Review of Delta Air Lines flight Seattle San Francisco in Economy

Airline Delta Air Lines
Flight DL 5738
Class Economy
Seat 18A
Aircraft Embraer E-175
Flight time 01:48
Take-off 26 Apr 15, 14:32
Arrival at 26 Apr 15, 16:20
DL   #33 out of 96 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 826 reviews
jetsetpanda
By 2656
Published on 27th April 2015
Hi and welcome to the return portion of my SEA weekend getaway.

My schedule so far:

SFO-SEA in Y+ on DL - http://flight-report.com/en/report-10053.html
SEA-SFO in Y on DL - you are here


WARNING: This report contains a lot of pictures.

I woke up early and went to the very well appointed health club of the hotel for a quick swim at the pool. I needed to exercise after a very satisfying meal the night before at a French restaurant (the bonus will be added at the end of the report).

Fairmont Health Club.




Men's locker room.

Good thing nobody saw me in a robe with camera in hand taking pics. :P




Shower.

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Sauna.

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Pool.

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After a quick stop at the Pike Place Market and a hearty breakfast there, we left the hotel at around 12:20P and took the Light Rail to the airport. Upon arriving at the airport we proceeded to the DL counter and was helped by a friendly agent who issued our boarding passes quickly. Since I had my record locator separated, I couldn't enjoy the benefits of elite status and saw my mother and sister breeze through the line while I stood up for nearly 45 min. trying to get through security. It's been a long time since I had to stand in line for this long and this made me appreciate the benefits of having elite status with any airline even more. To makes matter worse, there was a large group of high school kids in line that were all excited to embark on a field trip and their constant chatting and teasing annoyed the hell out of me.

Thankfully the security staff decided to open more lines as I got closer to the check point and after a quick pass through security I ran to my gate. It was now 1410 and the flight was on time scheduled to leave at 1432. I arrived at the gate and it was empty. It seemed that I was one of the last ones to board and when I entered the aircraft the FA said hello in a very robotic way while serving pre-dept. drinks to her F cabin. My mother and sister were comfortably seated at their bulkhead seats in row 5 and I placed my carry-on under the seat in front of them so that I did not have to deal with lack of overhead bin space by the time I arrive to my seat in row 18.


DL check-in counter.

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Boarding and cabin shot.

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Taxiing with plane spotting.




Training mock up.

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Special visitor?

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Up we go. Gorgeous scenery around SEA as usual.




Reaching cruising altitude with a contrail in the background.

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Pilots kept announcements to a minimum, even when passing through famous sights. The crew went into action and I asked for a glass of water, cup of tea and Biscoff cookies. The FA was very attentive and she gave me 2 packs of cookies.

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The scenery outside at cruising altitude. I wonder what mountain is this?

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The changing landscape was just breathtaking and eventually we reach SFO.




SFO

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Golden Gate Brige.

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Downtown SF.




SF and Oakland connected by the Bay Bridge.

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OAK airport.

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San Mateo Bridge in the Peninsula (south of SFO airport).

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We flew further south and made a turn back North at Stanford University in Palo Alto.

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Stanford University.

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Heading back up to SFO.




Foster City is a suburb south of the airport after San Mateo.

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Approaching SFO.

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Landed 4 min. late.

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BONUS

I love to eat and here are a few restaurants that I had a chance to try during my short stay in this city.


Green Leaf - Vietnamese restaurant located in the International District/Chinatown.

The car reminded me of Mad Max.

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Grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaves topped with green and fried onions, and peanuts. A dish that I have not seen anywhere else in SFO.

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Lotus salad with grilled chicken. It was spicy and had a great kick.

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The Georgian - located inside the Fairmont Olympic hotel. Service was warm and soliciting and the afternoon tea was satisfying.

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Fresh berries starter.

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I chose a fruity orange and pineapple tea.

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Apricot and pistachio scones, Applewood smoked salmon and honey poppyseed terrine, honey roasted chicken and chive salad on toast, shrimp canapes and honey and pollen dipped Brie in morel.

