planehunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Riding the Ultra Long-Haul Twin:
Los Angeles - Atlanta on Delta's Boeing 777-200LR
Intro
It's all about Delta's mighty Boeing 777-200LR in Part 3 of my latest trip report series. Flying on the world's longest-range airliner between Los Angeles and Atlanta was the highlight of the whole US trip.
Originally I had planned to enhance my Continental combo by some narrow-body hops in the Western part of the United States. However, I abandoned my planned domestic itinerary after finding out that Delta operates its Boeing 777-200LR six times weekly between Atlanta and Los Angeles as part of its services to and from Sydney. The variant - the most impressive in the 777 family in my opinion - is hard to get in general, so I decided to take the chance.
Background
In early September 2009 it was time to book another enthusiast trip. Flights to the United States were quite cheap in mid-October so I started searching for interesting combos. My plan was to get as many new airlines and aircraft types as possible on a five- or six-day trip. The destinations did not matter really much, I only tried to include LAX in order to meet my friend The777Man again. Some days later, after spending countless hours on airline and travel websites, my itinerary was complete:
Munich (MUC) - London (LHR) on British Airways
London (LHR) - Houston (IAH) on Continental
Houston (IAH) - Portland (PDX) on Continental
Portland (PDX) - Seattle (SEA) on United Express, operated by Skywest Airlines
Seattle (SEA) - San Jose (SJC) on Alaska Airlines
San Jose (SJC) - Los Angeles (LAX) on American Eagle
Los Angeles (LAX) - Atlanta (ATL) on Delta
Atlanta (ATL) - Houston (IAH) on Continental Express, operated by ExpressJet
Houston (IAH) - Newark (EWR) on Continental
Newark (EWR) - Frankfurt (FRA) on Continental
Frankfurt (FRA) - Munich (MUC) on Lufthansa
I booked all Continental flights together on the carrier's website - connections on both British Airways and Lufthansa were included in the combo. After that I separately added the flights on United Express, Alaska Airlines, American Eagle and Delta. The itinerary included five new airlines, five new aircraft types and four new airports - I was quite satisfied in the end after getting all the confirmation emails.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Los Angeles (LAX) - Atlanta (ATL)
Delta DL016
07:50-15:10 (08:01-14:54)
Flying time: 03:33 (hrs)
Economy Class, Seat 55J
Boeing 777-232LR
N705DN (s/n 773)
Delivered in 03/2009
1st flight on N705DN
1st 777-200LR flight
24th 777 flight
I left the pretty La Quinta Airport Hotel early in the morning and took the shuttle to Terminal 5. First of all I checked the departures screen and was glad to see DL016 would arrive from Sydney on time. It was very busy in the check-in hall on that Monday morning, but I managed to find an available kiosk. I had pre-reserved my seat at the time of booking, so there wasn't much to do. Interestingly, flight DL016 was overbooked, but I didn't think a second about taking a later flight and being compensated: I really wanted to fly on the 77L and I had to get my connecting flight to Houston later in the afternoon. After paying 20 bucks for my checked luggage again I joined an extremely long security queue - actually it wasn't easy to find the end of it.
30 minutes later I could finally proceed to the gate area and went straight to gate 58A to have a look at the aircraft: It was N705DN, delivered in March 2009, one of 8 777-200LRs in the Delta fleet:
The gate area was totally crowded, apparently Delta could enjoy good loads on its various early morning flights. Some time before boarding I noticed an announcement about Delta's "gourmet" buy-on-board snacks. Well, I had planned to buy a breakfast meal anyway.
I had lined up early so I was among the first Economy passengers to step on board. Friendly flight attendants welcomed me while I was walking all the way down to row 55. The comfortable all-leather slim-line seats...
...are equipped with 9-inch touchscreen video monitors:
Legroom was generous, too - definitely enough to survive an ultra long-haul flight. Small IFE boxes are located under the middle seats.
Request to hand out unneeded stuff to the flight attendants:
The flight was packed, no seat remained empty in Economy Class. A guy in the 20s took the middle seat - he was quite friendly, but gave me some worried looks when I took pictures and notes and used my binoculars.
United 757 and 777 parked at Terminal 6:
We finally left the gate eleven minutes late and I enjoyed listening to the engine start-up. The FedEx cargo area:
There weren't any other aircraft ahead of us, so we could roll onto the runway without waiting:
I was hoping for a powerful and noisy takeoff - but what followed was one of the least spectacular 777 takeoffs I have ever experienced. The plane accelerated slowly and (almost) quietly, rolled and rolled and finally lifted off gently:
V Australia 777-300ER on the left:
Now this was unusual - a Lufthansa A340-600 (on the right) which had apparently stayed overnight:
Always nice to break through the clouds - especially when the wing features raked wingtips:
15 minutes later all the clouds were gone:
Unfortunately I was facing the sun all the time on the aircraft's right side which almost made it impossible to take any pictures of the in-seat screens. And shutting my window shade alone didn't help. So I asked the guy in front of me whether he could shut his window shade for few minutes - I was glad he agreed.
"Ever wish you could pause the movie to go to the onboard lav? Now you can watch what you want, when you want it, with our new Delta On Demand product." That's what you can read about Delta's on-demand in-flight entertainment system on the carrier's website. Delta on Demand features - among others - a wide range of movies and TV series, more than 4100 MP3s (playlist builder), 10 games and HBO pay-per-view programming.
Main menu language selection:
Movie categories:
Some new releases:
The IFE programming also includes a survey and information about Delta, the Skymiles frequent flyer program, the Skyteam alliance and hub airports:
My favorite feature was the airshow programming, including maps with zoom function:
Flight information in Spanish:
Delta on Demand is user-friendly and keeps you entertained on long flights, but there's room for improvement. For example, the number of movies available in languages other than English and Spanish as well as the number of games could be increased. But probably I'm just spoilt by Emirates' world class ICE system...
