Greetings Everyone!

Having just taken a trip to Chicago around the middle of October, my next trip to NY the last weekend of the month came up very quickly.

Having had a very busy week the week leading up to my trip, I rushed to finish packing on Thursday night. Luckily as I was only going for 2 days to visit my parents, and since I was not bringing much, I was soon ready to go.

A car picked me up at about 5:15am, and dropped me at Terminal 1 at MSP within about 15 minutes .. It’s so nice to live close! Having already checked in on-line, I proceeded through security very quickly, grabbed some breakfast, and headed down the C concourse for my early flight to JFK.

This morning, I was going to be traveling on a CRJ-900, my first experience on this type of jet. I noticed at the gate that the flight was about ½ full .. and I was lucky enough to receive the exit row aisle, 13C. There was no-one next to me, so I ended up having the row to myself, which was very nice.

About 6:45am, boarding began, and so we all lined up for boarding. First Class was checked in full, and after they boarded, I was able to head down the jet way. Both flight attendants welcomed us on board, and they were very welcoming and friendly. What impressed me was how spacious the cabin felt! I’ve flown the CRJ-200 many times, and the CRJ-900 is much more comfortable.. First Class looked really nice, and I hope I get a chance to try it on this type of jet soon.

The airplane was freezing!! It was one of the coldest days yet this fall, and what was amazing was how much frost there was on the windows. All the passengers tried to keep warm while the door was open, and luckily after about 15 minutes we were all ready to go. At one point once the boarding door was closed, I noticed #5A had become open, so I thought I could head forward and sit there, as it was further up front. One of the 2 flight attendants, then said .. “No, please go back to your seat .. we’re keeping that open for weight and balance.” So, I went back to the exit row, and got comfortable.


We were de-iced shortly after pushback, and we waited for takeoff for quite a while. There were a few other CRJ’s getting de-iced next to us, and it was cool to watch the process of how the planes are cleaned of all the ice/frost. Pretty complicated job I think! Maybe Mike Rowe should try to do this in an episode of Dirty Jobs  After a long takeoff run, we were airborne over South Minneapolis, and we headed north before turning to the East. Nice to view St. Paul and Minneapolis from the air, and I was lucky enough to just make out our apartment from the air!


Minneapolis, MN


Morning view of St. Paul

The curtain between First and Coach was soon closed, and for the first 40 minutes, the flight attendants were busy with their breakfast service, before coming back to us to serve drinks. Biscoff cookies and pretzels were also on hand, and I received a few bags of each.







The rest of the flight was really un-eventful, and I was able to even get some sleep! It was a nice, calm, easy flight ..
Landing at JFK was from the south, after we broke out of the clouds over the Atlantic and Jones Beach, only to turn around and head north to the airport.


Almost there!

After landing, I spotted an ANA 777-300, and a China Airlines 747-400 taxiing as we headed over to Terminal 2, and our parking stand. Soon, we were disembarking down stairs onto the tarmac, and I grabbed my carry-on, before heading into the terminal. With no stopping at the baggage claim, I was soon outside.

Sunday, October 31st, 2010

After a nice weekend visiting family, I arrived at LGA for my 11:35am flight back to MSP at 10:00am. Thankfully I had checked in on-line, as the line for security was unbelievably long! Every time I pass through LGA, the line for security is always really long. I think it’s due to the fact that so many flights leave around the mid-morning.

I did a little bit of spotting in the terminal, and then went over to Gate 8 to see if there were any seats a bit further forward. The agent was able to get me the bulkhead window, # 4F and with the “Sky Priority” on my boarding pass, I was able to board at the first call.

The flight was 100% which is pretty standard for LGA-MSP flights that I’ve taken .. lots of people making connections in MSP, I presume. I settled in, and enjoyed my book while boarding wrapped up.


View forward from # 4F




I believe this A319 was going to Tampa


Spirit waiting in line for takeoff ..


US Airways A321


A few minutes after takeoff, as we began the turn to the NW.

The flight to MSP was just about 2 hours, and everything went smoothly. Beverages were served about 30 minutes into the flight, and I was also able to get some more sleep, as I was pretty tired after the busy weekend.

We broke out of the clouds over Hudson, WI and began the final approach .. We had an incredibly smooth touchdown, and within a few minutes we were docking at the small, D concourse.

All in all, 2 good, easy, comfortable, flights with Delta. Now, I’m looking forward to our next trip with Delta at Christmas!

Thanks for reading. Comments and suggestions are always welcomed!

Matthew (767747)