797 From Venezuela, joined Aug 2005, 1821 posts, RR: 26 Posted (2 months 1 week 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 14684 times:
Must-read Background info
As some of you hopefully know, my trip report portfolio is mostly composed of flights to or from my hometown, Caracas. A while ago I decided I wouldn't continue using CCS as my focus point, until the morning before this flight.
After spending two days in lovely Mexico visiting the new Bombardier factory in Queretaro, where they're putting together the main parts for their new LearJet 85, I had to find my way back home. The options, as brutal as they sound, are either catching a red eye with Aeromexico (leaving at 2am from MEX and arriving at 7am into CCS) on a [very] tight 737-700, or the usual and most boring American Airlines option, which flies through Miami with a lame combination of probably the oldest 737 in their fleet, and then the flying relic, 757.
Last year I collected most of my miles with Delta, a decision that allowed me to reach their Platinum Medallion status o their SkyMiles program. Therefore, I must admit, once again I fell for the miles and chose to fly through Atlanta to then head south to my hometown.
As a good #avgeek I am, I always check the GDS to see what's the equipment for the flight. I saw the 737-800 being used on the leg and there was a good chance I could get upgraded thanks to the FFP benefits I earned. So ok, ticket bought.
Early wakeup for 16 hours of flying!
Well, we all know how annoying our alarm sounds at 4am. Say, choose a lullaby, a Black-Eyed Peas song, or maybe better Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters.' The point is, it will sound HORRIBLE!
Even more horrible if you are submerged into the soft and cozy sheets of the W Hotel in Mexico City. All I managed to put myself in 'stand-by' mode was for two-hours… Why on earth? Well, I could easily blame fellow a.netter eddiedude, who took me out for dinner at most fantastic Japanese restaurant I have ever been to, which I would like to recommend to any of you who might want to visit the Mexican metropolis (it's called Tori Tori, in Polanco). But no, I decided to enjoy Mexico City for the few hours I had left in this cool country.
Anyhow, right before checking out of the hotel, I decided to check-in for my flight to Caracas. I had my seat assigned in the Economy Comfort rows right behind business class, so I wasn't expecting anything out of the ordinary.
To my wonderful awakening surprise, when I used the awesome app on my iPhone to check-in for the flight, I suddenly saw my seat upgraded to 3D. Not only I had been upgraded to Business Class, but also my aircraft had been changed to a much more attractive one, the 76W. Wait, 76W? Is that a 764 or a 763 on steroids?
Well well, a 763 on steroids it was! Delta had refurbished some of its 763s with the new Business Elite cabin, and looks like I was going to ride in it to Caracas! (Hell yes?)
The Delta SkyClub
After a long trip through Miami for a few meetings, I arrived in Atlanta at 16.10, quite tired from the [very] long day. I headed straight to the ATL oasis, also known as, Delta SkyClub.
Looking for a way to pamper myself - excluding any alcohol consumption - I went on to explore the awesome VIP club [although I would dare to say it is not as cool as the AA Admirals in DFW].
Very nice and full bar
Crowded Lounge
Gotta love this one!
Business Center
Nutella available at the food section
After turning a few corners and dodging a few hundred frequent fliers, I arrived at the Showers lounge!
I always wanted to take a shower at an airport. Weird? Maybe! Still I wanted to give it a shot, having the excuse of being exhausted from my rushed day.
At the lounge, I asked the on-duty lady to sign me up for one. Fortunately, Shower #7 was available and there I went!
These showers are very nice. The setup inside is quite marvelous. They have shampoo, conditioner and four set of towels to use.
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Shampoo, Conditioner and Soap
Towels
After a nice hot shower, I was reborn. With only 15 minutes until boarding, I decided to head straight to my assigned gate E3, about a 10 minute walk from the SkyClub.
On my way to the gate, I was still anxious to know whether my plane was fitted with the winglets that I had been hunting to fly on for so long. And, to my joy and pride:
This is the best view I could get of my plane
Wen I got to the gate, the traditional hassle that characterizes all the CCS-bound flights was absent. I was surprised! I cut the line and went through the SkyPriority section to board quicker than anyone else. Thankfully, I did in less than 40 seconds. Way to go!
Flying isn't dangerous. Crashing is what's dangerous!
797 From Venezuela, joined Aug 2005, 1821 posts, RR: 26 Reply 1, posted (2 months 1 week 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 14834 times:
DELTA AIR LINES, FLIGHT 781
ATLANTA HARTSFIELD-JACKSON INTL (ATL) - CARACAS SIMON BOLIVAR INTL (CCS)
SEAT: 3D
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 767-332(ER)(WL)
REGISTRATION: N194DN - DELIVERED IN 1997
SCHEDULED DEPARTURE: 17.30
ACTUAL DEPARTURE: 17.48
ALTITUDE: FL370
FLIGHT TIME: 03H40M
SCHEDULED ARRIVAL: 22.05
ACTUAL ARRIVAL: 21.58
LOAD: 100%
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At 16.49, I walked down the jetbridge reaching the L1 door of this 76W.