Delta serves peanuts or other small snacks free of charge on longer domestic flights, but it took 1,5 hours until the first round of food - two bags of peanuts - arrived at my seat:
I was quite hungry and had a look at the buy-on-board menu card:
In addition to the usual snack boxes Delta offers "fresh selections". Between 5am and 9:45am only breakfast items are available (local times), so I ordered the Fruit & Cheese Plate for USD 6 (Gouda, Havarti, Sage infused Derby, red grapes, pecan halves, dried apricots, crackers). However, my choice wasn't available and I had to find an alternative. I decided to try the "Almond Butter and Grape Jelly Sandwich" for USD 4 - one of a few entrées created by award-winning chef Todd English. It looked quite tasty, but the wheat bread was a bit dry and the (Justin's) almond butter was not as creamy as peanut butter:
Finally the flight attendants offered something to drink. I asked for decaf and a middle-aged female flight attendant said she would get that from the galley. Two minutes later she came back and almost cheerfully said: "We will brew it freshly for you!" Nice! However, the disappointment followed soon: it tasted awful, not like coffee at all...
Later in the flight I walked around for a while. The cabin was packed:
Half an hour prior to arrival the second round of drinks as well as pretzels were served - quite late actually. This time I ordered ginger ale - what would be a domestic flight in the United States without ginger ale?
Shortly after I had finished my drink the plane already started descending. 15 minutes later we were on final approach to Atlanta...
...the home of DELTA:
We touched down smoothly after a flying time of 3 hours and 33 minutes - too bad I couldn't spend ten more hours on that fine aircraft.
Delta 757, cargo jets and the Atlanta skyline:
Well-known buildings: the excellent Renaissance Concourse Hotel (on the left) and Delta's headquarters (on the right):
N705DN came to rest next to Air France A340-313X F-GLZR:
Before disembarking the guy in the middle seat asked me what I would be planning to do with the numbers (registrations) - and I told him about my hobby. However, I'm not sure whether he was satisfied with my answers.
Anyway, after most other passengers had left I asked one of the friendly flight attendants whether it would be possible to visit the flight-deck. She immediately walked away in order to ask and a few moments later I got the green light by the captain. First of all I asked him about the operating differences between the 777-200LR and the 777-200ER and he told me a few aspects. Then I pointed out that the takeoff hadn't been really powerful - and he confirmed it was de-rated takeoff. He permitted me to take pictures and he even took a picture of me sitting the F/O seat.
Definitely one of the best workplaces in the business:
Great weather, great bird:
Simply impressive - the giant GE90-110B1L2 powerplant:
I grabbed my luggage and walked straight to the Continental check-in area to get my boarding pass for my ExpressJet flight to Houston - story to be continued.
Conclusion
Flying on Delta's Boeing 777-200LR was a great pleasure despite the low-power takeoff. I wouldn't hesitate to go on a Delta ultra long-haul trip - the seats on the 77L are comfortable and legroom is generous. Even though Delta on Demand lacks certain features offered by other carriers it keeps you entertained for a long time. Flight attendants and ground staff members were friendly and motivated which was another positive aspect. Drinks were served a bit late twice, but that's a minor issue. However, it was disappointing that the desired breakfast meal wasn't available on an early morning flight between two major domestic destinations.
Next report: ATL-IAH-EWR-FRA on ExpressJet and Continental
Luftfahrer From Germany, joined Mar 2009, 965 posts, RR: 5 Reply 1, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Awesome, been waiting for this report! I was certain you'd not miss flying the B77L on that route, pretty sure that's what every a.netter would do.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): He permitted me to take pictures and he even took a picture of me sitting the F/O seat.
Their longhaul crews are great - I've had similar experiences.
By the way, I've been spotting from the very same position at ATL as you some months back. Cool. By chance I also took an engine photograph - although it's a GE CF6 that belonged to a B767-400ER.
Note the aircraft taxiing in the background is N701DN, DL's first-ever B777-200LR.
Thanks a lot for sharing with us, it sure was an interesting read. Keep it up!
Et là tu montes encore plus haut et ça persiste, alors on vole
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 42 Reply 2, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi PH,
That's an excellent report - sounds like a very impressive plane and overall experience. That IFE looks very good indeed.
Shame about the slowness of the service, it really shouldn't be like that!
Have you any idea how many pax where continuing from Australia on that flight?
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): This time I ordered ginger ale - what would be a domestic flight in the United States without ginger ale?
Hmm, a flight with root beer? Sorry, but I'm probably the only European that likes it - my former US colleagues couldn't believe their ears when I once ordered that stuff as my beverage of choice during one lunch in California... At least Alaska serves root beer onboard.
Tommy767 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 6171 posts, RR: 9 Reply 3, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
I flew the 777 LR from ATL-LAX last august. One of my all time favorite rides. I was in business elite and loved the IFE system and the food was good. In terms of performance, it all depends how much the pilot is gunning the plane because out of ATL the 777LR was smooth and the climb was particularly fast. Might have actually been a record when flying up to 10,000 feet. Those seat belt signs came off some 3-4 minutes after take off.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Finally the flight attendants offered something to drink. I asked for decaf and a middle-aged female flight attendant said she would get that from the galley. Two minutes later she came back and almost cheerfully said: "We will brew it freshly for you!" Nice! However, the disappointment followed soon: it tasted awful, not like coffee at all...
DL's coffee is no different from the rest. The only airline that has coffee that actually tastes GOOD is UA. They brew and serve it in medal carafes in economy. Everybody else is plastic carafes, hence that bitter/stale taste.
"Folks that's the news and I'm outta here!" -- Dennis Miller
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 4, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): Awesome, been waiting for this report!
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): Thanks a lot for sharing with us, it sure was an interesting read. Keep it up!
Thanks a lot, Luftfahrer!
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): I was certain you'd not miss flying the B77L on that route, pretty sure that's what every a.netter would do.
Indeed, I really couldn't resist.
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): Their longhaul crews are great - I've had similar experiences.
