Point Me to the Miles

Georgia on My Mind: Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Atlanta, GA (ATL)

Introduction
Pasco, WA (PSC) to Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to Atlanta, GA (ATL)

As I mentioned, out of my 3 flights, only one had an upgrade that had cleared, so I was watching the upgrade lists for the other two like a hawk.

On transcontinental  flights, upgrades clear at the gate as opposed to the booking window, so about 19 out of 24 First Class Seats showed as available before I checked in 24 hours out.  As my flight loomed nearer, I was around 25th or so on the upgrade list, so decided to try my luck on a later flight.

I went on to Delta.com, and noticed that the next flight out, arriving in Atlanta about an hour later, seemed to have better availability.  So after getting off the plane in Los Angeles, I headed straight for the Delta SkyClub.  I inquired about same day confirming, and was told I would be 15th out of 17 or so, two hours out from departure.

I had not utilized the same day-confirm benefit yet, courtesy of being a Gold Medallion or higher, so I decided to take advantage of it and play upgrade roulette.

In the end, I was about 19th or so on the upgrade list, so I missed not one but TWO.  #FirstWorldProblems.

Delta 1554
Los Angeles (LAX) – Atlanta (ATL)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Depart: 2:45 PM
Arrive: 10:02 PM
Duration: 4 Hr 17 Min
Aircraft: Boeing 757-200
Seat: 26D (Economy)

Fortunately, after re-booking, an Exit Row seat opened up.

757-200 Seat Map

Matter of fact, I suppose I was lucky, because while the window seat was occupied, the middle seat was not taken so I had some extra room to spread out:

My Seat Arrangement

One nice thing about the Exit Row seats, compared to Economy Comfort seats, is that because of the amount of space in between seats, there is an extra fold-out table in the arm rest, in addition to the one in the back of the seat.  So between those and, and the two shared tables in between my row-mate and I, I had a whole FOUR tables and a seat to spread out my stuff!  Boy, am I really spoiled!! 🙂

When I first started seriously flying, I always liked the longer flights because of all of the entertainment options.  And with personal Audio/Video Displays, I certainly wasn’t disappointed!  It’s always amazed me that an plane can stream live TV while in the air, and I was able to watch the evening news shortly after take off.

I suppose it’s gotten worse since they require payment for some movies and TV channels in the main cabin, but between ESPN, Discovery, and even a New York Giants game, I was pretty content on the entertainment front.

In covering, Delta’s “Have One On Us” policy, I shared how I like to push the envelope maximize my experience by attempting to use it for the purchase of perishable food.  Well, I tried again, asking for an exception and it seems the new line is “The system won’t let us scan it.”  I wasn’t ready for this answer, and suppose next time I will plan asking “Well can you make an exception and forget to ring it up?”

As it was, I ended up using it for a Flight Delights snack box, which isn’t a bad deal, as reviewed in greater depth by Double Wides Fly here.  While maybe not supper-quality, it more than makes up for it in the sheer quantity of food, and it filled up my stomach indeed.

I think one think that sets First Class apart, is the usually attentive service, compared to lousy (and almost non-existent) service coach.  However, on this flight, the flight attendants seemed to be fairly reasonable about refilling drinks and offering snacks throughout the flight.  Unlike some flights–even in First at times, I didn’t find myself hitting the call button when I needed a drink, and was pretty satisfied.

I managed to chug away at some work and a blog post on my laptop during the course of the flight, and we ended up landing in Atlanta right on time.

When we hit the ground, I turned on my phone, and discovered I had a surprise waiting for me in Atlanta…

Georgia on My Mind:Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX)

Introduction
Pasco, WA (PSC) to Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX)

I had about an hour and a half between flights, so I headed to the SkyClub–which was conveniently located along my way, between Gates B and C.

SLC SkyClub

While in there, I heard a charming interaction between a father and young daughter, which went as follows:

Father: “I’ll buy you a drink.”
Daughter: “I thought they were free!”
Called out!

