At around T-40, I headed to Gate 78 and my flight to Atlanta. Naturally, the inbound hadn't even arrived. So much for an on time departures.

PIT-ATL
DL 1560
MD-88
4:38p-6:25p
August 21, 2017



Gate lice, DL style.















At ATL, I passed on the train and walked the underground from the B to A concourse.



ATL-SNA
DL 1289
75D
8:10p-9:50p
August 21, 2017

But for my connection, I had the misfortunate of getting the new configuration 75D for ATL-SNA. What a piece of crap this front cabin is. Did a double take turning left from 2L to see 3 rows of coach (EC) seats and then 5 rows of what I'll charitably call "First Class". Really uncomfortable seats with not much recline. After a couple of hours, the absence of much cushion and padding makes them really uncomfortable. Then there is the lack of a closet up front that puts the unfortunate dude in 1B right in the galley and the first few rows in the spotlight from upfront.



Great crew with open bar PDB and drink refills throughout the flight. But what's with meal service? Advertised as "Dinner", this was more like a lunch unless this is the new government-subsidized DL dinner standard. Choice of Cuban Sandwich or Shrimp/Orzo salad. For dinner?? Yeah Ed, it's all Qatar and Emirates' fault. Apparently earning $10 billion this year is not enough.









Not that AA or UA are much better although at least one gets more legroom and recline. Sadly, it's a race to the bottom in the US airline industry if you aren't flying transcon.