Flying comfort plus?

[IA1865]

Consider looking at a Delta-linked credit card that gives you miles with purchases. Use it as a debit card and pay the purchases every pay period. Self discipline has to be exercised so you don't get into debt! Use it strictly to accrue free miles. Then, purchase your upgrade with your miles. I did that with United Airlines because they offered 10,000 miles for signing up for their credit card. I used the card in the same exact manner I just described, and I got the flight for my hunting trip to Spain for free, just with my miles. I also used my miles to significantly offset my upgrade to Africa. Just don't go int debt with it.

Depending on y our spending patterns, getting the lower tier of Delta Amex paired with the platinum and gold cards is going to give you the best point power. You get 15% off award travel by having the delta amex, and some people have gotten 150k point sign up bonuses on the Amex platinum recently which earns 5x on airfare and transfers to delta. I paid for my round trip business class flights on Qatar to SA last year using points and plan to do the same thing for my next safari.

 

[K-man]

The biggest issue is Delta. Crappy seats no matter where you sit except business or up. Qatar or Emirates or even Turkish have better seats, meals but not always the shortest overall travel times. Like some have already said, a flight with a 4 or 5 hr layover and a lounge/ shower for me works better. I'm taking 5 total this summer and we are going british airways for best flight time and a better arrival time for a connecting flight to Port elizabeth. Glad you are going back! Good luck.

 

[slam8031]

I have flown with my children (four) and my wife. the three with a small child was an awesome option with delta economy to JNB from Atlanta. We were able to fold arms up and get very comfortable. I have flown economy comfort 4 times with delta to JNB--more room than economy, but not alot--mainly more leg room. I recently flew (last summer) premium select with Delta to JNB--on the outer seats--2 seats instead of three, leg support and way more room. Ive flown select on Ethiopian Air to Namibia--but they ended up giving me a full row to myself in the back--which was nice!!

 

[steve white]

Consider it part of the travel enjoyment, much like a balcony room on a cruise is a better experience/memory.

 

[Sabre]

Something I'd consider if you are traveling with another hunter - buy a third seat in the rows of three. I'm 6'4 ~280lb. I need shoulder width more than anything - the seat itself usually isn't terrible, and comfort leg room isn't as valuable to me. So on my trip my brother and I had a row of three seats with a purchased empty middle seat. Very happy with how that went and a HUGE increase in comfort!

How does this work? I have never tried it, but am interested. But, I have noticed when seats aren't filled on the flights, the flights always seem to be overbooked and they fill the seat with a standby passenger.

 

[Winmdl71]

I don’t feel comfort plus is worth the extra cost. If you measured it I’m sure you’d have more room but it isn’t a noticeable difference to me. Go economy or premium don’t bother in between

 

[MacJenkins]

The new Delta One configuration was terrible for me. I'm 6'2" 250lb with broad shoulders. Was very uncomfortable for me when in the flat configuration, got hardly no sleep. Was just fine for my wife. The old slant layout was far better. Me and my wife had to fly Delta, instead of our normal Emeriates as we were up against some time constraints to get back home an Emeriates would get us back a day late. I hope that is the last time I need to fly Delta to Africa.

Was looking to try Qatar however my booking agent said they were having issues currently on some sort of clarifications with firearms. So we just went with the tried and true Emerites. Yes, it takes longer than Delta but is so much more comfortable than Delta. And a lot less expensive than Delta's premium seating.

 

[steve white]

Wonder when airlines will just install stacked bunk beds like a sleeper train, lol
If you are going to pack us in like sardines, might as well be horizontal.

 

[Russ16]

Wonder when airlines will just install stacked bunk beds like a sleeper train, lol
If you are going to pack us in like sardines, might as well be horizontal.

They used to do it that way. Back in the float plane clipper days.

 

[txtrout75218]

My daughter and I flew Premium Select to RSA this Summer. I'm 6ft and 185. She is 5'8" and 130. She could fully recline and sleep. It worked pretty well for me, and was a whole lot better than sitting I coach.

Looking at Namibia next and may go with another airline and stop in Germany.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

My daughter and I flew Premium Select to RSA this Summer. I'm 6ft and 185. She is 5'8" and 130. She could fully recline and sleep. It worked pretty well for me, and was a whole lot better than sitting I coach.

Looking at Namibia next and may go with another airline and stop in Germany.

Hunting in Namibia is great, flying through Frankfurt on Lufthansa was my all time worst flight ever. July 2025.

 

[SZSA375]

We fly over frequently from the States as we now live over there. Best bang for your buck is bulk head seating. We have tried everything and nothing has the value of the bulkhead seats.

 

[AZSkibo]

It’s an argument of privilege but here we are. For a 15 hour flight to/from I would say that business lay flat is the only way. You arrive rested, or relatively so, and have had the best comfort possible outside of private flights. It’s pretty great to not be dragging ass for the next two days getting accommodated to the time change while dealing with everything that is Africa. I arrive in camp much less stressed and moderately pre rested. It’s worth the extra fee in my opinion. Were I in my 20’s, I might argue this. I’m not.

 

[wesheltonj]

It’s an argument of privilege but here we are. For a 15 hour flight to/from I would say that business lay flat is the only way. You arrive rested, or relatively so, and have had the best comfort possible outside of private flights. It’s pretty great to not be dragging ass for the next two days getting accommodated to the time change while dealing with everything that is Africa. I arrive in camp much less stressed and moderately pre rested. It’s worth the extra fee in my opinion. Were I in my 20’s, I might argue this. I’m not.

I agree. When I was younger I flew lots of flights in Eco as Business was just a wider seat and more recline. Now, that I am older and have a few more dollars that I can spend where the seats actually lay flat into a "bed" as long as I have the funds, I am going to get the business seat (Long Haul). If it too expensive, then a real Premium Eco seat.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Interesting article on Delta's business strategy.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/deltas-premium-cabin-success-is-a-metaphor-110059186.html