The always-cool moment
As I entered the cabin, one Spanish-speaking flight attendant welcomed me into the aircraft, which I could already see had some different characteristics than the usual DL planes.
Heading over to my 3D seat, I crossed the front galley and found out that the new Business Elite cabin was installed on the plane. How do one says HELL YES in English? Oh, I said it.
Beautiful colors!
My seat, 3D
New interiors it is! I settled in my seat and what a ride to Caracas promised to be.
The seat was furnished with a great pair of pillow and cover of quite high quality. When I stepped in, I tested the leg space and snapped the traditional leg shot, for the average a.netter's pleasure.
Can't go on without a proper leg shot
The best-looking winglet in the industry
In less than a minute, a known face approached me with a tray full of Orange Juice and Champagne glasses. I asked:
Quote:
Me: "Hey! Are you on the Rome flights often?"
FA: "I would say more than often! I'm on it every week!"
Well, looks like this guy took care of me on a flight I did to Rome a couple months ago! What a confidence, and what a privilege!
I got served a perfect glass of champagne (so much better than the one served on AA). The temperature and quality were quite up the standards of European carriers. Congrats on that!
Later on, the purser approached me by my name and presented himself - nice touch! He handed me La Carte for the 3h52m flight into CCS and welcomed me to the flight, thanking me for being a loyal DL frequent flyer.
La carte for the flight was:
.
.
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Meanwhile, I explored my surroundings. The seat is quite comfortable with plenty of positions for one to choose. It also has several massage functions which can be customized quite easily.
I tested the full-flat bed position, which in my opinion is too cramped for a long-haul flight. Shoulder space is very restricted, which makes me think 'larger' passengers will have some trouble settling in. But for a 4-hr hop, it couldn't get more perfect.
New overhead bins
It also has available one power port, an USB outlet and an Ethernet jack, which I'm unsure what is it good for.
Power ports and lights
The IFE screen is a tad small, although it is quite OK for the distance between the passenger and where it is located.
Three minutes ahead of our scheduled departure, the Captain announced we'd be pushing back from the gate in a few seconds, inviting us to buckle our seat belts and get ready for what promised to be a very nice [upgraded] flight.
At 17.33, our buffed 76W pushed back from the gate and the two engines started spinning.
Nice pairing!
Taxiing to the active
Immediately after we began taxiing, the safety demo was shown. In my opinion, Delta has one of the nicest safety videos on board. Unfortunately, the red-haired lady is no longer the protagonist, although she randomly pops up in the middle of the new video. Nice!
Number two for takeoff
At 17.47 it was time for lift off. As usual, please look and LISTEN to the video, this time in 1080 HD quality.
The weather in ATL was overcast with warned severe turbulence. Our 76W climbed out of the clouds in no-time cutting through the clouds with no problem.
…and this is how it looks after we cleared the overcast layer
The In-flight Entertainment System
As we climbed, I began playing around with the 'new' IFE.
The moving map wasn't working well on the flight. It got stuck in the African coast.
A more comfortable leg-shot, if I may!
Flying isn't dangerous. Crashing is what's dangerous!
797 From Venezuela, joined Aug 2005, 1821 posts, RR: 26 Reply 2, posted (2 months 1 week 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 14796 times:
Business Elite Dining Service
About 20 minutes into the flight, my former FA from Rome set my table for the dinner service. He brought some warm nuts and offered two choices of red wine, one from California, and the other one from Florence. OBVIOUSLY I chose the latter.
Edgar poured a small quantity in my glass for the tasting... 10 points for Edgar!
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Warm Nuts .
The wine was excellent.
To make my meal better, I chose to watch the Coldplay 2012 Concert that is available in the IFE. Honestly, this couldn't get any better.
Coldplay + Wine + Nuts + 36,000 feet. You do the math.
20 minutes later, he came back with a wonderful wooden tray with my Appetizer and Salad.
Mixed Green salad with Jicama, Yellow Peppers, Almonds, and Roma Tomatoes.
Different perspective
Roasted Salmon with black lentil and fennel salad
As usual, I put my eye on the cutlery, which didn't miss the mark. Great job Delta.
.
In the meantime, Mother Nature offered a sunset spectacle outside the window while I enjoyed my third glass of wine.
