Drumline072008 From United States, joined Jul 2008, 5 posts, RR: 0 Posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 3253 times:
A Little History:
I've been flying as frequently as possible ever since I became of age to hop on a plane by myself. Of course, I've always had the intentions of writing trip reports about my experiences, being the plane nut that I am. Yet, somehow it always got away from me. So, finally, I'm presenting my first trip report. I paid my $15 just so I could do this.
Preface:
Shortly after my high school graduation, I started feeling the need to travel and especially fly. So, after some deliberation, I decided on a brief trip to Salt Lake City. It met my criteria; it was far away, so air travel was necessary, it was someplace I had never been, and it was the right amount of expensive. So I was off
Getting There:
I booked my travel reservations with Delta for about $246 round trip. This was a deal compared to some of the other airline quotes I had seen during my search. Amazingly, I was able to pick an itinerary that featured several different aircraft, as well, so this was a plus.
I live just outside of Lexington, arguably about a one hour drive from the Louisville airport, so I left approximately around 11:45am which gave me plenty of time to get to the airport. I would have more than enough time to check in, go through security, find my gate and most importantly, explore. Unfortunately, SDF is a pretty uneventful airport so there aren't really a lot of pictures to be taken, besides the occasional UPS activity. In addition, there isn't much to explore either.
Once I arrived at the airport, I parked and made my way inside to the Delta ticket counter only to find out that even though I made my reservations with Delta, I would need to check in with NW. So I meandered to the Northwest self check-in kiosks and seamlessly checked in for my adventure to Salt Lake City. The only negative part about my first flight being with NW is the fact that I couldn't confirm a seat in advance, so I didn't get a window, which sucks!
Security was a breeze as I had forecasted and I made my way to the gate. Along the way, I grabbed a magazine for the trip (that I never read) and snapped some pictures of the minimal SDF activity out on the tarmac. For some reason, I never took a picture of the plane taking me to Detroit, just the empty gate. Whoops.
The empty gate.
American Airlines followed by a Continental CRJ.
It was boarding time, so I did just that and made my way to the pathetic isle seat that I had been assigned. I believe I was in row 8, on the right side of the plane, maybe 8C. Anyways, we were soon notified that there would be a short delay because our route to DTW had been changed and they would need to add fuel. Of course, this gets people talking. "They cut it that close?" Blah, blah,blah, leading to remarks about the current gas prices. I just laughed. We were soon off with our extra fuel and we ascended steeply to our cruising altitude, whatever that may have been. Once settled, I realized that I was cutting it close in DTW, time wise, so I notified the flight attendant and he later assured me that I would have about twenty minutes and that it would be plenty of time. So I just sat back and relaxed. Regardless of the flight attendants assurance, I knew that once in Detroit, I'd be running.
I had no complaints with Northwest's service, but I'm not a picky flyer. I embrace delays, cancellations etc, because it makes things fun. I've always wanted to give up my seat to get that voucher, but the opportunity has never risen, unfortunately. All my flights today were on time and hassle free. Well almost.
To Salt Lake City:
Flight 2:
Date: July 2, 2008
Leg: DTW-SLC
Flight: Delta 1173
Departure: 1645
Arrival: 1836
Aircraft: MD-90
Seat: 24E
As soon as I exploded out of the jet way in Detroit, it was 4:30pm, exactly 15 minutes until departure, 0 minutes until the flight closed. Thus, already being screwed, I took off for my gate, hoping for the best. It was a concourse change, of course, past the mesmerizing water feature and through the Technicolor tunnel, up the escalators and to the gate. Once I arrived, I confronted the agent at the counter and fortunately, I was not the only member of Northwest's, get our passengers in shape by making them run to their gate, group. So, conveniently they added our names to the manifest and we were safe! I quickly boarded and flight 1173 to SLC was underway with me onboard.
I've been through DTW several times before and really enjoy my time in this airport. I was rather bummed that this connection was less than 15 minutes. There are a lot of cool features throughout Northwest's expansive terminal in Detroit and quite a variety of aircraft as well. I'm sure, however, that there will be a next time. Anyways, on to Salt Lake.
