A new year begins and the frequent flyer game starts all over again. This is my second trip in 2016 and it was a last minute run. When I was searching for fares a few weeks ago, I came upon a USD 100 rt total from SFO-DFW and grabbed it immediately. This one day trip proved to be the perfect excuse to visit the new DL lounge and I was excited at the prospect of exploring it.
It's about 06:00 on a dark wintry morning. I leave my place all bundled up and ready to brave the cold outside on my way to the bus stop for the ride to the airport. Luckily the stop is not far and it takes a 5 min. walk to get there. I consider myself very fortunate to live in Burlingame - a suburb that is conveniently close to SFO airport and easily accessible through public transportation. Some travelers on long layovers venture here for some shopping and dining. Burlingame Av. is the main street with stores like Banana Republic, Apple, GAP, J Crew, etc. There are plenty of casual restaurant and one of my favorites is Delfina, which has the most authentic pizzas in the Peninsula. For Asian food I like to go to Millbrae for Chinese and San Mateo for Japanese. I even showed "indianocean" my favorite place for chicken kaarage in San Mateo. ;) There is an "In-N-Out" branch in Millbrae for those that love burgers, but the spotting is nonexistent unlike the one in LAX.
Walking thru my neighborhood.
Only Starbucks is open but I am not a coffee drinker.
A bit past 06:35 the bus arrives and it is fairly crowded. How can it be so full at this time on a Sat. morning? Most of the passengers are hotel workers on their way to work. The bus passes through Old Bayshore Hgwy where a number of hotels like Marriott, Hyatt, Westin, Crowne Plaza and Hampton Inn are located. I paid my USD 2 fare and then the driver kindly reminds me that it is USD 2.25 now. I take a few seconds to search my pockets for some loose change and one of the passengers offers me her change - nice to see that human kindness still exists and humbling at the same time since this is a lady that apparently is part of a morning crew. In the end I don't need the change since the driver waives me in and I thank my prospective savior.
I get off at T2 and takes the stairs up to the check-in area. A lot of travelers are flying today due to the holiday weekend and I use the kiosk to print my boarding pass. I take the priority line and after my documents are checked I am behind a long line with the rest of the passengers waiting to pass through security. It almost seem that the priority thing is pointless. Thankfully the lines move quickly and soon I am on the other side.
I walk through the connecting hallway to the DL terminal.
Destination - DL lounge.
On my way I pass the eye catching "High Heels for Going to Heaven" artwork.
DL Lounge.
The lounge is located after security which makes more sense compared to the old one. An agent greets me upon entering and I present my AMEX DL card to pay the USD 29 or EUR 26.60 single visit pass (the regular fee is USD 59 or EUR 54.15) As a matter of fact, AMEX DL credit card holders can bring up to two guests and pay the reduced rate. I was offered the card free for the first year in addition to 50,000 miles as a targeted promotion. As it turned out, it is quite useful.
After getting a receipt from the friendly agent I take the elevator upstairs and go to the desk to inquire about a shower. The agent asks for my boarding pass, signs me in and escorts me right away to the back of the lounge where 2 shower suites are located.
I am asked about my preference for toiletries and was given small sample bottles from MALIN+GOETZ. I like this brand with its herbal scents like Peppermint shampoo and Sage body gel.
Shower suite.
The suite is very spacious and the small sign by the sink with other amenities available is appreciated. Small touches like the wooden stand to place one's belongings, the carefully folded toilet papers and a sitting bench inside the shower show attention to details.
Small details that make a difference.
The shower area.
After a long and nice shower, it's time to explore the lounge. So far I have read very positive reviews about this place and it's hard not to agree with those initial impressions. It has space, style, great service, decent catering (for U.S. domestic standards) and superb views of the tarmac with floor to ceiling windows.
The Bar.
You can even request fresh squeezed orange juice.
Seating areas.
Individual cubicles.
Dining area.
Breakfast buffet.
Hot beverages.
My breakfast.
I then parked myself by the windows and did some plane spotting.
WC's.
Clean and with a contemporary touch.
After an enjoyable stay at this lounge, it was time to head back to the AA terminal to catch my flight.