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Candied cocoa nib cheesecake pop, yuzu mint macaron, lemon poppyseed raspberry cake and sherry rose almond shot.

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Cafe Campagne.

There is nothing more satisfying that finding a new place that exceeds your expectations in every sense of the word. On my last night I had one of the best and most gratifying meals in all my travels at this French restaurant located by the popular Pike Place Market.

Service was perfect with constant runs to top off your drinks and meals were rapturous. My duck confit was outstanding with crispy skin enveloping the tender meat inside. The potatoes had a lovely crisp complemented with a hint of thyme that paired this dish splendidly.

At the end of the meal the tab came to USD 98 that included 2 appetizers, 3 main meals and 1 dessert. Not bad at all.





Calamars à la provençale sauteed in oilive oil, garlic, capers and lemon. I needed a second basket of bread to soak up the tasty broth. ;)

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Duck confit.

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Truites aux Amandes.

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Cantaloupe sorbet with shortbread cookie.

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Athenian restaurant. A decent place with great views.

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NW Crab and shrimp cake Benedict.

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See more

Verdict

Delta Air Lines

7.4/10
Cabin7.5
Cabin crew9.0
Entertainment/wifi5.0
Meal/catering8.0

Seattle - SEA

8.5/10
Efficiency6.0
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness10.0

San Francisco - SFO

9.0/10
Efficiency9.0
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness9.0

Conclusion

The best part of this flight was the amazing aerial views that I was able to captured through the window of my seat. Kudos has to be given to DL for offering more than just a beverage on domestic flights and the passenger behind me sums it up by saying to the FA DL is better than AA or UA, at least they give you snacks. It's too bad that the pilot did not alert passengers to the views below. I normally don't like chatty pilots, but on a route like this that has so many wonderful sights, some announcements are in order.

Information on the route Seattle (SEA) San Francisco (SFO)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 8 avis concernant 5 compagnies sur la ligne Seattle (SEA) → San Francisco (SFO).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est Virgin America avec 7.9/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 2 heures et 1 minutes.

  More information

22 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 135002 by
    NGO85 SILVER 1963 Comments
    Adan, thank you for another gorgeous report!

    Good thing nobody saw me in a robe with camera in hand taking pics. :P
    -They might have mistaken you for Brett Farve and asked for an autograph.

    made me appreciate the benefits of having elite status with any airline even more
    -Unfortunately this is a privilege that doesn't extend to too many places outside of the US.

    Wow, an An-124 spotting on US soil. That picture is a keeper.

    It looks like you had great weather in Seattle, was Rainier visible from the city?

    I wonder what mountain is this?
    -Is this a trick question, or is it the obvious answer? The obvious answer is Rainier, but if you are being a tricky FRist, then it might be Shasta. Hood is probably too far away for those views on a SEA-SFO flight.

    The FA was very attentive and she gave me 2 packs of cookies.
    -Or she saw the camera and feared a scathing review on FR...

    Absolutely stunning views on arrival in the Bay Area, I find the 5 rating harsh for entertainment with views like that outside of the window.

    SF and Oakland connected by the Bay Bridge.
    -I think I can see some muzzle flashes in the distance.

    The car reminded me of Mad Max.
    - Oh, I thought that's what Hertz gave you for your rental at SEA.

    Thank you for the food bonus, I'm glad I ate dinner right before reading this report. But my dinner paled in comparison to your offerings. Cobra will be jealous. Vietnamese food is often too spicy for me! It's good see you indulged in the seafood offerings of this region. The smoked salmon at the tea service looked tasty, and yuzu mint sounds like a good combination. The calamars à la provençale was my favorite of the French offerings, although river fish, like trout, are something I miss here in Japan. I'd kill for an eggs Benedict.

