Dec 19, 2014, 1:01 pm
Last edit by: audidudi
LHR is a big place and terminals are not connected airside. Airside transfers are done by bus. Landside transfers can be made via the free Heathrow Connect train to T1/2/3. To get from T4 to T5, you can either take train and transfer at T1/2/3 or, depending on timing, use the local bus (free) from T4 to T5.
All Delta Flights depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3:
Check in for DL flights departing LHR T3 is in the same area of the terminal used by VS. This is the southside of the T3 check in area - if looking straight on at the building, go to the left. Business, DM, and PM can use the Upper Class Check in area.
Boston:
DL 58: BOS-LHR...A332.
DL 59: LHR-BOS...A332 (Arrives at Terminal E).
New York:
DL 401: JFK-LHR...A332.
DL 402: JFK-LHR...A332.
DL 403: JFK-LHR...A332.
DL1: LHR-JFK...A332.
DL2: LHR-JFK...A332.
DL3: LHR-JFK...A332.
Atlanta:
DL 30: ATL-LHR...A332.
DL 32: ATL-LHR...A333.
DL 31: LHR-ATL...A332.
DL 33: LHR-ATL...A333.
Detroit:
DL 16: DTW-LHR...A332.
DL 18: DTW-LHR...B763.
DL 17: LHR-DTW...A332.
DL 19: LHR-DTW...B763.
Minneapolis:
DL 10: MSP-LHR...B763.
DL 11: LHR-MSP...B763.
Philadelphia: No longer operates.
DL 194: PHL-LHR...75W.
DL 195: LHR-PHL...75W.
Seattle: Now operated by VS.
DL 4349: SEA-LHR...B789.
DL 4348: LHR-SEA...B789.
Some notes on seats: I have not discussed extensively, as it has been covered ad nauseam on the forum.
Comfort+ - LINK
764:
The J the configuration is 1-2-1. If traveling with a companion, the two middle seats work well, as they're next to each other. With the window seats, the seat console is between the passenger and the aisle on the odd seats, minimizing being bumped by someone in the aisle. Some people do not like the forward seats (1-3) due to galley noise while others like these seats for their privacy.
For Y seats, row 30 (exit row) has tons of space. Comfort+ are rows 15-18. Row 15 is the bulkhead C+ seat - opinions vary, but the legroom here is not as good as on the 763. Refer to the C+ FAQ for pictures.
763:
The 763s on this route are the modified a/c with lie flat J seats. The rows with C+ on the 76Ws typically used on LHR flights are 16-21.
DL Forum 763 Mod Tracking (lots of info on seats) - LINK
Beginning in spring 2018, many of Delta's B767 flights to London were switched to A330s instead, which is generally thought to be a more comfortable aircraft type, especially in business class.
Want to see London on approach to LHR?
If you want the chance to get a good look at London when landing @ LHR (assuming the weather cooperates), sit on the right side of the a/c. If winds dictate landing patterns over the city, you'll see it from this side. Pics from one of my landings.
Immigration & Baggage Collection @ LHR
The FA's will provide a landing card for those with non EU/EEA passports. If you're staying in the UK, you'll need the address (hotel, residence, etc.) for your landing card. Passport control will request the landing card and your passport.
Upon deplaning, you will head to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) checkpoint if remaining in the UK or follow the purple "flight connections" signage if you have an onward flight from any LHR terminal.
If you are connecting, refer to the Heathrow website for details on other terminals and specific flight connections.
When flying BE, the FA's hand out FastTrack passes, which often speed the process of entering the UK, the immigration queues can take a while.
**Also, be sure to have a copy of your itinerary with you as border agents sometimes ask for evidence of your planned departure from the UK.
Baggage:
After clearing passport control, pax head downstairs to collect their baggage (T3 or T4). LHR baggage is generally pretty good and the priority tags work most of the time^. There are cash machines, vending machines, and restrooms in the baggage hall.
Upon collecting baggage, pax pass through customs and then enter the arrivals hall. Booked taxi courier drivers are often waiting across from the exit doors.
Baggage storage is also available outside of security.
Lounges:
Arrivals @ LHR T3:
D1, DM, and PM can use the VS Revivals Lounge on the mezzanine level. Unlike with departures lounges, DM and PM are not allowed to bring a guest along to the Revivals Lounge (unless flying in D1/Upper Class).
