DL148 JFK-LHR 23 FEB 11 (BUSINESS ELITE)
Posted: 16 Mar 2011, 21:11The Preliminaries
I had a fabulous six days in NYC staying in the 4 Points Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea. Review on Trip Advisor here
The weather was cold and I avoided any blizzards (unlike our dear DragonLady a week or so before) though there was some snow on the Sunday night which had almost gone by the Monday morning.
Highlights of this trip included
Walking The High Line which was fabulous and will be even more so when the extension opens. You get a different perspective walking above the streets and I must say they have done a really good job of it.
Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum – I came across this by accident and went back to view the newly opened Van Cleef and Arpels jewellery exhibition which was absolutely stunning. It is three blocks up from the Guggenheim.
The New Museum – in the Bowery – some fine views from the Sky Room (only open at weekends)
Apollo Theatre exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York – some interesting items and the ‘engagement’ cards kept by the manager with some (at times) cutting comments about some stars such as ‘not worth it’, ‘over paid’ and ‘audience may be becoming bored of her’.
I really hit the jack-pot in terms of lots of new exhibitions opening just before I arrived.
I did OLCI the night before (in the hopes of SEQ1 but only managed SEQ5). From the seat map the cabin only looked to be 1/3rd full but we all know that can change. I’d pre selected 5A and decided to stay there.
I’d ordered a car from Carmel which arrived on time and as I’d ordered on line I was able to get 250 UA Mileage Plus points which will extend my account into next year (US miles expire after 18 months unlike 36 on VS)
The journey to JFK was surprisingly quick and this even shocked the driver a little. So having left the hotel at 7.00 PM I was at JFK T2 by 7.45PM.
Check-in etc
The driver paid and my luggage extracted I looked for a trolley but at $5 for what would be less than 5 mins use I declined and somehow I managed my case, two holdalls, my laptop bag and my carryon case through the doors of what looked to be an almost deserted terminal.
The signs to Business check-in were easily seen but the layout was a bit strange (to me) with the entrance and exit in the wrong place. I dragged my luggage to the desk I was beckoned too and was ‘welcomed’. Well welcomed is too grand a title. It was a little brusque to say the least. When asked where I was flying too I responded LHR to then be questions ‘what time’. Well forgive me but I expect you to know that when I give you my print out!
I was asked if I was checking in one bag (despite indicating on OLCI I would have 3) and despite him seeing I had 3!
He handed over a flimsy bit of paper which was my BP and made a point of circling gate 12. In fact he wrote ‘GO TO 12’ on it! His directions to the lounge were ‘its near gate 12’ and ‘a short walk after security’.
So check-in was an under whelming experience.
Security was a breeze due to them basically closing T2 down to anyone other than Business and status travellers at 8.00PM so there were very few people about. There was a priority lane but this was unnecessary. The TSA agents were polite and engaging, yes my lap top could stay in its neoprene case but only if there were no other items in it such as wires.
"Could I please remove my shoes and belt too" (yes he said ‘please’ and asked and barked!)
I think that being prepared helps too so my wallet was in my coat which was already removed etc etc
I then dressed (well it feels that way) before making my way to the lounge. It was NOT a short walk. It was a long walk to T3 and there were only 2 short travelators.
I am not sure why DL does this check-in at T2 but depart from T3 thing as its only specific flights that use T2 as the check-in base.
The Lounge
After what seamed like the long march I reached the lounge at gate 12 only to be told it closed at 9.00PM ! However the friendly greeter said that this was only a mini lounge and the main lounge was a short walk round the corner next to a jewellery store.
The entrance was understated to say the least – an anonymous corridor, turn left down another one before reaching the entrance.
There were two staff members behind the desk and one disappeared as I walked through the door but I think that was coincidence.
The remaining lady welcomed me and as soon as she had the BP in her hand she started to address me by name and continued to do so.
I was the only person in the entire lounge at this point – approx 8.30!
The lounge is in three parts – a small seating area, the bar/restaurant area then a larger area with the usual chairs. I chose a set of chairs next to the window and went for an explore. There was a display of snacks so I got some olives and nuts and some cheese. There was also a display of magazines etc.
