know, that I´am in Fort Lauderdale. Mainly for some warm Floridian air, but also together with a number of ships to see at Port Everglades.
There are some flights to go later in the day, three to call it correct.
Well, it was not that easy to reach my final target.
No working permit, no cruise fixed, no entry to the cruise port?.
But finally the man with the good connections decides, that I´am going on a cruise today. He should know it better than me!.
I´ve ordered the shuttle for 11.30 am, but fixed my preparations early, no problem, there was also a seat available at 10.00 am.
And so me and a bunch of excited cruise ship pax are shuttled to the port, looking forward to see some big ships docked in.
And well, there are really big ships docked, definitely.
Is this huge enough?
Yeah, it´s the Celebrity Solstice
It´s a kind of a dejavu for me, saw her during her early days at the Meyer Werft in Emden.
Holland America Line with the Neuw Amsterdam
That looks like also big
The Carnival Miracle
And the Westerdam
Princess cruises in the distance
Looks toylike, but really big in real life
The miracle and another cruiser behind
The Westerdam en detail
The Navigator of the Seas
And a small island behind
I don´t even know why, but this feels like Donald Duck is on the way with his small boat between the big cruisers
The mood here feels like it should to be at such a huge port.
Trucks delivering goods, cabs and shuttle busses bringing in excited new cruise pax, the sheriff doing the cool way, parked his car with flashlights on in the middle of the road and spotting the scenery, cars full of whitehaired travellers
stopped at places where the signs show clearly no stopping and the dispatchers yelling around.
Yes, that´s definitely port mood here!.
Royal Carribean behind the Westerdam
And another one behind, impressive
The Allure of the Seas
Nice greenery all around
The final example
Ships and planes for me
Some yacht´s are also parked
These balcony looks so strange
The Ruby Princess
Well, where is the time gone?. Catched a cab at the exit, which delivered a new load of cruise pax, back to the hotel to pick up my bag in the afternoon.
My personal shuttle driver delivered me perfectly as planned to the airport.
Ready for more flying now and of course also my new depature airport.
Sunday, 29.01.2012
.
.
Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood-International-Airport
.
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Service KLM KL 9208 operated by Delta Airlines
Scheduled: 19.30 // 21.31
These are legs 3 to 5 from the 5 booked together on one ticket by KLM.
The fare this way 85.00 Euro´s per leg.
OLCI, well OLCI is possible, definitely, but not for me also in this case.
Another example of the non up-to-date OLCI reliability by the Skyteam airlines.
Yes, I like curbside check-in, that´s something for me with these warm, windy and somewhat humid weather conditions
An elder male agent found my reservation, my previous try at the self service kiosk wasn´t succesfull, but it isn´t possible to change seats for the onward legs, no I´am not amused.
Delta´s part of the terminals with a nice B757 actually on pushback
How I like these non European standard equipment, the B717 and a B1900
Winglet´s on these B757
Around the corner for the JetBlue place
Well described in Marc´s story:
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 3, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 11583 times:
Curbside FLL style
Palms and Spirit on the go
This looks like the Loco part of the airport
JetBlue on the run
Two nice 752´s in one picture
D9 for me to ATL
How I like these tails
The nice 752 en detail
Condor and Carribean Airlines
Another Carribean on taxi
The 752 ready to go
I´ve spend a good time around these different terminal parts, spotting the nice movements in ok, not sunny but nevertheless, pleasant weather.
Now what´s this?
Oh my god, that´s the catch of the day
Bahamasair and the 732, imagine the noise later at departure. I love it
CO/UA with the 753 also at FLL
To security now, some 10 pax in front, the female TSA agent painted lots of hieroglyphics on my boarding pass. But no special check here, shoes out and through in a minute.
Ah, there is also an Sky Club at FLL
No, this is not FRA. It is really FLL, where the DE 763 parked close to the DL lounge
Nice offers
Delta style
The sun ahead with Allegiant
Well, Delta´s terminal at FLL is not a real architecturally delight.
Just a simple four corner building, everything on one level with oldfashioned seaters and lots of people around.
What I´ve thoroughly dislike is the climatization.
It seems they are prepared for 30 degrees, what is not really the point today.
It was terrible cold in the lounge, the seaters at the window directly under the vents, no chance for me to stay there much longer.
It wasn´t better in the terminal itself, cold, much to cold for my personal liking. Further on for the gate now.
Good to see a winglet equiped Delta 757-200 at my gate.
No change, this is the scheduled plane type
It is N650DL. Leg no. 14 on type, a new registration for me.
An oldie, to say the least, spend it´s whole time under the Delta and Song brands since 28.06.1989. One of 157, impressive, active 752´s in the fleet.
This plane is noticed in early January with an inflight fight between an drunken male pax and an FA on the run from MSP to LAX. The pax was restrained and taken into custody after arrival in LAX
There is a superlong standby and waiting list up to 60 pax.
It seems flight number 4 since 4.30 pm to ATL collects all the earlier no go´s.
Boarding starts soon thereafter. I was once again on the upgrade list but also once again not successfull in the end.
Confirmed, the 757-200 on the safety card
Seat 43A for me now, 41A was selected earlier. Legroom is ok here in the second last row with the dark blue leather seats. The cabin is clean so far
The middle seat remains open for a good time.