Departures:
LHR T3: Delta One passengers, DMs, and PMs have access to the VS Clubhouse lounge. DMs and PMs may bring one guest who is traveling on the same flight. A 3rd party lounge (the "No. 1 Traveller" Lounge) is offered to GM traveling in economy or Premium Economy.
NOTE: Although the dl.com Sky Club Locations page states that Sky Club members get access to the SkyTeam lounge at LHR, I've had agents at the desk there tell me that my SC card does not matter and my ST Elite+ status is what gets me access unless flying in J.
FT Discussion:
Paid SC Member Denied Access to LHR Sky Team Lounge
Check in and security at LHR T4 (AF, KL, and other SkyTeam partners):
Check in for SkyPriority and J pax is at the desks used for SkyTeam pax.
As far as time for check in, Delta Check In Time Requirements. On that note, I have family (Medallions) who have checked in (with checked baggage) right at 60 minutes before the flight and made it through security and to the plane with a few minutes to spare.
FastTrack for the security checkpoint - The FT lane is to the left if looking at the main security queuing point. Pax flying in J can use FT. I have been able to use FT when flying in Y by showing my DM card. Not sure if it is the policy, but I last used it on March 2013 with no issue. Others have also reported success using the FT lane by showing their credentials.
NOTE: Increased security measures at LHR security checkpoints are creating delays - Email I received from DL LINK
If flying AF or KL from LHR, the latest check in time changes effective 1 Feb 2012: Changes to Latest Check-in Time at LHR on AF/KL
More discussion on London and the UK:
FT UK & Ireland Forum - LINK
UK Air Passenger Duty
DL paid ground transfer JFK-EWR/LGA on TATL flights - LINK
Delta and Virgin Atlantic (VS) Partnership:
dl.com: VIRGIN ATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP FAQS
FT thread: Delta Virgin Atlantic Partnership
NOTE: At LHR, DL and VS use T3 while other SkyTeam carriers use T4. These terminals are not connected air or landside.
VS Fare Classes:
VS fare classes do not align with DL fare classes. VS fare buckets:
Upper Class - J, C, D, I, Z, G (G is an award & upgrade fare class)
Premium Economy W, S, H, K, P
Economy Y, B, R, L, U, M, E, Q, X, V, N, O
Note that because Virgin Atlantic uses the same G fare class for both award tickets and upgrades, if using miles or GUCs to upgrade a Virgin Atlantic flight, it will be rebooked in G and may thus show up to Delta as ineligible for mileage earning with SkyMiles. This is incorrect, as upgraded tickets should earn miles based on the original coach ticket -- so if upgrading Virgin Atlantic flights, pay close attention to your SkyMiles earning and be ready to follow up with Delta to get the miles credited correctly.
dl.com - earning miles on VS (VS is a Tier 1 partner.): LINK
Medallion Benefits flying on VS (DM, PM, GM):
- Priority Check-In
- Priority Baggage Handling
- Priority Security
- Priority Boarding
- Baggage fee waiver for one additional piece up to 23kg (~50lbs)
- VS Clubhouse access with a same-day TATL flight on DL or VS (GMs: only at BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO, not LGW/LHR; PM have access at LGW, but not LHR unless in J; DM have access at LGW and LHR)
NOTE: VS J pax (and presumably Medallions) are now eligible for Fast Track security for connections, departures, and arrivals at LHR T3: LINK.
Clubhouse (Lounge) Access:
DL/VS J passengers get access to VS Clubhouse lounges at LGW/LHR and BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO with a same-day TATL flight on either DL or VS.
GM in W or Y have access to the BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO lounges but not LGW/LHR.
DM or PM in W or Y may use the LGW and LHR Clubhouse lounges as well as BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO, and may bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight with them.
DM/PM/GM in W or Y at LHR T3 have access to "No. 1 Traveller" lounge instead of, (for DMs in addition to), the VS Clubhouse.
LHR T3:
al330729's pics from the VS Clubhouse at LHR T3 - LINK
JFK:
As a DM flying JFK-LHR, I was able to use the VS Clubhouse at JFK. For pics, please see:
- Lounge - LINK
- Food - LINK
- Showers/Spa - LINK
VS Revivals (Arrivals) Lounge at LHR T3:
alee0729 had no issues accessing the VS Revivals Lounge following a DL arrival into T3. Shower pic - LINK
On Dec. 21, 2013, I stopped by the Revivals Lounge to get clarification on access for DL Medallion members. Per the agent, only pax flying Upper Class (Business) can currently access the lounge due to space issues; DL Medallion status does not = access. This may change once some DL flights start using T3 in Spring 2014.
