Delta: From check-in to touchdown, my flight was smooth sailing. But the wheelchair service left me utterly appalled. After requesting assistance, the wheelchair attendant met me at the gate in Boston, demanding payment for what I believed to be a complimentary service. I usually tip generously, but I refused his unreasonable demand, feeling utterly robbed. When my daughter arrived to meet me, he shockingly demanded payment from her, leaving her perplexed and forced to comply.
First Class Flight, Second Class Experience
We splurged on first-class seats, hoping for a luxurious experience. While the spacious seats were a delight, the flight crew’s tardiness caused a domino effect of delays and missed connections for fellow passengers, leaving me feeling empathetic and saddened. To make matters worse, one of our four checked bags went missing. Despite the helpful baggage claim staff, the wait stretched for nearly two hours before our luggage was finally found. This frustrating experience left me questioning the value of first-class travel.
Norse Atlantic: A Mixed Bag
Traveling premium to London was a delightful experience, but our return flight in economy was a stark contrast. The crew, though professional, felt distant and disengaged. It felt like they were eager to minimize their interactions with passengers, offering only the basic necessities. While the plane itself was comfortable, the cramped seats provided minimal personal space. Despite the lukewarm service, I would still consider flying with Norse Atlantic in the future, given the opportunity.
A Brutal British Airways Experience
We never even boarded the flight. A system crash at BA led to a boarding pass debacle for connecting passengers, including myself. The airport staff were unhelpful and dismissive, even accusing us of being late for our flight. Despite arriving an hour and ten minutes early, we were left stranded for three hours before being forced to book a four-hour train journey home. The entire experience was an utter inconvenience, leaving me with a bitter taste in my mouth and vowing never to fly with BA again.
BA Business Class: Not Quite Business Class
For my BA business class flight, I was expecting a luxurious experience, having flown with United Airlines’ Polaris class before. However, BA’s business suite class was a disappointment. The lounge at LAS was basic and overcrowded, a stark contrast to the Polaris lounges. Boarding was chaotic, and the suites, although nice, weren’t comfortable for sleeping. The crew’s attentiveness was lackluster, failing to meet the standards of a premium experience. The arrival at LHR, via crowded buses, was another chaotic experience. Ultimately, BA sold me a premium flight experience that was closer to mediocre economy class, leaving me feeling cheated and disappointed.
