A couple of biz domestics in between, so it´s not that long ago since I was on a plane for the last time, but for sure not intercontinental style!.
Saturday, 26.01.2013
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.
.
.
Service DL 117 operated by Delta Airlines
Scheduled: 10.50 // 15.30
Not that early as it usually is with my travels, but anyway an ok start for this trip.
05.30 am for some internet related biz, OLCI is done the day before and works fast and convenient.
No printout as usual.
P0 is deserted this morning, not that much people on travel, so it seems. A bitter cold wind here, cloudy and -7 degrees. Swiftly onwards for the terminal.
And a first view for the screen.
The Delta tail is visible from the parking spot and no bad sign for my flight from gate 109/110 till now
All the four flights around these trip are on one confirmation managed by Lastminute.de. The fare per leg is 180.00 Euro´s this way.
My ESTA is good till the end of the year and is quickly updated with the actual travel details prior to the trip. No need to pay another fee.
The usual questions at the Sky Priority desk short to Check-In are also swiftly done.
A nice young woman working the Check-In desk.
It seems the Tripreporter crowd is catching more and more attention these days. We talked and it seems she´s really interested about my intention to go for Mexico just for the weekend. And I mean not a security related interest. She shows me the seatmap for both flights, just in case if there is anything better, offered me eco extra with leg 1, but there is no more window available. Wrote a note in the system for an possible upgrade on the second leg and even checks my return flight, which is completely full with no assigned seat for me. Sure?. Well, I´ve secured the seats with leg 1 and 2 by Delta and 3 and 4 by Air France. So we will see if it works.
Finally she wished me a good flight and told me that she is sure, I´am one of these incognito traveling airline and hotel checkers. Well, who knows!.
Just a minute at security for a view like this
Looks like good with these huge winglets
A rapidly sidestep for the lounge to fill up my travelbag with these delicious AF cookies is necessary.
"I´am N1201P and if you want to go to Atlanta right now
this is the place to be!".
With 7 planes, today included in the log, it´s not difficult to say this is a new registration
With Delta since 12.04.1998. 73 planes on type are in the fleet
Here is a story with N1201P: http://avherald.com/h?article=4514a78f
A good number of people around the gate after passport check and boarding starts well ontime.
The nice woman at Check-In told me that the aisle seat beside me is also taken.
But late boarding helps once again, I´am the very last pax and surprise, I see two seats open, not my original seats, but 25G is sure ok with me.
10.50 am, ontime, "Delta" is ready for 9.55 hours in the air.
Departure heavy from "Zero-Seven", now that´s a long takeoff roll in comparison to other STR experiences.
Cockpit crew is from the US. The captain with a short welcome prior to departure, no. 1 for us, ok, this is not ATL!.
More really detailed info´s in an experienced style short after departure. We see a third pilot in the cockpit today due to the long flight distance.
The blue winglet up for the blue sky
Cabin crew serving my seat is a young male FA, nice, also german speaking and a really senior woman also nice.
Well, the "Girls" here are once again by Delta more "Golden Girls" style!.
Legroom is good with the blue leather seats and the clean cabin
The safety card with the warm welcomed 767-300 like on schedule
And Delta´s magazine
The load is close to 100%. Lot´s of American people on the way, a few germans only, so it seems.
The interior looks like fresh
What about my entertainment?
Ok, ok, it´s this one also today
Start with some pretzels and water just after departure
The captain is on the mike with some turbulent weather conditions ahead one hour from DUB, nothing special in the end.
And something more substantial not that long thereafter
Rice and pepper, sure ok with me
This way for Iceland
Interesting to know that my german language selection sounds much more spanish to me!
Nevertheless we reached Canada
The arrival snack
Routing is FKB-LUX-BRU-LON-DUB-Goose Bay-Quebec-Montreal-Charleston at maximum 36000 feet.
On approach with Atlanta´s skyline ahead and the captain on the mike with a nice Bye-Bye. He´s also at the planes door later on
Touchdown at the 2743 meters "Two-Seven-Left", 6 hours time distance for Germany. It´s 2.45 pm, impressive 45 minutes ahead to schedule. Some high clouds only and 16 degrees.
Is some 2 hours connection time enough?.
There is no way here in the US to miss immigration,
also the pax with non american destinations should line in for the officers.
Some ten minutes to wait till I´am upfront.
Hah, I know the way, remember that one, the leftmost row is good for me now.
With the crew desk staffed by an senior real american guy, funny and laughing loud all the time, waving pax in as soon as there is no crew around, the queue moves fast forward. An older correct woman also on duty, two younger afro-american guy´s doing the job and no, remember that one also, I don´t really know the way.
One young white guy, chewing gum, relaxed in his seat, it feels like he enjoyed it to plague other people, questioning a middle aged woman for a much to long time from my point of view and oh no, guess what?.
"Next".
"You connect for Cancun".
"Yes".
"How long do you want to stay in Mexico".
"Till Sunday".
"Sunday?. What is the intention behind this trip?".
"Just a party weekend in Cancun".
"You´re for sure not on a biz trip?".
"Sure not along the weekend".
"What do you work?".
"Sorry?".
"What do you work?.
"Consulting".
It feels like ages but finally he decides that I´am the complete freak, harmless for the rest of the world and stamped my passport.
So right now I´am allowed to stay longer in the States than my next scheduled arrival. That will be also interesting and I do not mean this in a positive sense!.