Upgrading on VS-Operated Flights:
Virgin Atlantic Code Share Flight Questions
Using SM to Upgrade on VS
Access to Extra Leg Room Seats / Exit Rows on VS-operated Flights:
Possible Improvements to the DL-VS Relationship
All Delta Flights depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3:
Check in for DL flights departing LHR T3 is in the same area of the terminal used by VS. This is the southside of the T3 check in area - if looking straight on at the building, go to the left. Business, DM, and PM can use the Upper Class Check in area.
Boston:
DL 58: BOS-LHR...A332.
DL 59: LHR-BOS...A332 (Arrives at Terminal E).
New York:
DL 401: JFK-LHR...A332.
DL 402: JFK-LHR...A332.
DL 403: JFK-LHR...A332.
DL1: LHR-JFK...A332.
DL2: LHR-JFK...A332.
DL3: LHR-JFK...A332.
Atlanta:
DL 30: ATL-LHR...A332.
DL 32: ATL-LHR...A333.
DL 31: LHR-ATL...A332.
DL 33: LHR-ATL...A333.
Detroit:
DL 16: DTW-LHR...A332.
DL 18: DTW-LHR...B763.
DL 17: LHR-DTW...A332.
DL 19: LHR-DTW...B763.
Minneapolis:
DL 10: MSP-LHR...B763.
DL 11: LHR-MSP...B763.
Philadelphia: No longer operates.
DL 194: PHL-LHR...75W.
DL 195: LHR-PHL...75W.
Seattle: Now operated by VS.
DL 4349: SEA-LHR...B789.
DL 4348: LHR-SEA...B789.
Some notes on seats: I have not discussed extensively, as it has been covered ad nauseam on the forum.
Comfort+ - LINK
764:
The J the configuration is 1-2-1. If traveling with a companion, the two middle seats work well, as they're next to each other. With the window seats, the seat console is between the passenger and the aisle on the odd seats, minimizing being bumped by someone in the aisle. Some people do not like the forward seats (1-3) due to galley noise while others like these seats for their privacy.
For Y seats, row 30 (exit row) has tons of space. Comfort+ are rows 15-18. Row 15 is the bulkhead C+ seat - opinions vary, but the legroom here is not as good as on the 763. Refer to the C+ FAQ for pictures.
763:
The 763s on this route are the modified a/c with lie flat J seats. The rows with C+ on the 76Ws typically used on LHR flights are 16-21.
DL Forum 763 Mod Tracking (lots of info on seats) - LINK
Beginning in spring 2018, many of Delta's B767 flights to London were switched to A330s instead, which is generally thought to be a more comfortable aircraft type, especially in business class.
Want to see London on approach to LHR?
If you want the chance to get a good look at London when landing @ LHR (assuming the weather cooperates), sit on the right side of the a/c. If winds dictate landing patterns over the city, you'll see it from this side. Pics from one of my landings.
Immigration & Baggage Collection @ LHR
The FA's will provide a landing card for those with non EU/EEA passports. If you're staying in the UK, you'll need the address (hotel, residence, etc.) for your landing card. Passport control will request the landing card and your passport.
Upon deplaning, you will head to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) checkpoint if remaining in the UK or follow the purple "flight connections" signage if you have an onward flight from any LHR terminal.
If you are connecting, refer to the Heathrow website for details on other terminals and specific flight connections.
When flying BE, the FA's hand out FastTrack passes, which often speed the process of entering the UK, the immigration queues can take a while.
- T3: As you enter the immigration hall, the UK/EU desks are immediately to your left, keep going straight. The entry to the non-EU passport queue will be ahead on the left and FastTrack will be directly ahead. Keep an eye on the regular queue because it's often faster than FastTrack (more agents).
- T4: If looking at the UKBA desks, the FastTrack lane has been moved to the center of the passport control area and is in between the EU and non-EU passport queues. In the absence of a FastTrack card, I try to be prompt in getting to passport control...closer to the front, the better!
