21 February 2000
Arrived at PDX 5:20am for 6:40am flight. No line at front counter, so checked in there. Still on waitlist for FC (I'm #1), equipment used to be 757 for this flight, but has been changed to 727. I'm not getting my hopes up…but sure would like to be upfront for this 4 hour flight.

Grabbed some juice & a paper at the CRC and went to Gate D8. They told me everyone in FC had checked in, so take my assigned seat (22D-exit row aisle). At least I had an empty seat next to me. This now breaks my streak on FC seating; last time I flew in the back on DL was March '99. My seatmate across the aisle was also on the list (#2), but fortunately the flight was not very full in back. Only 4 middle seats on the entire plane were filled.

On time pushback & takeoff, light rain & fog, but we were through it quickly. Leveled at 33K, and we had very attentive service in steerage. Breakfast was choice of fruit & cereal or eggs (took the eggs). It was a square piece of molded scrambled egg (though they were trying to call it a 'fritatta') with 1 piece of sausage and 4 wedges of dry potatoes. Also a cheese Danish & small plate of fruit (mostly grapes). Eggs & sausage were, in fact, edible and not too bad. Danish was tasty and surprisingly was not cold or frozen.

All 3 of the FA's in back were very nice; Lena, Stephanie & Machiko (who I've flown with before on the PDX-ATL flight a number of times). After the breakfast was cleaned up, they were back with offers of juice, coffee or water a few times. I snoozed for a while and woke up as they were offering drinks again (now about 2 ˝ hrs into the flight).

Machiko stopped at my seat and said, "Thank you for flying with us aqain today, Mr. Shadow…I know you're very loyal to Delta and we appreciate it. If you'd like a drink or some wine, just let me know. It will be complimentary for you." Nice touch, eh? Since my body was still at approx. 9:00am, I said thank you but passed. The guy across the aisle, who is a Silver Medallion, was really impressed and mentioned he thought that was a great gesture. So did I…

Since it's been almost a year since I've flown coach on DL, if this flight is any indication, the level of service in back has increased dramatically. If my U/G doesn't clear for the return on Friday, I'll have another flight to compare it to.

On time into CVG (actually 10 min. early), but by the time we taxied & deplaned, I had just a little time to get to my ComAir connection. Stuck my head into the CRC & it was packed. The ComAir Terminal is being remodeled and they are adding 34,000 sq. feet to it. It also was a bit of a zoo today, but I guess I should have expected it with the President's Day holiday. Lots of parents with children.

Boarded the CRJ on time, push back and we waited on the taxiway for ˝ hour to takeoff. Also very smooth & quiet flight, and had an empty seat next to me again. Drink & snack service with a choice of soft drinks, coffee or juices, and pretzels, peanuts or crackers. (What happened with all of the flap about peanuts/allergies…I seem to see them pretty regularly again on flights) After the initial service, the FA came through 3 more times for refills and more snacks. Arrived in Appleton, WI on time, walked to National counter to get my car, bag was already on the belt, and out the door in about 10 minutes after landing.

Five minute drive to the Fairfield, quick check-in. I had forgotten just how 'no frills' Fairfield Inns are, but for $52 I guess you can't expect much more. The room is large, clean, good lighting and a decent work desk. No dataports on phones so you have to plug into the jack in the wall. Check out tomorrow and go to my company corp. HQ in Iola, WI and check into the Fairfield in Stevens Point for 2 nights. Back here on Thur. night at the Residence Inn (which was sold out for tonight). This completes my 10 nights for the 10K Marriott Bonus.

BTW, I just watched a great show on the Discovery Channel about the 747-400. If you didn't see it, check your TV Guide for the rerun. I missed the first 15 minutes of it (hour long), but what I saw was terrific. I'd definitely watch it again.

If I have any memorable dining experiences, I'll report them later….otherwise I'll do a return trip report.