When I arrived, boarding has already started. I placed myself in the queue and handed the agent my boarding pass for scanning. No, I did not not use the "priority" line since there were not that many people ahead in the line. I don't need to be reminded that I am "special" because I know I am. ;)
A friendly FA greeted me at the door and when I arrived at my seat, my neighbor was kind enough to stand up and let me in. Pre-dept. beverage service was offered and it was an open bar. The purser asked each passenger individually for their choices which was uncommon for AA. I declined the offer since I just came from the DL lounge.
Each seat had a pillow and duvet wrapped in plastic.
The door closed and we taxied to the runway. It was a rainy day and I managed my best to take some pictures during taxiing.
Suddenly I saw this rainbow in the background.
The runway was busy with heavy traffic.
Bye to SFO and the rain.
Hello sunshine!
The cabin was half empty and I could see that seats 4AB were unoccupied, so I quickly unbuckled and switched to those seats. I quickly mentioned to my neighbor that since this flight is empty we might as well enjoy more space. It's a win-win for both of us.
Cabin.
The purser started the lunch service by passing hot towels.
Followed by hot nuts.
This is a surprise - linen on the tray table!
The choice for main dish was between a cold grilled chicken salad OR a cheese ravioli type of dish if I remember correctly. I pre-ordered the chicken salad and this was acknowledged by the FA.
I was impressed by this shrimp appetizer. Not even intl. J offered this type of appetizer last time I flew AA to GIG. Does that make sense? No.
Main dish all assembled.
Condiments. How fresh is "freshly ground"? :P
The excellent purser made sure that drinks were refilled and trays cleared in a timely manner.
I had hot tea with my chocolate ganache cake. I appreciate that she gave me an empty cup to get rid of the tea bag.
Some cruising shots.
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return."
Leonardo Da Vinci
Before arrival, the FA distributed mints from a tray.
She then went to each passenger asking if he/she was connecting to another flight. I responded that I was one of those crazy mileage runners who will be back to SFO and then she told me that she was going to work that return flight and will see me later. I was also told that I am not the first one that she came across with a smile.
Landing.
We took a few minutes taxiing to the gate. In the meantime I took advantage of my window seat and did some plane spotting.
See more
Verdict
American Airlines
8.6/10
Cabin9.0
Cabin crew10.0
Entertainment/wifi7.0
Meal/catering8.5
Delta Air Lines Sky Club - 1
8.6/10
Comfort8.5
Meal/catering8.5
Entertainment/wifi9.0
Services8.5
San Francisco - SFO
9.0/10
Efficiency8.0
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness10.0
Dallas/Fort Worth - DFW
9.0/10
Efficiency9.0
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness9.0
Conclusion
This trip gave me an opportunity to discover the new Delta lounge in SFO and it was a pleasant revelation. DL upped the game with this lounge that is one of the best domestic ones that I have seen. One can tell that careful planning went into the design of this place and considering that SFO is not a major hub for DL, this is somewhat surprising. The lounge is truly an oasis of relaxation and the catering is solid for a domestic lounge. The buffet is well presented and there is enough of a variety to satisfy everyone's taste.
The flight was uneventful and I was fortunate to have a semi empty cabin and an excellent crew that made all the difference. Catering was better than expected with the addition of a linen on the tray table, a great appetizer, fresh salad and satisfying dessert.
1 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
nice to see that human kindness still exists and humbling at the same time since this is a lady that apparently is part of a morning crew. -> Not sure the same coiuld happen in others cities...
Nice visit of the Sky Club : There is finally a US airline's lounge which doesn't look stucked in the 80s. ;) It's also interesting to see that you can get a paid access even when flying with AA.
The flight is alright and a great crew makes all the difference.
Not sure the same coiuld happen in others cities... - Kindness is an universal trait and I am sure that it is found in other places as well. ;)
It's also interesting to see that you can get a paid access even when flying with AA. - This is perhaps surprising to a lot of travelers from other parts of the world, and I must admit that it seems incredible generous of DL to allow any traveler inside even when not flying with them as long as they pay the fee. Not a bad way to collect some ancillary revenue. Long live capitalism. :P
I don't know San Francisco suburbs but after the dinner in San Matteo, I trust you about the fine places to eat. The chicken kaarage is just amazing. Do you know if you can Fedex or UPS me some pieces?^^
It is nice to read that despite the early hour and the rain, people is still nice and helpful. Unless the lady was late for work? ;-)
DL Lounge gives nice views outside but if I'm not mistaken, Amex lounge offers better choice of breakfast food.