**Also, be sure to have a copy of your itinerary with you as border agents sometimes ask for evidence of your planned departure from the UK.
Baggage:
After clearing passport control, pax head downstairs to collect their baggage (T3 or T4). LHR baggage is generally pretty good and the priority tags work most of the time^. There are cash machines, vending machines, and restrooms in the baggage hall.
Upon collecting baggage, pax pass through customs and then enter the arrivals hall. Booked taxi courier drivers are often waiting across from the exit doors.
- T3: As you exit customs into the arrivals hall, follow the lane around - the ramp to the Underground and Heathrow Connect/Express will be on the left. Hotel bus shuttles (Hoppa bus) and the taxi rank are also to the left and outside.
- T4: Go to the left for the Heathrow Connect/Express trains and go to the right for Underground trains (The Underground (AKA the Tube) is the cheapest way into London via the Piccadilly Line; Heathrow Connect to Paddington with a few stops in between is in the middle; the Heathrow Express is the most expensive direct service to Paddington). Rental car and limousine desks are to the right. Rental car and hotel shuttle buses (Hotel Hoppa) are outside of the terminal - follow posted signs.
Baggage storage is also available outside of security.
- T3: Left Luggage is near the WH Smith in the arrivals hall.
- T4: Exit to the right and it is across from the escalators that go down to the Tube station.
Lounges:
Arrivals @ LHR T3:
D1, DM, and PM can use the VS Revivals Lounge on the mezzanine level. Unlike with departures lounges, DM and PM are not allowed to bring a guest along to the Revivals Lounge (unless flying in D1/Upper Class).
Departures:
LHR T3: Delta One passengers, DMs, and PMs have access to the VS Clubhouse lounge. DMs and PMs may bring one guest who is traveling on the same flight. A 3rd party lounge (the "No. 1 Traveller" Lounge) is offered to GM traveling in economy or Premium Economy.
NOTE: Although the dl.com Sky Club Locations page states that Sky Club members get access to the SkyTeam lounge at LHR, I've had agents at the desk there tell me that my SC card does not matter and my ST Elite+ status is what gets me access unless flying in J.
FT Discussion:
Paid SC Member Denied Access to LHR Sky Team Lounge
Check in and security at LHR T4 (AF, KL, and other SkyTeam partners):
Check in for SkyPriority and J pax is at the desks used for SkyTeam pax.
As far as time for check in, Delta Check In Time Requirements. On that note, I have family (Medallions) who have checked in (with checked baggage) right at 60 minutes before the flight and made it through security and to the plane with a few minutes to spare.
FastTrack for the security checkpoint - The FT lane is to the left if looking at the main security queuing point. Pax flying in J can use FT. I have been able to use FT when flying in Y by showing my DM card. Not sure if it is the policy, but I last used it on March 2013 with no issue. Others have also reported success using the FT lane by showing their credentials.
NOTE: Increased security measures at LHR security checkpoints are creating delays - Email I received from DL LINK
If flying AF or KL from LHR, the latest check in time changes effective 1 Feb 2012: Changes to Latest Check-in Time at LHR on AF/KL
More discussion on London and the UK:
FT UK & Ireland Forum - LINK
UK Air Passenger Duty
DL paid ground transfer JFK-EWR/LGA on TATL flights - LINK
Delta and Virgin Atlantic (VS) Partnership:
dl.com: VIRGIN ATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP FAQS
FT thread: Delta Virgin Atlantic Partnership
NOTE: At LHR, DL and VS use T3 while other SkyTeam carriers use T4. These terminals are not connected air or landside.
VS Fare Classes:
VS fare classes do not align with DL fare classes. VS fare buckets:
Upper Class - J, C, D, I, Z, G (G is an award & upgrade fare class)
Premium Economy W, S, H, K, P
Economy Y, B, R, L, U, M, E, Q, X, V, N, O
Note that because Virgin Atlantic uses the same G fare class for both award tickets and upgrades, if using miles or GUCs to upgrade a Virgin Atlantic flight, it will be rebooked in G and may thus show up to Delta as ineligible for mileage earning with SkyMiles. This is incorrect, as upgraded tickets should earn miles based on the original coach ticket -- so if upgrading Virgin Atlantic flights, pay close attention to your SkyMiles earning and be ready to follow up with Delta to get the miles credited correctly.
dl.com - earning miles on VS (VS is a Tier 1 partner.): LINK
Medallion Benefits flying on VS (DM, PM, GM):
- Priority Check-In
- Priority Baggage Handling
- Priority Security
- Priority Boarding
- Baggage fee waiver for one additional piece up to 23kg (~50lbs)
- VS Clubhouse access with a same-day TATL flight on DL or VS (GMs: only at BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO, not LGW/LHR; PM have access at LGW, but not LHR unless in J; DM have access at LGW and LHR)
NOTE: VS J pax (and presumably Medallions) are now eligible for Fast Track security for connections, departures, and arrivals at LHR T3: LINK.