Ok, some lounging to calm down now is for sure necessary.
Saturday, 26.01.2013
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.
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Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún
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Service DL 537 operated by Delta Airlines
Scheduled: 17.45 // 19.34
Check the gate first now.
This one is parked here.
Close up
My plane?
I prefer exactly this way to board a MD
Let´s go for the Delta Sky Club
With these offers available
And views like this
Or this. That´s what I call a pretty lounge
What´s on the screen?.
Ok, CUN from gate E29
No changes, N992DL sit´s at the gate.
This is new to the log and simply leg no. 2 only on the scheduled MD88
With Delta and nothing else since 18.12.1991. 117 planes on type are in the fleet, now that´s impressive
Boarding starts and the young woman working the desk calls me:
"Mr. Tripreporter here is you´re new boarding pass, seat 3D".
Sure ok, the upgrade request works well.
Time for me now to join the other pax and board the plane.
The aisle seat is also taken.
Cabin crew is three FA´s,
one elder woman, a supernice welcome at the planes door, chatty and joking all the way, tries to speak with all the pax a couple of words in their own language what is a real funny experience in the end.
For the german pax, of course there are not that many beside me around, it was: "Ich liebe Dich", for sure an somewhat unexpected welcome on a plane!.
There is also a middle aged biz friendly woman and another elder and also nice woman on duty.
Landing cards and custom papers handed out at first in spanish only, the cause of some concerns around the pax.
But finally they come again with english written papers.
"Thanx to my nice colleague Margret, we´re only want to check you´re spanish skills at first!".
A warm welcome to the MD88 right now
Where the legroom upfront is really good
And the blue leather seats are really comfortable
Where the cabin is really well maintained and clean
Leaving the gate, take one at 5.45 pm, pretty ontime, 2 hours to go by "Delta" down to Mexico, 16 degrees and a few clouds only here.
Take one?.
Cockpit crew is from the US, the captain is on the mike short after pushback, still on the apron, close to the gate. We lost some bags!.
It seems there is a handling mistake, bags are not loaded and we need to return to the gate, pick them up and will be in the air shortly.
Take two happens at 6.05 pm, 20 minutes late and works well in the end.
Departure from the 3624 meters "Two-Seven-Right".
Sundowner this way
An wing in the dawn
The load is 100%, vacationeers of all ages on travel this afternoon.
That´s sure ok with me
Snacks and drinks are served all along the flight.
The captain is on the mike with a nice Bye-Bye during approach.
No route or flightlevel info.
A nightly touchdown at the 2800 meters "One-Two-Left", 8.25 pm, 50 minutes late in the end, some clouds only and 29 degrees, sure ok this way.
A short ride for the gate and onwards to immigration.
No time to wait, the mexican guys are much more relaxed than my previous experience.
It´s the visa on arrival system here what works well in the end.
No questions, just a stamp and onwards to go for my bag.
Which I don´t need to pick up in Atlanta like it is on domestic US connections.
It is with the first examples on the belt, leaving the customs form with the officer and onwards for the Alamo desk where the shuttle bus driver waited for me.
But stop, I need a couple of Pesos, also done without a minute to wait and just a minute later at the office. No one in front and just another minute later I´am on the way for the hotel.
The car is as cheap as possible here, 25.00 Dollars,
one day all inclusive.
From the airport straight down the MEX 307 till Cancun center, further on Avenida Tulum and it should be right hand side.
Well, it is!.
La Quinta Inn and Suites Cancun
Just me, no other client around.
A nice young woman at work.
A suite at level 4 from 6 is prepared for me.
Well done!
The bathroom
Room details
There is a 24 hours shop directly beside the hotel, my place to catch something to eat now.
It seems I´am really in Mexico where the police guys with heavy machine guns patrolling slowly down the main street, standing on their pick up trucks, interesting to say the least.
A short nights sleep and ready for breakfast as early as possible the next day
Well, it´s not my usual style to have two screens playing the latest sports results for breakfast, but it seems that´s the biz here
The lobby
A view from my room
Checking my belongings and leaving the hotel soon thereafter
Absolutely no idea about the main public transport option here!
Some two and a half hours down Quintana Roo´s carribean coast for my first target of the day
Warm sun, palms
and birds
That´s the way to go
Well the Maya guys know how to live a good life
And it seems I´am just a little bit taller
Ruins
And towers
This way?
No this way for the temple
The area is huge
A couple of clouds also above the sea
And a good number of people around
Groups from all countries
But anyway space enough for me to take some pictures
Just an interesting place
The private beach
Well, looks like I´am in the carribean
Take care about the coconuts
Interesting buildings
Lot´s of them
And also flowers
The main temple
And another beach down there
The main temple from the seaside
This way for Cancun
Superb sandy beaches
Another view for the main temple
En detail
People having fun down there
Just a nice combination, ruins and beaches
The way down
Or also this side
And what´s this in the bushes?
Well, this is for sure a large example of local lizards
Looking for something to eat
Or this one?
And another much larger one
With the panoramic view to the people down there
Let´s go
Well after this experience I´ve done a closer look where I´am walking here
Above the blue sea
A smaller temple
With some stone signs
Dark clouds coming up, time to leave now
Back in direction airport with a sidestep to Puerto Morelos, not that far from Cancun.
Oh yes, this is a real Mexican car!
The Hacienda Murelos
The fishermans point
Someone out there?
