Delta Business Elite Santiago to Atlanta

By the time I returned to the SkyClub, it didn't make sense to up and move to the Admirals Club for perhaps 15 minutes, so we toughed it out before heading towards the gate, which was actually more pleasant than sitting in the SkyClub. Our 767 from the nearby gate.

 

And naturally, gate lice and a boarding, starting with the usual non-AA "pax traveling with small children and those that need a little extra time".

Delta 146
Santiago SCL to Atlanta ATL
767-300ER
10:10P-5:55A +1 (sked)
10:10P-5:30A +1 (actual)
January 4, 2013
Seats 4BC

OK, what can I say? When one is used to First and only 6 to 10 other pax, this is going to take some getting used to. Unfortunately, this is not even close to the comfortable BE seating configuration and space on the upper deck of the 744. My only consolation is that I am burning off SkyPesos that would otherwise go unused.

Our home for the next 10 hours.

Nice Westin Heavenly duvet and pillow but where the hell am I supposed to put it to sit down?

Good leg room but this is one narrow seat. Despite the armrest, this is a very tight seat with absolutely zero storage.

At least there is power.

Water, almond snack and menus were placed at each seat prior to boarding.

And FAs came by offering champagne (Jacquart nonetheless) or mimosas, and unlike in AA First, in real glasses.

The Delta Tumi amenity kit. Meh.

IFE worked well.

I have had so many bad Michelle Bernstein meals on Delta domestic flights that I cringed when I opened the menu.

But I'll give DL credit for catering tonight. Good menu and the food was excellent.

Even the wine list is respectable and shows, that unlike on AA, inexpensive wines don't have to be swill.

Once in the air, an excellent crew of flight attendants began efficient and friendly service. A substantial hot towel about twice as large as BA/AA hot towels.

Cocktail and Stuffed Peppers with whipped cheese and grilled cauliflower.

The Stuffed Pepper was very good.

And the DL tray with soup and salad.

Caprese salad was good.

As was the Wild Mushroom Soup, poured directly from a Thermos into my bowl. Probably the best way to do it with a 32 pax J cabin where efficiency trumps elegance.

I decided to go with the chicken tonight as even DL's domestic chicken meals are pretty good. Tonight's was really good. Roasted Chicken Breast with mushroom tarragon jus, scalloped potatoes and sautéed spinach.

Mrs. SFO went with the lamb which she said was good.

Nice after dinner cheese and dessert options. Not just the usual lazy US airline ice cream sundae. The selection of sweets was really good.

After dinner and a movie, I turned the seat into a bed and tried as best I could to get a few hours sleep. Despite the nice pillow and duvet, this is a far cry from LH or even AA. Then again, it is only J and you get what you pay for. Very narrow seat means little ability to move. And the foot well is so small that you can't turn without removing feet/legs and reinserting. Mrs. SFO was not happy. At around T-90, FAs came around with breakfast. I passed as I was still full from dinner.

All in all, the flight was just OK, especially for the price. Service, food and wine were all excellent. But in the end, this is not First Class or anything close to First Class. IMO, the hard product is terrible and for that reason alone, I would never willingly fly it again on a such a long flight.

Mrs. SFO was not as charitable. And she comes up with such great lines that I write them down just to remember. She is still complaining about the flight. No idea how we got on the subject but at dinner last night she said and I quote "Don't you ever put me on that piece of s**t again". Of course, DL is in good company, as last month she warned me "Don't ever book me on British Airways again." Yep, that's my Princess.