Clubhouse (Lounge) Access:
DL/VS J passengers get access to VS Clubhouse lounges at LGW/LHR and BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO with a same-day TATL flight on either DL or VS.
GM in W or Y have access to the BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO lounges but not LGW/LHR.
DM or PM in W or Y may use the LGW and LHR Clubhouse lounges as well as BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO, and may bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight with them.
DM/PM/GM in W or Y at LHR T3 have access to "No. 1 Traveller" lounge instead of, (for DMs in addition to), the VS Clubhouse.
LHR T3:
al330729's pics from the VS Clubhouse at LHR T3 - LINK
JFK:
As a DM flying JFK-LHR, I was able to use the VS Clubhouse at JFK. For pics, please see:
- Lounge - LINK
- Food - LINK
- Showers/Spa - LINK
VS Revivals (Arrivals) Lounge at LHR T3:
alee0729 had no issues accessing the VS Revivals Lounge following a DL arrival into T3. Shower pic - LINK
On Dec. 21, 2013, I stopped by the Revivals Lounge to get clarification on access for DL Medallion members. Per the agent, only pax flying Upper Class (Business) can currently access the lounge due to space issues; DL Medallion status does not = access. This may change once some DL flights start using T3 in Spring 2014.
Upgrading on VS-Operated Flights:
Virgin Atlantic Code Share Flight Questions
Using SM to Upgrade on VS
Access to Extra Leg Room Seats / Exit Rows on VS-operated Flights:
Possible Improvements to the DL-VS Relationship
FAQ: Flying to London on DL
Dec 20, 2013, 10:16 am
#886
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
Well tonight I am taking my first flight through LHR on a Skyteam Airline. DL40 -MSP-LHR connecting to VS3043 operated by Aer Lingus. I have 4 hours and a British Passport so I assume I will be OK.
Dec 20, 2013, 10:27 am
#887
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
I flew to London last friday morning (12/13) on a paid J ticket DTW/LHR on DL 9858. This was flight 18 that was to have departed Thursday and they had MX issues at the last minute and they ended up cancelling that flight and rescheduling it for the next morning and flew in an aircraft from ATL and used flight number 9858 instead (looks like it is an ATL/LHR flight number).
When we were getting ready to land and they handed out the cards to none EU residents to fill out for border control, I requested a fast track pass and was told Delta no longer gave them out
We had to return to the gate because a passenger was sick in Detroit and we didn't land until almost 10 p.m. and I had to wait in the passport control line for over 45 minutes. After being delayed 12 hours and having to get up at 4:45 a.m. the next morning I just wanted to get through passport control and hop on the underground and go to my hotel and crash.
The crew was lazy in general and it was a poor experience flying and if I would have known the flight was going to be delayed that long and the service was so lousy, I would have just flown in EC going over. They didn't have any of the printed menus describing the wines and the FA's didn't know anything about the wines. I requested a dessert wine or port with my dessert and was told they had none on board. I like to drink double Bailey's and the one FA said it was Delta's policy they couldn't serve doubles (which I thought was odd seeing two bailey's has less alcohol than one mini of most other liquors). They also ran out of Bailey's and out of Fresca on the flight and didn't do a cookie or any other kind of snack service between the first meal and arrival meal.
If Delta wants people to pay for a J ticket or pay for a very high fare coach ticket to upgrade using SWU's or miles they should at least continue to offer the fast track cards. I was told that most of the crew normally does domestic and not international (had something to do with crew rest issues and the originally scheduled crew from the scheduled flight couldn't fly) so that might have explained some of the poor service issues. I normally don't like to complain and ask for compensation, but seeing what I paid for that ticket and how long the flight was delayed.....