I headed over to the gate, where boarding had just begun, so despite using the SkyPriority Lane to board, I had a to wait a few minutes before making the wonderful left turn into the First Class cabin of the Boeing 757-200.

Delta 1299
Salt Lake City (SLC) – Los Angeles (LAX)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Depart: 11:15 AM
Arrive: 12:16 PM
Duration: 1 Hr 1 Min
Aircraft: Boeing 757-200
Seat: 1D (First Class)

I had been sitting for about 2 minutes when the purser came by to offer me a pre-departure beverage.  I took a Glenlivet on the rocks, sat back and enjoyed myself.

While I generally have enjoyed watching the parade of passengers pass by me, I am starting to appreciate the quick and peaceful surroundings afforded in the forward cabin of the 757-200, where the main entrance/exit is behind you.

Anyway, as far as my seat itself, I had the bulkhead in Row 1, which I know some do not like.  I find that the legroom is adequate, maybe a little bit extra, and I have something I can prop my feet against.  Being close to the lavatory doesn’t bother me, as my nose isn’t real sensitive and I take advantage of it often.

Seat 1D

I should also mentioned that this happened to be one of Delta’s longhaul-configured aircraft, as evident by the leg rests on the seats.

I noticed a metal bar running the width of my seat on the floor, and realized it was the foot support for a leg rest, meaning it was an angled-flat seat.  So in addition to a button on the arm rest for the seat recline, there is a second one for raising the leg rest.  These seats, as opposed to lie-flat seats, can be uncomfortable for sleeping, but on a shorter flight it was perfect for reclining.

At just under 2 hours, this flight did not include a meal, but rather a snack basket and drink service.  The flight attendants were good about providing drink refills, and we were landing before too long.

Why do the flights I get upgraded on always have to seem too short?

Georgia On My Mind: Pasco to Salt Lake City

Introduction
Pasco, WA (PSC) to Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX)

I made it to the airport about an hour before my flight’s (early) departure of 6:35 AM.

In the past my usual routine has been to jump straight into the SkyPriority line, courtesy of my Gold Medallion status on Delta.  However, I have learned that if I want to print my boarding pass–which I needed to do in this case, I would be sent to one of the kiosks. I know they do this to make it “easier” and require fewer ticket agents, but it sorta irks me.  Not that I am an elite-ist, but generally it means those with status are not helped immediately and still have to wait a little bit at times.

Evil Kiosks

Anway, one of them opened up right away, so I went ahead and printed my boarding pass, then used the Sky Priority cue to drop off my bag.

At most airports, my Delta Gold Medallion status Whether using the elite check-in line, or not they will simply re-direct you to the kiosks to print boarding passes, which I needed to do, unfortunately.

Check-In

I headed through the single security lane (which hopefully they will add to soon, as part of a proposed airport expansion in Pasco, if anyone cares)  and to the gate area.

While, my Salt Lake to LAX upgrade cleared at the Gold Medallion window essentially four days out, my other two flights had not.  This had me watching the upgrade lists like a hawk, especially since I could tell I was close to clearing.

As it turned out, I was #3 on the list for 1 First Class seat on the flight to Salt Lake City.  Ahead of me on the list was a couple, and I noticed the gate agent call them both over, and inquire about their status.  While they both claimed to be Gold Medallions–meaning they were likely booked on a higher fare class than I was, the agent informed them that only the husband could be upgraded.  This led me to check with the agent myself, and he informed me it was still possible, but didn’t appear likely.

I went ahead and boarded, noting there was still an empty seat in First.  More and more of the boarding process went on, and still an empty seat.   After most passengers had boarded, the same agent came over to me and said he would check on something… He went further back in coach, and upgraded the wife to the empty seat in First.  RATS!!! Oh so close, oh well!

Delta 3359
Pasco, WA (PSC) – Salt Lake City (SLC)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Depart: 6:35 AM
Arrive: 9:09 AM
Duration: 1 Hr 34 Min
Aircraft:  CRJ-900
Seat: 5B (Economy Comfort)

While obviously disappointed about barely missing an upgrade, it didn’t make a huge difference because it was a fairly short flight (only up in the air for about an hour) and there was no breakfast service in First, anyway.

