A review of Delta Connection’s Embraer E175 First Class offers a detailed analysis of the airline’s premium experience on this regional jet. Review delta embraer e175 first class covers everything from booking and pre-flight preparations to the boarding process, in-flight amenities, and overall comfort. This aircrafts, review delta embraer e175 first class, operated by regional carriers like SkyWest and Republic Airways, is a staple on shorter routes, providing a blend of spacious seating, personalized service, and a refined cabin atmosphere. Travelers often seek insights into whether Delta’s regional First Class lives up to the mainline experience, and that’s precisely what this review delta embraer e175 first class aims to uncover.

Flying First Class on a regional jet might not sound as glamorous as a widebody journey, but the Delta Embraer E175 defies expectations. With only 12 First Class seats, the experience feels more exclusive, offering wider seats, generous legroom, and attentive service. From priority boarding to complimentary beverages, the perks elevate short-haul flying to a level of comfort often missing in domestic travel. But does it truly deliver premium value?

This trip report dissects the Delta Connection Embraer E175 First Class experience on a flight from McAllen (MFE) to Austin (AUS). We’ll explore the pre-flight ambiance, seating details, meal service, and overall journey flow. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or considering an upgrade, this review delta embraer e175 first class gives you a first-hand look at what to expect.

Flying Above Texas

There’s something uniquely satisfying about flying first class on a regional jet. While it lacks the glamour of international business class, the intimate cabin and attentive service can make even a short hop feel special. I recently had the opportunity to experience Delta Connection’s Embraer E175 first class service from McAllen International Airport to Austin, and I’m eager to share my complete passenger experience with you.

This 90-minute journey through Texas skies offered an interesting look at Delta’s regional product and how it stacks up against competitors. Whether you’re a frequent flyer on this route or simply curious about what a premium experience on a smaller aircraft entails, this detailed review will cover everything from booking to arrival.

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Booking Experience: Finding Value in a Premium Cabin

Securing a seat on Delta’s McAllen to Austin route requires some planning, especially if you’re hoping to snag a deal in first class. I booked my ticket approximately six weeks in advance, paying $289 one-way—a premium of about $180 over the Main Cabin fare.

Delta offers daily service on this route:

Flight	Departure	Arrival	Aircraft	Frequency
DL 5279	6:00 AM	7:30 AM	E175	Daily
DL 5280	5:15 PM	6:45 PM	E175	Daily

For SkyMiles redemptions, I found first class awards starting at 16,500 miles one-way, giving a redemption value of about 1.75 cents per mile—not spectacular, but reasonable for a domestic flight.

“I’ve found Delta’s app to be one of the most intuitive for booking and managing flights. The ability to easily toggle between fare classes and calendar view made finding the right flight at the right price remarkably simple.” – My personal experience

The upgrade experience was also worth noting. As a Delta Gold Medallion, I was eligible for complimentary upgrades, but on this route, they rarely clear due to the limited number of seats (just four in first class). If upgrades are important to you, consider using Regional Upgrade Certificates or booking first class outright on this popular business route.

Airport Experience: McAllen International (MFE)

McAllen International Airport is refreshingly compact, making the pre-flight experience pleasantly efficient. I arrived 90 minutes before departure and proceeded directly to Delta’s check-in counter, where I found no line.

Check-in and Security

• Check-in: Two dedicated counters, one for Sky Priority
• Security: Single TSA checkpoint with PreCheck lane
• Wait time: Less than 5 minutes with PreCheck
• Airport facilities: Limited but adequate

The terminal itself is modest but clean and functional. Airport amenities include:

• A small café serving breakfast items and coffee
• A newsstand with travel essentials
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Comfortable seating areas
• Charging stations near most seats

One notable absence is a Delta Sky Club—unsurprising for an airport of this size. First class passengers don’t receive lounge access for domestic flights anyway, so this isn’t a particular disadvantage compared to larger airports.

Boarding Process

The boarding experience began about 40 minutes prior to departure. Delta’s organized approach to boarding process was evident, with clear announcements and enforcement of boarding groups:

1. Pre-boarding for passengers needing assistance
2. First Class/Delta One
3. Delta Premium Select
4. Sky Priority
5. Main Cabin 1-3
6. Basic Economy

As a first class passenger, I was among the first to board, giving me ample time to settle in and enjoy a pre-departure beverage before the main cabin passengers arrived. The gate agent scanned boarding passes efficiently, and the jet bridge wasn’t overcrowded—a pleasant contrast to some of the chaotic boarding experiences I’ve had at larger hubs.