When we were getting ready to land and they handed out the cards to none EU residents to fill out for border control, I requested a fast track pass and was told Delta no longer gave them out
We had to return to the gate because a passenger was sick in Detroit and we didn't land until almost 10 p.m. and I had to wait in the passport control line for over 45 minutes. After being delayed 12 hours and having to get up at 4:45 a.m. the next morning I just wanted to get through passport control and hop on the underground and go to my hotel and crash.The crew was lazy in general and it was a poor experience flying and if I would have known the flight was going to be delayed that long and the service was so lousy, I would have just flown in EC going over. They didn't have any of the printed menus describing the wines and the FA's didn't know anything about the wines. I requested a dessert wine or port with my dessert and was told they had none on board. I like to drink double Bailey's and the one FA said it was Delta's policy they couldn't serve doubles (which I thought was odd seeing two bailey's has less alcohol than one mini of most other liquors). They also ran out of Bailey's and out of Fresca on the flight and didn't do a cookie or any other kind of snack service between the first meal and arrival meal.
If Delta wants people to pay for a J ticket or pay for a very high fare coach ticket to upgrade using SWU's or miles they should at least continue to offer the fast track cards. I was told that most of the crew normally does domestic and not international (had something to do with crew rest issues and the originally scheduled crew from the scheduled flight couldn't fly) so that might have explained some of the poor service issues. I normally don't like to complain and ask for compensation, but seeing what I paid for that ticket and how long the flight was delayed.....
I would definitely send in a complaint.
As far as Fast Track, I know in T5 it's now just necessary to show my BP. Not sure this is the case in T4 now or not. I'll pay attention the next time!
Dec 20, 2013, 10:28 am
#888
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Dec 20, 2013, 12:39 pm
#889
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, AA EXP, UA Silver, former DL DM
Posts: 2,001
Dec 21, 2013, 8:24 am
#890
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
I flew to London last friday morning (12/13) on a paid J ticket DTW/LHR on DL 9858. This was flight 18 that was to have departed Thursday and they had MX issues at the last minute and they ended up cancelling that flight and rescheduling it for the next morning and flew in an aircraft from ATL and used flight number 9858 instead (looks like it is an ATL/LHR flight number).
....
....
Dec 21, 2013, 8:32 am
#891
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
I asked the SC agent that morning if they could move my return flight back a day seeing I wasn't going to be able to spend any time at all in London Friday and had planned to attend the theater that night and by returning back a day later, it would give me another night. She was able to get that accomplished and I felt bad complaining, but after I thought about how much I paid for the ticket and found out yesterday morning about the fast track and spending that extra time in the passport control line and what I paid for the ticket.....
In that same email I made sure to compliment the SC staff Thursday night for staying over three hours past closing time and how helpful they were and how great the crew was on the return flight.
Dec 21, 2013, 10:17 am
#892
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA ExPl, DL PM, UA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, probably some others
Posts: 4,097
I flew to London last friday morning (12/13) on a paid J ticket DTW/LHR on DL 9858. This was flight 18 that was to have departed Thursday and they had MX issues at the last minute and they ended up cancelling that flight and rescheduling it for the next morning and flew in an aircraft from ATL and used flight number 9858 instead (looks like it is an ATL/LHR flight number).
When we were getting ready to land and they handed out the cards to none EU residents to fill out for border control, I requested a fast track pass and was told Delta no longer gave them out We had to return to the gate because a passenger was sick in Detroit and we didn't land until almost 10 p.m. and I had to wait in the passport control line for over 45 minutes. After being delayed 12 hours and having to get up at 4:45 a.m. the next morning I just wanted to get through passport control and hop on the underground and go to my hotel and crash.
The crew was lazy in general and it was a poor experience flying and if I would have known the flight was going to be delayed that long and the service was so lousy, I would have just flown in EC going over. They didn't have any of the printed menus describing the wines and the FA's didn't know anything about the wines. I requested a dessert wine or port with my dessert and was told they had none on board. I like to drink double Bailey's and the one FA said it was Delta's policy they couldn't serve doubles (which I thought was odd seeing two bailey's has less alcohol than one mini of most other liquors). They also ran out of Bailey's and out of Fresca on the flight and didn't do a cookie or any other kind of snack service between the first meal and arrival meal.