Plus, as crazy as it sounds, I probably had more legroom than anyone else on the plain–including First Class, considering I was in the first row of Coach, where the configuration changes from 3 to 4 across:

Seat 5B Legroom on a CRJ-900

As a side note, this is considered Economy Comfort now, which costs an extra $15-$25 (I think) if you do not have Gold or higher status, on Delta.  While these Delta elites can select Economy Comfort immediately after being ticketed, if status you lack, you can request these seats within 24 hours of departure, or time of check-in.

As I learned from my seatmate, an Alaska Gold MVP, is not only is there upgrade reciprocity for Alaska elites on Delta, they are not able to select Economy Comfort for free, until 24 before departure.

Like most Regional Jet flights, there wasn’t much excitement, and just enough time for a drink and snack service.

Surf & Sun Tampa Style: New York to Pasco, WA

Introduction
Pasco to Salt Lake City (SLC)
SLC to Los Angeles (LAX)
LAX, “The Bump,” and Torrance Marriott
LAX to Atlanta
Atlanta to Tampa
Hotel Review: DoubleTree Suites Tampa Bay
Exploring Tampa Part 1: Honeymoon Island
Hotel Review: Tampa Marriott Waterside
Bern’s Steak House Tampa
Exploring Tampa Part 2: Cigar City Brewery and Clearwater Beach
Hotel Review: Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
Exploring Tampa Part 3: Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center and Ybor City
Tampa to New York (LGA)
New York to Minneapolis (MSP)/Minneapolis to Pasco, WA (PSC)

I checked in at the SkyClub, and it wasn’t crowded wall-to-wall like it was the first time I had visited, and I snagged a desk to catch up on some emails.

The cool thing is that they had the IPads on display, which impressed me.  Then again, it doesn’t take much.

IPad in the SkyClub

Unfortunately there are very few windows in that particular SkyClub, and I didn’t feel like transferring terminals to go to a different lounge that did.  After about 2-2 and a half hours, I headed out to the gate for my next flight.  I noticed that the gate area had some signage for Delta’s upcoming upgrade of LaGuardia:

Delta LaGuardia Upgrade Ad

Anyway, boarding was just about to get under way.  Unlike my outbound journey, I would have no luck getting a “bump” today.

Delta 1619
New York LaGuardia – Minneapolis/St. Paul
Monday, April 2, 2012
Depart: 4:05 PM
Arrive: 6:25 PM
Duration: 2 Hours 20 Minutes
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 10C (Economy–Exit Row)

Unlike my previous flight, I did not end up getting upgraded and the service was well… serviceable, but not out of this world.

We managed to take off on time, and I managed to snap a pretty good photo of the New York area as we were departing:

Taking Off from New York

After we hit our cruising altitude, a drink and snack selection was offered as usual.

Again, not too much was interesting about this flight–or my next flight for that matter, save an entire group of high school students on a field trip just behind me.  They actually were fairly well, behaved for high schoolers, then again they came from Montana, so maybe not all THAT interesting.

Once we landed in Minneapolis I headed over to Axel’s Bonfire Grill since I wanted some more substantive fare than just a SkyClub could offer.  I ended up having a MEGA  burrito which left me utterly and helplessly stuffed.  I am not a huge fun of the Minneapolis dining options, but Axel’s is a pretty good place to grab some food.

I walked off my gluttony, then hung out in the SkyClub for a little bit.  For some reason, I did not think of taking any pictures, sorry.

I headed out after about an hour for my final flight of the night.  In fact, I was approaching the gate and about to take a picture of it when I was suddenly bull-rushed by a friend headed to Pasco on the same flight.

It was fine and I enjoyed catching up with him.  But things got a little awkward for me when he asked where I was sitting.  I had been upgraded about 2 days out, but didn’t want to look like a First Class snob, so I just said “3A.”  He immediately responded “Oh, you’re in First Class.”  Crap.

