My Experience Flying Delta To Madrid
Jul 26th, 2010 | 08:00 AM
#2
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 0
After causing a minor airport security breach that is quickly resolved, I return to airport terminal. A quick check of the departure display board and I proceed to the Delta ticket counter to check in for my flight. Using a kiosk with the assistance of a Delta employee, the check in process is simple and easy even for an international flight.
Showing my identification and boarding pass to a TSA employee, I join a short security line for airport screening. Using provided bins, I separate my travel companions. Canon and Samsung camera equipment in one bin, Acer notebook laptop in another. Bare feet, I pass through the center (you should also) of the metal detector. Passing too close to the sides might set it off even if you have no metal on you.
We start the boarding process about 40 minutes prior to departure on a relatively full flight. Arriving at the gate early, I have time to RELAX and browse the nearby concession shops. $2.00 is steep for a 16oz bag of M&M's but I need a "melt in your mouth not in your hand" fix.
My flight is on board a Boeing 757 where I am assigned a window seat. Leaving the gate on time, the airplane suddenly goes dark as it loses power. A nearby passenger is quick to note, “They did say to turn off all electrical devices”. This causes a burst of laughter and my flight is off to a humorous start.
The Captain informs us about the situation and the problem is quickly resolved. Apparently, the aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) had shutdown.
Airborne, I get a nice view of South Florida coastline and building afternoon thunderstorms in the distance. Further north a glimpse of America's Space Coast and Cape Canaveral, the Space Shuttle launch site.
Before long we are descending into Atlanta for an on time arrival.
A 3 hour sit at Atlanta Hartsfield's, the world's busiest airport, gives me time to RELAX and explore what the airport has to offer.
En-route to my next gate, I deny myself the indulgence of a 3 for 2 Candied Apple Special, Pizza or A Sam Adams Beer. Following the sounds of black and ivory notes, I am thinking “Play us a song” as I approach The Piano Bar located in Terminal E.
About an hour before departure I am at the boarding gate for my flight to Madrid. For security reasons, passengers must be on board international flights at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Failure to do so can lead to denied boarding as bags are removed for passengers that do not actually board the flight. For an on time departure, airlines must have sufficient time to do so hence the 30 minute cut-off.
This evening the flight time is about 8 hours and 30 minutes to Madrid. On board a Boeing 767, the seats are relatively comfortable with individual seat back entertainment. My plan as always on international flights is to attempt to adjust my body time to my new destination. It is almost 1am in Madrid as Spain is six hours ahead of east coast time.
In the darkness of my sleep, I sense I am falling hundreds if not thousands of feet per second. Nevertheless, I have little fear as my subconscious mind tells me I am in for a wonderful surprise.
Peeking from behind heavy eyelids, I open a window shade and my dream perception is confirmed. On board Delta 108, we are well into our descent for Madrid, Spain.
Hours ago, somewhere over the North Atlantic dinner was served. A night cap with a guy named Jack and a girl named Ginger (Jack Daniels and Canada Dry Ginger Ale) and I vaguely remember reclining seat.
Now I am taking in a view of Spain from thousands of feet up in the air. The skies above are clear and blue accented only by an occasional whisper cloud. The air below is also clear and gives a great view of the Spanish landscape.
With the morning sun warming it's left side, the airplane's shadow follows us all the way to a smooth touchdown.
Bienvenido, A Madrid!
Showing my identification and boarding pass to a TSA employee, I join a short security line for airport screening. Using provided bins, I separate my travel companions. Canon and Samsung camera equipment in one bin, Acer notebook laptop in another. Bare feet, I pass through the center (you should also) of the metal detector. Passing too close to the sides might set it off even if you have no metal on you.
We start the boarding process about 40 minutes prior to departure on a relatively full flight. Arriving at the gate early, I have time to RELAX and browse the nearby concession shops. $2.00 is steep for a 16oz bag of M&M's but I need a "melt in your mouth not in your hand" fix.
My flight is on board a Boeing 757 where I am assigned a window seat. Leaving the gate on time, the airplane suddenly goes dark as it loses power. A nearby passenger is quick to note, “They did say to turn off all electrical devices”. This causes a burst of laughter and my flight is off to a humorous start.
The Captain informs us about the situation and the problem is quickly resolved. Apparently, the aircraft auxiliary power unit (APU) had shutdown.