Good to hear!
Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 1): By the way, I've been spotting from the very same position at ATL as you some months back. Cool. By chance I also took an engine photograph - although it's a GE CF6 that belonged to a B767-400ER.
Cool picture! And a nice coincidence that you also captured N701DN, named The Delta Spirit.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 2): That's an excellent report - sounds like a very impressive plane and overall experience. That IFE looks very good indeed.
Thank you, FlyingFinn!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 2): Shame about the slowness of the service, it really shouldn't be like that!
I'm wondering whether it was - for any reason - an exception on that flight.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 2): Have you any idea how many pax where continuing from Australia on that flight?
No, unfortunately. But that would really interesting to know.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 2): Hmm, a flight with root beer? Sorry, but I'm probably the only European that likes it - my former US colleagues couldn't believe their ears when I once ordered that stuff as my beverage of choice during one lunch in California... At least Alaska serves root beer onboard.
When I visited the World of Coca Cola one year ago I tried dozens of different soft drinks from around the world - but I cannot remember anyone which tasted worse than root beer...
Quoting Tommy767 (Reply 3): I flew the 777 LR from ATL-LAX last august. One of my all time favorite rides. I was in business elite and loved the IFE system and the food was good.
Sounds good - must have been great sitting in these new Business Elite seats.
Quoting Tommy767 (Reply 3): In terms of performance, it all depends how much the pilot is gunning the plane because out of ATL the 777LR was smooth and the climb was particularly fast.
I fear these derated takeoffs will ever increase...
Quoting Tommy767 (Reply 3): DL's coffee is no different from the rest. The only airline that has coffee that actually tastes GOOD is UA. They brew and serve it in medal carafes in economy. Everybody else is plastic carafes, hence that bitter/stale taste.
Interesting to know. Air Berlin, Lufthansa and KLM used to serve really good coffee.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 6, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi PH!,
that's an awesome report again. Didn't know that DL was flying the 77L domestically, but of course your detective mind noticed and you booked right away. You get on quite some interesting metal lately
I don't like the seat design, but the IFE looks great indeed. And yes, raked wingtips are great to watch, enjoyed them only once on a B77W so far. If you want to get on a 77L again someday, from May this year EK will fly them 6x weekly to AMS. It will become the first operator of this type at my home airport.
Regards,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
Well written and nice, sunny pictures, something lost here in Germany, isn´t it.
Hi Markus, thanks a lot for your feedback!
Indeed, when I look at the pictures it helps to forget that white mess outside for a while...
It seems you will show us some nice pictures from sunny Egypt soon!
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 6): that's an awesome report again. Didn't know that DL was flying the 77L domestically, but of course your detective mind noticed and you booked right away. You get on quite some interesting metal lately
Hi Eric, many thanks!
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 6): Didn't know that DL was flying the 77L domestically, but of course your detective mind noticed and you booked right away.
Yes, I was quite surprised find the 77L in the domestic schedule during trip planning.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 6): If you want to get on a 77L again someday, from May this year EK will fly them 6x weekly to AMS. It will become the first operator of this type at my home airport.
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1050 posts, RR: 20 Reply 8, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Planehunter - very much enjoying your latest series of reports. Your pics are excellent as always. I have also had bad luck lately with taking pics from the window inside the aircraft - always seem to have the sun facing into the window making pics very tricky!
Good thing your semi paranoid seatmate did not decide to report you or complain to the flight crew. Did he ask you any more about your hobby and why you took pictures and registrations? Whenever people ask me that question, I ask them whether they go fishing or play a certain sport, and if they say yes - I ask them the same question: Why? Usually stops them in their tracks!
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 9, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 8): Planehunter - very much enjoying your latest series of reports. Your pics are excellent as always.
Thanks a lot, Palmjet! Great to hear you enjoyed it.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 8): I have also had bad luck lately with taking pics from the window inside the aircraft - always seem to have the sun facing into the window making pics very tricky!
It was really annoying on that flight. I really need to be more careful when choosing my seats in the future.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 8): Good thing your semi paranoid seatmate did not decide to report you or complain to the flight crew.
Absolutely, yes. I still remember being called and interviewed by Homeland Security officers at MSP some years ago - thanks to a seat mate.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 8): Did he ask you any more about your hobby and why you took pictures and registrations?
No, he didn't inquire any more.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 8): Whenever people ask me that question, I ask them whether they go fishing or play a certain sport, and if they say yes - I ask them the same question: Why? Usually stops them in their tracks!
B747forever From United States of America, joined May 2007, 16574 posts, RR: 11 Reply 10, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Great TR
Good pics as always.
Congrats on adding a new aircraft type once again.
I really have to get on that DL 77L one day from LAX to ATL.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Before disembarking the guy in the middle seat asked me what I would be planning to do with the numbers (registrations) - and I told him about my hobby. However, I'm not sure whether he was satisfied with my answers.
Hehe, he probably was worried the whole flight. Wonder what went through his mind all time
mdavies06 From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2009, 327 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Thanks for the great TR. The weather looks very nice. Flying DL on this route on the 77L is definitely something I'd like to try one day. It must be very different to flying the narrowbodies that are common. The AVOD looks brilliant.
Does anyone know whether DL flies their 77L to any European destinations?
