Economy Comfort on Delta

So, I just hit Silver Elite Medallion status on Delta.  I'm super excited about this development.  I have spent a lot of my thirties in planes.  When you start racking up miles, it adds up to a little more comfort on planes and airports which can take the edge off of being away from home.  (Maybe I'll write more about this in a separate blog post.)  I'm now just 5,000 away from Gold Elite Medallion status  --  did I mention I travel a lot?  

Recently, I traveled to Bangkok for work.  I was within striking distance of Silver Elite on Delta.  In fact, once I landed in Bangkok, I made Silver.  When I would get home, I would be almost at Gold.  But, on the way to Bangkok, I was not eligible for upgrades of any kind.  So, I had to weigh my options on my 3 flights between Pittsburgh and Bangkok.

The first flight is a quick one to Detroit.  I know that flight inside and out - occasionally it's in a plane large enough with a first class cabin.  Otherwise, it's a very narrow CRJ (aka the pencil with wings) for a 40 minute flight.  No problem, I've got this.

But, on the 15-16 hours from Detroit to Tokyo, I knew that I needed to spring for the Delta Economy Comfort seat.  It's a long flight and the extra leg room and additional recline is always welcome.  The leg room allows you to cross your legs.  Nothing spectacular.  Same with the 50% more recline  --  "50% of what, exactly?"  And, all you can drink cocktails (economy class service gets you free beer and wine  --  Economy Comfort allows you to get mixed drinks and premium beverages at no additional charge) which is not really a huge bonus if you ask me.  

The real selling point on Economy Comfort is that you are first on the plane and first off the plane as you are right behind Business Class.  This is exactly what I needed because I had just one hour in Tokyo to make my connection to Bangkok.  I arrived with just 20 minutes to spare at the gate -- that is just cutting it too close at an airport I've not been in since I was in 3rd grade when I flew to the Philippines!  I had to clear another security area in Tokyo and being first off the plane is a huge bonus to beat the crowd and make your connecting flight.

Would I spring for the Economy Comfort again?  Probably not.  Thankfully, I'm eligible for upgrades now so it's a non issue.  But, if this were out of pocket for me again, I don't think it's worth it.  The additional leg room and recline are negligible.  It's still economy class  --  same seat width, same food and same restrooms for most of the plane.  The edge was priority boarding and quick exit.