended 60)
• JFK domestic: 60 minutes (recommended 75)
• JFK international: 90 minutes (recommended 120)

Terminal 4 at JFK handles connections efficiently, but allow extra time for security checkpoint re-screening if required.

Strategic Upgrade Worth Considering

Delta’s Comfort+ on the Boeing 737-800 delivers solid value for the AUS-JFK route. The combination of extra legroom, priority boarding, and included service justifies the premium for most travelers.

Overall Rating: 8.2/10

Strengths:

• Meaningful legroom improvement
• Reliable in-flight entertainment (IFE)
• Professional service delivery
• Guaranteed overhead bin space
• SkyMiles earning bonus

Areas for improvement:

• Seat comfort could be plusher
• Limited food options
• Narrow armrests
• WiFi pricing remains high

Booking Recommendations

Book Comfort+ when:

• Flight duration exceeds 3 hours
• You’re traveling for business
• Overhead bin space is critical
• SkyMiles status benefits matter
• Budget accommodates the premium

Consider economy class when:

• You’re comfortable in standard seats
• Budget is primary concern
• Flight duration under 2.5 hours
• You board early anyway (status/credit card)

Looking Forward: Future Improvements

Delta Air Lines continues investing in the domestic experience. Expected improvements include:

• Enhanced seat comfort with new padding
• Upgraded in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems
• Improved WiFi speeds and pricing
• Expanded food options

The Boeing 737-800 fleet refresh will bring updated interiors and better passenger amenities over the next two years.

Bottom line: Delta’s Comfort+ provides genuine value on the AUS-JFK route. The extra legroom and service inclusion justify the premium for most travelers, making it an easy recommendation for this popular business corridor.

FAQs

1. What are the seat specifications in Delta Comfort+ on the Boeing 737-800?

Delta Comfort+ seats on the 737-800 offer a seat pitch of 34 inches and a width of 17.3 inches, providing extra legroom compared to standard Main Cabin seats.

2. Is in-flight entertainment available in Delta Comfort+?

Yes, Delta Comfort+ passengers have access to Delta Studio®, which includes a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi.

3. Can I upgrade to Delta Comfort+ using SkyMiles?

Yes, SkyMiles members can use miles to upgrade to Delta Comfort+ during booking or after purchase, subject to availability.

4. Does Delta Comfort+ include access to Delta Sky Club lounges?

No, purchasing a Delta Comfort+ ticket does not grant access to Delta Sky Club lounges. Lounge access requires a separate membership, eligible credit card, or higher-class ticket.

5. What boarding priority do Delta Comfort+ passengers receive?

Delta Comfort+ passengers enjoy expedited boarding, typically boarding in Zone 3, allowing earlier access to overhead bin space.

Conclusion

This review-delta-b737-800-comfort-aus-jfk shows that Delta’s Comfort+ offers a solid upgrade over standard economy. The extra legroom, early boarding, and better snacks add real value. The Boeing 737-800 feels modern and clean, and the flight from Austin to New York is smooth and well-paced. For travelers who want a little more comfort without the price of First Class, Comfort+ is a smart choice.

Overall, this review-delta-b737-800-comfort-aus-jfk proves that Delta continues to deliver on service and consistency. Whether you’re heading to NYC for business or pleasure, Comfort+ makes the trip more enjoyable. From takeoff at AUS to landing at JFK, the experience is efficient and comfortable. If you value space and small upgrades, this is a flight worth booking.

Have you flown Delta Comfort+ recently? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more detailed airline reviews and travel planning guides.