A quick trip across the pond for some time in London was in store for me.
I used Delta Miles to book my ticket and added the Economy Comfort “upgrade”. Despite some construction in the Tampa main terminal and the threats of long lines at security due to the Sequestration I checked and was out to my gate with no problem. 
Just a little time to wait but the free Wi-Fi at TIA made the time go by fast. As it was dinner time the restaurants airside were all pretty busy. I will say I’d like to try the new wine bar that’s opened in the main terminal, looks like a good place to stop for a bite and a drink if I have a long wait. Boarding for this flight (2376 from TPA to ATL) was fairly painless, the carry-on wars were over quickly and I think they managed to get everyone’s rolling bags stored (although the rolling bags seem to be getting bigger and bigger every time I fly, and yes this is a pet peeve as I was once on a flight delayed by an hour due to people refusing to part with their bags). The flight to Atlanta was strictly an up and down quick hour. A soft drink was offered, and accepted, along with a small bag of pretzels. Then I was off the plane, having chosen an aisle at the front.
Next my running training came handy, my flight to Atlanta arrived at 8:30 and boarding time for my flight to London was listed as…. 8:30! And of course we were on the very end of the B concourse
with my flight to London all the way on F concourse, I really wish I had my trainers on! Thankfully Atlanta does have a train to go between concourses and after making a run through the B concourse I made it just before the doors closed onto said train. The new F concourse in Atlanta for International flights is very nice, I didn’t get much time on this occasion but it’s very new and shiny and comfortable.
As I reached my gate boarding for First Class had already begun and Skymiles Platinum and Gold were being welcomed aboard. Soon as can be it was time for Zone 1 (yeah Economy Comfort) and I was settled onto the plane.
I was in 16A for the flight over. This is my take on the Economy Comfort, for long flights it’s worth it for the extra leg room, the seat reclines ever so slightly more but other than that the food is the same as regular economy (more on that coming), you do have the option of free mixed drinks if you’d like, although the crew were not very open about this or generous on it.
A general welcome on board and a fairly smooth boarding process. In Economy Comfort there was the standard pillow and blanket on the seat, they did come around with headphones if anyone needed them. There was seatback entertainment on demand on this aircraft, and I must say I did enjoy it.
Overall a pretty standard boarding and we quickly took off, for Atlanta not a long wait at all. About 45 minutes into the flight, I had begun watching “Silver Linings Playbook at this point, the drink cart came down the aisle followed immediately by the meals! The meal choices were the same as my last few Delta flights with one exception; I think they have actually gotten worse! Three choices, chicken with rice and olives, vegetarian pasta or a cold chicken salad. The hot choices came with a small green salad and dressing, cheese and crackers and a Blondie. The cold chicken salad had a fruit cup instead of the green salad.
I chose the chicken and rice, and well the salad and the cheese were good…. The rest was well really kid of unappetizing.
The chicken was rubbery, I thought we had gotten past those days, the tomato and olive sauce really bland and the rice was gelatinous glob. Not very appetizing, so I decided to save my calories for extra treats in London! About 45 minutes later the drink cart came around again and they finally cleared the trays. The crew did bring around cups of water a few times during the flight but overall it was pretty quiet.
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Tried to get some sleep but watched a few movies instead. I did enjoy the selection of movies and shows in their on demand system and found it pretty easy to use.
About an hour before landing they brought around breakfast, an eggy thing on an English Muffin with a small (very small) piece of cheese, the frozen banana and an orange juice. Tea and coffee were also brought round. The eggy sandwich was not very appetizing, but out of hunger, due to dinner from the evening being so poor, I choked it and the banana down.
Once landing at Heathrow, after circling for some time due to the weather, we taxied for quite a while we were to the gate.
I have to say this was probably the easiest and quickest I have ever made it through UK with very pleasant staff!
Next thing I was comfortably sat on the Heathrow Express and my London weekend had begun!
