Usually I fly United Airlines and I find them a pretty decent airline. I honestly don’t think there is THAT much of a difference between the big three, Delta, AA and United. Though after recently flying Delta, I may have to make a switch or at least a change in my flying pattern.
Quick Details
Flight Number: DL 3567 and DL 5175
Flight Path: Allentown (ABE) – Detroit (DTW) and Detroit (DTW) – Birmingham (BHM)
Date: Wednesday, July 13
Departure Time: 5:25 AM
Arrival Time: 10:50 AM (same day)
Aircraft: Canadair Regional Jet 200
Seat Number: 3B for both
Paid: $178
We could have a long discussion about the big three’s loyalty programs. Or what points are “worth” the most. But throwing that all out the window, looking solely at the flying experience, Delta wins. This review will be a combination of my flight from ABE to DTW and my flight from DTW to BHM. They were the same airplane and I sat in the same exact seat, so I didn’t see the need to do two flight reviews.
Before I get into my review, I want to make a quick note. My cell phone is old, like over two years old. The camera works … sometimes. And on this flight it didn’t work very well at all. In order to turn it on, I have to hit the side of my phone, really hard. Unfortunately, I can only hit my phone so many times before I draw some strange looks. So I have only a few photos of the flight, and I apologize for that. But this round trip should be the last flight I take without a good camera, hopefully.
Flying out of ABE
Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton airport is like any other small airport. Amazing! You can get through security super fast. The people are friendly and it’s a very laid back atmosphere. Plus there is no one there, especially before 6:00 AM.
ABE was empty for most of the time I waited
This CRJ had more leg room than any other regional jet I have ever been on. On most flights, my legs get slammed into the seat in front of me. On this flight though, I felt like I had first-class leg room. OK not quite, but I had more room than usual. (Sorry I know the photo is dark, but there was only so much light that early in the morning).
Legroom on Delta
The seats are very basic and don’t have an entertainment system, which is to be expected. The space on the floor between the seats doesn’t have that annoying metal bar, giving you an extra inch of room between the two people. As long as the person next to you doesn’t try to take over all the space, you’re good.
Delta seat featuring no seat back entertainment
The plane didn’t have WiFi, so I couldn’t check that out.
I’m used to United’s coffee and snack option. The United snacks are OK at best and the coffee, supposed to be Illy, never tastes that great. As the service started on the Delta flight they asked what snack I wanted. They have options! I didn’t know how good Delta flyers have it. I chose between a cookie, pretzels and salted peanuts.
This time, I tried the cookie (sorry I couldn’t take a photo). It was surprisingly good. Delta serves Starbucks, and it actually tastes like Starbucks. On my second flight, I had the pretzels. Also, a good option.
The seats were never uncomfortable. I didn’t mind sitting in them but I don’t know if I could have lasted another hour or two in them.
The Service and Workers
This, to me, is where Delta shines. Every single flight, every single person, was friendly and helpful. They tried to help their customers as much as possible. During flight delays, and people are stuck in the airport, Delta brought out snacks and drinks for people to enjoy for free. To me that’s the most important thing. Employees that treat their customers well. When that same thing happens to United, they roll their eyes at me when I ask them for help with rescheduling my flight, or changing flights.
The common joke on the internet is, Delta Skymiles are not worth much. I don’t know if I would go that far, all miles right now are worth about the same. I am an economy flyer and I have no problem finding economy flights with Delta for the normal award mile levels.
Bottom Line
I fly around 60,000 to 75,000 miles a year on United. After this recent flight with Delta, I have seen the green grass on the other side and it’s truly green. I am not going to switch all my business, but I am going to look at other airlines as options. I am going to diversify my points portfolio, which I think is one of the best things you can do.
So you reckon diversifying your mileage portfolio is a good idea? Surely having all your eggs in one basket is far more valuable and would allow you to do much more aspirational reward flights, no?
Loved the review by the way 🙂
Thanks for the comment and thanks for saying you like the review! Anyway, I do believe spreading out points is better. Yes, if I was loaded with 500,000 United points (let’s say) I could have a sweet redemption in first class to (whatever location). But let’s say you really need/want to go a certain date, because of work/life/kids/significant other/whatever else’s schedule, and United isn’t telling tickets for those days. Then all those miles mean nothing. But now if Delta/AA/anyone else is selling tickets for those dates, then you’re fine because you spread out your points. Also, I am firmly in… Read more »
Hmm… I’m thinking that if you ever need to get somewhere last minute/ in a group, miles aren’t your best option anyway, and you’re better off getting the cheapest fare, whether that be on a budget airline or a legacy carrier. That’s pretty much how I decide when to pay and when to redeem (long-term plan vs short term plan). Each to their own I guess!