Aircraft Overview: The Mighty E175

The Embraer E175 deserves special recognition in the world of regional jets. Unlike some cramped regional aircraft, the E175 offers a surprisingly spacious feel with its 2-2 configuration throughout.

Aircraft specifications:

• Length: 103 feet
• Wingspan: 85 feet
• Seating capacity: 76 passengers (First: 4, Comfort+: 20, Main: 52)
• Cruising speed: 495 mph
• Range: 2,200 miles

This particular E175 (N620CZ) was operated by Republic Airways under the Delta Connection brand. The aircraft interior looked well-maintained despite being approximately 6 years old, with no visible wear and tear that might detract from the experience.

What makes the E175 stand out among regional jets is its cabin height. At 6’0″, I could stand upright in the aisle without hunching—a welcome feature not found on all regional aircraft. The overhead bins were also surprisingly accommodating, easily fitting my standard carry-on roller bag.

First Class Cabin: Small but Mighty

The first class cabin on Delta’s E175 consists of just two rows in a 1-2 configuration, creating an intimate setting for premium passengers.

Cabin Layout and Design

The seat configuration provides four first class seats:

• 1A: Single seat (left side)
• 1C, 1D: Paired seats (right side)
• 2A: Single seat (left side)
• 2C, 2D: Paired seats (right side)

The cabin’s aesthetic aligns with Delta’s fleet-wide design language—clean lines, leather seats in a neutral palette, and subtle red accents nodding to the carrier’s branding. The divider between first class and Comfort+ is minimal but effective, creating a sense of exclusivity without isolation.

The cabin was impeccably clean, with no signs of the hasty turnaround that sometimes affects regional jet service. I noticed the flight attendant quickly wiping down the tray tables before we boarded, a reassuring attention to detail.

Seat Comfort & Amenities: The Heart of the Experience

I selected seat 1A, a bulkhead seat on the left side of the aircraft, offering both window and aisle access—essentially a domestic throne seat.

Seat Specifications

The first class seats on the E175 offer considerable improvements over main cabin:

• Width: 21 inches (vs. 18 inches in main cabin)
• Pitch: 37 inches
• Recline: Approximately 5 inches
• Legroom: Generous, especially in the bulkhead seat

The seat featured leather upholstery that was both comfortable and breathable. The padding struck a good balance—firm enough for support during the short flight but soft enough for comfort.

Seat Amenities

For a short-haul regional jet, the E175 first class seats come well-equipped:

• Power: AC power outlet under the center armrest
• USB port: Conveniently located on the seatback in front (row 2) or on the wall (row 1)
• Tray table: Large, stable surface that slides forward and back
• Storage: Side pocket and literature pocket
• Coat hook: Small but functional

The tray table deserves special mention. Unlike some narrower tables on other aircraft, the E175’s first class table was wide enough to comfortably fit my 13″ laptop with room to spare. It also featured good stability with minimal bounce when typing.

One curious omission was the lack of a personal air vent—a feature I particularly value for temperature control. The cabin temperature remained comfortable throughout the flight, however, so this didn’t become an issue.

Pre-Departure Service: Setting the Tone

The pre-departure beverages service began promptly after I settled into my seat. The sole flight attendant working first class—Sarah—offered a choice of water, orange juice, or sparkling wine. I opted for the sparkling wine, which was served in a plastic cup—standard for domestic first class pre-departure.

Sarah’s flight attendant service was notably warm and personalized. She addressed me by name, thanked me for my loyalty as a Gold Medallion member, and maintained a perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness.

The captain made a brief announcement about our route and expected flying time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, with favorable weather conditions throughout.

Departure & Flight Experience: Smooth Operations

Our scheduled 6:00 AM departure suffered a minor flight delay of approximately 15 minutes due to a late arrival of the inbound aircraft. The captain kept us informed, and we pushed back at 6:15 AM.

