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At gate A3 Paul and I had a short wait before they started boarding. The gates at Terminal A are well laid out and typically don’t get too backed up for boarding. This is true even for Delta’s poor boarding process. Delta called for passengers that needed additional time, and then called for first class to board.
Introduction: Sales Meeting With HQ
Review: Delta Domestic First Class Sacramento to Atlanta
Review: Delta Ground Services Atlanta
Review: Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort
Review: Delta Sky Club Atlanta F International Concourse
Review: United Club Denver – West Location
Review: United Domestic First Class Atlanta to Denver to Sacramento
Delta Airlines 760
Sacramento (SMF) – Atlanta (ATL)
Saturday February 27th, 2016
Departure Time: 12:55pm
Arrival Time: 8:13pm
Flight Time: 4hr18min
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 02D, Domestic First Class
Our Flight Today
Jetway
Delta A320 domestic first class cabin
After seating down in our seats 2C and 2D the flight attendant, a female in her 50’s, quickly came over and took our jackets and a pre-departure beverage order. I had club soda, Paul ordered another glass of wine.
Paul was already feeling pretty good from the lunch. After enjoying his first per-boarding beverage he was feeling even better. So good in fact, he was using his outside voice and the conversation was all over the place. I gently reminded to be a little quieter, which only made him laugh and get louder. Oh boy.
Knee room
Side view of the cabin
Looking forward
Despite Paul’s outgoing behavior, the flight attended was very sweet with him, which I was thankful for. She then asked him if he wanted another glass of wine, and he did, and he drank it. I’ve worked with Paul for a long time and he doesn’t drink during the day. When he does drink he’s usually a happy drunk which is better than the alternative. I attributed our long delay and the fact he generally doesn’t enjoy flying as the main culprits for his current state. The crew finished boarding the plane closed the door and we all headed down the runway. Just before we left the ground, Paul turned to me, smiled and said this was his favorite part, and then proceeded to make airplane noises.
Preparing to depart
Views ascending out of Sacramento
American river
Snowy Sierra Mountains
Right after takeoff Paul fell into a decent sleep, read passed out. He did wake up for dinner which took place about 30 minutes into the flight. I had the steak salad and Paul had the enchiladas, and another glass of wine. I also made him drink a couple glasses of water, to which his response was “All right Jimmy.” After dinner Paul fell asleep again, and for the remainder of the flight. Thank the maker.
Warm towel before dinner
Setting with table cloth
Wine in glassware
Afternoon entre with dessert
Dessert tray
Many of Delta’s smaller narrow body aircraft have 12 seats in the first class cabin. The arrangement is 3-rows of 2×2 and this A320 was configured as such. During this flight we had the usual Delta first class red blanket, pillow and small bottle of Dasani water. We were offered the snack basket a couple times after dinner. With Paul happily asleep, I worked for an hour or so and enjoyed the piece and quite. About an hour before our initial decent I fell asleep. The caption’s announcement woke me up. I looked out the window and the lights of Atlanta looked welcoming as we came in for an uneventful landing.
Unbeknownst to me, a highlight of the trip was about to take place.
In Summary:
Despite a day of changes and hiccups, Delta took care of Paul and I and got us to Atlanta safely. I really appreciated their willingness to move us to the direct flight and the first class cabin offered a consistent and enjoyable in flight experience.
