Just returned from a RDU-ATL-DET-AMS-ATL-RDU trip. There are few highlights flying Delta, but two follow.
First, on five legs I had five different types. RDU to ATL was an MD-88. I still like the 3-2 seating on the aged twi jet, and it remains on of the quietest planes (in forward cabin of coach) in the air. From ATL to DET we had B757-200. The B757 is one of my least favorite aircraft types - too many passengers for a single aisle plane, and I can't wait for the day it sees its last revenue flight. The trans Atlantic leg from DET to AMS was an aging B767. I love this plane; with its 2-3-2 layout, I think it is the most comfortable long haul plane in the sky. No one is more than one seat from the aisle, and 80% of the seats are either aisle or window. Sadly, both Delta and American's B767 fleet are showing their age. As one passenger across the aisle innocently asked the FA, "where do I watch the movie?" expecting a seat back IFES.
On the return, from AMS to ATL was an A330. This is certainly a more passenger friendly plane from an entertainment perspective, with the seat back IFES. I quite enjoyed the flight map, which is all I ever use (flying time is reading time and catching up with TV shows on my iPad). Other than that, well, how much can one expect in coach. Last leg was a B737 from ATL to RDU. No point in worrying about whether you like the B737 or not - they are ubiquitous in the US carrier fleets.
The other point of interest was the new international terminal at ATL. We landed on the day after it opened. To be candid, I was singularly unimpressed. I lived in Atlanta when Terminal E was opened for the Olympics in 1996, and for the life of me, I can not figure out why they built Terminal F, other than perhaps the direct access from the interstates (unlike the other terminals, it is a separate terminal where you can enter and exit directly into and out of Terminal F. Other than that, it took over 30 minutes to get through immigrations and I saw nothing innovative in the international arrival procedure.
Anyway, nice to fly on five different types in an otherwise dreadful Delta experience (back to AA for my next two international trips).
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