Introduction: Spring Break in Florida
Review: American Airlines (ERJ-140) Economy Class – Wichita Falls to Dallas
Review: The Club – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Review: American Airlines (A321) Economy Class – Dallas to Tampa
Review: The Café by Mise en Place – Tampa International Airport
Review: The Lure – South Tampa
Review: Delta Airlines (A321) Economy Class – Tampa to Atlanta
Review: The Club – Hartsfield Jackson/Atlanta International Airport
Review: Delta Sky Club – Hartsfield Jackson/Atlanta International Airport
Review: Delta Airlines (737-700) Economy Class – Atlanta to Fort Walton Beach
Review: The Crab Shack – Fort Walton Beach
Review: Mama Nu’s Kitchen – Fort Walton Beach
Review: American Airlines (CRJ-900) Economy Class – Fort Walton Beach to Charlotte
Review: Admirals Club – Charlotte International Airport
Review: Admirals Club – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
DL634
TPA – ATL
Departure: 0530
Arrival: 0659
Flight Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
Seat: 31C
March 9, 2019
We spent a few uneventful days in Tampa, but now it was time to make our way to Fort Walton Beach via Atlanta. I arrived at the airport around 0345, nearly an hour prior to boarding. I had already checked in through the Delta app, but needed to go to the counter to check my bags. It took me less than 10 minutes to check bags and process security.
I sat around the gate area to waste time prior to boarding. Boarding began on time at 0450 with those needing special assistance, families with small children, and active duty military. I did not want to sit around the gate any longer so I boarded.
Delta’s aircraft have a different ambience than United’s or American’s. The flight attendants are usually nice and the mood lighting is my favorite. The blue seats are comfortable and easy on the eyes as well.
I made my way towards the back of the aircraft to my seat, 31C. This particular Airbus 321 fit 20 seats in first class, while Delta Comfort+ and Economy had 29 and 143 seats, respectively.
The first thing I noticed at the seat was all of the legroom. I am 5ft 8in. tall and often have issues in economy legroom, but it was not the case here.
The seat had a very responsive touchscreen monitor for watching movies, playing games, checking out the menu, etc.
A tray table could folded down from the seat in front. I did not like it because it took up a lot of space when in use.
There was a power outlet in between each seat, which was useful.
The overhead panel contained reading lights and individual air nozzles.
The captain came on at 0517 and welcomed us aboard. He informed of the short flight time of 68 minutes. Due to the duration of the flight, beverage service would be cut short. Boarding was complete at this time.
The doors were closed at 0520 and we began our pushback five minutes later. At this point, the safety video was played.
We had a short nine-minute taxi. The takeoff roll was bumpy, but soon enough we were airborne. The flight attendant welcomed medallion members a few minutes after takeoff.
Service began 14 minutes after takeoff. As I stated earlier, the flight attendants had limited time to offer passengers anything than drinks and a snack. I requested a jack and coke to go with my pretzels. For good measure, the flight attendant offered me a Biscoff cookie.
Service was announced complete 20 minutes later. The captain soon announced that that we were beginning our initial descent into Atlanta. Due to turbulence, the flight attendants took a seat. The flight got really bumpy at this point. We touched downed 20 minutes later and taxied for nine minutes before arriving at the gate.
Final Word
This flight was as basic as it could get. The ambience of the aircraft made me feel comfortable, especially on an early morning hop to Atlanta. Even though the service was limited, the flight attendants smiled and tried to accommodate every request.