A good number of these boats here
These guys looking for something easy to catch
But where?
Ah, here it is
Lobster is the catch of the day
Also warm welcomed by the guys
Looks like nice this way
And also nice for the birds
More lobster, please
Do not forget to check the time.
Oh, I should go back for the airport right now!.
And to return the car what is swiftly done.
The shuttle delivers me for the airport just a couple of minutes later.
Service AF 651 operated by Air France
Scheduled: 19.25 // 11.35
The terminal entrance
This is definitely a carribean style place
In the terminal
Where the AF counters are open, no one in front at Sky Priority and my bag disappears in the catacombs, hopefully on the way for Germany.
OLCI is done from the hotel yesterday and works also well in Mexico.
My departure is the last example of the day, at least till something like Pullmantur breaks the orderly sequence!. Gate C12 in the end
No time to wait at security, lucky me once again
and for a view to the movements a la Mexicana, sorry, Aeromexico
Volaris is also on the way
And do not forget VivaAerobus
Someone for Magnicharters?
Canjet, ok that´s not Mexico and the longish example behind also not
What´s up here with all these staff on the apron?
Coming closer
Straight on the centerline
Well, this is really a huge one in comparison to all the A320/B737 planes usually here
Final position
Engines down
Time now to visit the Mera Business Lounge
Well designed furnishing
The bar
Short to boarding
Me and the scheduled 777-300 should spend the night above the pond now.
Some sleep to go?.
Well, this is the DOM/Department Outre Mer configuration. Simply bring in as much seats as possible!.
Leg no. 2 only by now on type, a new one, no question.
No special name to notice for F-GSQR.
In the air and around with AF since 03.08.2006. There are 37 planes on type in the fleet
Well, late boarding doesn´t help anyday. This is one of the "no" experiences.
Simply no open seat to spot while walking down the long aisle. Vacationeers on the way.
An french oldster in my seat 55L.
It seems he congratulates himself to early for the open seat beside him and no, don´t want to leave the window seat. Ok, he does with the help of the FA.
Conversation is limited to say the least.
7.25 pm, pretty ontime, "AirFrance" and 8.35 hours to go now from the 2800 meters runway "One-Two-Right". The temperature is 28 degrees and it´s partly cloudy.
Cockpit crew is from France, the captain with a nice welcome during boarding.
FA serving my seat is a middle aged, correct, emotionless woman.
Something to eat is presented short after departure
Sure a large plate in eco. Rice and pepper again
That´s the way to go
A southern routing tonight. Despite the DOM seating, I spend close to seven hours in dreamland!
Wait, I should catch the safety card
And the legroom, which is not that impressive here. Dark blue fabric seats, the cabin is also not that really clean.
This is the first two seater in the rear cabin, what means good storage space beside my seat, but not that much distance to the seat in front
Clouds down there short to mainland France
Breakfast, another large tray
Cabin view
The captain is on the mike, a very nice good morning with detailed infos short to descent.
The routing is Pinar del Rio-HAV-NAS-all the way over water with some rough air till Nantes-Angers.
Flight level maximum is 36000 feet.
And better weather short to Paris
Touchdown at the 2700 meters "Two-Six-Left".
11.25 am, ten minutes ahead to schedule, wet, some clouds only and 5 degrees.
T2E welcomes me to CDG
With a final view to my plane
Vietnam parked beside
One more lounge, one more flight and time enough in between now!.
Monday, 28.01.2013
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.
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Service AF 2308 operated by Air France
Scheduled: 15.55 // 17.10
Sure ok to enter the European Union this way, no time to wait and only a quick view for my passport by the officer.
Sky Priority works also good this time at the security check.
What about my next flight from gate F52?
Le Salon, welcome
The offers today
Or also maybe this way
And also in Paris there is something new from time to time
How I like it this way
My plane
This is F-GUGG, the scheduled A318.
Leg no. 17 on type, a warm welcome, new to the log.
On the way with AF since 29.10.2004.
One of 18 in the fleet
Nice talking with a middle aged, large, dark blonde hair, french woman acting as FA leads me to three seats in the exit row, which is sure ok here, 10F in the end
Cockpit crew is from France.
The captain with a nice short welcome during boarding.
He is again on the mike later nice and detailed inflight and once more with a real nice Bye-Bye.
Routing is via SXB at maximum 31000 feet.
There is another well middle aged also nice FA in the cabin.
3.55 pm, ontime, "AirFrance" and me, 1 hour to go for the homebase.
Departure from the 4200 meters "Two-Seven-Left" with cloudy 5 degrees.
The safety card
The load is 70%, biz and VFR travellers well mixed.
New York or better Brooklyn?
Forward cabin view with the dark blue clean fabric seats
Some clouds on the way
Service a la Francaise done with a smile!
The wing short to the homebase
Arrived well ontime in the end at "Two-Five".
5.05 pm, short ahead to schedule, 6 partly cloudy degrees here.
My bag is the first on the belt, priority works,
out in the public to check the car and short thereafter at the homebase.
Here are, as usual, the conclusions:
1.)Delta Airlines Stuttgart-Atlanta: Some turbulent weather enroute but comfy nevertheless.
2.)Delta Airlines Atlanta-Cancun: A relaxed welcome to the MD88.
3.)Air France Cancun-Paris/CDG: Yes, it´s possible to sleep close to 7 hours on the DOM configuration.
4.)Air France Paris/CDG-Stuttgart: Spacious and nice staff.