If Delta wants people to pay for a J ticket or pay for a very high fare coach ticket to upgrade using SWU's or miles they should at least continue to offer the fast track cards. I was told that most of the crew normally does domestic and not international (had something to do with crew rest issues and the originally scheduled crew from the scheduled flight couldn't fly) so that might have explained some of the poor service issues. I normally don't like to complain and ask for compensation, but seeing what I paid for that ticket and how long the flight was delayed.....
When we were getting ready to land and they handed out the cards to none EU residents to fill out for border control, I requested a fast track pass and was told Delta no longer gave them out
We had to return to the gate because a passenger was sick in Detroit and we didn't land until almost 10 p.m. and I had to wait in the passport control line for over 45 minutes. After being delayed 12 hours and having to get up at 4:45 a.m. the next morning I just wanted to get through passport control and hop on the underground and go to my hotel and crash.The crew was lazy in general and it was a poor experience flying and if I would have known the flight was going to be delayed that long and the service was so lousy, I would have just flown in EC going over. They didn't have any of the printed menus describing the wines and the FA's didn't know anything about the wines. I requested a dessert wine or port with my dessert and was told they had none on board. I like to drink double Bailey's and the one FA said it was Delta's policy they couldn't serve doubles (which I thought was odd seeing two bailey's has less alcohol than one mini of most other liquors). They also ran out of Bailey's and out of Fresca on the flight and didn't do a cookie or any other kind of snack service between the first meal and arrival meal.
If Delta wants people to pay for a J ticket or pay for a very high fare coach ticket to upgrade using SWU's or miles they should at least continue to offer the fast track cards. I was told that most of the crew normally does domestic and not international (had something to do with crew rest issues and the originally scheduled crew from the scheduled flight couldn't fly) so that might have explained some of the poor service issues. I normally don't like to complain and ask for compensation, but seeing what I paid for that ticket and how long the flight was delayed.....
Did they give you a pass for the Yotel?
Dec 21, 2013, 10:25 am
#893
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
I flew DTW-LHR over Thanksgiving in paid BE as a Diamond and they were certainly handing out Fast Track cards. With that being said, when we got to Fast Track, the immigration officers had just one window open for Fast Track and a dozen open for typical non-EU passports, so those of us who got in the Fast Track line were probably the last people to clear immigration. And that's not a uncommon occurrence. To be honest, you're not missing out on much there.
Did they give you a pass for the Yotel?
Did they give you a pass for the Yotel?
Dec 21, 2013, 11:20 am
#895
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Dec 21, 2013, 11:41 am
#896
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,687
Yes GM get Yotel even in Y on awards ticket.
This summer travelling to UK with DW and parents we got two "rooms" upon arrival at Yotel; one with my DM and one with my DW's gifted GM.
This summer travelling to UK with DW and parents we got two "rooms" upon arrival at Yotel; one with my DM and one with my DW's gifted GM.
Dec 21, 2013, 12:43 pm
#897
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
I flew DTW-LHR over Thanksgiving in paid BE as a Diamond and they were certainly handing out Fast Track cards. With that being said, when we got to Fast Track, the immigration officers had just one window open for Fast Track and a dozen open for typical non-EU passports, so those of us who got in the Fast Track line were probably the last people to clear immigration. And that's not a uncommon occurrence. To be honest, you're not missing out on much there.
Did they give you a pass for the Yotel?
Did they give you a pass for the Yotel?
Of eligible passengers. No passes were given out and since we landed at 10 pm I just went right to my hotel and didn't try accessing Yotel this trip
Dec 21, 2013, 12:46 pm
#898
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,687
I didn't think you needed a pass for yotel. Last time i used Yotel I was in coach as a PM and they had a list at the front desk
Of eligible passengers. No passes were given out and since we landed at 10 pm I just went right to my hotel and didn't try accessing Yotel this trip
Of eligible passengers. No passes were given out and since we landed at 10 pm I just went right to my hotel and didn't try accessing Yotel this trip
Yotel shower is handy to freshen up after the redeye's early morning arrival. If there is a hotel available for checking in at your arrival time I would definitely head there as opposed to the Yotel.
Dec 21, 2013, 1:57 pm
#899
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: London
Programs: DL FO, BA Bronze, Avis Preferred
Posts: 851
Dec 21, 2013, 5:33 pm
#900
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
I wish Delta had a decent arrivals lounge at LHR like American and Virgin