You see, maybe it is just me, but in these situations, I am afraid someone will either think A) I’m an elitist (no pun intended) and that I think I’m better than them, B) I am unwise with my money and actually pay for First Class, or C) Both.  So I always get hesitant when I see someone I know and I have been upgraded.

Delta 3435
Minneapolis – Pasco, WA (PSC)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Depart: 9:50 PM
Arrive: 11:16 PM
Duration: 3 Hr 26 Min
Aircraft: CRJ-900
Seat: 3A (First Class)

Anyway, I boarded and I was able to people watch as they came on.  At first I thought it was cliche, but the more I sit at the front of aircraft and watch people board, the more I believe their demeanor says a lot about them.

Anyway, my friend boarded and as he passed by I handed him the (unopened) bottle of water that had been placed in my seat.  Hopefully he appreciated this gesture, but perhaps I should have done more and offered to switch seats.

I texted him after he sat down, and asked if he would like any “free libations” or wanted to trade seats, and he simply responded “not at this point.”   I felt bad when he said “at this point,” like I had failed him.  I don’t try to be a jerk, sometimes things just don’t even cross my mind.

Anyway, I was blessed with a lead flight from Mississippi–accent and all, who promised that there “would be no movie, but it would be the most entertaining flight I had been on.”  She was a character for sure, and received a few chuckles.

After about 15 minutes or so, the door was closed, and take-off commenced.

Delta Flights longer than 2 hours usually include a meal service, but since this one left after 9 PM, it only included a “snack” service.  All it really is a choice of chips, candy bars, peanuts, and pretzels, so I wish they would have some more appetizing options available.

I don’t know if it’s me, but the flights where I have been upgraded seem to pass by faster than the ones where I am sitting in coach.  It’s a shame really.

Once we landed and I was getting off the plane, I thanked Ms. Mississippi, and informed her of the following:

“Of all the flights I have ever been on, this by far….
Was the most recent.”

Really, she did pretty good, I just couldn’t resist.

Surf & Sun Tampa Style: Tampa to New York (LGA)

Introduction
Pasco to Salt Lake City (SLC)
SLC to Los Angeles (LAX)
LAX, “The Bump,” and Torrance Marriott
LAX to Atlanta
Atlanta to Tampa
Hotel Review: DoubleTree Suites Tampa Bay
Exploring Tampa Part 1: Honeymoon Island
Hotel Review: Tampa Marriott Waterside
Bern’s Steak House Tampa
Exploring Tampa Part 2: Cigar City Brewery and Clearwater Beach
Hotel Review: Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
Exploring Tampa Part 3: Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center and Ybor City
Tampa to New York (LGA)
New York to Minneapolis (MSP) to Pasco, WA (PSC)

I got up around 7, since my flight didn’t leave until about 10.  This gave me plenty of time to enjoy breakfast in the Club Lounge of the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel.  I ended up having to wait about 10 minutes, but after checking out I hopped on the shuttle to the airport.

Delta 2280
Tampa (TPA) – New York LaGuardia (LGA)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Depart: 10:05 AM
Arrive: 12:44 PM
Duration: 2 hr 39 min
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 1A (First Class)

Hotel Shuttle

I thought I had way more than enough time for checking in and making it through security at this point, but I soon would realize how horrifically wrong I was.

Sky Priority Check-in

Anyway, check in end up being a breeze as there was absolutely no wait in the Sky Priority queue.  As I was heading to security, I began to panic.  I went into to my wallet to retrieve my ID, and that is when I noticed it:  My credit card was missing.  And not just any card, that special American Express “get me into the SkyClub free” Platinum card.

My initial re-action was that I had left it in the the pocket of the shorts I had packed away in my suitcase.  So the gal at the check-in to see me again when I came back to inquire about recalling my suitcase.

I frantically when back downstairs to the baggage claim area, and was soon able to retrieve my bag.  I searched frantically through my bag from pocket to pocket, multiple times even.  No sign of my wonderful card.  RATS!