Finally when I hear boarding completed, there is a supernervous elder american guy on finals for the middle seat and no question with these huge number of waiting pax, the plane is full till 100%.
I´am not sure if he´s standard nervous at all or from the waiting procedure for an open seat. Thanx god, he´s strapped, if not he´s jumping on his seat.
23 degrees and cloudy here. 7.30 pm perfectly ontime.
1 hour 30 minutes for "Delta" now heading to ATL.
Another plane is on finals, so we´re performing a superfast rolling takeoff from the 2743 meters runway 09L.
Cabin crew is five female FA´s, 1 young, 1 elder, 3 middle aged. All together nothing special, biz friendly style.
Inseat monitors, well done
Service is pretzels and free drinks.
Cockpit crew is from the US. The captain with a really nice welcome during taxi.
"Folks, it´s my real pleasure to fly you to Atlanta this evening". I like it this way, well done.
And later on with a nice bye-bye prior to approach.
Surprise, also in german language
No question that the "My flight" option is my place to stay during the flight. Sorry, no acceptable picture this way.
We´re at maximum 39000 feet above Orlando.
Touchdown at ATL´s 2743 meters runway 27L, 9.10 pm, more than 20 minutes ahead to schedule. Clear sky and 14 degrees, how I miss this!. Daytime maximum is -9 degrees here in Germany today.
A gate position and onward for the terminal now.
The pilot is at the planes door during disembarking. I like it this way, definitely.
Sunday, 29.01.2012
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.
.
Service KL 622 operated by KLM
Scheduled: 22.50 // 13.15
Amsterdam is easy to locate on the screen.
Close to the top and one flight only from gate E28, looks like ontime
There is not that much time in between the flights. A short ride on the intra terminal train follows. I decide to skip the lounge this time, nothing new for me, so it seems.
Ah, here it is, my accomodation for the night.
The 777-200 is on schedule and so it looks like also at the gate
"Old Rauma", named after the finish world heritage site and the world largest wooden city center of Rauma town, should shuttle me across the pond tonight.
PH-BQO is leg no. 3 only for me on the 777-200 and yes, this is a new registration.
In service with KL since 29.01.2007. The latest example from 15 in the fleet
The 777-200 is another one of these not that well covered plane types around these trip, so I´am looking forward to the experience.
While I was not that really happy with the check-in agents information at FLL, that there is no possibility for a seat change.
I decide to try my luck again. One more reason to be at the gate as soon as the agents arrive.
An elderly lady at work here.
"Sorry is it possible to change my seat for an exit row window?.
43A is selected but I prefer a bit more space".
"Ok I will check it and call you, if it´s possible, in a couple of minutes".
"Thank you".
And not that much minutes later I was called forward and received 31J. The place with the generous legroom. Not a real window, but anyway it´s a nightflight and I try to catch some sleep on the way.
Boarding started soon thereafter.
The safety card also confirms the 777-200
The Holland Herald, always good for a special cover
10.50 pm, ontime, 7 hours, 25 minutes to go for "KLM" in direction good old Europe from the 3624 meters runway 27R. Clear sky and 9 degrees here.
Cabin crew is five females, one middle aged, cute, large, black hair, well, good looking and nice, together with four younger FA´s. Also two young male FA´s and the elder purser.
Cockpit crew is from the Netherlands.
The captain with a real nice welcome during boarding and once more later on during decent, nice and detailed with weather informations.
There is an inseat fold screen for me here.
Let me show you the options.
No question, flight tracking for me
A good variety on offer here
My entertainment, definitely
A view from my seat, really spacious
The load is close to 100% in the end, a middle aged dutch couple in the two seats beside me, sleeping all the way, ok so far.
Am I stupid or what, I simply don´t called for a special meal on this service.
But if you don´t ask, you don´t get the chance to catch one.
The purser was a super nice elder male. I´ve told him my story with the no pre-ordered special meal.
"Give me a minute, I will check, if there is something possible for you".
And no surprise with his personal attention, it was.
A special vegi meal for me now.
Looks good this way
Sure ok, especially the bread roll and the delicious cake, off course I´ve skipped the topping which was much to sweet for my choice, but the other part was ok
So that´s the way for me usually to spend a night on a plane.
Eyes closed, sleep as soon as the tray is cleared and have a view to the route tracking every hour or so till something more to eat is coming up.
The breakfast, vegi of course
Well, not my choice in the morning, but the breadroll suits me perfectly
The route was Charlotte-Washington-Philadelphia-New York-Boston-Halifax-Dublin-Liverpool-Norwich at maximum 37000 feet.
Daylight with the window blinds open not that far from AMS and the connecting gates on the screen
Now that´s what I call legroom, really comfy to stay here
My seat, dark blue thin and hard fabric, looks not that really comfy, but it was sure ok for the night with the generous legroom. The cabin wasn´t that really clean at all
Touchdown on the 3500 meters runway 06, the Kaagbaan, 12.30 am, 45 minutes ahead to schedule due to strong tailwinds. The sky is overcast and the temperature is -2 degrees, shudder.
But thanx to a very good friend here, Suryo, I´am well prepared for the weather conditions.
