They say money talks--but not on Delta. Our latest experience with Delta's first class product has me convinced: spending extra on this airline still doesn't guarantee good service.

Our recent trip to Orlando was booked on TWA, in first class, until we discovered that TWA's first class seats on the MD-80 aircraft are the same same as coach seats on most Boeing and Airbus aircraft. (When you're big people, you think about these things.)

A few quick clicks on the computer later (kudos to Delta for publishing their aircraft configuration with seat sizes online), we were rebooked on Delta, with both flights on 757 aircraft. Yes, we paid a higher fare to do so, but when you're already paying full fare for first class, another $50 isn't exactly painful.

What's painful is being treated with disdain on board the aircraft. While one flight attendant on our LaGuardia to Orlando run was friendly, the other one was less so.

Oh, can it. She was rude. She ignored us, and went out of her way to make a point of it. It began with drink service. We were buckled and settled, in our first row seats, but she briskly walked past us to Row 2, and took their drink order--and then stopped at our row like an afterthought: "You didn't want anything did you?"

Matter of fact, we did. Two cans of soda and an exasperated look later, she resumed her smiling service to the passengers behind us. That behavior continued throughout the flight. . . despite the fact we were clean, quiet, and relaxed. Lucky for us, the other first class attendant was more upbeat, and made a point of chatting us up more than once, especially when he could see my husband's growing angst over our late departure.

And angst it was indeed: the flight was fully packed and we sat on the tarmac for more than 2 hours. Even in first class, it was less than thrilling. Add to that the fact that at least half the first class cabin was filled with children and last minute "take-any-seat" passengers who were cackling over their good fortune: a first class seat for $249!

Oh, okay, I'd cackle too (and probably do a victory dance)but for those of us who paid or upgraded legitimately, it sort of burned a bit. Yes, you can argue that I got what I paid for, and maybe that's true, but I'm still a little peeved at that kid across the aisle who grabbed huge handfuls of Godiva chocolates off the flight attendant's tray--and at her for skipping us (naturally) and encouraging the passengers behind us to "take a few." When she returned to our row, the tray held one little mint.

Lunch service went the same way--she began with the "bumped up" passengers across the aisle and moved about the cabin, ignoring us. Quite naturally, most of the cabin chose the steak over the pasta with chicken, and so when the good attendant realized we hadn't been offered lunch, he had nothing to offer but pasta. (As it turned out, it was delicious.)

Yes, we know that even in first class, not everyone gets their choice of meals. However, flight attendants have a manifest that lists which passengers have paid, and which are there because coach is crammed full. Wouldn't it be appropriate to offer the first choice to the full fare passengers? Delta doesn't think so.

In fact, Delta isn't particularly sensitive to customers in the back of the bird, either. The last time we flew coach on Delta, we booked well in advance and cheerfully purchased three coach seats for our two bodies. Hey, we know we're large--and we're willing to pay for extra space. How did Delta handle it?

Flight number one: by changing our seat assignments so that our three seats weren't together. Thanks to a bright and graceful flight attendant, that one was resolved.

Flight number two: by putting us in bulkhead, where the armrests don't lift.

Flight number three: surprise! it's bulkhead again--and this time the flight attendant told my husband if he didn't like it, to get off the plane. He did. The other passengers were horrified and quickly offered us their seats. Would it have killed her to be pleasant and do the same? Apparently.

Flight number four: oh, look, honey, they moved us and we're in three middle seats now.

Sure, with some work we got each situation resolved, but when you pay extra and plan in advance, shouldn't the airline make some effort? Other airlines note the special request on your record. Would that be too much to ask Delta?

Apparently so. Bad enough that upgrades on discounted fares are virtually impossible on Delta (unless you're super-shiny-spiffy-ultra-elite), unlike so many other US carriers. Bad enough that Delta's highly touted Business Elite product has passengers crammed into narrow (but it's ergonomic!) seating.

What do I hate most? The attitude. I've flown up front in nearly every domestic and many international carriers, and Delta has firmly planted its feet in the low end of the bunch. Whatever happened to southern charm?

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