This is one of those commuter-type flights flown on real airplanes, but I sort of felt I had to share this experience. I truly hope it doesn't get any DL employees in trouble.
We're going to ATL for a Saturday wedding, going down Sat, coming home Sun. Sally (the Boss) says, "don't worry about upgrades, just get us the cheapest fare you can." So I do. It's L, of course, but $130 RT isn't too shabby.
20 May, DL 1523, IAD-ATL
We get to the counter an hour early. We have one bag to check, but the curbside checkin was pretty crowded, so we go inside. F/C-Medallion line is almost empty.
Get to the counter and go through the routine ID, other questions, and the agent startes punching computer keys. Five minutes later, he says, "New travel agent?" I say, "No, I've been using them for several years." He keeps punching keys. Also keeps muttering.
Finally, after about 20 minutes of this, he says, "I don't know what's happening, but I'm going to get you out of here. You're in First. (Remember, we're on an L fare). I ask what's wrong, and he responds that he can't figure it out, but somehow our reservation got cancelled. Coach is full, so he's going to put us in first. Remember, this is the counter, not the gate.
Flight is normal. Landing a bit abnormal. FA comes on: "We'll be landing in twenty minutes." Almost immediately, we do a sharp bank and dive to the left and we're on the ground in about five minutes. I can only believe ATC told us to get out of someone else's way.
We're staying at the hotel where the wedding reception is being held, even though the wedding is in Peachtree City (those of you REALLY familiar with ATL know where Peachtree City is), the reception is at the Doubletree Club at the airport. Father of the Bride has negotiated a $59/night rate, which is $20 less than the best my TA could do.
The hotel is new and comfortable. I recommend it with reservations. It does not have a full-service restaurant, although it does have an Au Bon Pain that serves scrambled eggs on plastic plates in the morning. Also has a van service that will take you anywhere within ten minutes and bring you back ('though you might have to wait a bit). No gift shop, but apparently extensive business services. Looks to me like it might be a good place to stay if your budget is tight and you don't need to entertain in your hotel.
The hotel did a fantastic job on the wedding reception and dinner, result being that I remember absolutely nothing about them.
21 May, ATL - IAD 560
Again, we're on L fares.
We check in at the counter, again, not the street, because I wasn't really sure that Sally's Sky Miles number was in her record. No sweat, and they issued boarding passes in coach.
Get to the gate. Sally hears a page that she thinks says "Forest", so I go up. The gate agent gives me a lecture about how L fares can't be upgraded and this is an exception. And I'm saying "I know that Ma'am, and I'm forever in your debt", forgetting to give that agent a card, just like I forgot to give that guy at IAD who spent so much time with us a card.
On that ATL-IAD trip, the FC snack was a chicken salad that I thought was great and Sally thought was just OK.
I can't help wondering if the DL types that monitor this site (and I'm not talking about those of you that contribute, like DlGrl and Russ) have picked up on my recent negative comments and have somehow told the system to give me special treatment. I'd be deeply offended if it had.
On the other hand, how come I got this special treatment going both ways on a flight where I should have had none at all?
[This message has been edited by philforest (edited 05-21-2000).]

[This message has been edited by philforest (edited 05-21-2000).]

[This message has been edited by philforest (edited 05-21-2000).]

[This message has been edited by philforest (edited 05-21-2000).]