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 848 posts, RR: 4 Reply 12, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): "Ever wish you could pause the movie to go to the onboard lav? Now you can watch what you want, when you want it, with our new Delta On Demand product." That's what you can read about Delta's on-demand in-flight entertainment system on the carrier's website. Delta on Demand features - among others - a wide range of movies and TV series, more than 4100 MP3s (playlist builder), 10 games and HBO pay-per-view programming.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 14, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Excellent report with great pictures! I'm happy that you had a great ride on the DL 77L! You did it just in time too since DL will not be flying the 77L ATL-LAX vv eff June or July 2010.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Legroom was generous, too - definitely enough to survive an ultra long-haul flight
Yes, I can attest to this as well. Legroom was no problem on a long-haul flight.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Delta on Demand is user-friendly and keeps you entertained on long flights
I agree; the system is great although not as great as Emirates' ICE. I think and hope that this is the system that will be installed on UA's 777s that will be refurbished soon.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Delta serves peanuts or other small snacks free of charge on longer domestic flights, but it took 1,5 hours until the first round of food - two bags of peanuts - arrived at my seat:
Nice that DL serves peanuts!!! I just can't believe it took so long for the first service; 1.5 hours is very long time when the whole flight is 3:30h
B767300ER From United States of America, joined Jan 2007, 184 posts, RR: 2 Reply 15, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
It was a pleasure to read your very positive rating for DELTA and our 777LR. When based in ATL i flew the 777ER
ATL-DXB exclusively now that Im based at JFK I fly either JFK-TLV or JFK-AMM which are currently 763 flights
I had hoped that with the equipement upgrade on our TLV service it would be a 777 but they will go to a 747-400
aircraft. Again thanxs for flying DL.
ATLFlyer323 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 558 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Always love to read your reports. My friend just took that bird to Sydney on Wednesday I believe. He called me to marvel at the size of the engines.
jkj777 From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 397 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
HAHAHAHA, that map is in Spanish. I have noticed that a TON flying the route between LAX and ATL..
One thing about T5 @ LAX. When there is a really long line for security, sometimes a trip down to T6 is not so bad an idea. I have done that a lot with great success. There is a tunnel that will take you back to 5.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): had lined up early so I was among the first Economy passengers to step on board. Friendly flight attendants welcomed me while I was walking all the way down to row 55
This is one of my biggest complaints with passengers these days. They make announcements at the gate about the 'Zone' number located on your boarding pass and to board with this zone. People start lining up so early and just stand there with a Zone 6 on their boarding card. They are right in the way and it makes it very difficult to have a seamless and pleasant boarding experience. I am so fortunate to be able to board in Zone 1 or 2. I just could not take the stress and crowd. LINE UP AND BOARD WHEN YOUR ZONE IS CALLED
9V-SPJ From United States of America, joined Dec 2000, 740 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Nice report! I flew the LR when ATL-BOM-ATL and it is a great aircraft to fly long haul in. I slept for almost 15 hrs nonstop in economy on the way back, flight was 18.5 hours!
Burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, RR: 5 Reply 21, posted (3 years 3 months 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 32767 times:
Great trip report!
1.5 hours into the flight for service is definitely longer than normal... One possibility is that US carriers and crews tend to be much stricter about staying seated, and keeping the seat belt sign on, after take-off.
It could be the crew was seated for the first 20-30 minutes before they started setting up their carts....
I am really sorry you didn't get to try the cheese platter...it is actually one of the best deals in terms of BOB food offerings in the U.S. The cheese is quite good and they aren't too stingy with the fruit and nuts...for $6 it isn't bad at all...
As for the map in Spanish... Delta domestic flights with AVOD have the map and flight info in both English and Spanish...it is just one of the begrudging acknowledgements of the spread and importance of Spanish in America.
I am really pleased that you took pictures! As you've seen, Americans are really paranoid when it comes to air travel. I would love to do trip reports but as an non-white male...I know I would be asking for a WORLD of trouble if I walked around a domestic airline cabin snapping photos! Sad but true...
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 22, posted (3 years 3 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Super excellent Trip Report on a very unique route/aircraft type combo! Something we have come to expect from the Plane Hunter himself!
Although it is quite known that DL does SYD-LAX-ATL with the 77L, it never really registered in my mind that this bird can actually be flown domestically on the LAX-ATL service!
I am not a huge fan of Delta's operations at JFK, especially their messy layout at their respective terminal, but seeing their mega operations at ATL is always fascinating to me!
I am also pleasantly surprised to always see young looking Delta cabin crew at Dubai as well, which is a huge contrast to the norms of US Airlines!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Flying on the world's longest-range airliner between Los Angeles and Atlanta was the highlight of the whole US trip.
Frankly, this beats any 'premium' service flight that runs between JFK and the west cost!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): I abandoned my planned domestic itinerary after finding out that Delta operates its Boeing 777-200LR six times weekly between Atlanta and Los Angeles as part of its services to and from Sydney.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): The flight was packed, no seat remained empty in Economy Class. A guy in the 20s took the middle seat - he was quite friendly, but gave me some worried looks when I took pictures and notes and used my binoculars.
If he gave you worried looks, then i wonder what would have happened if it was me instead (an arab a.nutter on a US plane?)
Should include Arabic since they fly to DXB, or at least Hindi!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Delta on Demand is user-friendly and keeps you entertained on long flights, but there's room for improvement. For example, the number of movies available in languages other than English and Spanish as well as the number of games could be increased. But probably I'm just spoilt by Emirates' world class ICE system...
Looks decent!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): I was quite hungry and had a look at the buy-on-board menu card:
Nice menu!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): I decided to try the "Almond Butter and Grape Jelly Sandwich" for USD 4 - one of a few entrées created by award-winning chef Todd English. It looked quite tasty, but the wheat bread was a bit dry and the (Justin's) almond butter was not as creamy as peanut butter:
Looks very fresh! But what's so award winning about simple almond butter and jelly spread over bread?
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): what would be a domestic flight in the United States without ginger ale?
No PH TR is complete without your ginger ale my friend
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): He permitted me to take pictures and he even took a picture of me sitting the F/O seat.
Definitely one of the best workplaces in the business:
Very lucky indeed! I should start trying my luck at cockpit visits! I havent done that in a very long time!
Thanks a lot for sharing this TR! .. Looking forward to the next one!
Cheers,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
Quoting ATLFlyer323 (Reply 18): He called me to marvel at the size of the engines.
Yes, these engines are most impressive.
Quoting jkj777 (Reply 19): One thing about T5 @ LAX. When there is a really long line for security, sometimes a trip down to T6 is not so bad an idea. I have done that a lot with great success. There is a tunnel that will take you back to 5.