The captain was also here on KL at the planes door,
warm welcomed, a really nice gesture.
"Old Rauma" at the gate in AMS
It seems not that long to go for the next service
I´am once more not that really pleased with the system at AMS and the passport/security check.
Only a couple of pax ahead, but there is simply no space to wait for security located directly behind immigration. And it´s far from pleasant with a couple of nervous Russians around in a hurry to catch their next flight two hours later or so.
Well, when I write this I´am surprised why they try do enter the EU with LED as the destination on the boarding passes?.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 4, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 11556 times:
Monday, 31.01.2012
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.
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Service KLM KL 1875 operated by KLM CityHopper
Scheduled: 16.25 // 17.40
Well, AMS on KL. that´s usually the way to go now for me in direction KLM Crown Lounge and today is no exception
Lots of people around, but nevertheless space enough for me.
The buffet
Well stocked
And also well designed
The E90 is on schedule here.
While browsing the web I´ve stumbled around STR´s airport website with my flight and what I see?.
An aircraft change. The F100 is now on the board.
Sure ok, but wait, not ok with my 26F seat decision.
The self service machine showed me 11A open, no more window further in the back of the plane, but anyway better than a seat in the middle of nowhere.
The lady at the KL lounge desk was not that really helpful at all.
"The flight is fully booked, all exit row seats are taken".
Stupid, she told me that the new plane for the flight offers less seats than the original equipment.
Well I´ve told her that I´am suprised this way with the E90 and the F100 are both good for 100 seats each!.
Some 45 minutes prior to departure I´ve decided to go for the gate B04.
Lots of people around, looks like a good load on this service.
The second bus for me and there are three F100´s on the apron in action.
PH-OFN, thanx god, a new registration and leg no. 27 on type
In the air since 13.01.1994 with Midway Airlines, Fokker, Pelita Air Services and KLM CityHopper. 5 100´s are still in the fleet and this is the "newest" example
A little bit more sun and that blue fit´s much better
The F100 looks like cute this way
Boarding from the cold and windy apron, terrible in comparison to Florida.
Cargo haulers ready for work
Boarding is completed with me as the last pax.
No question, 11B is taken and I leave my original seat 11A for 8A now and two for me, much better this way.
The load is 80% in the end.
Cabin crew is 1 male, 1 female, both young and attentive, nice.
The female looks like from eastern Europe, but thats life these days and sure ok this way.
To my surprise the planes door remains open for a couple of minutes till a young guy enters the cabin, catched the micro and decided to talk to his passengers.
"We´re ready to go. Everything is set to bring you ontime to STR, but there is a technical issue and it´s not safe to fly this way.
The fuel indication display is out of order, we´ve asked for the technicians and they are working right now.
I tell you more as soon as possible and I will go through the cabin and answer you´re questions".
Really well done here by KLC, he walks down the aisle and for sure there are some people asking the usual stuff in such situations.
Some 15 minutes later he´s once more in the cabin and told us that they need to restart some equipment which needs more time. We should wait and he ordered something more to eat for us.
Ok, thats the standard snack
Confirmed, this is the F100
Some more minutes later he´s once again in the cabin,
problem fixed and we´re on the way as fast as possible.
As fast as possible means also that we catched some ice on the wings during waiting and need de-icing now. Once again really well explained by the captain.
The retired couple in the row behind me hit´s the spot.
She: "Who was that young man talking to us?. Maybe the pilot?".
He: "No way, that was one of the technicians, you should listen closer."
Well, they know the way to go, for sure.
5.15 pm, 50 minutes late, is the final time to go for "City" to STR. 1 hour,10 minutes to fly. Departure from the 3453 meters "Buitenveldertbaan" 09, -3 degrees now and overcast sky.
No route or flightlevel details.
A view in the cabin fitted with dark blue clean fabric seaters
And the good legroom
Touchdown after a quick flight at 07, 6.30 pm, 50 minutes late. Also here -1 degrees and overcast sky.
My bag is the first example on the belt. STR know how to handle the priority tag.
With these freezing temperatures I head to my car as soon as possible and reached home not that long thereafter.
DL offers warm welcomed equipment, but not especially friendly service on the flight to ATL. Ontime and also the lounge offer at FLL, ok.
KL longhaul with mixed impressions from the crew. Cockpit, the purser and the middle aged female FA, also one of the younger girls, really nice. The others biz friendly to say the least, especially that long legged somewhat heavy blonde. She decides to spend more time checking her watch about the remaining time for work every single example when she´s walking by and I saw here.
Super nice service by the captain and also the cabin crew on the KLC service to STR, really well done, that´s the way to go in situations like this.
So, if nothing goes wrong, I should go for a long haul widebody comparison soon. Two weeks at home now and not a single day with a positive temperature, definitely heading for somewhere warmer is the thing to do for me.
Bye now, comments welcome,
FLIEGER67 or "Markus Klaus Felger", that´s the way the guys and girls at Facebook know me.