Do you know if you can Fedex or UPS me some pieces?^^ - Of course, that way they can also have a chance for affinage while they are on your way. :P Tell me where and when.
Amex lounge offers better choice of breakfast food. - True, the Amex lounge display is smaller but it has more hot options.
How lucky you are, you got TWO shrimps. - Better than one, no? I see the glass half full. ;)
A weird fare! - It's a low season, lots of empty seats type of fare. :P But I have never came across such low fares from SFO-DFW. Not even flying to LAX. I'm sure we are going to see less of these when the price for a barrel of oil goes up.
I had the same experience as yours with a bus driver in Los Angeles and I was surprised - With age comes respect, no? ;) :P
The lounge is worth a visit because it's a beautiful lounge but not worth the 30 usd for the food except if your are (like you) a sweet tooth - Compared to other U.S. lounges, the catering is pretty good. Just because I like ketchup doesn't mean that I have a sweet tooth. I prefer salty snacks over sweets.
Is this porridge in the red pan ? - Oatmeal which I accessorized with dried fruits and crunchy granola.
Of course you are - I'm flattered. :P
Is it so incredible to have two shrimp to yourself ? - Not for the shrimps per say, but the fact that I was expecting less from a lunch flight. After my experience in J long haul, I was ready for another vegetarian appetizer or less. When I was presented with this seafood appetizer, I was pleasantly surprised. That and the linen on the tray for a mid-con flight. Not bad in my humble and paysan opinion. ;)
Nice pictures of the landscape - I was lucky to have a window seat.
Great report! Good photos from the new SkyClub at SFO, and it looks like you had a very nice flight with AA on the domestic flight from SFO-DFW. The food looks fresh, and very tasty, and I'm impressed by the shrimp appetizer on a short, domestic F flight. AA has really improved their catering!
nice to see that human kindness still exists and humbling at the same time since this is a lady that apparently is part of a morning crew - Reading between the lines, not a typical American ;)
It almost seem that the priority thing is pointless - My experience was the same since you get dumped back into the same security line.
I walk through the connecting hallway to the DL terminal. - Did you reuse the photos from my report :P
Was the entrance of the SkyClub new? I felt like when I walked by it in December, it looked old from the terminal. Inside, it looks greatly improved visually. Very nice to get to explore the lounge when it isn't crowded. The only limitations are the catering, which still suffers from being a hotel's continental breakfast.
Again, the AA lottery continues. Old livery, but BSI, but also old cabin! Where do they come up with these combinations? Is the duvet standard issue on a flight to DFW? I wouldn't quite consider this a transcon to get the fancy pillow/blanket.
The choice for main dish was between a cold grilled chicken salad OR a cheese ravioli type of dish if I remember correctly - That doesn't look like grilled chicken... But the starter and salad look both visually nice. I see the emergence of the blank tablecloth again.
Condiments. How fresh is freshly ground? :P - And what is unnatural rock salt?
Crossing the Rockies is always visually sumptuous. And the shot crossing through cloud layers was fantastic!
Reading between the lines, not a typical American ;) - Your power of perception is uncanny. ;)
My experience was the same since you get dumped back into the same security line. - A bit deceiving in my opinion.
Did you reuse the photos from my report :P - Would you take me to court for copyright infringement? :P
Was the entrance of the SkyClub new? I felt like when I walked by it in December, it looked old from the terminal. - It was always after security when this new one was opened.
Is the duvet standard issue on a flight to DFW? I wouldn't quite consider this a transcon to get the fancy pillow/blanket. - I was surprised to find these on the seats to be honest. It's a major improvement if that is the case.
That doesn't look like grilled chicken... But the starter and salad look both visually nice. I see the emergence of the blank tablecloth again. - It was a cold pecan crusted chicken. I changed the description and thanks for bringing that up.