Later on, the main course arrived while I my eyes were still fixed at the window.
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I chose the Short Rib option, which was perfectly cooked and had a savory sauce which made it moist and nice. I must say I would have preferred a BBQ sauce on top of them, but well, I'm a sucker for BBQ so I have no say in this.
Braised Short Rib with Oaxacan Mole sauce, spinach with shabazi and butternut squash.
A bit sloppy? Perhaps?
The dish had a small garnish of spinach and carrots, all well cooked with plenty of flavor. It was actually very good!!!
I wasn't expecting Delta to behave so well with their meal quality, as I heard before their catering wasn't that good.
At this point, Edgar had served me 5 glasses of wine, keeping me VERY happy, and maybe getting me quite hammered.
Cabin views while everyone is feeding
Finally, the dessert time arrived. Coincidentally, and in contradiction to fellow a.netter Ogre727 who thinks it's the end of the world, Delta ALSO serves a sundae on board their flights, classy or not, here I come.
Vanilla Cream Sundae
Given the fact I tried AA's sundae less than 3 weeks ago on their inaugural 77W flight to Brazil, I decided to go for it on this flight and compare. Yeah right, compare!
The sundae was very good. But I must say it doesn't beat AA's.
With the meal over and Coldplay finishing their concert at the Stade de France in Paris, I can confirm I was one happy camper. What an awesome experience flying to Caracas from the States.
I must admit I was extremely lucky with both upgrades, cabin and aircraft. The food service was quite good, I'd dare to say better than AA's, and the fact that I got Edgar made it all so much better. Knowing flight attendants is definitely a plus when it comes to attention. Then, if one is nice to them, it reverts in better attention.
J Cabin views after service
'Comfort' Cattle class
With less than one hour to go, I finished writing the main part of this report still zipping the last drops of an entire wine bottle Edgar served me.
I managed to watch a few episodes of Sheldon, Raj, Howard, Leonard, and the beyond-hot Penny from the Big Bang Theory... embarrassedly making me laugh out loud (due to the 8 glasses of wine).
I think some ass-faced passengers looked at me wrong, also because I took so many pictures... Anyways, I wasn't going to ruin my trip because some tight-ass passengers think taking pictures at a Business Class seat is nouveau riche or what not… Please!
Cabin view prior arrival
A douche looking at me
With 30 minutes to go, our captain announced the descent into Caracas. I have to say I hate arriving into CCS at nighttime, as it can be quite dangerous, especially if you have no one to pick you up and take you home or hotel. I would strongly recommend to take flights that arrive at daytime, as it can be safer than night flights.
A few minutes later, we lined up with the runway and I managed to catch a few shots of the Venezuelan coastline… also the northern-most coast in the South American continent.
My Big Bang Theory episode finished exactly when the landing gear was deployed, so timing was PERFECT!
Then, time to hit the record button for an awesome night approach and landing into CCS. Enjoy!
Landing was 14 minutes ahead of schedule. Some strong tailwinds allowed us to haul through the caribbean and our amazing 76W took us to CCS safe and sound.
Conclusions.
For some, flying to Caracas from Miami is a no-brainer: AA has 4 daily flights, and SBA has 2. It's an easy 2.7-hr hop in comparison to the mad choice I ended up going for…
But WHO CARES?
I had the best experience on a flight from the US to Venezuela, and there is no doubt about it! Though I was extremely lucky by getting my seat and aircraft upgraded.
DL often sends the 737-800 and 757 to CCS, which are not a big deal (especially in Business Class). However, having the chance to enjoy the SkyClub in Atlanta, Elite status in Delta and SkyTeam, much better food than AA, it's what makes me a happy passenger.
Too bad I'm booked on AA for my next flight to MIA. I'll make sure to go with Delta on the one after.
I hope this report was good enough for you guys! As usual, it's a pleasure writing for A.net.
Questions, comments, concerns, and more are much appreciated!!!
AirAfreak From United States of America, joined Apr 2012, 244 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (2 months 1 week 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 14624 times:
Hello and lucky you to try the new 76W in BizElite! I hope to try the 76W and compare it to the 77L BizElite, which I only have flown so far... How do you find the shoulder room? I am tall and slender, but with broad shoulders, so I hope the comfort level is on par with the 77L!
I also really loved the photos of the short ribs!!! Yummo!!!! =]
Glad you are enjoying the benefits of Medallion Status! Keep Climbing!
toobz From Finland, joined Jan 2010, 673 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (2 months 1 week 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 13841 times:
Oh lighten up dude!