Interesting to know!
Quoting jkj777 (Reply 19): This is one of my biggest complaints with passengers these days. They make announcements at the gate about the 'Zone' number located on your boarding pass and to board with this zone. People start lining up so early and just stand there with a Zone 6 on their boarding card. They are right in the way and it makes it very difficult to have a seamless and pleasant boarding experience. I am so fortunate to be able to board in Zone 1 or 2. I just could not take the stress and crowd. LINE UP AND BOARD WHEN YOUR ZONE IS CALLED
I had zone 3 and didn't block anyone. However, I have to agree in general - it can be quite a mess sometimes.
Quoting Burj (Reply 21): 1.5 hours into the flight for service is definitely longer than normal... One possibility is that US carriers and crews tend to be much stricter about staying seated, and keeping the seat belt sign on, after take-off.
It could be the crew was seated for the first 20-30 minutes before they started setting up their carts....
Interesting aspect.
Quoting Burj (Reply 21): I am really sorry you didn't get to try the cheese platter...it is actually one of the best deals in terms of BOB food offerings in the U.S. The cheese is quite good and they aren't too stingy with the fruit and nuts...for $6 it isn't bad at all...
I will try to get that next time!
Quoting Burj (Reply 21): As for the map in Spanish... Delta domestic flights with AVOD have the map and flight info in both English and Spanish...it is just one of the begrudging acknowledgements of the spread and importance of Spanish in America.
I didn't mind about the Spanish map in general - just noticed that it appeared in Spanish despite my different language selection.
Quoting Burj (Reply 21): I am really pleased that you took pictures! As you've seen, Americans are really paranoid when it comes to air travel. I would love to do trip reports but as an non-white male...I know I would be asking for a WORLD of trouble if I walked around a domestic airline cabin snapping photos! Sad but true...
Yes, that's really sad.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 22): Super excellent Trip Report on a very unique route/aircraft type combo! Something we have come to expect from the Plane Hunter himself!
Hi Roni, thank you very much for your kind words!
Quoting ronerone (Reply 22): I am not a huge fan of Delta's operations at JFK, especially their messy layout at their respective terminal, but seeing their mega operations at ATL is always fascinating to me!
I have to agree about JFK. Going through ATL is always a pleasure.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 22): If he gave you worried looks, then i wonder what would have happened if it was me instead (an arab a.nutter on a US plane?)
I fear he would have been even more concerned, unfortunately. Bad times.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 22): Should include Arabic since they fly to DXB, or at least Hindi!
Interesting aspect. But I guess there's room for improvement.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 22): Looks very fresh! But what's so award winning about simple almond butter and jelly spread over bread?
Yes, very good question. I have wondered about that, too.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 22): No PH TR is complete without your ginger ale my friend
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 24, posted (3 years 3 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi PH,
Excellent as usual! I eagerly anticipated the 77L as soon as the third paragraph of your 1st report in this series! And it has come through. It would have been nicer if you were at the other end of the leg, heading towards SYD though! As I'm sure you would have loved to.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): I didn't think a second about taking a later flight and being compensated: I really wanted to fly on the 77L and I had to get my connecting flight to Houston later in the afternoon
I wouldn't change from the 77L either but how much were they offering? Or didn't they get to that point?
I'm sure you'd get a better take off in one of those beauties!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): The IFE programming also includes a survey and information about Delta, the Skymiles frequent flyer program, the Skyteam alliance and hub airports:
Interesting! It's good to see so many things being added into IFE these days.. The maps look excellent
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): It looked quite tasty, but the wheat bread was a bit dry and the (Justin's) almond butter was not as creamy as peanut butter:
So not as gourmet as it set out to be? I was really hoping for something more interesting than that! They sound like rather interesting breakfast items to be honest..
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): what would be a domestic flight in the United States without ginger ale?
What would be any flight you take without ginger ale?
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): He permitted me to take pictures and he even took a picture of me sitting the F/O seat.
That's great. I love it when pilots do this! It shows that some care about us enthusiasts!
Gotta love that wing and the engines. Good to know the staff were motivated. Always a positive sign. I'm looking forward to experiencing DL when I go to USA!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): However, it was disappointing that the desired breakfast meal wasn't available on an early morning flight between two major domestic destinations.
I guess you can't always expect popular choices when sitting in the back. But I really wonder how long it took for them to run out.
Wow, one more TR and this series is done and dusted! Too many to count for me! Looking forward to the next exciting read.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 25, posted (3 years 3 months 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 23): Bad to hear. Will 77Ls be based at LAX then?
The 77L will probably be based at ATL. Routing of aircraft would be something like this :
DTW-NRT-LAX-SYD-LAX-NRT-DTW. I'm not sure if they will fly the 77L from DTW, ATL or perhaps JFK.
From what I've read in various posts on A/net, DL will probably set up a 777 pilot base at LAX.
Looking forward to the picture!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 24): It would have been nicer if you were at the other end of the leg, heading towards SYD though! As I'm sure you would have loved to.
Yes, absolutely.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 24): I wouldn't change from the 77L either but how much were they offering? Or didn't they get to that point?
No, I didn't proceed after reading it would be overbooked.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 24): What would be any flight you take without ginger ale?
Unfortunately, you don't get that stuff on most European flights...
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 24): Gotta love that wing and the engines. Good to know the staff were motivated. Always a positive sign. I'm looking forward to experiencing DL when I go to USA!
I'm sure you'd like it.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 24): Wow, one more TR and this series is done and dusted!
Yes, but there are some more series on the horizon...
Quoting The777Man (Reply 25): The 77L will probably be based at ATL. Routing of aircraft would be something like this :
DTW-NRT-LAX-SYD-LAX-NRT-DTW. I'm not sure if they will fly the 77L from DTW, ATL or perhaps JFK.