KingFriday013 From United States of America, joined May 2007, 1277 posts, RR: 10 Reply 5, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 11478 times:
Great report as always
The 757 you flew from MCO to ATL was a former Song plane as you mentioned. This is also known as the 75X "Transcon" config (even though JFK-LAX/SFO is now solely on ex-TWA ETOPS 757s, or 75Es) and IMHO is the best aircraft to fly on in the United States domestically. It's too bad you had such a short flight on it. I also try to sit further up just to enjoy the sound more, especially over the wing. The second exit row is always nice if it's available.
-J.
✈ F L Y D E L T A J E T S ✈ Fly with US ✈
Not bad to find foreign language options on domestic birds.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): PH-BQO is leg no. 3 only for me on the 777-200 and yes, this is a new registration.
You had -200ERs on EK, too, didn't you?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Sure ok, especially the bread roll and the delicious cake, off course I´ve skipped the topping which was much to sweet for my choice, but the other part was ok
KL's long-haul catering is nothing to write home about - in contrast to AF's. The portion is so small - it's not bigger than the meal I got between KUL and CGK (report to follow in a few days).
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): My seat, dark blue thin and hard fabric, looks not that really comfy, but it was sure ok for the night with the generous legroom.
At least you still find 3-3-3 seating on the -200ERs. I felt really uncomfortable on the 77W.
LufthansaHON From Germany, joined Feb 2012, 17 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 11394 times:
Very nice report, I used to fly in and out of FLL quite often and you are absolutely correct, the DL terminal is outdated and usually way too cold.... I always tried to minimize my time there!
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8264 posts, RR: 56 Reply 8, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 11377 times:
Good read as always Markus, good to see you starting to go longhaul, Europe is almost exhausted!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): While I was not that really happy with the check-in agents information at FLL, that there is no possibility for a seat change.
I decide to try my luck again. One more reason to be at the gate as soon as the agents arrive.
An elderly lady at work here.
"Sorry is it possible to change my seat for an exit row window?.
43A is selected but I prefer a bit more space".
"Ok I will check it and call you, if it´s possible, in a couple of minutes".
"Thank you".
And not that much minutes later I was called forward and received 31J.
- Nothing ventured nothing gained, always worth an ask.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Not a real window, but anyway it´s a nightflight and I try to catch some sleep on the way.
- Indeed, there are times where a window is not really needed, I gave one up on a night flight last year, no lasting damage
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Cabin crew is five females, one middle aged, cute, large, black hair, well, good looking and nice,
- You need to start giving us pictures of these hot chicks you keep finding
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Am I stupid or what, I simply don´t called for a special meal on this service.
But if you don´t ask, you don´t get the chance to catch one.
The purser was a super nice elder male. I´ve told him my story with the no pre-ordered special meal.
"Give me a minute, I will check, if there is something possible for you".
And no surprise with his personal attention, it was.
A special vegi meal for me now.
ROGERBCN From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1135 posts, RR: 19 Reply 9, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 11372 times:
Hola Markus!
Nice TR; very interesting those ships at FLL port... a rare view on your TRs, but nonetheless very interesting, pretty the weather did not really made your day brighter, but warmer than here anyway. Thanks!
The flights look pretty standard, very nice of the KL crew to help you out with the vegetarian meal, a nice touch to have it although you did not ask beforehand, that gives a good impression of them. Nice to see that you got your seat changed to that front row with tons of legroom, always great for a night flight where you can stretch your legs and have some rest.
The KLM Crown Lounge at AMS is always a very nice place, I remember being there and having a good rest time; the showers are as well really comfortable.
As you mentioned, the passport and security control after a long haul are really not well designed, not like the rest of the airport.
Glad to see you are going into another long haul and eager to read the comparison.
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
Nice, on other 772s I've been in row 30, centre section, and seen the "enviable" seats accross the aisle. Were there any infants in the row 30 bulkhead seats?
Quoting KingFriday013 (Reply 5):
The 757 you flew from MCO to ATL was a former Song plane as you mentioned. This is also known as the 75X "Transcon" config (even though JFK-LAX/SFO is now solely on ex-TWA ETOPS 757s, or 75Es) and IMHO is the best aircraft to fly on in the United States domestically. It's too bad you had such a short flight on it. I also try to sit further up just to enjoy the sound more, especially over the wing. The second exit row is always nice if it's available.
Really good to know more details around DL´s 752 fleet.
@PH:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6):
very nice report with many interesting ship pictures!
Thank you.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6):
There are many more things which look strange on the huge ships - I'm not a fan of these giants. Give me a smaller, more exclusive ship any day.
Count me in for a personal experience this way.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6):
It's like music! Unfortunately, I can only present pictures of that type in part III of my Asia series.
Looking forward to this story, you know.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6):
Not bad to find foreign language options on domestic birds.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6):
KL's long-haul catering is nothing to write home about - in contrast to AF's. The portion is so small - it's not bigger than the meal I got between KUL and CGK (report to follow in a few days).
More to look forward to.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6):
At least you still find 3-3-3 seating on the -200ERs. I felt really uncomfortable on the 77W.
There is not that much stuff to compare here, so I should do it more often.
Very nice report, I used to fly in and out of FLL quite often and you are absolutely correct, the DL terminal is outdated and usually way too cold.... I always tried to minimize my time there!
Thank you and good to follow you´re confirmation about FLL.