Hey thanks for sharing your experience on DL! Very cool that you got the refurbished 76 as well as a good crew to look after you! I'm sure that few hours flew by! Food looked good for a shorter BE flight.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 5, posted (2 months 1 week 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 13736 times:
Another good report Enrique! Lucky that both you and the aircraft got an upgrade. The cabin looks great.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): I headed straight to the ATL oasis, also known as, Delta SkyClub.
Wow, looks busy. Is the bar free?
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): These showers are very nice. The setup inside is quite marvelous. They have shampoo, conditioner and four set of towels to use.
I like the red tiling. I'm a big fan of airport showering...really refreshes you before a flight.
mvecchi4 From Venezuela, joined Apr 2012, 83 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (2 months 1 week 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 13134 times:
Epale Enrique!,
Great report as usual.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): or the usual and most boring American Airlines option
I thought of you as a hardcore AA fan, where'd the love go?.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): After a long trip through Miami for a few meetings, I arrived in Atlanta at 16.10, quite tired from the [very] long day. I headed straight to the ATL oasis, also known as, Delta SkyClub.
When I was in ATL back in October the 2 SkyClubs I saw were awafully crowded. By the look of your pictures it looks like yours was full as well. Was there any sense of "Oasis" in them? I mean, could you really sit and enjoy some quiet time?
In ATL I was in the Admiral's Club and I have to admit that, even as it was being renovated, there was a peaceful sense of quiet all over.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): New interiors it is! I settled in my seat and what a ride to Caracas promised to be.
Lucky you got to fly on a 767 to CCS. Food and cabin looks great!
It's nice that DL considers this type of flight one where BE is offered; when we flew from ATL to LIR which is around the same length of flight time, it was a domestic "F" service up front. Not a big deal, just interesting.
EASTERN747 From United States of America, joined Oct 2006, 386 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (2 months 1 week 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 12597 times:
Well, I have to say this isn't F/C, but looked ok, just ok. DL uses that awlful tray that's looks like a cafeteria. It should be covered with linen. The beef looked fine , but not a particular expensive piece of meat. (Just cook the crap out of it). And lo and behold those damn sundaes again. This on is the cheapest I've seen. Come on DL, how about some imagination......like a strawberry sauce, nuts, whipped cream!. I didn't notice a coffee cup or after dinner drink service. F/A seemed very professional and knew what he was doing.....10 points DL!
AA737-823 From United States of America, joined Mar 2000, 5344 posts, RR: 11 Reply 10, posted (2 months 1 week 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 12329 times:
I have to go to work now, so I'll read the remainder of your report later tonight.
But I DO want to ask... am I the only one to notice the RED SWASTIKA chairs in Delta's Sky Club Lounge!?!?!?
Appalling! I appreciate their design and functionality, and I am NOT one to overreact to sensationalism, but seriously, Delta.... that's a blatant flub up.
dcajet From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 367 posts, RR: 5 Reply 11, posted (2 months 1 week 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 12018 times:
Quoting AA737-823 (Reply 10): But I DO want to ask... am I the only one to notice the RED SWASTIKA chairs in Delta's Sky Club Lounge!?!?!?
Appalling! I appreciate their design and functionality, and I am NOT one to overreact to sensationalism, but seriously, Delta.... that's a blatant flub up.
It is the way the chairs are laid out, there is nothing wrong with the chairs themselves. And since the Sky Club Lounge customers do not usually fly like helicopters hovering above the chairs, no one will notice. It is the angle in which the photo was taken that makes you notice.
And yes, you are overreacting. I am sure that the pattern (a geometrical figure btw) you notice on the photo can be found countless times in countless places, including nature. Relax.
"Unattended children will be given espresso and a free kitten"
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 784 posts, RR: 2 Reply 12, posted (2 months 1 week 3 days 4 hours ago) and read 11874 times:
Hi Enrique,
Once again great report! Delta's new Business Elite looks quite nice, you sure got 2 lucky upgrades there!
The Sky Club looks nice too, especially that shower room!
EddieDude From Mexico, joined Nov 2003, 7184 posts, RR: 45 Reply 13, posted (2 months 1 week 3 days ago) and read 11527 times:
Man, what a nice report! I am glad you got to taste DL's new BusinessElite so unexpectedly. Wish we had flights to ATL in widebodies! Thanks a lot for sharing the pics and for taking the time to write the report; I had a great time reading it. Hopefully there are a couple of XXX-SEA with DL trip reports on the horizon.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): Why on earth? Well, I could easily blame fellow a.netter eddiedude, who took me out for dinner at most fantastic Japanese restaurant I have ever been to, which I would like to recommend to any of you who might want to visit the Mexican metropolis (it's called Tori Tori, in Polanco).
