For spring break I was going to Europe. After looking at a few options we settled on AMS. I had originally booked a DL flight from JFK to AMS via DTW. Later I booked SYR-JFK separately. A few days before the trip I was planning on flying on a redeye from PHX-JFK, and then to SYR on a CRJ. The day before the flight I got an email that there was a waiver due to a snowstorm in NY. After looking at my limited options I rebooked from PHX-SEA-ATL-SYR, on a E175, 739 and an MD88. There was nothing special about these flights other then doing an S turn really short final in ATL, and rolling out practically over the numbers. Also in SYR there was a snowstorm so we did an ILS down to minimums breaking out short final. After a few days at home it was time to go to AMS! The day before I was supposed to leave, I started to experience déjà vu when I got an email saying that there was a waiver in NY for weather. NY was supposed to get there second snowstorm in a little over a week. They were anticipating on cancelling a lot of flights on the day I was supposed to leave. I called DL several times to see what my options were. Several agents I spoke to said since I was on separate reservations there was nothing they could do. They only allow one change and I could either change the SYR-JFK, or the JFK-AMS flights. Finally after speaking to several people, I was able to get rebooked from SYR-ATL-AMS on an MD90 and a KLM 777-200. She was also able to combine them on to one reservation. I was originally scheduled to depart around 11:30am. Since I got switched to the ATL flight, I wasn’t leaving until 6pm. I got to the airport around 4:15pm, there was no line at the DL counter to check my bag. With my boarding pass in hand, I headed for the pre check line. I was at the gate by 10 minutes after checking in.

March 7, 2018
Delta 2006
SYR-ATL
N926DH
McDonnell Douglas MD90
Scheduled Departure 5:52pm
Actual Departure 5:59pm
Scheduled Arrival 8:14pm
Actual Arrival 7:55pm
Flight Time- 1 hour 56 minutes

N926DH arriving

Boarding

 
Boarding was fast, and once everyone was onboard the door was closed. We pushed back about 5 minutes early, and taxied to runway 10. After takeoff, we made a right turn to the south and climbed up through some cloud layers.

“Delta 2006 contact departure”



It was a nice sunset up on top




Final 26R



N926DH at B36, getting ready to head back up to SYR


I had about 2 and a half hour layover. After getting over to the F concourse and having some dinner, I went to the gate. They started about boarding 45 minutes before departure. Once everyone was onboard, we pushed back about 10 minutes early. We then taxied to 27R, and were behind 5 planes for takeoff. We were on the PHIIL2 departure, so we departed to the south and then back to the east. Eventually we made are way northeast, heading out over the water over Virginia. We continued northeast past Canada, and out over the ocean.

March 7, 2018
KLM 622
ATL-AMS
PH-BQD
Boeing 777-200
Scheduled Departure 10:25pm
Actual Departure 10:38pm
Scheduled Arrival 12:25pm
Actual Arrival 12:08pm
Flight Time- 7 hours 30 minutes



PH-BQD




34A


Taxing to 27R




Shortly after takeoff, a snack was served before dinner


For dinner I got meatballs


After dinner the lights were turned down for a few hours. About an hour and a half out of AMS, a light breakfast was served. Shortly after this we started down into a rainy and overcast AMS







Descending into AMS




Arriving at the gate after a 20 minute taxi




AMS was fun, and after a few days exploring the city it was time to head back to PHX. I got to the airport about 2 and half hours before my 1:00pm flight. After checking in and going thorough security, I had a little time to kill before boarding.

March 11, 2018
Delta 75
AMS-ATL
N864DA
Boeing 777-200
Scheduled Departure 1:00pm
Actual Departure 1:37pm
Scheduled Arrival 5:35pm
Actual Arrival 5:07pm
Flight Time- 8 hours 30 minutes



N864DA to ATL






41A


Once everyone was on board the flight attendants made an announcement that the WI-FI would not be working. Also the TV’s were pretty dated, and my USB to charge my phone was not working. Once everyone was on board, and we were ready to go for about 15 minutes before the doors were closed and we pushed back. We taxied slowly towards the runway. After about a 15 minute taxi, we were in the air and on the way out over the water.

Cabin during boarding






Heading out over the water


Shortly after takeoff the flight attendants came through with drinks and Biscoff cookies. About an hour after takeoff the lunch service was started. Today they were offering chicken or ravioli. After this they came through with drinks again. After this the meal trays were collected, and most people lowered their window shades. Throughout the flight, FA’s came through with water and coffee. About an hour before landing, FA’s handed out calzones and another drink service. Shortly after this, we were descending into ATL.




Half way through the flight


Over Pennsylvania


Getting closer


Descending


Final for 8L


Over the numbers


After 8 hours 30 minutes in the air, we were on the ground in ATL



Parked at F2
 
After deplaning, I headed down to customs. I downloaded the mobile passport app on my phone, so the line was short. After waiting for about 40 minute for my bag to come out, I took it to the bag drop for connecting flights. Lastly I had to go through security one last time. I then went to the A concourse where my flight to PHX was departing.

March 11, 2018
Delta 2559
ATL-PHX
N329DN
Airbus A321
Scheduled Departure 7:55pm
Actual Departure 8:17pm
Scheduled Arrival 9:05pm
Actual Arrival 9:05pm
Flight Time- 3 hours 48 minutes

Boarding began about 40 minutes prior to departure. When I went to scan my boarding pass, they printed out a new seat assignment. I was moved a few rows back so a family could sit together. I was moved to 18A which had a misaligned window, which was annoying. It was a rainy night in ATL. Once boarding was completed and the door was closed, we sat for about 15 minutes waiting to pushback. After this, it was a quick taxi to 8R. After two DL MD88’s, we were cleared for takeoff. It was a bumpy climb out, but once we got on top it smoothed out just as the sun was just setting.


N329DN



18A




Almost back to PHX



We touched down on runway 26 at 9:05pm. We were parked at gate 16 a few minutes later, ending this 17 hour travel day!



 

 

Nice photos. Looks like you had a good trip!

You skipped the legroom and only showed one meal. I would have liked to see it. Anyway thanks.

Nice report, great pictures!

SESGDL wrote:

Nice report, great pictures!

Thanks!

Great report. Very detailed. Thanks for posting.

Delta’s product on that 777 was disappointing. Not even a choice of pretzels or nuts vs the Biscoffs with the first beverage service. Not everyone wants a cookie with their cocktail.

millionsofmiles wrote:

Great report. Very detailed. Thanks for posting.

Delta’s product on that 777 was disappointing. Not even a choice of pretzels or nuts vs the Biscoffs with the first beverage service. Not everyone wants a cookie with their cocktail.

It was not the best DL flight i have been on. The person's TV next to me did not work the whole flight, and none of the USB chargers in are row worked. Also the WI-FI was broken as well. All of that made for a pretty long flight!

Good report.