Delta One from LAX to ATL
Jan 2, 2020, 12:00 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Thank you everyone. I agree the agent misspoke and meant the A350, not the 380. At this point is there any lobbying to be done to persuade the airline to cycle in at least one wide body a week on that route? Even a 767 without flatbeds is preferable to the A321 or older 757. There are often celebrities and VIP travelers on this route. Most recently I flew along with former Atlanta mayor and UN Ambassador Andrew Young. I would think Delta might accommodate these and other Diamond/Platinum Medallion members. I greatly appreciate all your information and advice. pinky1
There are no 767s without lie-flats anymore (the domestic 767s have all been retired) and the reality (as mentioned above) is that this route existed on a widebody because it was the best way to optimize the fleet.
This year, clearly, their current fleet makeup enables them to optimize the fleet without putting a widebody on ATL - LAX. Fleet planning is an incredibly complex task and they don't just make these decisions in a vacuum. VIPs or not, they can make more money by putting these planes on international turns.
The A321s are perfectly nice planes in F for the 4-5 hour flight.
Last edited by Duke787; Jan 2, 2020 at 12:07 pm
Jan 2, 2020, 12:32 pm
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Oh please! VIP's and celebrities? I am trying to think of a less important reason to repurpose an aircraft that can make more money and return more value to shareholders than some has been actress. But, I am unable to do so.
Jan 2, 2020, 12:54 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 8
I believe I was unclear in my message. What I intended to convey was that the airline would care about such passengers and their concomitant tweets and publicity. I don't value such people over others. I realize my language did not reflect that and apologize for any confusion. I was merely relating what I believe to be a factor in modern life, not the ideal, but the reality. Yes, this is a "first world problem" but I thought I could seek advice from seasoned flyers, which is why I reached out in this forum. Thank you, pinky1
Jan 2, 2020, 1:55 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
I believe I was unclear in my message. What I intended to convey was that the airline would care about such passengers and their concomitant tweets and publicity. I don't value such people over others. I realize my language did not reflect that and apologize for any confusion. I was merely relating what I believe to be a factor in modern life, not the ideal, but the reality. Yes, this is a "first world problem" but I thought I could seek advice from seasoned flyers, which is why I reached out in this forum. Thank you, pinky1
Jan 3, 2020, 10:33 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 8
If you had a choice between first class seats on an A321 or a domestic 757-200 which would be more comfortable? These are for my son and daughter-in-law and their 11 month old son. I know you don't need to purchase a ticket for a child under two but are you permitted to do so? Is it safe for a small child to be seated and strapped individually? Thanks again for all your help, pinky1
Jan 3, 2020, 9:44 pm
#21
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Haha. No US3 airline gives a fiddler's fart about B-listers and semi-VIPs flying on this or any route. These people provide negligible revenue, and whatever 'social media' presence they may or may not have can easily work against them. As in high maintenance snowflakes. Real VIPs will go private. High revenue regular travellers is where the market is. If they demand lie-flats on LAX-ATL, it will happen. It hasn't. It is offered to certain markets (like NYC), for a reason.