@Mark:
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 8):
Good read as always Markus, good to see you starting to go longhaul, Europe is almost exhausted!
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 8):
- Indeed, there are times where a window is not really needed, I gave one up on a night flight last year, no lasting damage
It depends always on the situation, so here it was ok this way.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 8):
- You need to start giving us pictures of these hot chicks you keep finding
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9):
Nice TR; very interesting those ships at FLL port... a rare view on your TRs, but nonetheless very interesting, pretty the weather did not really made your day brighter, but warmer than here anyway. Thanks!
Thank you and sure ok with the temperature there.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9):
The flights look pretty standard, very nice of the KL crew to help you out with the vegetarian meal, a nice touch to have it although you did not ask beforehand, that gives a good impression of them. Nice to see that you got your seat changed to that front row with tons of legroom, always great for a night flight where you can stretch your legs and have some rest.
Exactly my impression with KL and the exit row seat.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9):
The KLM Crown Lounge at AMS is always a very nice place, I remember being there and having a good rest time; the showers are as well really comfortable.
As you mentioned, the passport and security control after a long haul are really not well designed, not like the rest of the airport.
Mixed impressions with AMS like you stated, the lounge real good, the immigration layout not.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 9):
Glad to see you are going into another long haul and eager to read the comparison.
Perfect guidance by the man with the good connections!.
Quoting signol (Reply 10):
What is the red, disc-shaped object in the seat pocket?
DL´s advertissement for in flight online services.
Quoting signol (Reply 10):
Nice, on other 772s I've been in row 30, centre section, and seen the "enviable" seats accross the aisle. Were there any infants in the row 30 bulkhead seats?
Not on my flight.
Quoting signol (Reply 10):
Looks nice. Almost at enough FB miles for a J class trip somewhere with my wife
Really good to know.
Quoting signol (Reply 10):
Nice sub, they won't be around for long!
Exactly my impression.
Quoting signol (Reply 10):
Good service, as I've always experienced from KLM when there are problems. KL remains one of my favourite airlines
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 11237 times:
Hi Markus,
A great read on this cold Sunday morning. Those cruise ships are truly impressive. My former office in Amsterdam had a great view of the spot where all the cruise ship had to make a 180 degrees turn to moore in. I could almost touch every time they did that. A wonderful sight!
The 752 remains a great plane to fly on. Nice bonus to get one of the birds with PTV's. I had a very pleasant equipment change on FLL-ATL this summer. The scheduled 752 was turned into MD-90. New to the log, and quite rare nowadays.
KLM seemed to be their usual great self. Good service on a comfortable plane with many IFE choices. And the Crown lounge is always a nice place to spend some time in.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Well, Delta´s terminal at FLL is not a real architecturally delight.
It isn't, but I did find FLL to be efficient. A few small terminals, easy security and no long walks.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): "Folks, it´s my real pleasure to fly you to Atlanta this evening". I like it this way, well done.
Yes, in my experience most domestic DL pilots were always quite talkitive and friendly. One of the reasons I prefer DL for domestic US flights.
MH017 From Netherlands, joined Apr 2005, 1633 posts, RR: 34 Reply 13, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 11177 times:
Great TR, Markus !!!
and.......................you managed to get a picture of 'my' Celebrity Solstice Cruised on her last November to STT and SXM...
too bad the weather was like this at FLL; at least you had warmer weather than overhere in Western-Europe...
Indeed, both the E190 and F100 have 100 seats installed, however, in Europe Select (Business Class) only 4 seats a row are for sale and not 5...not unlike the E190 where 4 seats are sold as 4 seats; therefore, 5 Europe Select rows on the F100 will have a total of 95 seats only...so, flight indeed could be overbooked by this move...
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 14, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 11084 times:
Hi, good to follow more comments.
@Robert:
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 12):
A great read on this cold Sunday morning. Those cruise ships are truly impressive. My former office in Amsterdam had a great view of the spot where all the cruise ship had to make a 180 degrees turn to moore in. I could almost touch every time they did that. A wonderful sight!
Thank you and really impressive to hear about you´re former office in Amsterdam.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 12):
The 752 remains a great plane to fly on. Nice bonus to get one of the birds with PTV's. I had a very pleasant equipment change on FLL-ATL this summer. The scheduled 752 was turned into MD-90. New to the log, and quite rare nowadays.
Count me in for the MD90, also missing here.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 12):
KLM seemed to be their usual great self. Good service on a comfortable plane with many IFE choices. And the Crown lounge is always a nice place to spend some time in.
Also my opinion, you know.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 12):
It isn't, but I did find FLL to be efficient. A few small terminals, easy security and no long walks.
Efficient, so it is.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 12):
Yes, in my experience most domestic DL pilots were always quite talkitive and friendly. One of the reasons I prefer DL for domestic US flights.
Also my impression.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 12):
I found the way destinations are listed on US airports (alphabetical) some getting used, compared to the chronolgical order we do here in Europe.
Good point, strange from the first view for the European traveller.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 12):
A nice aircraft change from an enthousiast point of view. Too bad they always seem to have technical problems
I prefer the F100 as long as there are around, definitely.
and.......................you managed to get a picture of 'my' Celebrity Solstice Cruised on her last November to STT and SXM...