    After eating a duck confit, no wonder you needed to hit the gym ;)

    Thanks for sharing this short series, and I look forward to the next one!
    • Comment 314752 by
      lagentsecret 12186 Comments
      I'd kill for an eggs Benedict
      You'd better cook it instead of killing an innocent lol
    • Comment 314781 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Sorry to hear abou your experience. At least in SFO you were offered counseling. I can think of worse places where this could have happened. Handsy pat downs in China? consider it a compliment then. ;)

      By the way, I forgot about the low score for entertainment. You see, entertainment in my opinion is something that is provided by the airline and is under their control. Since not much was offered except the magazine, hence my score.
    • Comment 314782 by
      NGO85 SILVER 1963 Comments
      No need to justify it, my entertainment comment was sarcastic in nature ;) [which doesn't always translate well through text]

      Handsy pat downs in China? consider it a compliment then. ;)
      - All they had to do was ask...
    • Comment 314785 by
      NGO85 SILVER 1963 Comments
      What was the strangest part about the most recent pat-downs in China was that it was female security guards patting me down. Cross-gender pat-downs are unheard of in the US, that would be a lawsuit waiting to happen...
    • Comment 314757 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      They might have mistaken you for Brett Farve and asked for an autograph.
      - Then we are talking about serious eyesight problems.

      Unfortunately this is a privilege that doesn't extend to too many places outside of the US.
      - True, but then again the security experience in other parts of the world is conducted in a fairly civil manner, unlike the strip search experience in the U.S. Take off your belts, shoes, empty your pockets, brains, etc.

      Wow, an An-124 spotting on US soil. That picture is a keeper.
      - Indeed a rare bird.

      It looks like you had great weather in Seattle, was Rainier visible from the city?
      - I did not notice it, I guess I was too busy looking at other things. ;) But the weather was nice and the showers never came.

      Is this a trick question, or is it the obvious answer? The obvious answer is Rainier, but if you are being a tricky FRist, then it might be Shasta.
      - I was thinking Shasta. This was a good half hour or more after the flight.

      Or she saw the camera and feared a scathing review on FR...
      - Oh if I wanted to be noticed I would have gotten the Trip Report form out with pen in full view of the crew. ;) I have some typed forms that I print ahead of time and take them on my trips.

      Oh, I thought that's what Hertz gave you for your rental at SEA.
      - Under specia category. You have to be a top loyal customer to have access to that inventory. :P

      Cobra will be jealous.
      - I think the grass is greener on the other side in this instance. Who can compare to Mr. Cobra's gastronomic indulgences in Italy and Japan? ;)

      The calamars à la provençale was my favorite of the French offerings, although river fish, like trout, are something I miss here in Japan. I'd kill for an eggs Benedict.
      - Those were some of my favorite items as well. Oh and that duck confit...I still dream about it.

      After eating a duck confit, no wonder you needed to hit the gym ;)
      - I exercise my body, mind and eyesight ;)

      Thanks for sharing this short series, and I look forward to the next one!
      - I say the same to you. My next adventure will be in MEX next month when I get to evaluate UA's new catering offering. Stay tuned.


      A big thanks for your visit and comments Michael.
    • Comment 314776 by
      NGO85 SILVER 1963 Comments
      unlike the strip search experience in the U.S.
      - My last time at SFO was the full experience, they found peroxides on my hands and took me to one of the back rooms for further screening. They even asked me if I wanted legal consultation before proceeding. It was an extensive experience. I still don't know how I get peroxides on my hands, maybe dermatology products? I've had very handsy pat downs in China as well.

      I was thinking Shasta. This was a good half hour or more after the flight.
      - Then probably Shasta, can't think of any other big mountains in between Portland and SF.

      Until next time!
    • Comment 314784 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      All they had to do was ask..
      - Do you always say yes? :P
    • Comment 314787 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      I don't think China has ever succumbed to political correctness.
    • Comment 314761 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Oh you're a so naughty brother that your sister refused to share her PNR with you lol
      - Never. As a matter of fact I unselfishly agreed to have the record split so that she can have a chance to upgrade. Of course, this was after making sure that I had a Comfort + seat already.