And now?.
Some two weeks to change the directions completely:
Hasta pronto,
comments welcome,
FLIEGER67 or also this time "Markus Klaus Felger"
by Facebook.
Quokkas From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (3 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 8890 times:
Hi Markus!
What a splendid choice of destination for a weekend trip.
A noticeable difference this time: no walk across the apron and no "under the wing." For a moment I doubted that the report was actually yours.
Still, you managed to get some lovely shots of the aircraft. In contrast to all the complaints that we see in the Aviation forum it looks as if DL provided you with a reasonable product, including friendly crews.
I like the photos of the reptiles at Tulum. The whole area looks interesting.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 4, posted (3 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 8855 times:
Hi Markus,
interesting report about your short trip to CUN. I'm a bit shocked by the mediocre offerings in DL's First Class on the MD-88. Was that all you got?
As for the AF 77W in high-density configuration...no thanks. I'll soon fly on NZ's 77W, but I invested a bit more to get more personal space.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): All the four flights around these trip are on one confirmation managed by Lastminute.de. The fare per leg is 180.00 Euro´s this way.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): One young white guy, chewing gum, relaxed in his seat, it feels like he enjoyed it to plague other people, questioning a middle aged woman for a much to long time from my point of view and oh no, guess what?.
"Next".
"You connect for Cancun".
"Yes".
"How long do you want to stay in Mexico".
"Till Sunday".
"Sunday?. What is the intention behind this trip?".
"Just a party weekend in Cancun".
"You´re for sure not on a biz trip?".
"Sure not along the weekend".
"What do you work?".
"Sorry?".
"What do you work?.
"Consulting".
It feels like ages but finally he decides that I´am the complete freak, harmless for the rest of the world and stamped my passport.
I'm wondering why he asked all these questions considering that you were connecting to another country.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 5, posted (3 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 8826 times:
Hey, some comments, nice.
@R.:
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 3):
What a splendid choice of destination for a weekend trip.
A noticeable difference this time: no walk across the apron and no "under the wing." For a moment I doubted that the report was actually yours.
Thank you and "under the wing" was not possible this time.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 3): Still, you managed to get some lovely shots of the aircraft. In contrast to all the complaints that we see in the Aviation forum it looks as if DL provided you with a reasonable product, including friendly crews.
Sure ok here to fly DL.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 3):
I like the photos of the reptiles at Tulum. The whole area looks interesting.
Definitely a place to spend some time.
@PH:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4):
interesting report about your short trip to CUN. I'm a bit shocked by the mediocre offerings in DL's First Class on the MD-88. Was that all you got?
Thank you and that was definitely all offered, for several times, of course.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4):
As for the AF 77W in high-density configuration...no thanks. I'll soon fly on NZ's 77W, but I invested a bit more to get more personal space.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 6, posted (3 months 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 8581 times:
Hello Markus
Great to follow up on your latest TATL adventure.
Interesting to see N1201P in the log! I've actually been on that plane as well back in 2004 from ATL to BRU. The Delta service looks pretty much unchanged, one of the better US carriers.
Interesting too see you've got an upgrade on to CUN as well, and on a rare bird. What more can you want?
AF looks what i'm used to them as well. Good food but robotic service, and tight Y seating.
ROGERBCN From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1136 posts, RR: 19 Reply 7, posted (3 months 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 8573 times:
Hola Markus!
True to my expectations, this TR comes right on time on this cloudy Sunday morning. Thanks for showing us your first 2013 trip... of the many more to come, I am sure.
Glad you chose this destination for a weekend in January, quite a difference from the German winter weather and sure a great destination away from European chill.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Interesting to know that my german language selection sounds much more spanish to me!
And people in Spain complain that German is a difficult language, I will show them this
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): There is no way here in the US to miss immigration,
also the pax with non american destinations should line in for the officers.
That is a something I never understood, if you are not stepping in the country why should you go through US immigration? One of the main reasons IB stopped their hub at MIA when this came into effect.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Let´s go for the Delta Sky Club
With these offers available
Pretty poor offerings for being a lounge at one of DL's main hubs.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): Well the Maya guys know how to live a good life
It has stayed the same for years. Some of the best Roman ruins around here are villas on the best spots of the coast, so our ancestors knew what they were doing.
Salut!
Roger
[Edited 2013-02-17 03:27:45]
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 8, posted (3 months 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 8546 times:
Hola Markus,
what a crazy trip, to Mexico just for a weekend, cool. And you even managed to see quite a lot during that short stay, these Maya ruins really look interesting, together with the beaches and the tropical fauna and flora, sure beats a winter weekend here.
I have seen that Delta 767 quite often in STR, so nice to read a report about that particular flight now.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Finally she wished me a good flight and told me that she is sure, I´am one of these incognito traveling airline and hotel checkers. Well, who knows!.
Nice, she obviously couldn't imagine that you did a trip like that just for fun ... But anyway, maybe it helped with the upgrade.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): 117 planes on type are in the fleet, now that´s impressive
That's indeed impressive, a shame that these planes are so rare in Europe nowadays. Although I am also a bit disappointed by that snack you got. Would have expected more in the premium cabin on a flight of this length.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24929 posts, RR: 60 Reply 9, posted (3 months 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 8520 times:
Hey Markus
Great report and what a trip for a weekend. Fun though ! I once did a weekend to BGI for my Cousins 21st Birthday party. I even came back with a sun tan lol...
