Trip Reports - DL vs UA in coach: ATL-FRA

Just did a trip to FRA on DL in coach--to cut to the chase, I'll fly UA coach, even with a connx before I fly DL in coach again. It's just better on UA.

Food: better on UA: 3 choices of entree, plus hot second meal both EB and WB. DL has only 2 choices of meal EB/WB, plus cold 2d meal. One good point for DL is ice cream midway through the flight in Y.

Drink: better on UA: they have German beer available in both directions, DL seems to not have it EB (although they tout "regional beer" on their menu.

Seat comfort: slightly better on UA due to movable headrest. Otherwise little to choose between.

Entertainment: far better on UA, because of seatback video.

Lounges: far better on UA--Prem Ex gets lounge access, Gold Medallion doesn't on DL (at least that I can figure out).

Checkin: equal...strange security in FRA (par for the course).

Interesting, on the DL flight were a lot of US Military folks. I sat next to one and talked with him--apparently since there is so much military in the SE United States, they generally use DL (for quickest connections/flights). Also with nonstops ATL to FRA, STR and MUC there are more choices for them. I don't recall seeing quite so many (identifiably) military folks on UA.

Honestly, I would prefer to connect on UA (given the above) than a nonstop on DL.

JL

sorry, what is EB and WB???
thanks

eastbound/westbound

Interesting jamiel. I flew Delta in coach between Atlanta and Barcelona. It wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. The main hot meal was decent, the second cold meal in both directions was disgusting. We were in a 763ER and the two of us had a side pair, so the seating was cozy but tight.

My grandmother refuses to fly United. Why? Because on her last flight they had margerine and not butter. Do they still?

Yep, margarine (Promise) in coach. Poor choice to me as well, but the wide 777 seats make it all worthwhile....

interesting comparison, thanks Jamiel

EB with the asian vgml, don't know what they had. WB, it was some vegetable oil blended wall spackle on DL (even though the menu said butter). Don't recall what they had on UA.

Also was interesting--coach beverages ATL-ORD they served portion packed half and half, international coach served decongealed coolwhip (coffee whitener).

jl

Does Delta give you free liquor in coach? I am curious because on my last three UA flights to Europe all drinks were free. I was surprised, especially because it was never mentioned throughout the flights.

all US airlines are free booze to Europe. Many now have free sparkling wine, as well.