      Gorgeous aerial views during all the flight, especially the approach of SFO
      - Thanks, I guess it takes a local to appreciate things a bit more.

      Nice food bonus but were are the second appetizer and the third main of the french restaurant ?
      - So you are paying attention. I did not include them because someone has already started on them. The second appetizer was an onion soup and the third main was roast chicken au jus with potatoes and shallots.

      Merci mon cher Gilbert.
  • Comment 135016 by
    indianocean SILVER 7572 Comments
    I love to eat--> Do you? It never came to my mind (LOL)

    Splendid aerial views of San Francisco and very tentalazing pictures of the meals.

    You know how to live, don't you?

    Thank you for this delightful report Adan.
    • Comment 314770 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Do you? It never came to my mind (LOL)
      - It should have been as clear as mud. LOL.

      You know how to live, don't you?
      - Oh I am just learning from others whose expertise at this far surpasses mine. ;)

      Thanks for your visit as always Bernard.
  • Comment 135018 by
    K2World 2191 Comments
    Thanks again for a great flight report.
    What a good weather, much better than the outbound flight obviously. Really nice view of the golden Bridge and San Francisco.
    Do you have any other Asian restaurant to recommend in Seattle ?
    Bye



    • Comment 314779 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Thanks Kevin.

      I've heard good things about Wild Ginger and it is known as one of the best Asian restaurants the city. You might also check out this link below, although it is not recent but some of the restaurants should still be around (if they are good).

      http://www.seattlemet.com/eat-and-drink/best-asian-restaurants

      Good luck and let us know if you find a particularly good spot.
  • Comment 135031 by
    cobra 3582 Comments

    Thank you for this report mister !:)

    Nice and short flight with the best IFE: landscape without clouds ^^
    Stunning view on San Francisco !

    Very nice bonus, with a lot of fine food.
    Duck confit is one of my favorite dish, and prove like with lardo di Colonnata,that fat can be as subtle as a dragonfly arabesque :))

    Ciao

    • Comment 314780 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Salut Arnaud - Quelle agréable surprise de vous trouver ici. Bienvenue!

      Duck confit is one of my favorite dish, and prove like with lardo di Colonnata,that fat can be as subtle as a dragonfly arabesque :))
      - Spoken like a true food connoisseur. Your gastronomic journeys are always an inspiration.

      Your comments are very much appreciated.
  • Comment 135083 by
    SMilano 1284 Comments
    Thanks Adan for sharing this nice report !

    Nice jump between SEA and SFO :)

    Splendid aerial view of the Golden Bridge and SF ! It reminds me a lot of good souvenirs ! I can see my hostel on Fort Mason just next to the Bridge =)

    Nice bonus ! I know where I can eat when I'll go to Seattle :)

    See ya
    • Comment 314840 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Thank you Sebastien.

      Glad I was able to bring back some memories.

      Seattle is worth visiting if you have not been there before. The streets in downtown can be steep just like in SF, but the pace seems less hectic in comparison. It is also much greener and supposedly Seattleites read the most books in the US, so it follows that it is one of the smartest cities in the country. It has a pretty progressive tendency and its USD 15/hour minimum wage is the highest of any major U.S. city.
    • Comment 314869 by
      SMilano 1284 Comments
      Never been there before ! So I think it will be interesting to stop few days :)
      Thanks for the info :)
  • Comment 135416 by
    KévinDC TEAM SILVER 6668 Comments
    Thank you for this appetizing report :-) I love flying over the West--whether it's the NW mountains and forests or the SW deserts, the scenery is always beautiful. I've been to Seattle twice so far this year--it's a great city.
    • Comment 315138 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      Since I live in SFO, it is just a short 2 hrs. flight (sometimes less). Sometimes it's hard to decide between YVR or SEA, but when it comes to fare and hotels, SEA has the advantage of being cheaper.

      Go West as the song from the PET SHOP BOYS says. ;)

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