Very nice to bag the upgrade on that A/C and route. Congrats
Look forward to the next adventures.
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 10, posted (3 months 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 8422 times:
Hey and good to see more comments.
@M.:
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 6):
Great to follow up on your latest TATL adventure.
Interesting to see N1201P in the log! I've actually been on that plane as well back in 2004 from ATL to BRU. The Delta service looks pretty much unchanged, one of the better US carriers.
Thank you and good to know with that plane.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 6):
Interesting too see you've got an upgrade on to CUN as well, and on a rare bird. What more can you want?
AF looks what i'm used to them as well. Good food but robotic service, and tight Y seating.
Thanks for sharing the CUN pics as well.
Sure my opinion both ways with the upgrade and AF´s service.
@R.:
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 7):
True to my expectations, this TR comes right on time on this cloudy Sunday morning. Thanks for showing us your first 2013 trip... of the many more to come, I am sure.
Glad you chose this destination for a weekend in January, quite a difference from the German winter weather and sure a great destination away from European chill.
Thank you and you know, one of the reasons to do this trip is to see something else than snow.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 7):
And people in Spain complain that German is a difficult language, I will show them this
Definitely.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 7): That is a something I never understood, if you are not stepping in the country why should you go through US immigration? One of the main reasons IB stopped their hub at MIA when this came into effect.
Not a real pleasant experience here at ATL.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 7):
Pretty poor offerings for being a lounge at one of DL's main hubs.
Sure the case here.
Quoting ROGERBCN (Reply 7):
It has stayed the same for years. Some of the best Roman ruins around here are villas on the best spots of the coast, so our ancestors knew what they were doing.
Oh, yes, they know the way of life!.
@M.:
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 8): what a crazy trip, to Mexico just for a weekend, cool. And you even managed to see quite a lot during that short stay, these Maya ruins really look interesting, together with the beaches and the tropical fauna and flora, sure beats a winter weekend here.
I have seen that Delta 767 quite often in STR, so nice to read a report about that particular flight now.
Thank you and you know, use the time as much as possible.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 8):
Nice, she obviously couldn't imagine that you did a trip like that just for fun ... But anyway, maybe it helped with the upgrade.
So it was!.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 8):
Doesn't look bad, what was in that box?
Some sweets, salt and pepper, butter, milk and sugar.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 8):
That's indeed impressive, a shame that these planes are so rare in Europe nowadays. Although I am also a bit disappointed by that snack you got. Would have expected more in the premium cabin on a flight of this length.
Sure the point here, but anyway standard in the States these days.
@P.:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 9):
Great report and what a trip for a weekend. Fun though ! I once did a weekend to BGI for my Cousins 21st Birthday party. I even came back with a sun tan lol...
Very nice to bag the upgrade on that A/C and route. Congrats
Thank you and for sure BGI just for the weekend sounds also interesting!.
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 784 posts, RR: 2 Reply 11, posted (3 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 8308 times:
Hi Markus,
Cancun just for the weekend.. Only us a.nutters would do something like this
Anyway, another great report with many nice pictures.
Delta looks quite nice on both flights and congrats on the upgrade!
Beautiful pictures of Cancun, must get there some time soon
AF also looks quite OK, although I will avoid the DOM configuration being 2 meters tall! Glad to hear you got quite some sleep
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): So right now I´am allowed to stay longer in the States than my next scheduled arrival. That will be also interesting and I do not mean this in a positive sense!.
Why is that inresting and not in a positive sense? I have never had troubles with that myself..
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 12, posted (3 months 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 8251 times:
Hey, B.,
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 11):
Cancun just for the weekend.. Only us a.nutters would do something like this
Anyway, another great report with many nice pictures.
Delta looks quite nice on both flights and congrats on the upgrade!
Beautiful pictures of Cancun, must get there some time soon
AF also looks quite OK, although I will avoid the DOM configuration being 2 meters tall! Glad to hear you got quite some sleep
Thank you and for sure a special experience here with the DOM cabin.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 11):
Why is that inresting and not in a positive sense? I have never had troubles with that myself..
The guy typed something in his computer, not sure what.
reifel From Germany, joined Feb 2005, 1135 posts, RR: 1 Reply 14, posted (3 months 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 8117 times:
Hi Markus,
what a great trip for just a weekend!
Nice to fly transatlantic from STR. Sure a relaxed why to fly. I flew DL 767 some years ago from FRA to JFK, and although it was the old interior with no personal IFE back then I ws very impressed. Nice to see that it is also possibe to alt least check bags through when connecting INTL-INTL in ATL. I believe this is an exception, and it wasn't the case before the new intl concourse in ATL opened I believe.
As for AF, they seem to do quite well on the CUN flight it seems... I like AF and I feel sorry for their bad reputation, being not friendly to non french speaker, CDG being a mess and all that. The thruth is that from my personal experience, both long and short haul AF offers an excellent product for European standards and they are proud of what they're doing, and trying to do this in "french style".
CDG changed too with the demise of T2D. Markus, how was your transit experience now with the new AF CDG terminal organization? Nice to see you got a jetway for the STR flight, this was defninitely an exception when starting from 2D.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 15, posted (3 months 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 8038 times:
Hey, more comments, nice.
@B.:
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 13):
Hmm, that is interesting.. When will you be in the US again?
Less than three weeks and with the US entry at ATL again inbound ex FRA.
