The flight from Atlanta to New York was a typical and uneventful flight operated by Delta Air Lines — complete with a snack and a drink — so this trip report will focus primarily on the flight from New York to Reykjavik aboard a Boeing 757-200(G) aircraft. The flight lasted approximately four hours and 45 minutes; and I sat in the economy class cabin.
To Iceland on Delta Air Lines in Economy Class
I redeemed 60,000 SkyMiles for an open-jaw itinerary with which I travel from the United States to Iceland; and return from Portugal back to the United States — and I was glad that I did not redeem SkyMiles for a seat in the premium class cabin, as the seats did not lie flat. Besides, the flight was significantly shorter than other flights from the United States to Europe — although it felt like it was longer. I prefer either longer flights or shorter flights; and this flight was more like medium haul.
As a member of Priority Pass, I rushed to the Wingtips Lounge in Terminal 4 of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, as I only had fewer than 90 minutes between flights. My heart sank — well, not really — when a sign was outside of the entrance stating that members of Priority Pass were not being accepted into the lounge at that time; but a woman behind the desk waved me in as I was about to walk away. I was only in the lounge for a few minutes; but it did have real New York macaroni salad, which I had not had in a long time.
I did not have time to take photographs, as I then rushed to the gate to catch the flight to Iceland. My zone was called just after I arrived at the gate. That was impeccable timing, as the departure time was just after 9:00 in the evening.
The aircraft was practically empty when I boarded it; but the flight was going to be full. Every seat was going to be occupied.
The seats had adjustable headrests. They were fairly comfortable.
I liked the interactive map which was part of the in-flight entertainment system. Similar to a portable electronic device, the touch screen allowed for zooming and scrolling at any time. The system itself has a USB port to which you can charge your portable electronic device; and an outlet for charging was located below the seat.
Also on the interactive map was the capability to view the earth as to what parts were experiencing daylight and which parts were in the dark of night. Dozens of movies and plenty of songs and games are also available at no charge.
Although it seemed like the interior of the aircraft was recently refurbished, it felt more like a crowded long domestic flight. I had never flown as a passenger on an airplane with a single aisle to Europe.
Along with packages which contained complimentary headphones and a sleep kit that comprised of eyeshades and earplugs, a menu in both English and Icelandic was handed out to every passenger — as well as a hot towel, which was a nice touch.
The choices were basically dinner salads, which came covered with clear plastic covers…
…as well as a choice of beverages. I ordered the ginger ale.
I ordered the Asian noodle salad with tossed salad with cheese and tomato. I do not like cheese; but it was not obvious that it was in the salad. The chocolate chip “blonde” brownie was too sweet. I actually liked this meal, as the noodles were tangy and filling; but it was too much salad and not enough substance, as I would have preferred a regular meal. Stopping by the Wingtips Lounge to grab a quick bite turned out to be a good decision — even if it was rushed.
The passenger next to me ordered the baby spinach with cold chicken salad, barbecue beets, blue cheese and pecans served with fresh fruit, bread and dessert. Some of the spinach leaves looked like they were past their prime — as well as the grapes and the strawberry.
Fortunately, the air was strong and cold.
A choice of snack was available prior to landing in Iceland: a small cold chicken salad with lettuce; or a hot pizza pocket. I chose the latter.
The space in the overhead storage bins was rather ample.
Summary
Even though the aircraft departed slightly late, we basically arrived on time in Reykjavik prior to 7:00 in the morning local time. The flight itself was uneventful and nothing extraordinary. The service by the members of the flight crew was good; but not exceptional or memorable.
Although it was good, do not expect the level of service, offerings and amenities which one would typically receive on a flight from the United States to Europe — regardless of in which cabin you are seated, due to the relatively short length of the flight — but it is likely superior to the service offered by competing carriers from the northeastern United States to Iceland.
I still do not regret redeeming my SkyMiles for this flight.
Photograph ©2018 by Brian Cohen.