Airborne, I get a nice view of South Florida coastline and building afternoon thunderstorms in the distance. Further north a glimpse of America's Space Coast and Cape Canaveral, the Space Shuttle launch site.
Before long we are descending into Atlanta for an on time arrival.
A 3 hour sit at Atlanta Hartsfield's, the world's busiest airport, gives me time to RELAX and explore what the airport has to offer.
En-route to my next gate, I deny myself the indulgence of a 3 for 2 Candied Apple Special, Pizza or A Sam Adams Beer. Following the sounds of black and ivory notes, I am thinking “Play us a song” as I approach The Piano Bar located in Terminal E.
About an hour before departure I am at the boarding gate for my flight to Madrid. For security reasons, passengers must be on board international flights at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Failure to do so can lead to denied boarding as bags are removed for passengers that do not actually board the flight. For an on time departure, airlines must have sufficient time to do so hence the 30 minute cut-off.
This evening the flight time is about 8 hours and 30 minutes to Madrid. On board a Boeing 767, the seats are relatively comfortable with individual seat back entertainment. My plan as always on international flights is to attempt to adjust my body time to my new destination. It is almost 1am in Madrid as Spain is six hours ahead of east coast time.
In the darkness of my sleep, I sense I am falling hundreds if not thousands of feet per second. Nevertheless, I have little fear as my subconscious mind tells me I am in for a wonderful surprise.
Peeking from behind heavy eyelids, I open a window shade and my dream perception is confirmed. On board Delta 108, we are well into our descent for Madrid, Spain.
Hours ago, somewhere over the North Atlantic dinner was served. A night cap with a guy named Jack and a girl named Ginger (Jack Daniels and Canada Dry Ginger Ale) and I vaguely remember reclining seat.
Now I am taking in a view of Spain from thousands of feet up in the air. The skies above are clear and blue accented only by an occasional whisper cloud. The air below is also clear and gives a great view of the Spanish landscape.
With the morning sun warming it's left side, the airplane's shadow follows us all the way to a smooth touchdown.
Bienvenido, A Madrid!
Jul 27th, 2010 | 09:34 PM
#7
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 0
VillaLagoonTile,
I prefer seats 16-19G on the way to Europe. On the left side as you board the aircraft. Here you can minimize the effect of sunrise if you are sleeping as your flight begins it's arrival in Europe.
These are window seats where I can have some control over the window shades and they tend to be a bit more comfortable for sleeping. For me being able to sleep helps with jet lag. I normally can start my day when I arrive feeling refreshed.
Seats 16-19A on the return for basically same reasons.
Hope you enjoy Spain and your trip on Delta. I will post about my return trip sometime soon.
I prefer seats 16-19G on the way to Europe. On the left side as you board the aircraft. Here you can minimize the effect of sunrise if you are sleeping as your flight begins it's arrival in Europe.
These are window seats where I can have some control over the window shades and they tend to be a bit more comfortable for sleeping. For me being able to sleep helps with jet lag. I normally can start my day when I arrive feeling refreshed.
Seats 16-19A on the return for basically same reasons.
Hope you enjoy Spain and your trip on Delta. I will post about my return trip sometime soon.
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Jul 28th, 2010 | 05:44 AM
#8
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thanks for your reply. I opted for the row 21 as they were the only seats available that SeatGuru had marked as preferred seats. I saved my FF miles forever to make this trip and really expected to use them for a Biz class upgrade but alas, times had changed since the last time I did that. An upgradable coach ticket was only a few dollars short of a biz class ticket...way out of my reach. So coach it is, and I made nicer hotel reservations !
Jul 28th, 2010 | 01:47 PM
#10
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 0
VillaLagoonTile,
Row 21 is not a bad choice. A Biz Class Upgrade would be nice. Sometimes they are available near departure time, hopeful at the right price for you.
With indvidual seat entertainment, coach was not that bad. For a great hotel near the airport check out Hoel Nueva Boston. More info at:
http://dmbtravelertnt.blogspot.com/2...s-airport.html
Row 21 is not a bad choice. A Biz Class Upgrade would be nice. Sometimes they are available near departure time, hopeful at the right price for you.
With indvidual seat entertainment, coach was not that bad. For a great hotel near the airport check out Hoel Nueva Boston. More info at:
http://dmbtravelertnt.blogspot.com/2...s-airport.html