@F.:
Quoting reifel (Reply 14): what a great trip for just a weekend!
Nice to fly transatlantic from STR. Sure a relaxed why to fly. I flew DL 767 some years ago from FRA to JFK, and although it was the old interior with no personal IFE back then I ws very impressed. Nice to see that it is also possibe to alt least check bags through when connecting INTL-INTL in ATL. I believe this is an exception, and it wasn't the case before the new intl concourse in ATL opened I believe.
Thank you and also a surprise for me that the bag goes through for Mexico.
Quoting reifel (Reply 14):
As for AF, they seem to do quite well on the CUN flight it seems... I like AF and I feel sorry for their bad reputation, being not friendly to non french speaker, CDG being a mess and all that. The thruth is that from my personal experience, both long and short haul AF offers an excellent product for European standards and they are proud of what they're doing, and trying to do this in "french style".
CDG changed too with the demise of T2D. Markus, how was your transit experience now with the new AF CDG terminal organization? Nice to see you got a jetway for the STR flight, this was defninitely an exception when starting from 2D.
Good point here, no time to wait at T2E immigration, a modern style terminal and a short way only from T2E to T2F.
Together with the lounge after security like it should be a major improvement here.
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1245 posts, RR: 34 Reply 18, posted (3 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 6896 times:
Hi Markus,
Great to read about trip number 1 of 2013. Hope there are lots more successful ones to come!
AF certainly looked better than DL, with exception of the legroom. The meals they served seem very generous. Catching the sun in Mexico was a great idea, I liked your pics of Tulum - a great combination with the golden sand and turquoise sea nearby.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Finally she wished me a good flight and told me that she is sure, I´am one of these incognito traveling airline and hotel checkers. Well, who knows!.
What a good way to start your trip with such attentive service. Maybe she's not far off the truth!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): A rapidly sidestep for the lounge to fill up my travelbag with these delicious AF cookies is necessary.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Cabin crew is three FA´s,
one elder woman, a supernice welcome at the planes door, chatty and joking all the way, tries to speak with all the pax a couple of words in their own language what is a real funny experience in the end.
For the german pax, of course there are not that many beside me around, it was: "Ich liebe Dich", for sure an somewhat unexpected welcome on a plane!.
That's a really nice touch by the crew to welcome the passengers in their mother tongue. However, perhaps they need to expand their vocabularly a bit!!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): It seems he congratulates himself to early for the open seat beside him and no, don´t want to leave the window seat. Ok, he does with the help of the FA.
The last person you want to have as your seatmate. Glad he moved in the end.
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 19, posted (3 months 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 6486 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi Markus,
Nice report about your weekend trip to CUN.
DL looked quite nice and i didnt know they already had PTV in their 767 fleet.
Also nice destination pictures from Mexico, where there a lot of tourists around CUN?
The 77W of AF looks quite cramped but that was to be expected.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 20, posted (3 months 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 6440 times:
Hey, more comments, nice.
@H.:
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18):
Great to read about trip number 1 of 2013. Hope there are lots more successful ones to come!
AF certainly looked better than DL, with exception of the legroom. The meals they served seem very generous. Catching the sun in Mexico was a great idea, I liked your pics of Tulum - a great combination with the golden sand and turquoise sea nearby.
Thank you.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18):
What a good way to start your trip with such attentive service. Maybe she's not far off the truth!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18):
Hmm, not sure about the unidentifiable meat next to it.....
Count me in, this part of the meal was not to my gusto.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18):
Yeah, I did wonder why the first picture of the moving map showed everything in Spanish?!
Well, it´s Delta!.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18):
You do surprise me! Where are the photos?
I should check my camera closer for the party pix!.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18):
That's a really nice touch by the crew to welcome the passengers in their mother tongue. However, perhaps they need to expand their vocabularly a bit!!
There are also some Czech pax and I don´t know about the welcome, but it seems they are also surprised!.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18):
The last person you want to have as your seatmate. Glad he moved in the end.
Oh, yes, lucky me.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 18):
Ah, now that sort of inflight catering seems very familiar
Sure it is!.
@J.:
Quoting Luxair747SP (Reply 19):
Nice report about your weekend trip to CUN.
DL looked quite nice and i didnt know they already had PTV in their 767 fleet.
Also nice destination pictures from Mexico, where there a lot of tourists around CUN?
The 77W of AF looks quite cramped but that was to be expected.
Thank you. I wasn´t at the main beach, so not that much tourists to see but sure they are there.
Sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 21, posted (3 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 6237 times:
Hello Markus,
A job well done with the story and a destination well chosen as well Certainly there's much more to see there than you can squeeze in one weekend but that gives you a reason to come back. Good to see you flying one of the very few TATL services ex-STR. A wingleted 763, cool! Also the MD with the more than friendly Golden Girls looked very enjoyable. Let's not talk about that high density AF 773. Such a nice plane but with way too many seats But you live to tell!
Excellent customer service provided at home base it seems.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Well, the "Girls" here are once again by Delta more "Golden Girls" style!
I remember seeing those series and know exactly what you mean
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): It feels like ages but finally he decides that I´am the complete freak, harmless for the rest of the world and stamped my passport.
Questions questions questions. It would make me very nervous.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): This is new to the log and simply leg no. 2 only on the scheduled MD88
Congrats, that's really a good catch and addition to the log!
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 22, posted (3 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 6196 times:
Hi Markus!
