MCO-MIA-MCO
 

Avoiding DL at all costs, I flew a US Airways Dash-8 to Miami. Not a bad flight at all, really, though it helped that the t-stoms had not yet begun to brew. Speaking of brew, since it was a nice, slow plane, I even had time for an ice-cold beer during the flight.

Stayed at the Marriott near MIA. All I can say is never again. While I'm sure it was just a cost-saving measure to leave the last guys (used) soap & shampoo in the shower for me; I bring my own and thus didn't need those particular amenities. Also, what ever happened to the 'sanitized for your protection' strips they used to put around the commode lids? If that were still a required service, perhaps housekeeping would have thought to flush.

Drove up to FLL to meet some friends for dinner. Had a marvelous ocean-side table at Sea Watch. The food, wine and service was great! Recommend the Swordfish or Red Snapper. Hearty appetites can go for the JUMBO Maine lobster for 88 bux.

I was scheduled to return on the 5:30 PM US Air flight, but my meeting finished early so I asked if they could put me on the earlier flight. Turns out, US Air cancelled their early MIA-MCO flight for the summer. Nice desk agent offered to endorse my ticket to AA so I could come back a bit sooner. AA (Gold check-in) was totally clueless, rude and generally not helpful. The desk agent stated that, even though my ticket had been endorsed to them by US, they (AA) would receive no recompense for the ticket. No money, no seat. Back I went to the US Air counter to air my gripe. Desk agent said obviously the AA agent was new (or stoopit) and re-endorsed the ticket for a DL flight. Yes, DL. Choice was that or 5 hours in non-smoking MIA. DL gate agent was more than happy to take my ticket & put me on stand-by. Flight was delayed about an hour, but wound up on the Delta Connection jet. Quick 35 minute flight and I was the only one served before hitting turbulence. Funny that in-flight service on this aircraft was much better than my wifes last DL flight on a L1011. I got Coke (dang, no Pepsi). Also TWO bags of peanuts and a package of those orange crackers with some kind of substance between them. Tasty.

Home again, home again. I-4 was just as I had left it - full of tourists that can't/won't read the signs.

I still like AA and dislike DL, but you can be sure that I'll be asking someone at AA to explain. While they (AA) were under no obligation to honor my ticket, they could have just said that they didn't feel it was worth it. Instead, I get what are, I believe, lies. Unless DL just wanted to give me a free ride? Doubt it.

Cheers,

'toad

Good report, HammerToad. Thanks.
Before I respond I need to tell you I am a DL Gold & they're my airline of choice. Now, that aside, it seems like there is a concerted effort going on with DL to upgrade their CS lately. Lots of discussion here about things (positive) they are doing that seemed to disappear back in '95-'96. Plus, if you flew DL more you'd have access to some of the nicest smoking lounges in the US.

Thanks 'toad! Is that the Airport Marriott you are speaking of. I've stayed there and found it to be less than perfect but not quite that bad- filled with cruise travellers and airline pilots and FA's. I met my pilot at the bar one evening there! Perhaps someone came back into their/your room and used the "new" items after they had actually been replaced by housekeeping following checkout? We can only hope. Even Motel 6 gives you fresh toiletries don't they?

Yep. 'twas the airport Marriott. One more word of warning - the bathroom counter was obviously built by the same people that installed hotel shower heads in the 80's. That is, it's perfect if you're 5'2". Not so great if you're any taller than that.

It was also a royal treat having to dig my room passkey out when I tried to get into the parking lot at 11:30 PM. (Guard shack in the parking lot).

Cheers,

'toad