Which flight to choose DCA to LAS
 

Hello,

Trying to decide between two Delta flights (in F class):

1. DCA to LAS via MEM on A320 aircraft
2. DCA to LAS via ATL on MD88 and 757 aircraft

Which would you recommend. Thanks.

"Boeing or I'm not going" is usually how I pick my birds. Both could be a crap shoot.

MEM is a much nicer place to connect through (also find upgrade chances to be better) but I like the 757 first class cabin better especially if it is a 75E, A, or to a lesser extent, X

IROP recovery - if one considers such things - will have far more opportunities for re-routing out of ATL than from MEM. The relative virtues of F cabins by aircraft has been done here many times.

neither. I suggest DCA - JFK - LAS. You will get a decent ride from JFK to LAS, and lounge access in JFK, and more miles.

Agree
 

Totally agree with this. Also, the SkyClubs are nice and self serve.

I have made this comment on several occasions in several other threads -- this is an instance of what I call "Newton's Law of the online forum" --

For every so-called "expert" opinion there is an equal and opposite so-called "expert" opinion.

I'm with JesseRohr on the Boeing aspect; I say ATL. Since you'll be in F anyway, the MD88 will likely have power ports (and if it doesn't, it's still a nicer, much quieter ride than an Airbus) and the 757 will likely have some form of IFE besides wi-fi. Also as stated you'll have more IROP alternatives. You'll also get a little over 100 extra miles (or whatever the F-class multiplier gets you).

If you can pull this off... F on a CR9(?) and then on a 75X, you can't ask for much more domestically.

-J.

What? MEM is the housing project version of an airport.

if UG chances look similar, avoid the 320

I'd take the ATL routing. F on A320s is cramped, and the aircraft lack both IFE and power ports. Even if the MD-88 is an older config lacking power ports, it's still a nicer ride up front than a 320 is, and a 75X really can't be beat for non-transcon domestic F.

If the OP is doing paid FC, ATL is better if things go wrong. For FC elite upgrades, I would pick MEM and enjoy the better SCs and generally more pleasant airport experience.

DCA-DTW-LAS I like DTW

I don't really like connecting in CVG or MEM from DCA heading west because of the small F cabins and higher chance of a CRJ.

DCA-SLC-LAS is good too. DCA to SLC is a 757.

I've done all of these routes. Stay off the A320 if you want an upgrade.