Ha! Thanks for the mention man. I am really glad that you enjoyed this place. It is great, isn't it? I love living across the street hehe.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): The dish had a small garnish of spinach and carrots
Not carrot! Butternut squash! You were indeed hammered or just too tired from the trip.
questions From Australia, joined Sep 2011, 315 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (2 months 1 week 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 11471 times:
I realize the J seats on the refurbished 763's are the same as the ones on Swiss. However, for some reason, they look small and uncomfortable. How did you find them?
Quoting EASTERN747 (Reply 9): Well, I have to say this isn't F/C, but looked ok, just ok. DL uses that awlful tray that's looks like a cafeteria. It should be covered with linen. The beef looked fine , but not a particular expensive piece of meat. (Just cook the crap out of it). And lo and behold those damn sundaes again. This on is the cheapest I've seen. Come on DL, how about some imagination......like a strawberry sauce, nuts, whipped cream!. I didn't notice a coffee cup or after dinner drink service. F/A seemed very professional and knew what he was doing.....10 points DL!
a) Yes, the faux wood tray is cheap and awful. Rumor DL will be changing it. Some passengers complain that the plates spin on it.
b) It is a cheap cut of beef. DL is not known to spend a lot on catering. The current BE service is not the same as it was when first introduced. It's been downgraded.
c) I'm not a fan of the sundaes either. It's an American thing. I think at some point it was considered unique. DL usually offers multiple toppings on the sundae. Perhaps the OP only chose the chocolate sauce.
Quoting AA737-823 (Reply 10): But I DO want to ask... am I the only one to notice the RED SWASTIKA chairs in Delta's Sky Club Lounge!?!?!?
This has been discussed before. Far from the design intent. Bigger question is why, after millions in renovations and a brief period of usage, are the club furnishings looking so worn and dirty?
SR117 From Mexico, joined Jun 2000, 754 posts, RR: 1 Reply 15, posted (2 months 1 week 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 11406 times:
Hey Enrique
Many thanks for the awesome trip report, and wow, you got lucky ! Those new birds have been randomly popping up on unexpected routes lately...
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): Well, we all know how annoying our alarm sounds at 4am. Say, choose a lullaby, a Black-Eyed Peas song, or maybe better Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters.' The point is, it will sound HORRIBLE!
Waking up early is never easy... even if it is for a fun day of flying.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): Even more horrible if you are submerged into the soft and cozy sheets of the W Hotel in Mexico City. All I managed to put myself in 'stand-by' mode was for two-hours… Why on earth? Well, I could easily blame fellow a.netter eddiedude, who took me out for dinner at most fantastic Japanese restaurant I have ever been to, which I would like to recommend to any of you who might want to visit the Mexican metropolis (it's called Tori Tori, in Polanco). But no, I decided to enjoy Mexico City for the few hours I had left in this cool country.
Ah Eddiedude, he is very knowledgeable when it comes to good eating and Mexico City, and excellent company !! Glad you two had a fun time.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): Looking for a way to pamper myself - excluding any alcohol consumption - I went on to explore the awesome VIP club [although I would dare to say it is not as cool as the AA Admirals in DFW].
Seems to be the club at Terminal E? Quite crowded.. I would have thought the new lounge in the international F terminal would have made things better.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): I tested the full-flat bed position, which in my opinion is too cramped for a long-haul flight. Shoulder space is very restricted, which makes me think 'larger' passengers will have some trouble settling in. But for a 4-hr hop, it couldn't get more perfect.
I've tried those seats on a 767-400 and I very much agree with you, they are certainly not as comfortable as the ones on the 777 or 747, that said, this seat is much more critical of the position you use to sleep or relax. The foot space is tight indeed, but, if you move "up" the seat when it is in the flat position, your feet don't have to be quite in so deep into the space restricted cubby hole which makes things much more comfortable.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): Edgar poured a small quantity in my glass for the tasting... 10 points for Edgar!
Points for Edgar indeed ! This is more or less standard procedure as I have seen, but as always, you have bad crews sometimes.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): Given the fact I tried AA's sundae less than 3 weeks ago on their inaugural 77W flight to Brazil, I decided to go for it on this flight and compare. Yeah right, compare!
AA seems to be boss when it comes to on board sundaes, did they offer any other toppings?
Haha, come now, let's cut him some slack, when I've been stuck in an aisle seat, it's miserable not having a window to look out of and you end up sometimes resorting to the cabin for entertainment, and when I look out other people's windows I always worry that they'll think I'm staring at -them- instead, ha! Anyways, unless he had engaged in previous staring beforehand, maybe he was just bored !
Quoting AA737-823 (Reply 10): Appalling! I appreciate their design and functionality, and I am NOT one to overreact to sensationalism, but seriously, Delta.... that's a blatant flub up.