Crossing the Rockies is always visually sumptuous. And the shot crossing through cloud layers was fantastic! - Sometimes a window seat is worth it. ;)
Oh jeez great deal for a $100 round trip with upgraded J class! Even cheaper than the LCC tickets in HK @@
The new Delta lounge is so good in every aspect! A very Delta design with many small details makes it so functional. Adequate food selection and nice view of the tarmac! It can beat the lounges in Asia :D Personally I like this more than the new CX HKG lounge as I prefer the lounge in light colors, while comparatively CX one is a little bit dark.
Although it is an old AA livery bird with old cabin, the food looks very fresh (especially the shrimp) and tasty for a domestic flight. Very detailed crew services.
BTW thanks for sharing this report with nice pictures!
The DL lounge is probably the best domestic lounge by a U.S. carrier that I have been to. I think that DL tried to set itself apart from the rest when they built it in order to capture the high yield tech and affluent market of the Bay Area, even though SFO is not a hub. I personally found the CX lounges in HKG a bit dark too.
I take a few seconds to search my pockets for some loose change and one of the passengers offers me her change - These actions give me a little bit of faith in humanity.
The DL lounge looks good, I don't think I've seen a red sink before but I do like it for some reason. The lounge feels very spacious with those large windows and with the high ceiling. The colours used in this lounge are very pleasing to my eyes.
Nice spotting shots from the lounge!
Those clouds right before departure didn't look too friendly.
The presentation of the meal looks professional, the design of the bowls looks nice as well.
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19 Comments
nice to see that human kindness still exists and humbling at the same time since this is a lady that apparently is part of a morning crew. -> Not sure the same coiuld happen in others cities...
Nice visit of the Sky Club : There is finally a US airline's lounge which doesn't look stucked in the 80s. ;)
It's also interesting to see that you can get a paid access even when flying with AA.
The flight is alright and a great crew makes all the difference.
- Kindness is an universal trait and I am sure that it is found in other places as well. ;)
It's also interesting to see that you can get a paid access even when flying with AA.
- This is perhaps surprising to a lot of travelers from other parts of the world, and I must admit that it seems incredible generous of DL to allow any traveler inside even when not flying with them as long as they pay the fee. Not a bad way to collect some ancillary revenue. Long live capitalism. :P
Thank you Clement for your comments.
$100 RT in F ? That's a bargain.
Awesome pictures taken during the flight :)
Thanks for stopping Kevin.
It is nice to read that despite the early hour and the rain, people is still nice and helpful. Unless the lady was late for work? ;-)
DL Lounge gives nice views outside but if I'm not mistaken, Amex lounge offers better choice of breakfast food.
How lucky you are, you got TWO shrimps.
Thank you Adan
- Of course, that way they can also have a chance for affinage while they are on your way. :P Tell me where and when.
Amex lounge offers better choice of breakfast food.
- True, the Amex lounge display is smaller but it has more hot options.
How lucky you are, you got TWO shrimps.
- Better than one, no? I see the glass half full. ;)
Thank you Bernard.
A weird fare !
I had the same experience as yours with a bus driver in Los Angeles and I was surprised
The lounge is worth a visit because it's a beautiful lounge but not worth the 30 usd for the food except if your are (like you) a sweet tooth
Is this porridge in the red pan ?
I don't need to be reminded that I am special because I know I am. ;)
Of course you are
Gorgeous pictures of spotting : the lignt is superb because of the clouds and the rain
The meal doesn't look too bad
I was impressed by this shrimp appetizer
Is it so incredible to have two shrimp to yourself ?
Nice pictures of the landscape
The FA is great and you are lucky having her on your inbound flight
See you soon
- It's a low season, lots of empty seats type of fare. :P But I have never came across such low fares from SFO-DFW. Not even flying to LAX. I'm sure we are going to see less of these when the price for a barrel of oil goes up.
I had the same experience as yours with a bus driver in Los Angeles and I was surprised
- With age comes respect, no? ;) :P
The lounge is worth a visit because it's a beautiful lounge but not worth the 30 usd for the food except if your are (like you) a sweet tooth
- Compared to other U.S. lounges, the catering is pretty good. Just because I like ketchup doesn't mean that I have a sweet tooth. I prefer salty snacks over sweets.
Is this porridge in the red pan ?
- Oatmeal which I accessorized with dried fruits and crunchy granola.