Once on the plane, I settled for the middle, seat even though I was assigned to the window. I didn't feel like asking the lady, incorrectly seated, to move. I was just happy to be on this plane. On approach into Salt Lake City, I regretted my decision.
The inside of this MD-90 seemed fairly new with nice leather seats and several TV monitors that dropped from the ceiling. On this Wednesday it was definitely a full house, but it wasn't uncomfortably cramped. As we taxied out to the runway, I noticed you could actually see the air, what looked like smoke, being pumped throughout the cabin as it came through the vents along the ceiling of the aircraft. Well, I assume it was air. It was definitely something I have never seen before. We continued our taxi for a few moments and took up quite a bit of runway as we took of for SLC.
The flight was very smooth all the way to Salt Lake City with some occasional bumps. The crew was very nice and they efficiently came around and served drinks and some complimentary cheese and crackers. They also had an in-flight menu that looked tempting, but I didn't feel like fiddling with the cash.
Our in flight entertainment was the movie 21 shown on several TV screens throughout. For a part of the flight it got really fuzzy so they turned it off and tried it again. How are they able to play movies and such on an aircraft, is it all digital? The movie 21, that we watched, wasn't on DVD at the time, so a DVD wasn't an option. Also, I hate how if you only have one-pronged earplugs you only get sound out of one side, making everyone think their headphones are broken. So, conveniently, if you want two-eared sound, you have to buy their two-pronged headphones.
Beneficially, the lady next to the window was slender, and I could partially watch as we made our approach and landed in Salt Lake City. It is a very scenic approach, with the Wasatch Mountains still tipped with snow, and Salt Lake City at their base. Once on the ground we taxied quickly and in no time were at the gate.
As I deplaned, I whipped out my camera and FINALLY took some pictures. From here on out I had the opportunity.
Salt Lake City in the distance.
Salt Lake City:
Quickly, I thought I would share a few pictures I took during my time in Salt Lake City. Overall, it is a really nice, beautiful, clean and quiet city. As well, even though it is considered the Mormon capital of the world, they seem only to remain in their city block; Temple Square. In addition, the second day I was in Salt Lake I went on a guided tour and found out just how much involvement the Mormons have in maintaining the city, and you can really tell.
The Mormon temple in Temple Square.
Very wide and long streets.
Inside Temple Square.
The Mormon Temple. It is a pretty amazing building, especially since they practically built it with thier bare hands.
Salt Lake City skyline and scenery.
A view from on top of the Mormon Convention Center.
SLC airport from a distance.
In Salt Lake City, I stayed at the Marriot Downtown on 75 S.W. Temple[BLS1] . It was in a great location, and despite getting a taxi to and from the airport, everything was just a short walk away. On the way to the airport this morning, I took a town car from the hotel and it was much nicer and cost the same as a regular taxi to the airport; $25.
This morning was somewhat overcast as I geared up for another day of traveling. I was very excited about the leg from SLC-ATL as I would be traveling on a 767. I couldn't wait. I have only flown one other time on a 767, and it was domestic as well, from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale. I was pleased with its comfortable and spacious cabin.
Once I arrived at the airport, I went to check in with Delta which took, no joke, 30 seconds. At first, as I walked inside I noticed a huge line, but very promptly a friendly Delta agent showed me to about 16 open check-in kiosks. She took my bag and I was off through security. Security was a breeze as well, besides the hassle of having to take off everything but your shirt and pants.
I slowly made my way to the gate, trying to absorb as much of the scenery as possible. From the lack of picture taking on my initial flights, I went a little camera crazy and took quite a few pictures of the massive Delta operations out of Salt Lake. ( I picked only a few.)
The 767-400 taking me to ATL.
Right on time, boarding began for this flight to Atlanta continuing to Lima, Peru, which I had learned from the continuous automated boarding announcements. It took a few minutes for them to get to Zone 6, but overall it was a very efficient process. Once on board, a flight attendant was waiting at the door to advise which isle would lead me to my seat; 32G. Inside, the cabin was very clean and in good shape, with several overhead monitors, like the MD-90 two days before. During flight, the movie Drill Bit Taylor was shown and I watched with my one-pronged, one eared sound. As well, they offered in-flight menus and two drink services throughout the duration of the flight. I stuck with water and a couple packs of peanuts. Boring, I know.
