MD-88 vs. Boeing 717
Nov 28, 2013, 11:13 am
#1
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MD-88 vs. Boeing 717
Flying from ATL to CHI, to attend a conference, in first class (connecting from an intl. biz class flight), could fly MD-88 to ORD or 717 to MDW. Have looked into pros/cons of the two airports, which seems the primary consideration, but wondered if the differences between the two aircraft should play a role. My initial impression is no, not much at all. MD-88 is, I gather, an older aircraft (have experienced it mainly with AA), but the 717s Delta has apparently are former Air Trans planes, bought from Southwest and refurbished. 717 just slightly smaller. Neither one has IFE.
At this point leaning towards the 717 to MDW. Total cost is the same and schedules quite close.
At this point leaning towards the 717 to MDW. Total cost is the same and schedules quite close.
Nov 28, 2013, 11:41 am
#3
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Nov 28, 2013, 1:49 pm
#5
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I really like the feel of the MD-88/90 up front. It's quiet, with the engines in the back, which would be the same for the B717. OTOH, since the B717s are new, and I haven't been on one yet, that would be a cool thing for me, as a semi airplane buff.
That said, MDW is substantially closer to downtown Chicago, if that's where you're headed. If you're taking the CTA train in, the train ride is a little bit longer from ORD (& $5 compared to $2.25 from MDW). Although I've never used a taxi or limo there, I'd certainly think that I'd rather use MDW, as I have seen some NASTY traffic on I-90 riding in from ORD on the Blue Line.
That said, MDW is substantially closer to downtown Chicago, if that's where you're headed. If you're taking the CTA train in, the train ride is a little bit longer from ORD (& $5 compared to $2.25 from MDW). Although I've never used a taxi or limo there, I'd certainly think that I'd rather use MDW, as I have seen some NASTY traffic on I-90 riding in from ORD on the Blue Line.
Nov 28, 2013, 4:34 pm
#8
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Avoid 3B in the 717
I prefer MDW over ORD for downtown. If you fly the 717, avoid 3B. The flight attendants seem incapable of avoiding bumping into it with the cart or their person. Could be a small space to make the slight turn, I don't know. I was routinely bumped throughout the flight from Newark. Not fun.
Nov 28, 2013, 7:08 pm
#9
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MDW usually has a unique approach, as there are buildings all around the airport and it's kind of a fun landing... But ORD has a sky club for when you're ready to leave. If I was heading in to the city, MDW is better and closer. Also, both are $2.25 by rail, but I'm guessing if you're flying F, connecting from an international BE ticket, the train isn't quite your thing...
Nov 28, 2013, 7:18 pm
#10
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I hate to tell'ya, but, the CTA fare departing ORD went up to $5.00 a while back. It peeved me a little bit, when I first found out.
http://www.transitchicago.com/travel...e_quicklinks=1
A quote from the above link:
'L' train fare $2.25*
* Applies at all train stations except O’Hare (where a premium fare applies)
'L' train fare from O'Hare Deducted on entry at O'Hare station, only, if paying from Ventra Transit Account pay-per-use value, Chicago Cards, Transit Cards. $5
http://www.transitchicago.com/travel...e_quicklinks=1
A quote from the above link:
'L' train fare $2.25*
* Applies at all train stations except O’Hare (where a premium fare applies)
'L' train fare from O'Hare Deducted on entry at O'Hare station, only, if paying from Ventra Transit Account pay-per-use value, Chicago Cards, Transit Cards. $5
Nov 29, 2013, 1:38 am
#11
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I don't know about the 717, but the MD-88 has no pre-flight drink service, at least on ORD-ATL. You actually have to wait around a while for them to pull the carts out for econ before you can get anything. I flew this yesterday on an 88 and it was probably 30 minutes out of the gate before I was offered anything.
Both should have 110 in FC if you're worried about a dead laptop or something. The 717 holds ~40 less pax so you should board a bit faster.
Both should have 110 in FC if you're worried about a dead laptop or something. The 717 holds ~40 less pax so you should board a bit faster.
Nov 29, 2013, 6:22 am
#13
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I don't know about the 717, but the MD-88 has no pre-flight drink service, at least on ORD-ATL. You actually have to wait around a while for them to pull the carts out for econ before you can get anything. I flew this yesterday on an 88 and it was probably 30 minutes out of the gate before I was offered anything.
Nov 29, 2013, 7:14 am
#14
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717 on ATL good news!
I'll be looking forward to seeing a 717 on what's become a regular route for me between ATL-MDW, instead of the usual A320 and occasional A319. It looks like 717s start showing up on the schedule 4 of the 7 weekday flights on that route on Apr. 1.
IFE shouldn't be too much of an issue. It's usually less than 90 minutes in the air on that trip. The last two times I've done it, the FAs didn't even finish beverage service before it was time to sit down again.
IFE shouldn't be too much of an issue. It's usually less than 90 minutes in the air on that trip. The last two times I've done it, the FAs didn't even finish beverage service before it was time to sit down again.