Thank you, as promised!.
Quoting MH017 (Reply 13):
too bad the weather was like this at FLL; at least you had warmer weather than overhere in Western-Europe...
Sure, but it was much warmer and therefore ok.
Quoting MH017 (Reply 13):
Indeed, both the E190 and F100 have 100 seats installed, however, in Europe Select (Business Class) only 4 seats a row are for sale and not 5...not unlike the E190 where 4 seats are sold as 4 seats; therefore, 5 Europe Select rows on the F100 will have a total of 95 seats only...so, flight indeed could be overbooked by this move...
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24911 posts, RR: 60 Reply 15, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 11057 times:
Hey Markus ,
You know I love these reports that include the cruise ships When I first saw the Solstice I thought you were taking us on a voyage with you Something for you to show us in the future.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Bahamasair and the 732, imagine the noise later at departure. I love it
WOW never knew they still operated that airline. Thanks for that shot and it must be an amazing experience for that take off. Last time I was on those was an FR flight years ago .
Nice review of DL and KLM .
Have fun whatever your next destination is and Im sure we will see another great report soon
gpbcroppers63 From Ireland, joined Jan 2008, 511 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 11011 times:
Hi Markus,
Thanks for the great TR. DL and KL both look pretty reasonable on these flights. I've always had great flights with both of these airlines, although I've never done a long-haul on KL. I loved your cruise ship spotting pictures. They really make me want to get back on a cruise very soon!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): Holland America Line with the Neuw Amsterdam
Now that does bring back memories. I was on the inaugural sailing of that ship in 2010. It was a lovely cruise and we got to bless the ship's bell and sign a commemorative mural that is now placed in a frame somewhere on the ship. They also gave us a lovely Delft Blue plate and tile to remember this special event. I will treasure those memories for ever as it was a truly stunning trip! Thanks for the great picture of this magnificent vessel!
Looking forward to reading about your forthcoming adventures.
Gareth
According to one of my colleagues, my problem is that I'm addicted to travel!
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 17, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 11007 times:
Hi Markus,
Is there any better way to recover from sultry Zumba and exhausting BodyPump class than reading your tropical adventure in Florida? I can just feel the warmth out of your gorgeous pictures. Oh, also the thrill of temperamental Bahamasair 732 which undoubtedly made a great stir over there!
By the way, I did not know that you were cruise ship spotter as well.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): the female TSA agent painted lots of hieroglyphics on my boarding pass
She must have been obsessed by ancient Egyptian culture.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): It was terrible cold in the lounge, the seaters at the window directly under the vents, no chance for me to stay there much longer.
They were just preparing you for the European cold temperature.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): Thanx god, he´s strapped, if not he´s jumping on his seat.
Good Heaven! Nobody was waiting for another LAX ordeal!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): "Folks, it´s my real pleasure to fly you to Atlanta this evening".
AlwaysOnAPlane From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2010, 299 posts, RR: 2 Reply 18, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 10998 times:
Hi Markus. Hope you have your thermal underwear on during these cold times after the warmth of Florida
Really good report with a nice relaxed style.
Those cruise liners are super impressive in size. Even more amazing to see one with a water slide the size of something found in a water park. Well, ships aren't for me, but I always like to see this kind of engineering with my work background.
Looks like your return flights to Europe were of an average nature but with no big letdowns either. I have flown DL x2, in fact 752s (N707TW + N710TW ex TWA birds) with a service above my expectations. I would fly them again.
Good to see you on the KL 772. A nice ship and enough legroom for even the tallest of people in your exit row.
A nice explanation on the tarmac in AMS regarding the fuel indicator malfunction. Always good to get the correct story from the team on the ground and not just some generic "delay" speech. Well done crew .
Well, I would be happy to see the F100 over the EMB-190, I love both, but the old bird gives something a little extra in terms of excitement.
Hope you warm up soon mate and thanks for the report.
Cheers, Lee.
gpbcroppers63 From Ireland, joined Jan 2008, 511 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days ago) and read 10914 times:
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 18): Those cruise liners are super impressive in size. Even more amazing to see one with a water slide the size of something found in a water park
The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are even more impressive. They have a fully-blown water-coaster that goes out over the side of the ship in a clear tube so you can see down to the sea below. It's amazing fun especially when you're sailing along.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 18): Well, ships aren't for me, but I always like to see this kind of engineering with my work background.
You should give some of these cruise ships a try. They are really stunning and very stable these days. Particularly in the Medditerranean and Carribbean where the seas are calm.
According to one of my colleagues, my problem is that I'm addicted to travel!
Quokkas From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 20, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 4 days ago) and read 10858 times:
Hi Markus,
Good report, as always.
All those ships must add up to a huge amount of money invested. I admit that I prefer something smaller, more like Oceania Cruises Nautica with about 600 passengers and 400 crew rather than the superships with 3,000+. The smaller ships can visit places the larger ones can't and visiting a location is less of a military operation.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 3): TSA agent painted lots of hieroglyphics on my boarding pass
An Egyptologist in her spare time, perhaps?
The door to the lounge doesn't look all that inviting. If you didn't know it was there, you might think it was just another broom cupboard. But once inside it looks decent enough.