Of course you are
- I'm flattered. :P
Is it so incredible to have two shrimp to yourself ?
- Not for the shrimps per say, but the fact that I was expecting less from a lunch flight. After my experience in J long haul, I was ready for another vegetarian appetizer or less. When I was presented with this seafood appetizer, I was pleasantly surprised. That and the linen on the tray for a mid-con flight. Not bad in my humble and paysan opinion. ;)
Nice pictures of the landscape
- I was lucky to have a window seat.
Toujours un plasir mon cher.
Thanks for sharing.
The catering looks better than usual.
Always better to have a nice crew.
The landscape picures just after the citation are just awesome !!!
See you :)
nice to see that human kindness still exists and humbling at the same time since this is a lady that apparently is part of a morning crew
- Reading between the lines, not a typical American ;)
It almost seem that the priority thing is pointless
- My experience was the same since you get dumped back into the same security line.
I walk through the connecting hallway to the DL terminal.
- Did you reuse the photos from my report :P
Was the entrance of the SkyClub new? I felt like when I walked by it in December, it looked old from the terminal. Inside, it looks greatly improved visually. Very nice to get to explore the lounge when it isn't crowded. The only limitations are the catering, which still suffers from being a hotel's continental breakfast.
Again, the AA lottery continues. Old livery, but BSI, but also old cabin! Where do they come up with these combinations? Is the duvet standard issue on a flight to DFW? I wouldn't quite consider this a transcon to get the fancy pillow/blanket.
The choice for main dish was between a cold grilled chicken salad OR a cheese ravioli type of dish if I remember correctly
- That doesn't look like grilled chicken... But the starter and salad look both visually nice. I see the emergence of the blank tablecloth again.
Condiments. How fresh is freshly ground? :P
- And what is unnatural rock salt?
Crossing the Rockies is always visually sumptuous. And the shot crossing through cloud layers was fantastic!
- Your power of perception is uncanny. ;)
My experience was the same since you get dumped back into the same security line.
- A bit deceiving in my opinion.
Did you reuse the photos from my report :P
- Would you take me to court for copyright infringement? :P
Was the entrance of the SkyClub new? I felt like when I walked by it in December, it looked old from the terminal.
- It was always after security when this new one was opened.
Is the duvet standard issue on a flight to DFW? I wouldn't quite consider this a transcon to get the fancy pillow/blanket.
- I was surprised to find these on the seats to be honest. It's a major improvement if that is the case.
That doesn't look like grilled chicken... But the starter and salad look both visually nice. I see the emergence of the blank tablecloth again.
- It was a cold pecan crusted chicken. I changed the description and thanks for bringing that up.
Crossing the Rockies is always visually sumptuous. And the shot crossing through cloud layers was fantastic!
- Sometimes a window seat is worth it. ;)
Thanks Michael.
The new Delta lounge is so good in every aspect! A very Delta design with many small details makes it so functional. Adequate food selection and nice view of the tarmac! It can beat the lounges in Asia :D Personally I like this more than the new CX HKG lounge as I prefer the lounge in light colors, while comparatively CX one is a little bit dark.
Although it is an old AA livery bird with old cabin, the food looks very fresh (especially the shrimp) and tasty for a domestic flight. Very detailed crew services.
BTW thanks for sharing this report with nice pictures!
The DL lounge is probably the best domestic lounge by a U.S. carrier that I have been to. I think that DL tried to set itself apart from the rest when they built it in order to capture the high yield tech and affluent market of the Bay Area, even though SFO is not a hub. I personally found the CX lounges in HKG a bit dark too.
Nice shots of your neighborhood!
I take a few seconds to search my pockets for some loose change and one of the passengers offers me her change - These actions give me a little bit of faith in humanity.
The DL lounge looks good, I don't think I've seen a red sink before but I do like it for some reason. The lounge feels very spacious with those large windows and with the high ceiling. The colours used in this lounge are very pleasing to my eyes.
Nice spotting shots from the lounge!
Those clouds right before departure didn't look too friendly.
The presentation of the meal looks professional, the design of the bowls looks nice as well.
Breathtaking aerial shots!
Thank you once again for sharing this FR with us.
Have a good one, see you!
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