This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
My on-line check in confirmation informed me that my special assistance had been noted (hadn't asked for any) and a Delta Crown room lounge pass would be issued along with my boarding pass.
At 16.30 I decided to leave for the airport so I could spend a couple of hours in the lounge. Unfortunately, after locking up the villa and loading my luggage, the car was locked in park. I wasn't going anywhere. I called Dollar (booked through Airline Network) who asked me to jump up and down in the seat try and move it out of park and when that didn't work to get out and try and push it. Not easy for a person on their own in 100F heat with no shade[:(]
After much trying I told her she needed to get me a car or a taxi to take me to the airport ASAP or I would miss my flight. She said a tow truck was on the way and should be with me within the hour. I said that wasn't good enough and needed to leave but I wasn't getting anywhere. At 17.55 my neighbour heard me on the telephone and came round and asked what the problem was. He is an American, originally from Detroit and I thank him for his forthright ways. He told me to 'ditch the skanky car', leave the keys in it and he would sort it out. He then drove me to the airport. I arrived at check-in two minutes before the deadline.[y]
At check-in it was then obvious that the reason special assistance had been allocated was because I had been unwell on the outward journey. I told them I was fine and fortunately there was no problem with that, but it did take around 15 minutes to sort out. I had also had my seat re-allocated to 81H. I knew this was downstairs and I wasn't pleased but obviously just glad to make the flight and knew it was a bulkhead so there would be plenty of legroom. I was escorted to security and headed for the departure gate. The flight hadn't actually been called so I just had time for a quick G&T in the lounge. I hadn't been given a pass but the lady on reception was extremely helpful waived me through.
Boarding was extremely well organised and fortunately I had the only free seat in the downstairs PE next to me. Upstairs was completely full and so was UC.
I have never sat in the downstairs PE section before but apart from the aisles being narrower and the seat a bit harder I was very comfortable. I did miss the sidebin though. I was suppled with 3 glasses of champagne and a full choice of newspapers before take off and the service was excellent. The FSM came and sat beside me before take off and greeted me by name. I am not sure whether this was because of my Au status or because she had paperwork regarding the outward flight. Either way it was much appreciated.
Take off was at 19.50 and meals and drinks were served pretty quickly after we reached altitude. I had ceasar salad, beef and mashed potatoes and key lime cheesecake. I have no complaints about the food, it was all very edible. I fell asleep pretty quickly after dinner for around 3 hours. Unfortunately, I woke up with a terrible migraine but the crew were fantastic, gave me lots of water, cups of tea and after I had took my lifesaver pills (nurofen plus) I was feeling better within the hour. For the rest of the flight I sat with the crew behind the UC section, chatting and generally having a great time. The staff went beyond my expectations and I asked the FSM for a heroes form which I have already completed. It's amazing what you find out in these sorts of situations although I must stress none of it was unethical or unprofessional.
Landing was around 30 minutes early and I was back home within two and half hours of landing.
A very eventful journey but ended up a more than pleasant one, due mostly to the fantastic cabin crew once again.
I have telephoned Airline Network who were extremely helpful and are happy to make a claim against Dollar for my return journey being disrupted. They also said that I should have automatically been given another car or a taxi organised for me.
Jilly