The E175’s takeoff roll was brisk—one advantage of a lighter aircraft—and we were airborne within minutes of reaching the runway. The climb was smooth despite some early morning turbulence, and we reached our cruising altitude of 31,000 feet quickly.

One of the pleasures of flying the E175 is its relatively quiet cabin compared to other regional jets. The engines are mounted on the rear fuselage, reducing noise in the forward first class cabin significantly. Combined with the excellent noise insulation, conversation was easy without raising voices—a welcome feature for both work and relaxation.

The domestic flight path took us northwest from McAllen, passing near San Antonio before approaching Austin from the south. Morning light created spectacular views of the Texas landscape below, particularly as we passed over the Hill Country approaching Austin.

In-Flight Service: Quality Over Quantity

Given the 90-minute flight time and early morning departure, I had modest expectations for the catering. Delta, however, exceeded these expectations with a surprisingly substantial breakfast service.

Meal Service

The meal was presented approximately 20 minutes after takeoff:

• Main course: Egg frittata with roasted potatoes and spinach
• Side: Fresh fruit cup (pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew)
• Bread: Warm croissant with butter and jam
• Beverage service: Full selection including coffee, tea, and standard alcoholic options

The frittata was flavorful and properly heated—no small feat on a regional aircraft with limited galley space. The fruit was fresh and ripe, and the croissant was served warm, a detail that elevated the whole experience.

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Beverage Service

Delta offers a complete beverage selection even on short regional jet flights:

• Soft drinks: Full selection including Coca-Cola products
• Juices: Orange, apple, cranberry
• Coffee: Regular and decaf with cream and sugar options
• Tea: Selection of black and herbal teas
• Water: Still and sparkling
• Alcoholic beverages: Basic wine selection, beer, and standard spirits

I paired my breakfast with coffee, which was served in a proper ceramic mug—a nice touch that reinforces the premium experience.

Service Timing and Execution

The timing of the service was well-orchestrated. Breakfast arrived at a natural point when passengers were settled but not yet preparing for descent. The flight attendant managed to serve all four first class passengers individually and with attention to detail, despite being the only crew member dedicated to the cabin.

Case Study: Regional vs. Mainline Service I’ve flown Delta’s first class on both regional and mainline aircraft, and it’s worth noting the differences:

Element	Delta Connection (Regional)	Delta (Mainline)
Crew ratio	1:4 in First Class	1:8 in First Class
Meal presentation	Simple but complete	More elaborate
Tableware	Ceramic plates, metal cutlery	Same
Beverage options	Complete selection	Slightly broader
Personalization	Often higher due to smaller cabin	Can vary widely

In many ways, the regional jet experience offers advantages through its intimacy and higher crew-to-passenger ratio.

Entertainment & Connectivity: Bring Your Own Device

Unlike Delta’s mainline fleet, the E175 doesn’t feature seatback screens. Instead, Delta relies on its streaming entertainment service for passenger amusement.

Wi-Fi and Streaming

The aircraft was equipped with Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi:

• Basic browsing: $10 for the full flight
• Streaming capability: Generally reliable
• Speed test results: 12 Mbps download, 1.5 Mbps upload

The Delta Studio content was accessible through the Delta app on personal devices, offering:

• 15+ new release movies
• 30+ television shows
• Live TV channels including CNN, ESPN, and NBC
• Music playlists and podcasts

The streaming quality was smooth throughout the flight with minimal buffering, even during peak usage times.

Power and Connectivity

With entertainment relying on personal devices, power access becomes crucial. Each first class seat featured:

• AC power outlet (110V)
• USB-A charging port (5V)

Both power sources functioned well, maintaining my phone’s charge even while streaming content and using navigation apps.

Crew Service: The Human Element

What often differentiates a good flight experience from a great one is the flight attendant service. On this journey, the service was exceptional. Sarah, our dedicated first class attendant, demonstrated the kind of attentiveness that has earned Delta its reputation for customer satisfaction.

Notable aspects of the service included:

• Proactive beverage refills without prompting
• Checking in with each passenger individually after meal service
• Memorizing beverage preferences after the first round
• Sharing knowledgeable recommendations about connecting at Austin

The passenger experience was enhanced by these small touches that showed genuine care rather than rote service delivery. Sarah managed to be present without hovering and attentive without intruding—a difficult balance to achieve in such a small cabin.