The flight back across the Pond seems to have been comfortable enough with the extra legroom.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 21, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 10816 times:
Great return trip, Markus!
Looks like you had a good trip with DL/KLM. Looks like you had some stormy weather on your departure day!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): There is a superlong standby and waiting list up to 60 pax.
It seems flight number 4 since 4.30 pm to ATL collects all the earlier no go´s.
Every flight I take to ATL is always 100% full - amazing! I know its their hub, and busiest airport in the world, but every flight, at all hours of the day or night?!
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 22, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 10640 times:
Hey, nice to follow more comments.
@Phil:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 15):
You know I love these reports that include the cruise ships When I first saw the Solstice I thought you were taking us on a voyage with you Something for you to show us in the future.
Thank you and you know, I will do something like this.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 15):
WOW never knew they still operated that airline. Thanks for that shot and it must be an amazing experience for that take off. Last time I was on those was an FR flight years ago .
Really special for us Europeans, definitely.
@G.:
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 16):
Thanks for the great TR. DL and KL both look pretty reasonable on these flights. I've always had great flights with both of these airlines, although I've never done a long-haul on KL. I loved your cruise ship spotting pictures. They really make me want to get back on a cruise very soon!
Thank you and count me in for the cruise.
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 16):
Now that does bring back memories. I was on the inaugural sailing of that ship in 2010. It was a lovely cruise and we got to bless the ship's bell and sign a commemorative mural that is now placed in a frame somewhere on the ship. They also gave us a lovely Delft Blue plate and tile to remember this special event. I will treasure those memories for ever as it was a truly stunning trip! Thanks for the great picture of this magnificent vessel!
Really good to know.
@Suryo:
Quoting akhmad (Reply 17):
Is there any better way to recover from sultry Zumba and exhausting BodyPump class than reading your tropical adventure in Florida? I can just feel the warmth out of your gorgeous pictures. Oh, also the thrill of temperamental Bahamasair 732 which undoubtedly made a great stir over there!
By the way, I did not know that you were cruise ship spotter as well.
Thank you and planes/trains/ships for me.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 17):
I do not know. I am just quite common plane spotter. What is the standard?
These are some of the largest examples around.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 17):
Are they not sexy with the winglets?
Definitely.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 17):
She must have been obsessed by ancient Egyptian culture.
It seems so.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 17):
They were just preparing you for the European cold temperature.
Definitely.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 17):
Good Heaven! Nobody was waiting for another LAX ordeal!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 17):
Probably assuming that Russia has become an EU member
Thanks for sharing a great Sunday afternoon read. One last question, did you see the performance of DL flash mob by chance at ATL?
Good point with the russians and no, no flash mob for me at ATL.
@Lee:
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 18): Hi Markus. Hope you have your thermal underwear on during these cold times after the warmth of Florida
Really good report with a nice relaxed style.
Thank you.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 18):
Those cruise liners are super impressive in size. Even more amazing to see one with a water slide the size of something found in a water park. Well, ships aren't for me, but I always like to see this kind of engineering with my work background.
Count me in this way.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 18):
Looks like your return flights to Europe were of an average nature but with no big letdowns either. I have flown DL x2, in fact 752s (N707TW + N710TW ex TWA birds) with a service above my expectations. I would fly them again.
Good to see you on the KL 772. A nice ship and enough legroom for even the tallest of people in your exit row.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 18):
Well, I would be happy to see the F100 over the EMB-190, I love both, but the old bird gives something a little extra in terms of excitement.
Exactly my opinion, you know.
@G.:
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 19):
The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are even more impressive. They have a fully-blown water-coaster that goes out over the side of the ship in a clear tube so you can see down to the sea below. It's amazing fun especially when you're sailing along.
Thanx again for the further informations. Sounds really good.
Quoting gpbcroppers63 (Reply 19):
You should give some of these cruise ships a try. They are really stunning and very stable these days. Particularly in the Medditerranean and Carribbean where the seas are calm.
All those ships must add up to a huge amount of money invested. I admit that I prefer something smaller, more like Oceania Cruises Nautica with about 600 passengers and 400 crew rather than the superships with 3,000+. The smaller ships can visit places the larger ones can't and visiting a location is less of a military operation.
Thank you and sure a good idea to go for a more personal cruise some days.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 20):
An Egyptologist in her spare time, perhaps?
Good point.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 20):
The door to the lounge doesn't look all that inviting. If you didn't know it was there, you might think it was just another broom cupboard. But once inside it looks decent enough.
The flight back across the Pond seems to have been comfortable enough with the extra legroom.
Sure the point with the lounge and the flights are ok.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 21):
Every flight I take to ATL is always 100% full - amazing! I know its their hub, and busiest airport in the world, but every flight, at all hours of the day or night?!
KaiGywer From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 12027 posts, RR: 43 Reply 23, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 10530 times:
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): While I was not that really happy with the check-in agents information at FLL, that there is no possibility for a seat change.
DL agents don't have access to KL's seatmap. They can request a seat, but have to take whatever KL gives. There is a way to pick a particular seat, but you have to know the seat number and whether or not it's taken (or blocked). Then, KL might accept it. Otherwise, only the agent actually working the KL flight has access to a full map.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6083 posts, RR: 56 Reply 24, posted (1 year 3 months 1 week 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 10423 times:
Hi Markus !