Hi Lars, thanks for the update. Too bad there won't be any more 77L domestic flights.
atrude777 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 5613 posts, RR: 54 Reply 29, posted (3 years 3 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
I am taking this flight but in reverse, ATL-LAX in two weeks!
Thanks for giving me a general view/idea of what to expect! I am going to take full advantage of this too and will try the menu out and such! Looking forward to it, and will try to do a TR to compare it also!
Thanks again!
Alex
Good things come to those who wait, better things come to those who go AFTER it!
JL418 From Italy, joined Jun 2009, 493 posts, RR: 7 Reply 30, posted (3 years 3 months 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Nice TR, thanks for sharing - I beg pardon for my ignorance, maybe you've even written it but I must have missed the line: was the 77L due to continue to some overseas destination?
I'm a little bit perplexed by the leather seats: not a common sight, on long range planes, at least in coach. It's a matter of personal preferences, but I find leather quite unconfortable to sit on long trips.
widget1580 From United States of America, joined Jul 2004, 336 posts, RR: 16 Reply 31, posted (3 years 3 months 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Planehunter - very much enjoying your latest series of reports. Your pics are excellent as always. I have also had bad luck lately with taking pics from the window inside the aircraft - always seem to have the sun facing into
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 23): Quoting The777Man (Reply 14):
What brand did they serve ?
I don't know, unfortunately. On my next trip I will keep an eye on that.
USAirALB From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 2680 posts, RR: 1 Reply 32, posted (3 years 3 months 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Very nice TR. Its nice to know that DL still provides free snacks in Y while almost everyone else gives you a beverage and a napkin.
Quoting Tommy767 (Reply 3): The only airline that has coffee that actually tastes GOOD is UA. They brew and serve it in medal carafes in economy. Everybody else is plastic carafes, hence that bitter/stale taste
I'm pretty sure US serves it in a metal carafe, I could be wrong. WORST coffee was on UA Express by Mesa Air. It was so gross, it had this taste that reminded me of silicone, or plastic, mixed with urine.
StarAlliance38 From United States of America, joined Jan 2008, 1445 posts, RR: 4 Reply 34, posted (3 years 3 months 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Great TR! Impressive bird and great trip. Hope to hear about more of your US journey!
DLATL777 From United States of America, joined Aug 2008, 31 posts, RR: 0 Reply 36, posted (3 years 3 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 32767 times:
Just a few comments;
First, thanks for the report!
Second, to the poster who asked this, Delta does not operate any 777LR to any European Destinations. Sorry!
Finally, for those who want to ride on this beauty LAX-ATL-LAX on the domestic portions of DL 16/17, your time is running out. Starting June 1st, the equipment will run SYD-LAX-NRT-LAX-SYD and thus no longer will be used ATL-LAX-ATL.
airpearl From Malaysia, joined May 2001, 934 posts, RR: 38 Reply 37, posted (3 years 3 months 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi PH, another fantastic trip report. Thank you for the continuing series of interesting treks across America.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Flying on the world's longest-range airliner between Los Angeles and Atlanta was the highlight of the whole US trip.
I'd bet! Wide-body domestics in the U.S. are infrequent enough so I can imagine how rare this opportunity is. Having not been on the 77L, it's a ride I am actively looking for, and this looks a likely candidate for my next U.S. visit, thanks
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): A guy in the 20s took the middle seat - he was quite friendly, but gave me some worried looks when I took pictures and notes and used my binoculars.
Haha, obviously not a member of this forum!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): The plane accelerated slowly and (almost) quietly, rolled and rolled and finally lifted off gently
Now that's rare indeed for a B777 but not having been on a 77L, I can't wait to experience it for myself
Looks like quite a decent selection of categories.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): But probably I'm just spoilt by Emirates' world class ICE system..
Yes that can be quite the spoiler whichever other airline you fly on!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): This time I ordered ginger ale - what would be a domestic flight in the United States without ginger ale?
Haha... I can totally relate! I can't imagine anywhere else I would order ginger ale but on a U.S. domestic it comes part of the landscape...
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Before disembarking the guy in the middle seat asked me what I would be planning to do with the numbers (registrations) - and I told him about my hobby. However, I'm not sure whether he was satisfied with my answers.
QatarA340 From Qatar, joined May 2006, 1599 posts, RR: 7 Reply 38, posted (3 years 3 months 20 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Excellent Trip Report, i was very excited to see a TR about Delta's 77L. I did not know they also fly domestic.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): In addition to the usual snack boxes Delta offers "fresh selections". Between 5am and 9:45am only breakfast items are available (local times), so I ordered the Fruit & Cheese Plate for USD 6 (Gouda, Havarti, Sage infused Derby, red grapes, pecan halves, dried apricots, crackers). However, my choice wasn't available and I had to find an alternative. I decided to try the "Almond Butter and Grape Jelly Sandwich" for USD 4 - one of a few entrées created by award-winning chef Todd English. It looked quite tasty, but the wheat bread was a bit dry and the (Justin's) almond butter was not as creamy as peanut butter:
Come on! PPV TVs?! That is a shocker; it seems like they will think of every possible way to get money. I am not sure why on earth would they choose dark blue leather. Leather seats look terrible, give you the "slippery, sweaty" feel if you stay too long, and wear out a lot. I do not know why people give the impression of leather seats being trendy and hip.
The colors should have been a bit lighter and perhaps give a feeling of freshness into the cabin.
flyibaby From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 1015 posts, RR: 6 Reply 39, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 23): I found it very comfortable - but I'm not sure whether I would still like the leather surface after 12 hours.
I flew a DL 77L to JNB last year, and I have to say that I was sitting watching several movies in the exit row (2nd part of coach) and after 8 hours, I was very uncomfortable sitting in my seat. I tired all sorts of positions, getting up and walking around for a while, but my rear end didn't seem to agree with the seat cushion anymore.
Speaking of this, does anyone have any suggestions dealing with a seat like this when you flight is 16hrs long? The seat cushion in the exit row isn't any different than any other coach seat, so I was just curious.