There were some menus on the tables in the bar area and I had a quick look but I declined as I’d had a big and late lunch at the Heartland Brewery in the South Street Seaport. The drinks were a mix of free non premium brands or paid for premium brands.
I settled on a Sam Adams Lager and a soda water.
Arriving back at my seats there was a couple occupying the set near me (all that space and they want to sit on my lap!) probably because that was where the TV was and he wanted to watch some game. Whilst she was as quiet as a mouse he was just a tad loud on his phone. Not shouting but just a little too loud so I decided to move a little further away.
Snack snacked and drink dunked I went to have a quick look in Duty Free which was quiet. I had a mooch around and declined most things until I saw a bottle of Absolute Brooklyn which I thought might be an interesting drink - concocted by Spike Lee it is vodka with red apple and ginger flavour.
I was considering my purchase when a gang of what can only be described as ‘Brits Abroad’ arrived and any sense of quiet was soon broken by cries of ‘MUM! MUM! Come and look at this!’
‘This’ turned out to be a very large bottle of Smirnoff (2 litres I think) but it was 2 for $33 (which is an absolute bargain)
There was a conversation on the lines of
‘Smirnoff is cheap and you don’t like it’
‘But its $33 for two Mum’
‘You said it was a chavs drink’
‘$33 for 2 mum’
‘Well I suppose we could give your dad one as a present!’
At this point I was at the till trying to escape but I think the conversation continued for some time with the likely hood of all 4 buying 2 bottles each.
Back to the lounge (and a cheery re-welcome) and there were a few more pax about.
I had another drink and surfed the web for a bit until a member of staff started to come around advising London pax that boarding had commenced.
I finished sorting my things out and left to a cheery ‘enjoy your flight Mr Cooke’
Again the lounge is no LHR CH and I have not been to the JFK CH to compare but it is a nice place to be away from the main gate area.
Boarding and pre flight preliminaries
It was a short walk to the gate where there a few remnants of Y boarding and it was straight through the BP and Passport check and on to the jet way down to the plane.
A member of Delta CC was at the door but he did nothing other than nod and point in the general direction of the cabin! There was no checking of BPs and ‘yes welcome and your on the left’ or ‘go down then right and along’. As soon as all pax were on board he disappeared down to Y.
Anyway I soon found my seat and as I was sorting myself out a member of CC came and asked if I would like a drink so I opted by my usual champers and OJ (separate glasses) and this was quickly brought. Please don’t take this the wrong way but this lady was exactly the opposite of the usual image of the flight attendant in that she was not tall and she was not slim but she obviously knew her stuff and after getting drinks for other pax in business she disappeared down to Y never to be seen again!
Another CC came and asked if she could take my coat and if I needed anything.
Then the purser came down with a menu and personal welcome. A word about the Purser – he was totally the opposite of Mr Fuss Pot I had on the outbound. His black trousers, turtle neck shirt and waistcoat (with a hint of red) was rather smart and he reminded me for some reason of a young James Coburn in the film ‘In Like Flint’ (a bit like his actual name too!)
There was the usual duty free buyer who forgot to collect their duty free kerfuffle (not the vodka crew!) and with that the door was closed and the pre departure activities took place.
I took the time to go and change into my heart pants and these were (again) complemented upon!
There was only a short taxi - probably helped by the 10:40PM departure slot- and we were soon in the air flying up and over Long Island.
I probably broke 358 FAA rules but I took a few pictures – this being one.
There was the usual series of beeps, bings and bongs and then the crew were released and a drinks run commenced and completed quickly as the cabin was only 1/3rd full
Young James Coburn came to take the meal orders and there was again a personalised welcome though I did notice that he did not use the rather embarrassing ‘I see you are a super dooper elite flyer’ that Mr Fuss Pot did on the outbound. I mean yes welcome your repeat business but don’t reveal their exact status.
There was a top of drinks (easy for me as I stuck with the champers) and then the meal service started.
Dinner
My choices indicated by **
First
** Two appetizers – seared pepper crusted tuna and feta cheese with grilled peppers
** Cream of Garden Greens Soup
** Mixed Green Salad
This all came on the same tray at the same time.
