I've flown both BF to Hawaii and internationally. I've also flown DL BE and NW WBC internationally. To my mind, the "extras" that CO offers are mostly just window dressing. A few thoughts:
1) Yes, the meal service is more elaborate, but that does not equal better. I think that the DL's food is about as good as it gets on an airplane (including the mentioned shortribs) and that CO's is good, but they often offer choices that I find lose a lot in the translation to the airplane. A bit more plentiful on CO's HNL service, perhaps, but you aren't going hungry on DL, either.
2) CO's beverage service is not as good. Their wines are often terrible and they have nothing the equal of Woodford Reserve or the DL cocktails.
3) I think the NW seat is better than CO's. More pitch, more privacy, better leg-rest, lie-flat option, and massage function. Others may disagree, but it is at least competitive, and if one prefers the NW seat, it will certainly tilt the advantage toward NW.
4) NW's 747 has AVOD. CO has loop video.
5) I prefer both the upper deck and the nose of a 747 to a 767, in terms of cabin ambience.
Yes, CO offers menus and linens and cloth napkins. That is not enough, to my mind, to outweigh the advantages of the NW/DL 747 service. The big plus for CO would be the lounge access. Can I see an argument for CO? Certainly. But I don't think CO has the undisputed claim to best HNL service that they once had. Depending upon your wants/needs, either the ATL-HNL or MSP-HNL WBC/BE service are the equal or better.
FAs made just one pass with the beverages.
After that I had to ask for refills of my wine.
Wow, one pass is very skimpy for such a long flight...I usually get at least several passes during my drastically shorter LGA-ATL flights! I wonder if that is just lazy FAs or some sort of official encouragement to the FA not to keep asking people if they want more drinks?
Programs: Delta Diamond (yes, my screenname is woefully outdated), Hertz Platinum
Posts: 1,435
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winkdaddy
Wow, one pass is very skimpy for such a long flight...I usually get at least several passes during my drastically shorter LGA-ATL flights! I wonder if that is just lazy FAs or some sort of official encouragement to the FA not to keep asking people if they want more drinks?
Except for redeyes, I don't think I've EVER seen a DL crew that didn't make regular drink refill passes in F.
Which of course brings up the key difference here: this is a native NW crew. Which does not fill me with optimism.
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 12,717
Quote:
Originally Posted by orlandodlplat
Except for redeyes, I don't think I've EVER seen a DL crew that didn't make regular drink refill passes in F.
Which of course brings up the key difference here: this is a native NW crew. Which does not fill me with optimism.
I'm not sure why everyone assumes NW FA's are worse than DL FA's....experiences will of course vary....because I'm a NWA Gold I have tons of examples of terrific service given by NWA FA's (chilling a glass before pouring my beer, giving me a fresh diet pepsi when they've noticed the ice had melted etc)...I can also give examples of bad service given by DL FA's (during a DTW-ATL diversion which of course is only flown by DL these days the FA's felt it was break time and refused to provide any services...until the captain made them that is)...service will vary from flight to flight however I do believe the overall service of both in-flight teams is pretty comparable
Delta paper placemats were used.
The napkins were the thick bond paper...almost cloth-like.
My special seafood meal consisted of grilled salmon.
It actually was very tasty and served with a ginger-type rice.
It was hot and, frankly, good.
FAs made just one pass with the beverages.
After that I had to ask for refills of my wine.
Dessert was sundeas with butterscotch, hotfudge, nuts, whipped cream topping options.
It was the saddest excuse of a sundae, ever.
Two "pads" of vanilla ice cream....each smaller than a table tennis ball.
(I guess I'm spoiled by CO's definition of a first class sundae...)
A snack basket was available for self-serve at the back of the upstairs cabin.
Approximately an hour before arrival in HNL a sandwich was served.
Very large in size with a bag of chips and fruit "cup".
Bottom Line:
It's domestic first class with sparkling wine.
My seat cushion had about as much padding as a park bench.
The FAs were nice, but not by any means attentive.
The seating is greatly better than the old DL 767s, but the service is about the same.
Thanks. I'm going over in August and have seats 73A/B. Are those good seats?
Programs: Delta Diamond (yes, my screenname is woefully outdated), Hertz Platinum
Posts: 1,435
Quote:
Originally Posted by socrates
I'm not sure why everyone assumes NW FA's are worse than DL FA's
I didn't assume NW FAs are worse than DL FAs. I said that one drink pass on such a long flight is not the DL way. If a DL crew had been working that flight, the service would have been better, especially since it's such an important and visible flight.
If a DL crew had been working that flight, the service would have been better, especially since it's such an important and visible flight.
You simply cannot say that with any amount of certainty. I've been on long DL flights where the service was mediocre at best, as have many others who've posted to the NW/DL forums. DL does not own the crown on "service", and I think NW FAs get a bad rap because generally speaking they are older, and -- I'm finding -- many DL fliers are anti-union, and that seems to be skewing their opinions.
I've had great service on DL and on NW. I've had bad service on DL and on NW. Neither owns the crown, and on any given flight, you could get anything.
__________________
Any views/opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not reflect the views or official positions of Delta Air Lines.
So, here's my report and random thoughts on the ATL-HNL flight...not sure what's unique or if anything is new as I have never flown NWA or DL Int'l or to HI before.
