A220 dfw-lga-dfw & fear of flying
Apr 26, 2019, 11:00 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 141
A220 dfw-lga-dfw & fear of flying
Delta used to be my main airline when I lived in NYC and even after I moved to Dallas 25 years ago but as I mostly fly to FL & SEA where family is we migrated to AA. No longer fly much for work and am also a fearful flyer particularly when I have to fly without my husband or a friend. I have never flown regional or small jets.
We need to fly to LGA this summer for a wedding and the Delta fares are way less expensive than AA (F is about half) and I would appreciate any insight into the "feel" of flying on this new aircraft vs a 321 or 738.
The take-off is what usually freaks me out and I am ok in the air if not terribly turbulent which will happen regardless of aircraft but somehow I feel more secure on a larger plane (if if there is nothing factual to back this up).
We are no longer loyal to AA unless they are only carrier who flies non-stop as we don't have status anymore and see no reason to pay for it for the few times a year we fly.
I wish Delta flew non-stop to FLL or PBI which is where I travel most often to visit my 89 year is mom in assisted living.
So open to trying new aircraft and wondering if there are any other fliers with fear and anxiety who can assist me with their perspective.
Please be kind.
Thank you.
We need to fly to LGA this summer for a wedding and the Delta fares are way less expensive than AA (F is about half) and I would appreciate any insight into the "feel" of flying on this new aircraft vs a 321 or 738.
The take-off is what usually freaks me out and I am ok in the air if not terribly turbulent which will happen regardless of aircraft but somehow I feel more secure on a larger plane (if if there is nothing factual to back this up).
We are no longer loyal to AA unless they are only carrier who flies non-stop as we don't have status anymore and see no reason to pay for it for the few times a year we fly.
I wish Delta flew non-stop to FLL or PBI which is where I travel most often to visit my 89 year is mom in assisted living.
So open to trying new aircraft and wondering if there are any other fliers with fear and anxiety who can assist me with their perspective.
Please be kind.
Thank you.
Apr 26, 2019, 11:57 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
You might be glad to know that the A220 features "turbulence avoidance technology." I don't know what that actually is, but seems like that could be a good thing for you?
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-del...voidance-tech/
Also, apparently DL has less turbulence than other airlines:
https://thepointsguy.com/news/this-i...delta-flights/
As for takeoff, I don't imagine it will feel any different at all. This a/c will feel more spacious, which I see as a plus.
.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-del...voidance-tech/
Also, apparently DL has less turbulence than other airlines:
https://thepointsguy.com/news/this-i...delta-flights/
As for takeoff, I don't imagine it will feel any different at all. This a/c will feel more spacious, which I see as a plus.
.
Apr 26, 2019, 12:04 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Have flown the A220 twice (the other way LGA - DFW - LGA) and both were very smooth, easy flights. They have big TV screens in both Y and F which can help keep your mind off anything happening outside. They are also quite open with the newer style Airbus bins and layout (it is virtually identical to the A321 except smaller)
Apr 26, 2019, 12:27 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,166
I wouldn't call the A220 a small plane, if you are thinking of it like a regional jets. The CRJs (-200/-700/-900) are the small ones. As others said this is really just like a shorter 321.
As for turbulence, that is really going to depend on the weather out of DFW and into LGA. I typically find that LGA even with wind isn't bad for turbulence, but sometimes DFW can be choppy. Pilots and air traffic control will actively route around storms and turbulent areas.
As for turbulence, that is really going to depend on the weather out of DFW and into LGA. I typically find that LGA even with wind isn't bad for turbulence, but sometimes DFW can be choppy. Pilots and air traffic control will actively route around storms and turbulent areas.
Apr 26, 2019, 1:24 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond 1.7MM, Starlux Insighter, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,944
To add another reassuring voice, the A220 is arguably the most comfortable airplane in the skies right now. Delta has put it on its most competitive routes where they want to poach passengers from other airlines, which should tell you a bit about the experience onboard. It has brand new entertainment systems, a 2-3 seating arrangement that helps you get a row to yourself no matter what your family size is, and oversized and comfortable lavatories. If you’re familiar with other airplane types from history, it’s probably closest in size to the old DC-9, a reliable workhorse that you may have been on in the past.
I’d expect a quieter than usual takeoff and flight experience. Nobody can guarantee a smooth ride, but the aircraft won’t be a factor here - it should be just as stable as any other airplane you’ll encounter within the domestic US.
You may find it helpful to visit turbulenceforecast.com before your flight - on this site, current areas of known bumpiness are displayed. Rest assured your pilots will have access to this (and even better) data, and will be planning a safe course around as much bumpiness as possible - but knowing that it might be coming can be hugely reassuring because it doesn’t come as a surprise, at least for the nervous fliers I know personally.
I’d expect a quieter than usual takeoff and flight experience. Nobody can guarantee a smooth ride, but the aircraft won’t be a factor here - it should be just as stable as any other airplane you’ll encounter within the domestic US.
You may find it helpful to visit turbulenceforecast.com before your flight - on this site, current areas of known bumpiness are displayed. Rest assured your pilots will have access to this (and even better) data, and will be planning a safe course around as much bumpiness as possible - but knowing that it might be coming can be hugely reassuring because it doesn’t come as a surprise, at least for the nervous fliers I know personally.
Apr 26, 2019, 1:42 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 141
Thank you. I think I have every flight app possible on my phone & I already use turbulenceforecast.com! I booked our flights to LGA for my niece's wedding in August. Need to think about the 1 stop flight to Boston though. Doesn't look like Delta flies too many non-stops from DFW like they did years ago when we moved here and it was a hub. Much appreciated.
Last edited by balthus; Apr 26, 2019 at 2:50 pm Reason: typo
Apr 26, 2019, 2:56 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Apparently it should be more stable with some type of new technology to avoid turbulence, see my post above.
Apr 26, 2019, 3:25 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 5,175
My SO is also a fearful flyer. We always fly in the mornings in the summer months to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. No guaranty obviously but morning travel might make you more comfortable, especially between NYC and DFW.
Apr 26, 2019, 3:46 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 141
Thank you. I always try to get first flight out of DFW to avoid delays and storms but if it's just a weekend trip hard to do unless I can stay over and head straight to the office which occasionally when I return from FL I will do.
Apr 26, 2019, 4:18 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond 1.7MM, Starlux Insighter, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,944
http://news.delta.com/groundbreaking-app-helps-delta-pilots-avoid-turbulence
Apr 26, 2019, 4:28 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
This is simply Delta’s customized turbulence avoidance software system being highlighted as part of the A220 introduction. It’s innovative, but present on all Delta aircraft.
http://news.delta.com/groundbreaking...oid-turbulence