Thanks for a great trip report with great pictures !
Very good to see you do more long haul travel. Far away for two days, that's my style!
Delta looks okay except for First Class to CUN; on most US carriers you would get a regular dinner on such a flight.....
CUN looks nice. Hotel seems to be okay and nice with all the ruins close by. Too bad you didn't go to Chichen Itza but I'm not sure how far it is from CUN.
Flights back seem okay and good to know that it's possible to get 7h of sleep on board the DOM-TOM configuration. I'm not so sure I would want to find out for myself though......
Legroom seems very bad for that return flight on the AF 77W....
Very much looking forward to your next report!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 23, posted (3 months 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 6125 times:
Hey, good to see more comments.
@N.:
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21):
A job well done with the story and a destination well chosen as well Certainly there's much more to see there than you can squeeze in one weekend but that gives you a reason to come back. Good to see you flying one of the very few TATL services ex-STR. A wingleted 763, cool! Also the MD with the more than friendly Golden Girls looked very enjoyable. Let's not talk about that high density AF 773. Such a nice plane but with way too many seats But you live to tell!
Thank you.
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21):
Excellent customer service provided at home base it seems.
Definitely.
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21):
I remember seeing those series and know exactly what you mean
Ah, good to know.
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21):
Questions questions questions. It would make me very nervous.
And me, too!.
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21):
Congrats, that's really a good catch and addition to the log!
Thanx again.
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21):
So funny to see them all lined up and waiting.
I was really surprised to follow it this way.
Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21):
So how many seats are there actually in this cattle transporting plane? And is it a 1 class only?
Three classes and 472 seats "only".
@L.:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): Thanks for a great trip report with great pictures !
Very good to see you do more long haul travel. Far away for two days, that's my style!
Delta looks okay except for First Class to CUN; on most US carriers you would get a regular dinner on such a flight.....
Thank you.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22):
CUN looks nice. Hotel seems to be okay and nice with all the ruins close by. Too bad you didn't go to Chichen Itza but I'm not sure how far it is from CUN.
Chichen Itza was on focus but to risky in the end.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 22):
Flights back seem okay and good to know that it's possible to get 7h of sleep on board the DOM-TOM configuration. I'm not so sure I would want to find out for myself though......
Legroom seems very bad for that return flight on the AF 77W....
Sure not the most pleasant experience on the 77W DOM, but ok in the end.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 26, posted (3 months 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 5442 times:
Hey, more commens, nice.
@D.:
Quoting DavidCA (Reply 24): Great report. I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you.
Quoting DavidCA (Reply 24): DL looked quite impressive. AF's catering looked good, but you don't seem to have been terribly impressed by their longhaul otherwise.
I can't believe how popular CUN and area is becoming with Europeans! Every time I check, there's a new airline in town.
DL was sure ok and good point with lot´s of also European airlines around CUN. For example Transaero was at the gate when I´am arrived.
@A.:
Quoting Adventuristo (Reply 25):
Nice report! Love the colour of the water down there. Did you try the lobster?
Thank you and sure I should try the Lobster the next time.
KaiGywer From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 12027 posts, RR: 43 Reply 27, posted (3 months 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 5156 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 4): I'm wondering why he asked all these questions considering that you were connecting to another country.
Because of the way ATL is laid out, technically he could have skipped his last flight and just stayed in the US illegally. There is no separation of domestic and international flights like in the rest of the world.
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 28, posted (3 months 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 5112 times:
Hi, Markus!
That's for sure a different way to spend a weekend isn't it. You seem to go all far away, a new trend?
I wonder if you get additional questions on your next visit in the US by going this way.
AF catering look real good, it's a major plus on this airline and above average compared to other airlines. What a shame you ended up with such a seatmate though.
Nice pix from Cancun and surroundings, I would've stayed a bit longer and spread out my towel on one of these beautiful white beaches
Greetings,
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6088 posts, RR: 56 Reply 29, posted (3 months 3 days 8 hours ago) and read 4926 times:
Quoting KaiGywer (Reply 27): Because of the way ATL is laid out, technically he could have skipped his last flight and just stayed in the US illegally. There is no separation of domestic and international flights like in the rest of the world.
It's not just ATL; all US airports are like that. A few terminals have a possibility of allowing transit. TBIT at LAX is one and KE does use the transit area for the passengers between ICN and GRU. They do have to go thru immigration though, not sure about customs.
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 30, posted (3 months 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 4900 times:
Hey, good to see more comments.
@K.:
Quoting KaiGywer (Reply 27): Because of the way ATL is laid out, technically he could have skipped his last flight and just stayed in the US illegally. There is no separation of domestic and international flights like in the rest of the world.
Thanx for the update. So that´s the way behind all the questions.
@E.:
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 28):
That's for sure a different way to spend a weekend isn't it. You seem to go all far away, a new trend?
I wonder if you get additional questions on your next visit in the US by going this way.
Thank you and mostly along the winter months. Not sure what will happen the next time on immigrations.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 28):
AF catering look real good, it's a major plus on this airline and above average compared to other airlines. What a shame you ended up with such a seatmate though.
Good point here and also my opinion.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 28):
Nice pix from Cancun and surroundings, I would've stayed a bit longer and spread out my towel on one of these beautiful white beaches
Count me in this way. Nice places for the towels, definitely.
