PanAm747 From United States, joined Feb 2004, 3751 posts, RR: 5 Posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 2031 times:
One would have assumed this was 1977 rather than 2007 with the levels of GREAT customer service and friendly employees that I encountered on this trip!
Delta's self check-in kiosks were working just fine when I checked in. This was for the 6:15 AM departure to SLC, and I am DELIGHTED to report that SAN's T2 is open before 5:00 AM. Checking in was a snap and security was quick...and the flight packed.
The plane turned out to be an ex-Song 757. While comfortable, the in-flight TV system was not working well - most of the channels were blank. Purely random - it also happened to my seatmates as well. I am assuming it was a transmitter problem...and I was more interested in the scenery - Hoover Dam and a spectacular approach to SLC with a dramatic turn over the Great Salt Lake on a very clear day! It's the only flight I booked a window seat for, just for the incredible views.
I only had 40 minutes at SLC, so no time to look around - but the walk from D16 to B18 went very quickly, and I arrived in plenty of time...
To almost board the wrong plane. Well, when you're one of the last to board and multiple planes are departing from one gate, and both planes are SkyWest CRJ-700's, it's easy to get mixed-up. Fortunately, I was directed to the correct plane, and after confirming that we were going to MSP, got seated.
The CRJ-700 is a terrific aircraft for this route - the flight was comfortable and the service great. We landed a bit early, and Concourse E at MSP is a great place to arrive - just a short walk to the Northwest Promenade and baggage claim.
The return flight to SLC on July 3rd was a -900. This was an almost brand new airplane and felt very luxurious. Great service once again. We arrived at SLC early and the sunset was incredibly beautiful against the mountains to the east.
The final flight proved to be one of the best I have ever had. The aircraft was once again a ex-Song 757. This was the only flight I had on this trip that wasn't completely full. I switched seats before take-off with a woman split off from her group, and would have moved again, but I got involved with the 20 questions contest on the TV system.
I joined the first round late, but ended up winning the second, fourth, and fifth rounds, and was winning the sixth (when we landed). I actually did get a free cocktail from the crew for winning each of the games!! No, I wasn't sloshed, but the Chardonnay was quite good...
I want to say again that Delta employees were outstanding from the first moment to the end of the trip. Morale is quite good, and despite the frustrations I had with Delta's website (from which I have learned how to deal with), the smiles on the faces of every single employee more than made up for that. Thanks again for a wonderful trip, Delta!!
Pan Am:The World's Most Experienced Airline - P(oor) S(ailor's) A(irline): San Diego's Hometown Airline-Catch Our Smile!
AT From United States, joined Jul 2000, 523 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 1854 times:
Agree--.
We say that all the majors are pretty much the same but I have also found that Delta's flight attends are CONSISTENTLY more friendly and helpful than other carriers. This makes a difference. Continental's are generally nice too, but those of AAmerican and United, even JetBlue, are somewhat hit or miss.
UGA777 From United States, joined Jan 2001, 78 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 4 hours ago) and read 1553 times:
I think Delta is moving in the right direction. There was a time when I was doubting my hometown airline, but I think they are definitely getting back to where they once were. My mom recently flew them ATL-PDX on an ex Song 757 and called me to tell me it was one of the most pleasant flights she had ever been on. She loved the trivia game you can play on the PTV with the other passengers. Nice report.
EddieDude From Mexico, joined Nov 2003, 4390 posts, RR: 25 Reply 5, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 1067 times:
Quoting PanAm747 (Thread starter): just a short walk to the Northwest Promenade and baggage claim
I am glad that, while connecting, you did not have to work too much Scott... after flying in cowboy boots (you know how your feet get chubbier when flying), I would hate to walk a lot.
PanAm747 From United States, joined Feb 2004, 3751 posts, RR: 5 Reply 6, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 829 times:
Quote: Was there any turbulence while going over the mountains near SLC?
The approach on SAN-SLC followed the Wasatch mountains...then we made a U-turn to the right, and landed on 16R. No turbulence.
The take-off for MSP in the CRJ-700 left on the same runway, but made a 270 right turn, obviously to avoid the mountains. A bit of turbulence once we were over the mountains, but nothing extreme or very long.
The landing at SLC on the CRJ-900 from MSP flew west over the northern part of the city, then did a 270 left turn to land on 34R. No turbulence at all, even though it was almost 100 degrees.
The SAN departure was also 34R (after a VERY long wait behind a bunch of other planes), but no turbulence at all.
Quote: I am glad that, while connecting, you did not have to work too much Scott... after flying in cowboy boots (you know how your feet get chubbier when flying), I would hate to walk a lot.
Thanks Eddie!! Actually, my feet don't have any swelling problems...but it did feel good to get out and walk afterwards!!
Pan Am:The World's Most Experienced Airline - P(oor) S(ailor's) A(irline): San Diego's Hometown Airline-Catch Our Smile!
Goldenshield From United States, joined Jan 2001, 3217 posts, RR: 7 Reply 7, posted (1 year 1 month 3 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 661 times:
Quoting PanAm747 (Reply 6): The approach on SAN-SLC followed the Wasatch mountains...then we made a U-turn to the right, and landed on 16R. No turbulence.
JAMMN5, the arrival from that direction. At JAMMN, they either continue the aircraft on the arrival as profiled, or turn the aircraft direct Fairfield VOR, if it's north traffic.
Quote: The take-off for MSP in the CRJ-700 left on the same runway, but made a 270 right turn, obviously to avoid the mountains.
Standard procedure from both 16L/R and 17 for IFR flights departing north and/or east. It's usually an initial vector of 185, increasing in heading as you cross under and away from the arrival stream. You then continue your turn direct TCH (Wasatch VOR) just north of the airport, and then via the filed departure.
Quote: The landing at SLC on the CRJ-900 from MSP flew west over the northern part of the city, then did a 270 left turn to land on 34R. No turbulence at all, even though it was almost 100 degrees.
Brigham City 3, the arrival from that direction. CARTR intersection is the point whether you turn south for the 16's or continue on for the 34's.
Quote: The SAN departure was also 34R (after a VERY long wait behind a bunch of other planes), but no turbulence at all.
When departing north, the southerly departing aircraft are kept low on a westbound heading until they cross the arrivals streaming in from the north, then are turned to intercept the MLF 010 radial and climbed.
For the local terrain, and mix of aircraft that SLC sees, I think that ATC does a nice job there (but there are
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