Hehe, I hope you don't mind seeing it everywhere when you go to Asia !!
Quoting questions (Reply 14): b) It is a cheap cut of beef. DL is not known to spend a lot on catering. The current BE service is not the same as it was when first introduced. It's been downgraded.
Expensive cuts of beef unfortunately do poorly when reheated, of course some airlines manage but I rather have a fool proof cheap cut of beef than a fancy one that is prone to being ruined by the many variables of on board re-heating. I've had short ribs on other DL flights and it really does reheat very well.
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 6): Oaxacan? I'm not a fan of Mole but, any difference with Poblano Mole?.
Mole is a very complicated sauce, as even simple recipes have sometimes wide differences between regions, complicated recipes like Mole are even more susceptible to regional variations, mole oaxaqueño is supposed to have a slightly more complex blend of spices.
Many thanks again for the report, and for braving bad stares when taking pictures ; ) The bad stares come and go, but the pictures remain forever !!
AA737-823 From United States of America, joined Mar 2000, 5344 posts, RR: 11 Reply 17, posted (2 months 1 week 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 11068 times:
Okay, NOW I have had time to read your report. Thanks for posting the pics, they're quite good.
Quoting dcajet (Reply 11): And yes, you are overreacting.
No, I'm not. I try to be sensitive, and to have good taste. But thanks for your opinion.
Quoting 797 (Reply 2): I think some ass-faced passengers looked at me wrong, also because I took so many pictures...
Judging by your alcohol consumption rate, I'm gonna go ahead and submit that it was you, yourself who was ass-faced.
You're prepared to stand up in the middle of business class, turn around, and snap a photo of a couple dozen people without asking them first, post their faces on the internet without asking their permission, and then call SOMEONE ELSE a douche?
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8267 posts, RR: 56 Reply 18, posted (2 months 1 week 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 10916 times:
Nice report Enrique!
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): I decided to check-in for my flight to Caracas. I had my seat assigned in the Economy Comfort rows right behind business class, so I wasn't expecting anything out of the ordinary.
To my wonderful awakening surprise, when I used the awesome app on my iPhone to check-in for the flight, I suddenly saw my seat upgraded to 3D. Not only I had been upgraded to Business Class, but also my aircraft had been changed to a much more attractive one, the 76W.
- What a great surprise, certain to make one a happy camper for sure.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): I got served a perfect glass of champagne (so much better than the one served on AA). The temperature and quality were quite up the standards of European carriers. Congrats on that!
- And it looks to be in real glass too, makes a change form the plastic cups that US carriers usually serve pre-departure drinks in.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): I tested the full-flat bed position, which in my opinion is too cramped for a long-haul flight. Shoulder space is very restricted, which makes me think 'larger' passengers will have some trouble settling in
- The seat is nice but I find the foot area a bit restrictive when in bed mode, pls the seat lacks any real privacy, the cabin feels quite 'open' and some of your pictures reflect that.
The catering on board looks pretty good, I'm quite impressed actually.
The lounge in ATL looks very busy and again a bit too open, at least that's how it looks to me.
797 From Venezuela, joined Aug 2005, 1821 posts, RR: 26 Reply 19, posted (2 months 1 week 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 10623 times:
Hi everyone,
Thanks for your comments!
Quoting AirAfreak (Reply 3): I hope to try the 76W and compare it to the 77L BizElite, which I only have flown so far... How do you find the shoulder room? I am tall and slender, but with broad shoulders, so I hope the comfort level is on par with the 77L!
I'm dying to test the Business Elite on the 77L. I guess I need to find my way to Australia, somehow!
Quoting AirAfreak (Reply 3): Glad you are enjoying the benefits of Medallion Status! Keep Climbing!
I'm working on it! This year will be tough, though.
You get one complimentary drink. A passenger was complaining to the bar tender that all drinks should be free! Given the state of the economy, maybe that'd be the wrong way to go for any airline nowadays.
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 6): I thought of you as a hardcore AA fan, where'd the love go?.
Haha, good one! Maybe my FF status played an important role here. I lost my Gold status in AA a month ago, and having the chance to go into the SkyClub is very valuable to me. Then again, the airplanes that AA sends to CCS are some of the worse in their fleet - along with the crankiest FAs!
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 6): Was there any sense of "Oasis" in them? I mean, could you really sit and enjoy some quiet time?
I went straight to the showers, to be honest. That's what made it an oasis! All the seats were full... there were some people standing, actually!
Quoting mvecchi4 (Reply 6): I saw in a couple of trip reports here that UA also serves Sundae. What made you choose AA's over DL? What makes AA's "special"?