As I shared at the time, this led to a funny moment.  I woman walked by and saw me rummaging through my suitcase furiously, and exclaimed “Oh gosh!  Is that what I have to go through!”

I re-checked my bag, and remembered the last time I remembered holding my card was the night before, in the midst of my car rental fiasco there at the airport.  (As a side note, I contacted National some time back and the “sneaky” charges I referred to were re-funded).

I went back to the National rental office, and asked about my card.  The agent at the desk was extremely professional and helpful, and he said they had locked it away earlier that morning.  Fortunately, a manager had seen it laying in the ground outside of the office, and she collected it.  My ID was checked, and was returned my missing credit card.  SWEET SUCCESS!!

I walked in, went through security (hardly wait in either the regular or Priority lien) then hopped on the shuttle to the terminal.  By the time I made it to the gate, boarding had just begun.  After a slightly stressful experience, it was nice to know that my upgrade had already cleared and I would be in First Class.

Delta 2280
Tampa (TPA) – New York LaGurdia (LGA)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Depart: 10:05 AM
Arrive: 12:44 PM
Duration: 2 hr 39 min
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 1B (First Class)

Ironically, my upgrade had cleared right as I was landing in Tampa, which was both good and bad.  Don’t get me wrong, I love every complimentary upgrade I can get, especially as an elite-staus passenger.  I just didn’t like the fact that it made me start to look forward to the end of my trip. 🙂

I arrived on the aircraft, came to my seat in 1A which had a small bottle of water, a pillow, and a blanked waiting for me.

I placed my bag in the overhead since I was in the very first row, and was soon offered a pre-departure beverage.

I was in for quite the experience, as this was the kindest and  most courteous Delta flight crew I have encountered, as I will get to.

Boarding took about 10-15 minutes with little issues (other than freaking out and thinking I forgot my laptop at security) and we were off.

Once we made it to 10,000 feet, the lead flight attendant took drink orders.  One nice feature Delta has added in the last year or so, which I don’t think I have actually mentioned, is the addition of a table cloth and ACTUAL silverware on board.  It’s a nice touch, and  makes dining in the sky a bit more “classy.”

Being in 1A, I was offered my choice of salad or a sandwich.  I had read somewhere (and it makes sense) that flight attendants love it if you just take what is left.  So I offered to do that, and the flight attendant thanked me for doing so.

In the end, it worked out because I preferred the sandwich option, and it is what I ended up with.  It came with a dish a fruit, Potato chips, and a brownie.  A decent sandwich with roast beef, lettuce and tomato but a little dry.  I asked for mayo, and they even were gracious enough to check the snack packs, and there was none to be found.  Oh well!  #FirstClassProblems

Throughout the whole flight the crew, especially the lead flight attendant working First Class, were very attentive with drinks and food, and extremely helpful about meeting passenger needs. For example, some would complain about a flight attendant not asking “Can I offer you another drink,” but mine simply said “More?”  Straightforward and to the point, which doesn’t bother me.  And she was actually be pro-active.

Even more important, they acted very professionally and acted with a genuine passion and enthusiasm that cannot be faked.

I was sincerely thankful for the EXCEPTIONAL service I was receiving, so I decided to make sure it didn’t go unnoticed.  I understand that Platinum and Diamond Medallions are given “A Job Well Done” certificates, which the attendants can turn in to receive points which are exchanged for various rewards, such as electronic gadgets.  Even though I am a “lowly” Gold Medallion, and I wasn’t going to let that get in the way of presenting a gesture of my gratitude, and  making sure their management recognized the great service that they were providing.

So I drafted it up a note with my reformed chicken scratch elegant writing, than re-wrote it to make it look nicer.  Unfortunately, I lost the draft version I wrote, other wise I would share it with you here.  I did mention how thankful I was, and how kind, professional, and courteous the flight crew was.

I handed it over to her, and here face lit up.  She seemed very appreciative, and even shared it with the other flight attendant who thought it was great.

I had no problems getting my copious refills, and the flight from heaven ended far too soon, before I entered the you-know-what that is New York LaGuardia.