Review: Delta Italian Ham Sandwich First Class Lunch Meal October 2021 During COVID

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These are such strange times in the travel sphere. Nothing is what it once was. Like everyone, I get really sick of masks on jets but, for now, understand the need. I long for the day they are GONE or at least optional for those vaccinated.

a screen shot of a flight schedule

One of the Deltaland related oddities is the current lunch menus on different flights. Some have restored most of what once was while others have not. Delta, as you can see here on Delta.com, as well as in the fly Delta app, promises us that flights over 900 miles get lunch in first class. But there is more.

In the past, for a 900+ mile flight, you could request your meal choice in advance either by calling, tweeting or in the Delta app. Not so much right now with the downgraded lunch box offering. So, you need to keep FEBO in mind and hope the flight attendants follow the guidelines (the guy in 1D was really angry he got whatever box was left when he was the last one asked for a choice).

Next up, as you can again see from the screen shot from the app, it says “snacks.” Well, the old snack basket is a thing of the past for the time being.

At least we did get the ultra mini bottles of water at our seat. But that was the only PFB (pre flight beverage.) Now on to the lunch.

a blue box on a white surface

There were 3 box lunch choices offered to start. The Italian ham, a strawberry salad and lastly a mozzarella and tomato sandwich. I chose the ham.

a box with food in it

The first things you will notice is there are no white linens before the box. You simply get the box. Next up, drinks are still in plastic cups and wine is the simply horrid tiny plastic bottle ones that was before relegated to CRJ jets. Truly awful.

a sandwich with ketchup and cheese

As to how was the lunch? The sandwich was OK. Nothing special. A large amount of bread and slightly soggy. The amount of chips tiny and the cookie is nothing like the old Dancing Deer ones they used to offer. I would never order this again if I were paying for it.

I wish I could add more to the review but this current lunch offering is really sad. I would expect something like this from say KLM on a short 30 minute flight – but not one as long as 900+ miles.

Lastly I will tell you that if you call Delta and ask about lunch on a flight that offers a “box” the reps will tell you there is NO meal on the flight even though Delta.com and the Fly Delta app says so.

Have you tried the Delta box lunch? Impressed or not so much like me? – René

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