Arrival at Austin (AUS): Ending on a High Note

We began our descent into Austin about 30 minutes before landing, with the seat belt sign illuminated as we navigated some light chop. Our arrival was smooth, touching down at 7:42 AM—just 12 minutes behind schedule despite our delayed departure.

The taxi to the gate was brief, and we arrived at gate 8 in the newly renovated section of AUS. Deplaning was quick given the aircraft’s size, and first class passengers were naturally first off the aircraft.

Austin’s airport has seen significant improvements in recent years, with expanded facilities that have kept pace with the city’s growth. Walking from the gate to baggage claim took approximately 8 minutes, and my checked bag appeared on the carousel within 15 minutes of arrival—an impressive turnaround that completed the journey on a positive note.

Value Proposition: Is Delta Connection First Class Worth It?

The question many travelers face is whether first class on a short regional jet flight justifies the premium. On this MFE-AUS route, the first class fare represented approximately a 165% premium over main cabin.

For this specific route and experience, I found the value reasonable for several reasons:

• The additional space and comfort made the early morning departure more pleasant
• The quality breakfast service saved both time and money compared to airport options
• Priority handling reduced stress and time spent in lines
• The ability to work comfortably made the travel time productive

Travel Experience Value Matrix

Benefit	Worth the Premium?	Comments
Seat comfort	Yes	Significant upgrade from main cabin
Meal service	Yes	Surprisingly good quality for a short flight
Priority service	Partially	Limited benefit at smaller airports like MFE
SkyMiles earning	Yes	50% bonus on miles earned
Overall experience	Yes	Particularly valuable for business travelers

For leisure travelers on a budget, the premium might be harder to justify. However, for business travelers, those sensitive to comfort, or passengers connecting to longer international flights, the first class experience provides tangible benefits that extend beyond simple luxury.

Exceeding Expectations

Delta Connection’s E175 first class service between McAllen and Austin delivers a consistently high-quality airline service that often exceeds expectations for regional jet travel. The combination of a superior hard product (the E175 itself) and Delta’s commitment to service excellence creates an experience that rivals mainline domestic first class in many respects.

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Ratings Summary (out of 10):

• Booking experience: 8/10
• Airport experience: 7/10
• Seat comfort: 8/10
• Meal service: 8/10
• Crew service: 9/10
• Entertainment: 7/10
• Value for money: 7/10
• Overall airline review: 8/10

The standout elements were the attentive flight attendant service and the overall onboard comfort of the E175 first class cabin. Areas for potential improvement include the ground experience at McAllen and the entertainment options.

For travelers with the means or miles, Delta Connection’s first class on the E175 offers a refined way to travel between McAllen and Austin. The experience demonstrates that “regional” doesn’t have to mean compromised, and that even short flights can deliver meaningful premium experiences.

FAQs

What is the seating configuration in Delta’s Embraer E175 First Class?

The First Class cabin features 12 seats arranged in a 1-2 layout across four rows.

How wide are the First Class seats on the Embraer E175?

Each First Class seat is 20 inches wide.

What is the seat pitch in First Class on the Embraer E175?

The seat pitch in First Class is 36 inches, providing ample legroom.

Are power outlets available at First Class seats on the Embraer E175?

Yes, each First Class seat is equipped with a universal AC power outlet and a USB-A port.

Is in-flight entertainment provided in First Class on the Embraer E175?

In-flight entertainment is available through content streamed to personal devices; however, seatback screens are not present.

Conclusion

This review-delta-embraer-e175-first-class shows that Delta Connection offers a solid First Class experience on regional routes. The seats are roomy, service is attentive, and small perks like priority boarding and free drinks make a difference. While it may not match Delta’s mainline First Class, it still provides a comfortable and premium way to fly short distances.

Overall, this review-delta-embraer-e175-first-class highlights a flight that delivers good value for those wanting extra comfort. If you prefer more space and better service on regional jets, this upgrade is worth considering. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just flying for a quick trip, Delta’s Embraer E175 First Class makes the journey smoother and more enjoyable.

This review is based on a flight taken in February 2025. Services, amenities, and pricing may change. The author paid for this flight personally and received no compensation from Delta for this review.

Have you flown Delta Connection’s E175 first class? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Safe travels!