AA is the Man! They serve Ben & Jerry's and offer so many toppings... In DL they only offered Hot Fudge.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 8): Lucky you got to fly on a 767 to CCS. Food and cabin looks great!
I was extremely lucky. The purser said to me: This route is so random! Until two days ago this flight was supposed to be done on a 737, now here we are!!!
Quoting EASTERN747 (Reply 9): DL uses that awlful tray that's looks like a cafeteria. It should be covered with linen.
I agree with you. A linen would have made it a much classier setup.
Quoting EASTERN747 (Reply 9): I didn't notice a coffee cup or after dinner drink service.
True. I wasn't offered tea or coffee. I hadn't thought of it
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 12): Delta's new Business Elite looks quite nice, you sure got 2 lucky upgrades there!
The Sky Club looks nice too, especially that shower room!
Thanks Brendan! Those 2 upgrades made my day, and the shower too
Quoting EddieDude (Reply 13): Ha! Thanks for the mention man. I am really glad that you enjoyed this place. It is great, isn't it? I love living across the street hehe.
I'm going back for sure, dude. Now that my cousin is moving to MEX, please expect me to bother you again
Quoting EddieDude (Reply 13): Not carrot! Butternut squash! You were indeed hammered or just too tired from the trip.
Oops.
Quoting questions (Reply 14): I realize the J seats on the refurbished 763's are the same as the ones on Swiss. However, for some reason, they look small and uncomfortable. How did you find them?
They were comfortable to work on. To sleep on? I don't think so. It was pretty cramped and there was no space to put my stuff in. That being said, however, I think it's quite nice for medium-haul flights where there is no need to sleep.
What makes it really good, though, is the pillow and cover they provide. Very cozy!
Quoting SR117 (Reply 15): Ah Eddiedude, he is very knowledgeable when it comes to good eating and Mexico City, and excellent company !! Glad you two had a fun time.
Thanks!!! Next time you should come with us
Quoting SR117 (Reply 15): Seems to be the club at Terminal E? Quite crowded.. I would have thought the new lounge in the international F terminal would have made things better.
I wanted to see the F terminal! My luck didn't get me that far, though!
Quoting SR117 (Reply 15): AA seems to be boss when it comes to on board sundaes, did they offer any other toppings?
Not at all! Just Hot Fudge. You're totally right.
Quoting AA737-823 (Reply 17): Judging by your alcohol consumption rate, I'm gonna go ahead and submit that it was you, yourself who was ass-faced.
Au contraire, my dear friend. I was happy and enjoying myself, having the time of my life. Maybe you're the one who gets ass-faced when flying J and having a great time?
Quoting AA737-823 (Reply 17): You're prepared to stand up in the middle of business class, turn around, and snap a photo of a couple dozen people without asking them first, post their faces on the internet without asking their permission, and then call SOMEONE ELSE a douche?
It behooves me how you make assumptions like this one. Last time I checked, iPhones have a feature for taking backward pictures without having to stand up... then again, these pictures are taken for people like you to look at... so maybe you could spare the attitude
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 18): - And it looks to be in real glass too, makes a change form the plastic cups that US carriers usually serve pre-departure drinks in.
That's exactly how I felt! On AA's inaugural to Brazil I got served Champagne on a plastic cup. Horrifying!
Thanks for [most] the comments guys!!!
Cheers.
797
Flying isn't dangerous. Crashing is what's dangerous!
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): With less than one hour to go, I finished writing the main part of this report still zipping the last drops of an entire wine bottle Edgar served me.
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): I think some ass-faced passengers looked at me wrong, also because I took so many pictures... Anyways, I wasn't going to ruin my trip because some tight-ass passengers think taking pictures at a Business Class seat is nouveau riche or what not… Please!
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): Cabin view prior arrival .....A douche looking at me
Shot No 2.....the whole bottle lol
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): Haha, come now, let's cut him some slack, when I've been stuck in an aisle seat, it's miserable not having a window to look out of and you end up sometimes resorting to the cabin for entertainment, and when I look out other people's windows I always worry that they'll think I'm staring at -them- instead, ha! Anyways, unless he had engaged in previous staring beforehand, maybe he was just bored !
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): You're prepared to stand up in the middle of business class, turn around, and snap a photo of a couple dozen people without asking them first, post their faces on the internet without asking their permission, and then call SOMEONE ELSE a douche?
Curious...
