This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
Checked in at about 6.40am. As wife and baby were on a reward fare and mine was normal fare we had two separate bookings. Even though we'd confirmed twice by phone the bookings were linked it seemed we'd been allocated seats apart. Wife and baby next to bassinet and me several rows behind. As the person sat next to my wife had checked in, first solution was they proposed the FSM would request a seat swop on board. Second solution was that we could move to a extra leg room - no bassinet seat - and sit together. Given our baby is now too big for bassinet we opted for the second option, as we preferred to sit together. Also no guarantee of a seat swop. We were happy with solution, though confused as to why our bookings were not linked as they were booked together and we've never had this issue previously.
After the usual (with a baby) struggle thru security checking all the baby's bits - made easier thru the private channel. We went to clubhouse albeit only for about 40 mins as we were boarding at around 7.50am. Clubhouse looked busy for this time of day and notable number of Delta passengers observed. Just time for tasty breakfast for us and few bits for baby. Ideally we would have liked more time in clubhouse, may take later flight on next trip to NY. All felt a little rushed and when we got to gate they were final boarding.
Captain advised slightly longer flight time due to jet streams but we will pretty much arrived on time. We were happy with our final seats together. Always prefer two on the side than two either side of the middle bank.
Lunch was served pretty quick - tasty beef lasagne. Actually infant meal looked rather good - pasta. Always tricky eating in economy with a baby on the lap so always a relief when trays are collected with no spillage or bits knocked off.Also lollipop and afternoon tea served closer to arrival time.
Baby was well behaved thru flight. Seatbelt sign took a little long to be turned off as there was some early turbulence so she became a little restless. Looked like ears hurting slightly in descent but gave her milk bottle to suck. At any time where crying occurs or is about to occur we normally show her pictures/videos on our phone which she likes to see and quietens her. We normally travel on 747 with touch screen entertainment which she loves to play with - so for us the hand-control not so effective at keeping baby entertained. Baby spent time with on one of our laps, or on floor in front of us on blanket. Also walked her up and down the aisle when no trolley in use and she enjoyed watching the crew in the galley area at rear. The crew were on fine form and helped keep baby entertained as well as filling up her milk on several occasions.
Smooth flight and landing. Much quicker journey than our normal West coast trips which made us feel more relaxed upfront and during the flight, travelling with a baby. Left the plane and awaited buggy. Then went thru special assistance lane with buggy. Our lane had no queue but queues in normal area were minimal. Luggage seemed to take an eternity and we were one of the last out.
