Update January 2012

We did fly Delta again. What a difference a route makes.

We had a plane with a rest room that didn't work and luggage that was left in the rain soaking our clothes within.

Our complaints brought up to a worker who was giving us a tough time with a carry-on piece of luggage that was a valet piece with all the other passeners on the first leg of our trip suddenly became a problem on our return and we were asked to pay $25 as an extra piece of luggage. It was her manner in false "apologies" mixed with why we were wrong and why didn't we feel the bags when we picked them up like she says she always does and everyone should do.

I am writing and will fill in details when and if my thoughts are answered by Delta. For now I cannot recommend them and not because of a small incident. There was just too much wrong and the temperment and attitude of the gal, whose name we will share with the company, was off base!

end update Jan 2012




I had never flown Delta Air before that I recall. My wife booked us some fairly late minute arrangements to Cancun Mexico and Delta fit what we wanted, well pretty much anyways.

We didn't get the direct flight we would have liked but the lower price we paid helped to temper our negative feelings about that. Needless to say we were traveling coach. It was four of us.

Where and When

We took off from La Guardia Airport in NYC. We had a stop over in Atlanta and then flew on to Cancun. We followed the same route coming back.

We had confirmation numbers when we arrived but not E-tickets. We could have used one of the quick computer check-in systems if we did. I have used them at other airlines and they are definite time savers that are easy to use. It is good to know Delta has them. As it was we had to wait in line. Our flight was scheduled to take off at 6:00AM. We were at the airport at 4:30. There was just one agent taking care of a line of perhaps 100 people. So much for taking heed to the airlines suggestions of getting to the airport a couple of hours early for an international flight. Many more agents arrived at about 5:15AM and the line then moved quickly.

My wife and I have expired passports so we had to bring picture ID and raised-seal, birth certificates as ID. We had no problem with Delta, though I strongly suggest getting your passport. It makes travel so much easier and you won't have to carry other important documents around with you. Yes, I should listen to my own patter.

The people checking the ID,taking our luggage, and setting up our boarding tickets were friendly and made the suggestion about passports too. My daughters were warned to watch their weight on the return flight, their luggage weight that is. They were just a couple of pounds under limit.

With boarding passes in hand we went through security. I never get through without a search due to a knee replacement I had a few years ago. It always sounds the alarms. I was given a very thorough search. They were courteous and professional.

BOARDING

Because we did not have passports we had to go to personnel at the desk at the boarding gate. They had to sign off on all tickets before we could board. I did notice that they did a lot of spot checking of passengers before boarding. No one seemed alarmed or put off by this.

We were all asked to enter the plane by a zone # that was printed on our ticket. I noticed the agent turned people back who did not have the proper zone listed on the card. This made boarding quite orderly.

We were greeted at the plane and asked for seat assignments and given direction by friendly attendants.

SEATS, ATTENDANTS and MORE

The seating was tight. This big guy always has to squeeze in these seats. Fortunately for us the first and last leg of our trips to and from Atlanta had empty seats so we were able to put a seat between us.

We flew in two different types of planes. The 737 had a three-three seat configuration while the 767 had a two-three-two set up. I found no difference in the seat comfort or room in comparing them.

The problem I did noticed wasn't so much little leg room, there was enough for me, but the little room between me and the seat-back that was in front of me. When that person reclined I was indeed very cramped. The tray was in my gut.

The plane was clean. The attendants put up a large screen so we could see and listen to safety instructions. They were clear and easy to watch. I find watching the film more informative than watching robot-like movements from attendants.

The attendants we had on all flights did their jobs well enough. On our flight down from NYC we had one female attendant that was extremely friendly and helpful. An older woman was flying on her own and she was given some very special attention. There was nothing else to note, good or bad about all the other attendants we encountered.

I should note that at the end of our trip many passengers got up and started opening overhead storage areas as soon as we landed. One particular attendant was firm and professional in telling people to sit down and buckle up until we were at the gate. That I liked. I don't need some jerk dropping overhead luggage or falling on me while we are taxiing in.

The captain kept us informed of flight information and weather at upcoming destinations. At the end of each flight good information was given as to connecting flights. That, I found very helpful.

MEALS ?

Because we were on connecting flights that were about two hours each no meals were given. A tiny, and I mean tiny, bag of pretzels was given on each leg of the flight and we were given a beverage of choice.

Our last leg of the trip home had the slowest of service giving out these drinks. The flight was little over two hours. We received our drinks just 30 minutes before landing.

BAGGAGE

Now here is where Delta was terrific! Going down to Mexico we picked up our gear at the end of the trip. The luggage made it from plane to plane and were among the first pieces of luggage to come out onto the conveyor. We grabbed it and off to ground transportation and a wonderful vacation we went. They had people checking baggage numbers against our receipts. I feel that's a good idea. I was very surprised no one checked our luggage that way when we arrived in NYC at the end of our trip. We just grabbed our bags and walked out of the airport.

Coming home from Mexico and landing in Atlanta for our connecting flight, we had to get our luggage, go through immigration and customs and then go to the Delta Desk to have our bags put on the plane for the last leg of the flight.

Once again, we hit it lucky. Our gear was on the conveyor by the time we made it there. They ground crew was VERY quick. That's always good when having to make connecting flights in a limited time. We had an hour and a half between flights as scheduled by Delta. This gave us enough time to transfer to the other areas and to get a bite to eat in Atlanta. I do want to write about the airport there soon. I have been there before and though it is huge, it's easy to get around. Everything went smoothly during the connections and we hit the jackpot with our luggage off the plane and on the belts by the time we hit the baggage claim area at La Guardia in NYC.

IN CLOSING

I felt Delta average and above average in most of what they did. Though these people were not overly friendly, I particularly liked their professionalism. Getting our baggage pronto was also a huge plus.



How to Beat Jet Lag

American Airlines

JFK International Airport
Atlanta International Airport

Ramada Plaza Hotel at JFK

Recommended: No