Main
Garlic Herb Shrimp with lemon butter, asparagus and paella rice
**Grilled Filet of Beef – béarnaise sauce, mashed redskin potatoes and haricots verts
Cheese Ravioli with eggplant and artichoke caponise
There was also the option of a chilled deli plate of roast beef and chicken with the soup, salad and cheese
Dessert
**Selection of Cheeses (3)
Ice Cream Sunday
Wines (same as outbound but listed again for completness)
White
Mer Soleil ‘Silver’ Chardonnay, California 2007/08
**Zalze ‘bush vine’ Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2010
Red
Chateau Beaumont, Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux 2006/07
Meiomi by Belle Glos Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2008
Port
**Calem 10 yr Old Tawny Porto, Portugal NV
Ferreira Dona Antonia Reserve Porto, Portugal NV
Champagne
**Jacquart Brut Mosaique, Reims, NV
Review
The two appetizers were absolutely delicious and were totally different yet complemented each other.
The soup was less of a success I thought – too cabbagy for me. The salad was a salad with some cranberries and pine nuts.
I would have liked the shrimp but I can not eat asparagus (it gives me migraines and so won’t even have a dish where it is on the plate) so I had the beef which was delicious and cooked to perfection.
With the main I had a glass of the Zalze which was refreshing and matched the beef. I was persuaded to have a second glass by a passing CC who just happened to have the bottle in her hand!
There was a light pause before the cheese arrived - not a complaint actually a sign of good service. I also had a glass of port (The Calem) with the cheese and this went down very well indeed!
Post Dinner etc
Dinner over I went to freshen up and returned to my seat to find the dinner tray cleared away. I fancied some more of the port so went to the galley where they apologised for not coming to my seat and one CC did wonder if I wanted another but I wasn’t there to ask and was then happily given a rather large measure despite requesting!
I reclined the seat and rather than a film (it was exactly the same selection as the inbound and les than inspiring) I selected a couple of the CDs to listen too and I soon drifted off to sleep.
I woke up a couple of times and was always soon approached to see if I needed anything.
Pre Arrival Landing and Arrival
Breakfast
**Seasonal Fresh Fruits
**Granola with milk and yoghurt
** Assorted breads and condiments
As it all came on the same tray I had it all though I nibbled on the granola rather than have it with the milk or yoghurt.
I did not mind there not being a hot selection as I don’t normally eat breakfast.
As breakfast was being concluded we began to hit some turbulence and the seat belt sign was turned on then off then on!. Somehow everyone who wanted to go to the toilet managed as well as the usual sorting of bags etc. We were also handed invitations to use the Yotel facilities as there is no arrivals lounge for Sky Team at LHR.
Unfortunately I did not know that this was to be offered otherwise I would have delayed my taxi to go and (for your benefit as well as mine) review it !
As we flew over London I looked out of the window and the cloud cleared and I saw Crystal Palace. The plane seemed to be flying parallel to the railway line and as we flew on I saw Tonty Towers - have never seen TT from the air before (well the row of houses TT is part of!)
Landing was smooth and there was a long taxi to T4 (no repeat of any recalcitrant seat get uppers like on the outbound) and we were soon at the gate.
There was some confusion (caused by pax rather than crew) about exit doors. I think that as we boarded by L1 there was an assumption we would leave by it too but we disembarked by L2 with the Y pax firmly held back until Business had departed but this was quick as there were only 15 of us.
Our ‘goodbye’ was again performed by our silent greeter which was all a bit strange.
A longish walk to passport control where there was a UKBA lady asking if people had UK passports and of they were biometric as if they were we could use the automatic gates.
Having an e-passport I partook and was soon through the machines (little bit of trouble keeping my eyes still) and off the baggage claim. There was the usual jockeying for position when the belt started and luckily mine were in the first few off. Having just missed whacking the usual awkward Mrs ‘I am standing here and I don’t care if I am in the way’ with one of my bags I was off through customs and my taxi.
SUMMARY
An excellent flight only really let down by the person who I checked in with.
He onboard crew were excellent. They had just the right balance between being friendly but not too jocular (a line that some VS CC tend to cross) but totally professional at all times. They really did seam to like their jobs and did them because they like them and not for the travel perks.
As I said on the outbound TR I will seriously consider flying DL again.
. Could you elaborate on the biometric "keeping eyes still" bit?
Maybe a trip back there soon....