C8fromONT From United States of America, joined Aug 2009, 70 posts, RR: 0 Reply 40, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
I'm flying this same flight May 28 and after seeing that food, I'll make sure I bring my own on the plane with me!!
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 41, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi PH, great report, a very interesting and enjoyable read.
I didn't know DL still flew the 77L domestically, only thought they did that during the first month(s) of operation.
The interior looked very nice, though not sure how comfortable those leather seats would be on a 16 hour ULH flight, I guess they would get pretty warm, sweaty and sticky?
The in-flight service provided by US airlines, is today waaay superior than what we have in Europe. I.e most full service airlines now going no-frills, not serving a single glass of water for free. I would be more than happy to get a drink and a bag of peanuts here.
The drink offerings in DL Y seem pretty generous, nice to see them serving Ginger Ale. Pity that we don't have it much here in Europe... well LH does
The BoB menu offerings on DL seem pretty nice as well, with some good quantity of food, for a reasonable price.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Before disembarking the guy in the middle seat asked me what I would be planning to do with the numbers (registrations) - and I told him about my hobby. However, I'm not sure whether he was satisfied with my answers.
Yawn... Americans being so overly afraid of terrorism...
Thanks for sharing!
//Jonas
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
B767300ER From United States of America, joined Jan 2007, 184 posts, RR: 2 Reply 43, posted (3 years 2 months 4 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
In reply to #39 I find placing the blanket over the pillow helps on very long flights - atleast that is what
I suggest to my pax so I always hand out double blankets and pillows. Try it.
Quoting atrude777 (Reply 29): Thanks for giving me a general view/idea of what to expect! I am going to take full advantage of this too and will try the menu out and such! Looking forward to it, and will try to do a TR to compare it also!
Hi Alex! Cannot wait to see your trip report!
Quoting atrude777 (Reply 29): I am taking this flight but in reverse, ATL-LAX in two weeks!
I'm sure you will enjoy it!
Quoting JL418 (Reply 30): Nice TR, thanks for sharing - I beg pardon for my ignorance, maybe you've even written it but I must have missed the line: was the 77L due to continue to some overseas destination?
The plane had arrived from Sydney.
Quoting JL418 (Reply 30): I'm a little bit perplexed by the leather seats: not a common sight, on long range planes, at least in coach. It's a matter of personal preferences, but I find leather quite unconfortable to sit on long trips.
I'm not sure, I guess it also depends on the kind of leather.
Quoting widget1580 (Reply 31): Planehunter - very much enjoying your latest series of reports. Your pics are excellent as always.
Thanks a lot!
Quoting widget1580 (Reply 31): I have also had bad luck lately with taking pics from the window inside the aircraft - always seem to have the sun facing into
Bad to hear. I have become more careful with the choice of seats because of that.
Quoting USAirALB (Reply 32): Very nice TR. Its nice to know that DL still provides free snacks in Y while almost everyone else gives you a beverage and a napkin.
Thanks! Indeed, DL offers a decent service compared to others - but it still cannot match CO.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 33): Very nice report and DL look quite decent. The Ginger Ale indeed is a must lol...
Some nice pics there.
Thanks for the report.
Hi Phil, thanks for your feedback!
Quoting StarAlliance38 (Reply 34): Great TR! Impressive bird and great trip. Hope to hear about more of your US journey!
Hi Mark, many thanks! The last part should be online within the next ten days.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 35): Thanks for this great report, Planehunter! Looking forward to the next part.
Quoting flyibaby (Reply 39): I flew a DL 77L to JNB last year, and I have to say that I was sitting watching several movies in the exit row (2nd part of coach) and after 8 hours, I was very uncomfortable sitting in my seat. I tired all sorts of positions, getting up and walking around for a while, but my rear end didn't seem to agree with the seat cushion anymore.
That's bad to hear.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 41): Hi PH, great report, a very interesting and enjoyable read.
Hi Jonas, thanks for your feedback!
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 41): The interior looked very nice, though not sure how comfortable those leather seats would be on a 16 hour ULH flight, I guess they would get pretty warm, sweaty and sticky?
Possibly, yes. But proabably it depends on the kind of leather.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 41): The in-flight service provided by US airlines, is today waaay superior than what we have in Europe. I.e most full service airlines now going no-frills, not serving a single glass of water for free. I would be more than happy to get a drink and a bag of peanuts here.
Iberia and SAS are good examples for that - but there are still numerous European carriers which offer more than certain US legacy carriers.
Quoting Sabena332 (Reply 42): Another excellent report with great pics, kept me entertained for a while!
Hi Patrick, thanks a lot! Great to hear it kept you entertained.
Quoting Sabena332 (Reply 42): Which Ginger Ale brand does Delta serve?
Canada Dry, according to another poster.
Quoting B767300ER (Reply 43): In reply to #39 I find placing the blanket over the pillow helps on very long flights - atleast that is what
I suggest to my pax so I always hand out double blankets and pillows. Try it.
Interesting idea, I may try it.
Quoting B767300ER (Reply 43):
Thank you for sharing. It's pleasant story with nice pictures, well done!
planiac787 From India, joined May 2012, 217 posts, RR: 0 Reply 46, posted (8 months 2 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 23351 times:
The last time I was in atl , Air france operated the CDG-ATL-CDG route on the 777.. But its good seeing the A343 in action.. I would hate to see the bird getting extincted..
Be the change you want to see in the world- M.K.Gandhi
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 47, posted (8 months 2 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 22504 times:
Quoting planiac787 (Reply 46): The last time I was in atl , Air france operated the CDG-ATL-CDG route on the 777.. But its good seeing the A343 in action.. I would hate to see the bird getting extincted..
The trip took place in 2009, AF has meanwhile switched to 777s on the ATL flights. But there are still 13 A340s left, I don't think they will leave the fleet anytime soon.