The cabin inside the 767-400.
Out the window from seat 32G.
Taxiing to the runway.
Shortly after takeoff.
SLC in the distance.
This is supposed to be a picture of the salt lake minus the window scratches. I don't exactly understand how the windows get scratched, but I guess it will always be a mystery.
Some in-flight scenery somewhere over eastern Utah and western Colorado.
Approach into ATL.
Just a little fresh air. Do people breathe in this city?
Upon arrival in Atlanta, I wandered for a short while and then made my way to the gate for the last leg of my trip home from Salt Lake. At this hour, Atlanta was crawling with people, so fortunately I was able to find a seat and rest before boarding for Louisville. Boarding commenced right on time and I was promptly on my way to Louisville.
The Delta MD-88 that brought me to SDF.
The Cabin.
Inside the plane, it was hot, and the cool air wasn't quite working as hard as the Atlanta heat, so it remained warm for the duration of the flight. Once in the air the heat became more bearable and after the drink service it wasn't so bad. I missed not having the in-flight entertainment on this flight, after being spoiled from DTW to SLC and SLC to ATL, ha ha.
Turning onto runway 26L for takeoff from ATL.
Others with the same idea. A 757 departing simultaneously with our MD-88.
In flight.
Approach into the Louisville area.
On the ground at SDF.
Overall I was very pleased with Delta both in the air and on the ground. Their service was friendly and efficient. As a plus, all flights were on time with no problems at all and their aircraft were clean and in good shape. It was a very enjoyable trip.
I hope you enjoyed this trip report. Let me know what I can improve for next time!
Just a little fresh air. Do people breathe in this city?
Yes just think I breathe that in every day of my life. I'm sure I'll die early.
Quick Question though. Was it just me or did the M88 not have gasper vents?
I have to admit they beat any CRJ, space wise. I really like their steep climb after takeoff.
Quoting Jkudall (Reply 3): Next time you're in SLC, be sure to visit the Cottonwood Canyons as well as Park City!
I did actually visit Park City during my time out their and it was very nice. I would definately go back. I was on a guided tour through park city, but didn't have very long in the area, I would really like to get back and do some of the many outdoor activities that the area has to offer.
Quoting DeltaL1011man (Reply 4): Was it just me or did the M88 not have gasper vents?
I don't exaclty know what those are, maybe someone can help.
Burnsie28 From United States, joined Aug 2004, 4667 posts, RR: 10 Reply 6, posted (2 months 2 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 2330 times:
Quoting Drumline072008 (Thread starter): The only negative part about my first flight being with NW is the fact that I couldn't confirm a seat in advance, so I didn't get a window, which sucks!
All you had to do was log onto nwa.com and under the manage my reservation, type in your confirmation number and you could have selected a seat that way
Drumline072008 From United States, joined Jul 2008, 5 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (2 months 2 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 2112 times:
Quoting Burnsie28 (Reply 6): All you had to do was log onto nwa.com and under the manage my reservation, type in your confirmation number and you could have selected a seat that way
Well, now I know. I suppose I was lacking in some common sense. Thanks!
Mir From United States, joined Jan 2004, 10585 posts, RR: 58 Reply 9, posted (2 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 2085 times:
Quoting Drumline072008 (Reply 5): Quoting DeltaL1011man (Reply 4):
Was it just me or did the M88 not have gasper vents?
I don't exaclty know what those are, maybe someone can help.
They're the little ball socket things in the overheads that you can use to blow air at you. You can see two of them in your 764 cabin picture at the top right, above the seat belt and no smoking signs.
It does look like the MD-88 was missing them.
-Mir
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Drumline072008 From United States, joined Jul 2008, 5 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (2 months 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 1962 times:
Quoting Mir (Reply 9): It does look like the MD-88 was missing them.
I can't really remember if I they were there or not, now that i know their name. I read somewhere though that the airlines will cut cost by not having them installed. Sure explains the heat, but i do remember some air circulation in the cabin.
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