Overall, a good flight. Out of gate E11 in ATL (E CRC was packed); NWA ship # 664. It was a NWA crew, in new DL attire. Learned that while those pointy cuffs on the ladies look cool, they apparently tend to get into things...such as food entrees! The crew was based in various areas - some HNL, some ATL. All together, 11 FAs and purser.
Seats were nice, AVOD was great. Empower didn't function as it should - not sure why I was surprised ( It was the regular outlet-plug type, not the special adapter). It would power for a couple mins, then go out. Why can't they come up reliable power supplies on planes?
Cruise at 34k. Food was good. Main service - Pasta or short rib. Turkey sandwich served later (2nd service) was large - I passed on it though, but it looked good. Hot towels before each service. Ice cream with caramel, chocolate, nuts and whipped cream after first meal. Meals served on grey NWA meal tray - DL placemat placed on tray table prior to service. NWA napkins and silverware holders. Interestingly enough, the glasses did not have any logo (I was expecting the usual NWA logo on the glasses)
Liked the Aveda products in the lavatories - the lav soaps on planes seriously dry out my hands - this lotion was a great touch.
The lower deck was dark - all window shades closed. Upper deck folks seemed to leave some open, so it was much lighter upstairs if that matters to anyone. AVOD was easily viewed, even with the cabin upstairs being lighter.
The storage boxes (upper deck only) were great. Stored stuff within reach and also served as an extended desk/tray area when closed!
Pre-flight mai-tai's offered - several rounds if you were so inclined. One white and one red wine - nothing spectacular but decent. FAs came through 3-4 times with bev cart (upstairs anyway) - but would also walk through and refresh on occasion. Along with snack tray, wine and water set out and available for self-service at all times. FAs were always available and ready to serve at the large galley at top of stairs if you wanted something else. I didn't go thirsty.
Snack tray set out and available in between meal service. Regular peanuts, Twix, pretzel chips, Biscoff. Blah!
Approach into HNL - sit on the right side if you want to see Diamond Head & Waikiki. Sit on the left to see water, Big Island and Maui in distance.
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 12,717
Quote:
Originally Posted by orlandodlplat
I didn't assume NW FAs are worse than DL FAs. I said that one drink pass on such a long flight is not the DL way. If a DL crew had been working that flight, the service would have been better, especially since it's such an important and visible flight.
Ah sorry for misunderstanding...but let me assure you it also isn't the NWA way
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 12,717
Quote:
Originally Posted by SchmutzigMSP
You simply cannot say that with any amount of certainty. I've been on long DL flights where the service was mediocre at best, as have many others who've posted to the NW/DL forums. DL does not own the crown on "service", and I think NW FAs get a bad rap because generally speaking they are older, and -- I'm finding -- many DL fliers are anti-union, and that seems to be skewing their opinions.
I've had great service on DL and on NW. I've had bad service on DL and on NW. Neither owns the crown, and on any given flight, you could get anything.
Very well said...I'm just off FLL-ATL and the crew reminded me of the NWA SEA base a few years ago...and the service...well can't tell you - we didn't have any
So, here's my report and random thoughts on the ATL-HNL flight...not sure what's unique or if anything is new as I have never flown NWA or DL Int'l or to HI before.
Overall, a good flight. Out of gate E11 in ATL (E CRC was packed); NWA ship # 664. It was a NWA crew, in new DL attire. Learned that while those pointy cuffs on the ladies look cool, they apparently tend to get into things...such as food entrees! The crew was based in various areas - some HNL, some ATL. All together, 11 FAs and purser.
Seats were nice, AVOD was great. Empower didn't function as it should - not sure why I was surprised ( It was the regular outlet-plug type, not the special adapter). It would power for a couple mins, then go out. Why can't they come up reliable power supplies on planes?
Cruise at 34k. Food was good. Main service - Pasta or short rib. Turkey sandwich served later (2nd service) was large - I passed on it though, but it looked good. Hot towels before each service. Ice cream with caramel, chocolate, nuts and whipped cream after first meal. Meals served on grey NWA meal tray - DL placemat placed on tray table prior to service. NWA napkins and silverware holders. Interestingly enough, the glasses did not have any logo (I was expecting the usual NWA logo on the glasses)
Liked the Aveda products in the lavatories - the lav soaps on planes seriously dry out my hands - this lotion was a great touch.
The lower deck was dark - all window shades closed. Upper deck folks seemed to leave some open, so it was much lighter upstairs if that matters to anyone. AVOD was easily viewed, even with the cabin upstairs being lighter.
The storage boxes (upper deck only) were great. Stored stuff within reach and also served as an extended desk/tray area when closed!
Pre-flight mai-tai's offered - several rounds if you were so inclined. One white and one red wine - nothing spectacular but decent. FAs came through 3-4 times with bev cart (upstairs anyway) - but would also walk through and refresh on occasion. Along with snack tray, wine and water set out and available for self-service at all times. FAs were always available and ready to serve at the large galley at top of stairs if you wanted something else. I didn't go thirsty.
Snack tray set out and available in between meal service. Regular peanuts, Twix, pretzel chips, Biscoff. Blah!
Approach into HNL - sit on the right side if you want to see Diamond Head & Waikiki. Sit on the left to see water, Big Island and Maui in distance.
Trip report - 4/12/09