Thanks for a great continuation of your trip to Florida! Nice pictures as always and amazing how many cruise ships there are there !
DL and KL look nice! You were very lucky to get an exit row seat on KL.
I agree that the meal on KL looks a bit small.
Great to see you on a 777; hope to see more of that!
Looking forward to your trip reports to SIN and BKK!
Quoting KaiGywer (Reply 23): DL agents don't have access to KL's seatmap. They can request a seat, but have to take whatever KL gives. There is a way to pick a particular seat, but you have to know the seat number and whether or not it's taken (or blocked). Then, KL might accept it. Otherwise, only the agent actually working the KL flight has access to a full map.
It's the same for Star Alliance carriers; you check in with UA for UA and LH/BD/SK etc flights and the UA agent cannot change the seat on the other carrier. I suspect it's the same for AA and oneworld carriers.
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
25 gabrielchew: Looks like you had some nice flights there -shame you didn't get an upgrade on DL Lovely pic Better to have an exit row on an night flight Bit annoyin
26 FLIEGER67: Hey, good to see more comments. @Lars: Thank you. Lucky me, definitely and we will see for more 777´s. Coming up soon, if nothing goes wrong. Pretty
27 FLIEGER67: Hi, Gabriel, Next time, hopefully. Thank you. Definitely. Sure ok for me this way. Greetings, Markus(FLIEGER67)
28 gpbcroppers63: No probs. Glad you found it interesting. The Disney Cruise ships really are lovely and it's a lot more upmarket than you would imagine. It's not full
29 deltamartin: Hi Markus, great report as usual! Seems like you enjoyed your little Skyteam getaway! Would love to fly it! That's for sure an impressive amount of bi
30 MSS658: Hi Markus Nice return report as well. Good you got into the cruise harbor . Must agree on T2, not the most interesting place in FLL to be at. I've fle
31 aussiepomm: A great read, thanks for sharing... That was an impressive line up of ships docked in FLL! I've actually been on this ship, from Rome, through Naples,
32 aflyingkiwi: Great report Markus! It seems like you had 3 decent flights with KL & DL. It always cool to see a report featuring a 757 as they are pretty rare h
33 FlyingFinn76: Hi Markus, Nice return part. Good for you to catch some warmth in Florida, should get you through these cold and dire weeks. Ok, these huge cruise shi
34 sultanils: Hello Markus, Am I wrong now or did you clear your backlog? Seeing this report and snow in AMS tells me you made this trup very recently, no? A nice r
35 FLIEGER67: Hey, nice to follow more comments. @Gareth: Good to know, sounds like something for me. Count me in this way. @Martin: Thank you and sure I like it th
36 daviation: This is a very good and interesting report. Ah, I've been to FLL too many times! But when you are coming from a cold climate (New York) in the Winter,
37 infodesk: Hi Markus, Good to read part 2 of your American adventure. As for the cruise ships, well, don't think I'd fancy going on them but they certainly are i
38 FLIEGER67: Hey, nice to follow more comments. @daviation: Thank you and good to know about PBI. Impressive and good to follow you´re statement. One of the very
39 MH017: Even have to correct myself on my previous reply to you: When a Fokker 100 will be used (i.s.o. E190) for every Business-Class/Europe Select row, 2 s
40 FLIEGER67: Hi, P., Thanx again for the very detailed reply. The whole situation is much better to follow this way. Greetings, Markus(FLIEGER67)
41 asuflyer05: Great trip report. Brings back memories of the day I boarded Allure of the Seas this past November. Though the port wasn't nearly as busy as the day y
42 AAairplane: Great report! As a cruising veteran, this was an interesting read for me. Also glad you had a nice experience on Delta. They tend to be criticized a l
43 FLIEGER67: Hi and nice to follow more comments. @Matt: Thank you and it seems that was a good day for me spotting the port. @AAairplane: Thank you and DL was sur
44 parton87: Hello Markus Great continuation on your Florida adventures. Nice with KLM on the way home. Looks to be great service. Pity about the F100 problems tho
45 FLIEGER67: Hi, Robert, Thank you and sure that was not the first special time on the F100. From time to time!. Definitely!. Count me in this way. Not a real prob
46 airbuseric: Hi Markus, really nice to read this part of your Florida trip, lovely cruise ships. I like them, too! And moreover, good to see Nieuw Amsterdam also f
47 FLIEGER67: Hoi, Eric, really good to follow you´re comment. Count me in for the Nieuw Amsterdam, looks like nice. Exactly my opinion, you know. It seems they ar
48 LXM83: Hello Flieger67 That's an impressive array of cruise ships you saw there! Very interesting pictures, always nice to see something else for a change. I
49 FLIEGER67: Hey, J., pretty nice to follow you´re message. Thank you. Count me in this way. Changed more and more to exit rows these days!. Greetings, Markus(FLI
50 MH017: Indeed, Markus, all KLC F100's will be gone by the end of 2012...
51 FLIEGER67: Hoi, P., Good to know and sad to see, I like these cute Fokkers, you know. Greetings, Markus(FLIEGER67)
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