@L.:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 29):
It's not just ATL; all US airports are like that. A few terminals have a possibility of allowing transit. TBIT at LAX is one and KE does use the transit area for the passengers between ICN and GRU. They do have to go thru immigration though, not sure about customs.
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1735 posts, RR: 4 Reply 31, posted (3 months 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 4879 times:
Markus,
Thanks for your Cancun report... My thoughts (most have already been said, but nonetheless):
International transit in USA--no good, much more difficult than in other places.
DL and upgrades--I like how they do this, and I like the real "first class" seats, even though that's not what I think of when I see First Class in the name
CUN looks nice enough, but I'm wary to go since it's full of drunk Americans when I'd be able to go. If I ever get to HAV, I might stop there.
AF's DOM/TOM 777... Well, looks decent, and 7 hours of sleep isn't bad. I think we tend to underrate the 3-4-3 777s... Not that it's a pleasant experience!
Thanks again, Markus, and hope to see more from you soon!
Thanks for your Cancun report... My thoughts (most have already been said, but nonetheless):
Thank you.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 31):
International transit in USA--no good, much more difficult than in other places.
Sure also my point, definitely.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 31):
DL and upgrades--I like how they do this, and I like the real "first class" seats, even though that's not what I think of when I see First Class in the name
Well, better than back of the plane, but not that really special.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 31):
CUN looks nice enough, but I'm wary to go since it's full of drunk Americans when I'd be able to go. If I ever get to HAV, I might stop there.
HAV, count me in!.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 31):
AF's DOM/TOM 777... Well, looks decent, and 7 hours of sleep isn't bad. I think we tend to underrate the 3-4-3 777s... Not that it's a pleasant experience!
KaiGywer From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 12027 posts, RR: 43 Reply 33, posted (3 months 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 4362 times:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 29): It's not just ATL; all US airports are like that.
Doh...you're right. I was thinking "hey in ATL you have to re enter the terminal to get to baggage claim...". Most airports make it even easier since you can just walk right outside.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 34, posted (3 months 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 4227 times:
@K.:
Quoting KaiGywer (Reply 33):
Doh...you're right. I was thinking "hey in ATL you have to re enter the terminal to get to baggage claim...". Most airports make it even easier since you can just walk right outside.
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 37, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 3687 times:
Hey Markus,
Another nice report, again a long haul weekend trip, you do get around!
Great pictures from Cancun as well, thanks for sharing.
I agree on AF - I have flown them a few times long haul in eco now since 2011, and always been pleasent: nice staff, good food and on time. And CDG has improved very much now that all operations are in T2F and T2E only and most connection can be made without going to security again.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 38, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 3674 times:
Hey, R.,
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 37):
Another nice report, again a long haul weekend trip, you do get around!
Great pictures from Cancun as well, thanks for sharing.
Thank you.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 37):
I agree on AF - I have flown them a few times long haul in eco now since 2011, and always been pleasent: nice staff, good food and on time. And CDG has improved very much now that all operations are in T2F and T2E only and most connection can be made without going to security again.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 722 posts, RR: 0 Reply 39, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 3172 times:
Hi Markus, interesting read as usual.
The check in agent at STR sounded particularly helpful. Delta didn't seem too bad either. Always put off flying American airlines due to the many horror stories I've heard, however in a few weeks I won't really have much choice so ill get to see if the stories are true!
I've been to Mexico twice in my lifetime, but both times I was too young to actually take anything in! Maybe a visit back there is in order, especially to CUN now VS fly there.
The check in agent at STR sounded particularly helpful. Delta didn't seem too bad either. Always put off flying American airlines due to the many horror stories I've heard, however in a few weeks I won't really have much choice so ill get to see if the stories are true!
Thank you and good to know about something more coming up from you´re hand.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 39):
I've been to Mexico twice in my lifetime, but both times I was too young to actually take anything in! Maybe a visit back there is in order, especially to CUN now VS fly there.
EL-AL From Israel, joined Oct 2001, 1123 posts, RR: 5 Reply 41, posted (2 months 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 3076 times:
Hey,
Thx for another great report. I must say it's one long ride for a weekend! Had no idea there is much to see around Cancun, I thought it's like an American colony in Mexico.
Air France looks like an airline to avoid on long howl.
Thx for shearing, LY
"In our country, those who do not believe in miracles are irrational" - David Ben Gurion.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 42, posted (2 months 3 weeks 3 days 8 hours ago) and read 2799 times:
Hey, E.,
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 41): Thx for another great report. I must say it's one long ride for a weekend! Had no idea there is much to see around Cancun, I thought it's like an American colony in Mexico.
Air France looks like an airline to avoid on long howl.
Thx for shearing, LY
Thank you and sure, it is not the usual weekend trip, also not here!.
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4391 posts, RR: 57 Reply 45, posted (2 months 3 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2434 times:
Hey, more comments, nice.
@J.:
Quoting palmjet (Reply 43):
Thanks for a great report. A long way to catch some sunny weather for sure but this is nothing new for you
Quoting palmjet (Reply 43):
Loved your destination pics as well. Super!
Thank you.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 43):
I love those winglets on the 767 - they look super sexy.
Nice to see you got a M88 too to Cancun. While they are seemingly common in the US, the M88 remains a rare bird in Europe these days.
Exactly my opinion with the 767 and also the M88.
@W.:
Quoting WROORD (Reply 44): Cancun for the weekend? That plain crazy. You would not do Cancun from US for the weekend not to mention from Germany. Was that a mileage run?
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