ZSOFN From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 1391 posts, RR: 8 Reply 48, posted (8 months 2 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 22446 times:
Nice report! Enjoyed reading it.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4): I fear these derated takeoffs will ever increase...
Hopefully not - as fuel costs rise over and above the cost of maintenance, hopefully the balance will swing more in favour of high-power takeoffs (which despite sounding like a logical fallacy are actually more fuel-efficient as you reach optimum cruise quicker).
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 49, posted (8 months 2 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 22246 times:
Nice report. Thanks for resurrecting it . I didn't even know DL flew the 77L on LAX-ATL routing. You definitely had quite the American adventure back then!
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 50, posted (8 months 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 19870 times:
Quoting ZSOFN (Reply 48):
Hopefully not - as fuel costs rise over and above the cost of maintenance, hopefully the balance will swing more in favour of high-power takeoffs (which despite sounding like a logical fallacy are actually more fuel-efficient as you reach optimum cruise quicker).
Darksnowynight From United States of America, joined Jan 2012, 979 posts, RR: 1 Reply 52, posted (8 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 18313 times:
Quoting ZSOFN (Reply 48): (which despite sounding like a logical fallacy are actually more fuel-efficient as you reach optimum cruise quicker).
You do. But that still has to outweigh the very significant difference in fuel burn. It may, I don't know. But why you'll definitely see more de-rated takeoffs is that they do (as in it's been very well documented) contribute to a much longer on-wing time for the engines as well. What ever fuel savings may exist would have to be greater than the MX savings that de-rated takeoffs bring from lighter usage.
Posting without Talent is simply Tolerated Vandalism... We are the Vandals.
KaiGywer From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 12022 posts, RR: 43 Reply 55, posted (7 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 16979 times:
Quoting LY777 (Reply 54): Do you know why DL uses an ULH plane on such a short route?
It flies LAX-SYD. Rotates back to ATL for maintenance.
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 61, posted (7 months 1 week 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 12590 times:
Nice read and picture PH, not sure why it took me so long to get around to this!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): The flight was packed, no seat remained empty in Economy Class. A guy in the 20s took the middle seat - he was quite friendly, but gave me some worried looks when I took pictures and notes and used my binoculars.
- I never get the binoculars out on a plane, I figure best not to.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): I asked for decaf and a middle-aged female flight attendant said she would get that from the galley. Two minutes later she came back and almost cheerfully said: "We will brew it freshly for you!" Nice! However, the disappointment followed soon: it tasted awful, not like coffee at all...
- Coffee on plane is bad enough, let alone decfaf!
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 774 posts, RR: 2 Reply 62, posted (7 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 11699 times:
Hi PH,
Nice to be able to read this "older" report of yours.
What a great report on this ultra long-haul domestic hop
Will definetely think about this route and aircraft during my next USA trip!
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): A guy in the 20s took the middle seat - he was quite friendly, but gave me some worried looks when I took pictures and notes and used my binoculars.
Did he say anything too you during flight or only after? I never use my binoculars in the plane myself..
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): Now this was unusual - a Lufthansa A340-600 (on the right) which had apparently stayed overnight:
SloAir From Slovenia, joined Jul 2010, 336 posts, RR: 6 Reply 66, posted (6 months 13 hours ago) and read 8078 times:
Hi PH,
I was not registerd on A.net yet at the time this report was published, I have read it of course, but did not have a chance to comment on it - why not so do now
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): he was quite friendly, but gave me some worried looks when I took pictures and notes and used my binoculars.
That is what you get when you fly with PlaneHunter hehe.
Quoting planehunter (Thread starter): I was hoping for a powerful and noisy takeoff - but what followed was one of the least spectacular 777 takeoffs I have ever experienced. The plane accelerated slowly and (almost) quietly, rolled and rolled and finally lifted off gently:
That is too bad - I guess you have to go on a ultra-long haul flight to enjoy the 77L takeoff at it's finest. I remember my FRA-GRU 77W takeoff and it was really powerful, noisy and heavy.
Oh yes. I can't wait for the Flight Simulator version coming out sometime in the (near?) future so I will be able to get a taste of it.
I logged a flight on the 77L in a similar way - I flew the YVR-YYZ part of AC14 SYD-YVR-YYZ. Back then I did not even realize what a great and rare plane I have flown on, so I might repeat something similar in the future to enjoy the 77L again.
BTW - good to see you posting reports again, still need to catch up on the last few. Keep up the good work.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 67, posted (5 months 4 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 8022 times:
Hi Blaž, many thanks for your comments! Good to hear from you.
Quoting SloAir (Reply 66): I was not registerd on A.net yet at the time this report was published, I have read it of course, but did not have a chance to comment on it - why not so do now
Feedback is always welcome, no matter when!
Quoting SloAir (Reply 66): That is what you get when you fly with PlaneHunter hehe.
Quoting SloAir (Reply 66): That is too bad - I guess you have to go on a ultra-long haul flight to enjoy the 77L takeoff at it's finest.
Not necessarily, short flights can also start with a powerful takeoff.
Quoting SloAir (Reply 66): I logged a flight on the 77L in a similar way - I flew the YVR-YYZ part of AC14 SYD-YVR-YYZ. Back then I did not even realize what a great and rare plane I have flown on, so I might repeat something similar in the future to enjoy the 77L again.
Sure!
Quoting SloAir (Reply 66): BTW - good to see you posting reports again, still need to catch up on the last few. Keep up the good work.
brilondon From Canada, joined Aug 2005, 3164 posts, RR: 1 Reply 68, posted (5 months 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 7804 times:
Great report. I also enjoy flying on the of DL's. I actually prefer this type of A/C to the 747, although DL is making the experience an excellent one. I have only been on one 744 with the new first class cabin though. Not to many opportunities where I live to fly on the 744 to where I have to go.
Quoting brilondon (Reply 68): I also enjoy flying on the of DL's. I actually prefer this type of A/C to the 747, although DL is making the experience an excellent one.
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