FlyAO2

DL claims that some of the stations are not "ready" for meals. If the station isn't ready, the flight doesn't get service in either direction (i.e. all flights to/from that destination) get Covid Boxes regardless of how far the flight is.

flyerCO

This isnt correct. It depends where the inbound aircraft is coming from/going to and time of day. DL generally if possible double caters flights.

Detroiter

That's the kind of snack that would be appropriate for DTW-Northeast at meal times, but I know that ship has sailed - it's the snack basket for the lot of ye!

Dawgfan6291

Well that is some kind of neat trick Delta did.

Considering every Delta 738 has had some type of major cabin mod of some flavor since delivery.

KDCAflyer

The aircraft for the ATL-BOI flight I'm on immediately returns to ATL, and while it is technically double catered, it's with junk boxes instead of real food.

I've had a double catered meal on SJU-JFK in the past, so flight length/spoilage isn't the issue.

KDCAflyer

I think OP is referring to the ancient IFE system. They're still out there, and long in need of replacement.

Dawgfan6291

Possible. but those airplanes didn't come from the factory with setback IFE.

I find it hilarious that people really think airplanes like the 757, 763 and 738 have such an "old" product. They should go check out the IFE on American....oh wait.


either way, the 73H fleet is getting cabin mods starting soon. Unlike most of the US airlines they will be keeping IFE and getting a better system.

xjaehyun

August 12, 2022
LAX-JFK


Chose the strawberry bostock. Turns out it’s pretty good. Whatever the spread was, it made it even better.

FlyAO2

not true. AUA is one of these stations and there’s no service on flights from JFK or ATL. Clearly there is catering to be had both at JFK and ATL.

Others have also pointed to ATL flights to other stations with a COVID box in both directions.

Dawgfan6291

Not every airport has a LGS or Gate Gourmet kitchen to cater flights. So in that case Delta (and the other airlines) will contract with a airport restaurant to do the catering. I don't know if most of you have noticed but pretty much every restaurant in the country is struggling to find employees. So the issue right now in the flight kitchen-less airports is the airlines are having a very hard time finding a restaurant willing (much less able) to take on a catering contract again.

Delta's theory, which i agree with, is that it is better for a flight like ATL-TUS to get sad boxes because TUS-ATL is going to get sad boxes. This does two things, it prevents pissed off passengers getting angry at FAs because "WELL! ON MY WAY FROM ATLANTA I GOT XYZ!!!!" and (I'm assuming here) it takes some of the heat off of the Atlanta flight kitchen that is also struggling to find employees. Every flight kitchen in the country is struggling to find people.
I am fine and totally understand all of this.


with that said, my issue is the quality of the sad boxes. Two things, one, just seems like overall they are cheap crap but two Delta (and the other airlines doing stuff like this) are trying way too hard on the meals. Simple sandwich with some chips and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Simple salad with meat on the side and maybe some fruit if logistically possible. Thats all they have to do. Nothing super cute. Nothing that sounds like I comes from a 3 star restaurant but taste worse than something I can get at McDonald's. Just something simple and with some quality. If Publix can sell me a boars head sandwich, chips and a drink for 6-8 bucks, I'm pretty sure Delta could bump the quality in the name of the "fancy" aspect and serve something much better.

My advice to anyone who doesn't know, for the most part a simple google search can tell you if the station you are going to has a kitchen or not (Trust me, if they are they are probably hiring making said search easier). My policy for those stations haven't changed since COVID. Either stop and get a few snacks in the airport or most airports have some kind of sandwich/salad kiosk that has some decent food. Stop and get something. It sucks you have to do that but it keeps me fed and happy.

NotHamSarnie

Being someone who regularly flies to TUS and find the sad boxes unacceptable, I just don't fly Delta except to use up my RUCs. If they offered proper meals ATL-TUS and sad boxes on the return, I would fly the outbound DL and the return on AA. And those of us who do this regularly are the ones who count - not the one-and-dones who are surprised at the catering being different in each direction. Regular fliers learn quickly and adjust accordingly, as I have done. If they can cater in ATL for a Tucson-bound flight, then they should do so.

Dawgfan6291

"Adjusting" by leaving Delta unless using a FF benefit that costs Delta money in theory.

Hm. Yeah. Sounds like the people Delta should try to cater to. Hell, maybe they should just offer FFs for Delta to pay for them to fly the other airlines.

and for what they should do. I'm going to trust the ones with the data (Delta) over someone who apparently bailed on Delta because of the food choice in F. (and laughably went to American. The worst product out of all the legacies)

jb1012xna

Thanks for the review and picture! I'm flying that route on Thursday and that's an option that I was seriously considering. But not anymore.

NMHelt

Anyone flown Delta One ATL to LHR (or FRA to ATL) recently? Seeing mostly domestic flights lately. Wondering what I’m looking at next month.

seageg91

Agreed! Got stuck w/ the boxes on transcon ATL to GEG (spokane, wa) and went with the grain bowl. One of the most disgusting things I've ever eaten. Could barely get past a few bites.