Yesterday, I flew one of Delta’s nonstops from Atlanta to San Juan. My upgrade cleared at the gate (I can’t believe how many elites were on this supposedly leisure destination flight), and all was well. Within 30 seconds of taking my seat I was greeted by a flight attendant offering me something I’ve never seen on a Delta domestic flight – champagne!
I was so excited I didn’t think to snap a picture until we were inflight, when I ordered more champagne before breakfast. OK, it wasn’t that exciting, but I was surprised that I would be able enjoy my favorite morning vacation flight beverage on Delta. Perhaps I should have known as Delta refers to the service not as domestic first, but Business Elite, and treats San Juan as international – complimentary libations were flowing in Economy Comfort too. However, other than the champagne, I could not discern any difference in service between this and any other domestic first class flight. Meal choices were cereal or the always trustworthy (and vetted by my buddy, The Weekly Flyer) Delta first class omelet. You know which of those I went with.
This particular cheese omelet was a tad overcooked, but tasty nonetheless, and accompanied by potatoes, sausages, and a delicious bowl of fresh fruit. Warm bagels or croissants were also offered.
All in all, great service, a great flight, and a great way to start vacation. Up next – a review of San Juan’s Hotel El Convento.
-MJ, December 7, 2013
Upgrades are always great! Delta does a pretty nice job with their first/business service. Although, I think at the expense of the overpriced coach tickets! Looks awesome though.
I too miss those L-1011s of yesteryear. They would not cut it by today’s fuel and comfort standards, but in the day, they were very nice. While PR may qualify as International, everything but the beverage is still Domestic, not matter what they call it. And even FC Domestic still sucks, especially on Delta and United.. While that breakfast meal is not horrible, it is, in truth, coach class food of the late 70s. No matter the name, that simply is not First Class fare. Sad but true.
Delta had champagne in domestic F on many (all?) flights prior to 9/11/01.
A cool 10K calories? đŸ˜‰
Champagne is also offered pre-flight on the premium service routes (I get it on LAX-JFK-LAX).
I did the DL ATL-SJU route (usually on L1011s!) dozens of times in the late 80s when I was on call to support a manufacturing operation in PR on 12 hours notice. Coach would always be booked thanks to cruise traffic, so I’d have to buy F, then Amex offered 2x and sometimes even 3x the miles. Really racked up! And my fav drink at the time was Baileys on the rocks. Memories…!
I miss those L-1011’s! I remember more than once sitting in what used to be the Chili’s (could’ve been something else way back when), and listening to the 1011’s start up. You always knew when an L-1011 was starting engines. đŸ™‚