Quoting 797 (Thread starter): It behooves me how you make assumptions like this one. Last time I checked, iPhones have a feature for taking backward pictures without having to stand up... then again, these pictures are taken for people like you to look at... so maybe you could spare the attitude
The point being made here is firstly taking people's pics and then accusing the sole person to glare back at you (or your Iphone) as being a "douche". I'm curious too... Hey people take pics of passengers all the time, but let's not call people names
797 From Venezuela, joined Aug 2005, 1821 posts, RR: 26 Reply 21, posted (2 months 1 week 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 10408 times:
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 20): The point being made here is firstly taking people's pics and then accusing the sole person to glare back at you (or your Iphone) as being a "douche". I'm curious too... Hey people take pics of passengers all the time, but let's not call people names
Absolutely agreed! The fact I called him a douche (and I apologize for not clarifying it above) is because he was giving Edgar a hard time with the food... none of my business, I know, but I don't appreciate people busting FA's butts for food they aren't responsible for.
Nevertheless, I apologize for calling them names
Thanks for the remark
797
Flying isn't dangerous. Crashing is what's dangerous!
klkla From United States of America, joined Jul 2004, 803 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (2 months 1 week 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 10266 times:
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 18): You get one complimentary drink. A passenger was complaining to the bar tender that all drinks should be free! Given the state of the economy, maybe that'd be the wrong way to go for any airline nowadays.
Where was this? In the Sky Club? ASAIK drinks are free except for a few premium products.
AA737-823 From United States of America, joined Mar 2000, 5344 posts, RR: 11 Reply 23, posted (2 months 1 week 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 9865 times:
Quoting 797 (Reply 19): It behooves me how you make assumptions like this one. Last time I checked, iPhones have a feature for taking backward pictures without having to stand up... then again, these pictures are taken for people like you to look at... so maybe you could spare the attitude
Possibly, though I suggest you look up the definition of the word "behoove".
And I'll assume you didn't ever have a flash on your camera/iphone, either, then...... or is that an assumption too far?
globalflyer From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 807 posts, RR: 2 Reply 24, posted (2 months 1 week 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 9637 times:
Hi Enrique, great TR as usual! Isn't it great that as a Medallian on DL that they allow space available upgrades to Business on the Caribbean and short-haul LATAM flights! I have been Platinum for years and it is a great perk! I just flew Austrian Business Class JFK-VIE-DXB and they have the same seats (just red instead of blue) I have found that DL has really come a long way in terms of dining as well in BusinessElite. I really like the new SkyClub refurbishments too. They just do not compare though in terms of food offerings to the other international carriers. But free liquor is great. I do not know why anyone would shell out $10 or so for a "premium drink"? If you have enough, you won't know any better!
Thanks for sharing! Cheers, Will
Landing on every Continent almost on an annual basis!
25 christao17: Thanks for sharing this report with us. Looks like Delta's business offering is pretty decent, especially the food!
26 797: Hi Will, Thanks for the comment! Do you know if these upgrades also happen on trans-atlantic flights? I often cross the pond with Alitalia... but I'd
27 ogre727: Gee... Somebody has a raindeer stuck up their fuel dump nozzle. What is it with the attitude? Enrique, great report. Keep it up!
28 IrishAyes: Hola Enrique, Great TR! I b*tch a lot these days about being a UA elite, just because the premium product on Delta and American looks so much better I
29 mayhem: Great trip report! Thanks a lot Funny to see that a regular J class flyer of you hadn't been in these seats before. The refurbished J has been serving
30 797: Thanks for your comments, everyone! I decided to go with SkyMiles two years ago, after experiencing unpleasant events with AZ and AF's FFPs. SkyMiles,
31 AirAfreak: Lol!!!!!!!! That made me laugh!!!!!!!!!! Feliz Navidad!!!!!!!!! jajajajajajajajajajajaja!!!!!! Yes, more attitude here on this forum it seems versus
32 klkla: They will get the seats the 747 just got in BE (reverse herringbone).
33 AA737-823: LOL. No BS involved; if we're supposed to read and enjoy, then why are you calling other passengers "douches" just for looking at you while taking pi
34 klkla: You seriously need to get over it. It's obviously just four individual chairs set at opposing angles. The Trip Reports section is one place on this s
35 toobz: "Obviously some people are bluffing and never had one of those trays before them. They are actually covered with a special primer, so that your cutle
36 abrelosojos: = I LOVE THIS PLACE! Anyways, what a brilliant report. Though, I maintain, you continue being drunk off the 8 glasses when you wrote this . Thanks a
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From Venezuela, joined Aug 2005, 1821 posts, 
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Food looked good for a shorter BE flight.
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From Mexico, joined Nov 2003, 7184 posts, 
Thanks a lot for sharing the pics and for taking the time to write the report; I had a great time reading it. Hopefully there are a couple of XXX-SEA with DL trip reports on the horizon.
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