First trip report EVER....so be kind.
So I was off to visit a friend in Denver for the weekend. I was pumped at the chance to fly a 762 and Delta did not disappoint me!

May 13
DL 725 - DCA-ATL
MD-88
Seat 2A
First Class

I arrived at the airport to find 4 people in the First Class check in line. However, it took at least 10 minutes to get to the agent as the 2 people in front of me were passengers flying in coach that had already missed their flights, proceeded to yell at the agents, and demand rebooking and one even said that b/c of the stress, she had to fly in First.

So I finally got to the agent and she was extremely nice and helpful. I headed to the bar for a couple beers and then to the gate, where I arrive just in time for first class boarding. We boarded and the flight attendant, obviously an attendant for many years, took drink orders. Bloody Mary's all around the cabin pretty much. She was great! Takeoff was uneventful, as was the rest of the flight and after 2 more bloody's, we touched down in Atlanta. Per discussion with the flight attendant, a bloody mary without the vodka is a bloody shame!

I walked off the plane only to find that my flight to Denver had been delayed until 7 (1 hr. 6 minutes late). I headed over to Ben & Jerry's for a snack and then to the gate for a long wait. The flight was delayed an additional 40 minutes because of late arriving crew from Jacksonville. At 740, boarding was called onto the 762!


DL 301 - ATL-DEN
767-200
Seat 2B
First Class

Takeoff drinks were served by AWESOME flight attendants. After being late and them running from their previous flight, I figured they might not be in the best of moods....but they were great. Makers and Diet for me and Scotch and water for my seatmate. The 762 is a great plane! Spacious inside, all audio in my seat working great, and awesome legroom.....better than the 752 I flew the following Sunday. Takeoff was powerful and 25 minutes after takeoff, drinks were served before dinner. Coach had the purchase meal plan but First got a great meal! Another bourbon and nuts before dinner. Dinner was a grilled chicken breast and portabello mushroom, served with mushroom ravioli, a garlic butter sauce, tossed salad, and pecan pie. The salad wasnt so great but the entree and pecan pie were awesome (I am from the south so pecan pie is always a hit with me!!!). Througout the rest of the flight, the attendants constantly came around offerring more drinks and additional snacks. They were great. Touchdown in Denver was 10:00, about 2.5 hours late.


THE RETURN:

May 16
DL 1204 - DEN-ATL
757-200
Seat 5C

Arrived at the airport slightly late, about 55 minutes before departure....just making the cut for the 45 minute cutoff time for bag screening. The first class line for security moved along nicely. Arrived at the gate, checked email with a wireless connection, and hopped on the plane. The attendants were nice (not as friendly as the prior flights), took drink orders, and regular boarding resumed. This flight was COMPLETELY full (as were all of my other flights). Lunch was a southwestern pizza with chicken, corn, and mild chilis. Salad and cheescake. It was very nice....not as great as dinner 3 nights ago. I fell asleep for the rest of the flight. We landed in ATL 10 minutes early after a fairly turbulent flight.

DL 1888 - ATL-DCA
Seat 2A

So I have been on this flight 4 out of the past 6 weeks on Sunday. And 3 of those 4 have seen serious delays. This time, First Class was boarded and then boarding stopped b/c of weather. So we had a little party in First Class...drinks and snacks all around and the crew was great! The copilot came out and talked to us for a while. Almost 45 minutes later, the rest of the full plane boarded, and we were off to DCA. Uneventful except for the approach. I fly in and out of DCA at least 2 times a month....and love the river approach. However, the pilot seemed to veer WAY off course as we were VERY close to the Washington Monument at one point and he actually had to correct back to the right before touchdown, which is very unusual for this approach pattern. Landed, bags out in 5 minutes, and I was in a cab for home.

CONCLUSION: Wonderful trip! The flight attendants made the difference. The 762 was great!!! I will continue to fly DL for many years to come....as long as they are around, which I pray they will be. Silver for next year and counting....projecting Gold by the end of August or October with work travel.