Review of Delta Air Lines flight from Detroit to Shanghai in Business

Greetings Flight Report community and welcome to this report covering what is an endangered, actually soon to be extinct, experience. That is the long haul 747-400 flight on Delta Air Lines. As we enter the last few months of this fleet type I'm feeling nostalgic for the old bird. Hometoyyz has shared a great report flying in the exclusive upper deck and it has inspired me to share a recent rip flying in the nose of the aircraft, forward of any emergency exits, indeed, for some seated up there, forward of the machine's operators.
While this was a 4 segment trip for me I'll just be sharing the segment on the -400. The trip, in total, is laid out below.

Carrier, route, equipment, class, lounge, and procurement method:

American Airlines - LAX-DFW - A321-200 - First - Admirals Club LAX T4 - Cash - (No report)
American Airlines - DFW-DTW - Mad Dog - First - Admirals Club DFW TC - Cash - (No report)
Delta Air Lines - DTW-PVG - 747-400 - Delta One - Delta Sky Club (various) - NRSA - (This Report)
Delta Air Lines - PVG-LAX - 777-200LR - Delta One - No Lounge - NRSA - (No report)

Background

This might be one of the more difficult flights to get a ride on in the Delta system. It's a long flight and carrying NRSA payload is the lowest priority, obviously, for the carrier. The result is often times seats go out empty in an effort to optimize weight and balance, and ultimately, profitability (cost index) of the mission. This is no secret so I know this going in yet I still paid to take a red eye from LAX to DTW, via DFW in hopes that I may have the privilege of being on board. I watch the loads obsessively, and monitor the payload on various days of the week and try to determine a trend. I picked a day with sufficient open seats and have a go. It's interesting, you would think that when you're concerned about payload limitations the more open seats the better. In my experience too many open seats can entice the cargo folks to sell some of that payload and all of a sudden a wide open flight is weight critical. This is all speculation on my part but if you're an airline operations nerd like myself these are the things you think about. Anyhow I made the decision to go several days in advance knowing that if PVG didn't work out there are still a number of delightful destinations served from a global hub like DTW, just not many left on the -400.

Terminal Transit and Sky Club

My flights on American were on time, with good service, and without incident. Flying the MD80 is also a bonus as they will be competing for space in the bone yard with the 747-400 soon. American arrives at the North Terminal so if you are transiting from just about any other airline to Delta you have to exit the sterile area and ride the bus over to the McNamara Terminal. I got off by the Westin Hotel.
Long live the T tails.

I visited a kiosk inside to check in for the flight and obtain my seat request card that would allow me to pass through security.

Having been on airplanes all night I was interested in a shower. I visited the "main" Skyclub just past security in the central part of the terminal.

The club was busy and I had about a half hour wait for a shower. Unfortunately, due to the volume of traffic in the lounge, my review will be limited to the shower experience. The rooms are spacious enough and clean. Most importantly to me is they have great ventilation and did not get stuffy or hot during the shower. The Malin + Goetz shampoo, body wash, conditioner and lotion are really enjoyable.

I passed some time in the club and walked the terminal from end to end. I visited one of the other Sky Clubs as well. All 4 clubs here are still in their former NWA style. they are all dated looking but still functional and pleasant. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures inside.

DL583

My wandering led me to gate A30.

Although there were a number of empty seats, enough to accommodate those who were listed for NRSA travel, the gate agents were not empowered to release any seats until almost the entire aircraft had boarded. Presumably the flight was flirting with the payload optimization line and the load planners in Atlanta were waiting for some piece of data (weather en route, final fuel, cargo, who knows…) before they would clear any of us. Eventually seats were assigned and I was the benefactor of a beautiful window seat in the nose of the Queen of the Skies.
Truth be told I was starting to actively work on my alternates as more time passed sitting in the gate area. I have encountered some people over the years who have access to this type of travel but insist it's too much "work" and too many "uncertainties" so they simply don't make the effort. Then there is me who gets great satisfaction out of the thrill of the "uncertainties" and the extra appreciation of being handed that boarding pass. I find it exhilarating.
Anyhow, I accesses the Sky Priority line and marched down the square metal tube with a great big smile on my face. Can't get a great view of N662US, a 28.5 year young 747-400, delivered to NWA in March of 1989.

Any window seat is a fantastic treat on the -400. I think 6A is a fine seat. I prefer to be in the back of whatever cabin I'm in just to observe what is happening rather than being observed. Would I prefer to join Hometoyyz in the upper deck, you bet! Those seats seem to go fast as there are many Delta flyers who swear by them. Me included.
The seat is provisioned with the Westin Heavenly bedding duvet and two pillows. Noise canceling headset, slippers, and an amenity kit are also found.

The seat is comfortable and there is a small shelf on the left side. The screen is an ample size with good resolution. I find the selection of movies and TV to be immense.

A fun observation, for me, was that one of the other passengers riding NRSA was the college age son of a flight attendant working the flight. Seeing him interact with his Mom and the other crew brought back many fond memories of doing the same with my Mother. Trips to Hong Kong when I was in high school and we flew the L-1011-500 from LAX to Kai Tak via ANC. Later non-stop on the MD-11. Wonderful memories.
Pre-departure drinks were passed from a tray. I opted for the sparkling wine.

The amenity kit is fairly complete and in a nice hard sided case.

The purser made the rounds introducing himself and offering the menu. I thought I had the menu but the menu I have doesn't match the food I enjoyed so I have something crossed somewhere.

Also a cart containing "lounge wear" was circulated and I opted for a set. This is really nice option to have for a 14 hour flight.

Soon we were all buttoned up and off into the drizzly skies above Motor City.

Service started about 30 minutes after the wheels left the pavement. A bar service is done and the "Settling In" dish is offered. Smoked trout and some horseradish cream. I paired the starter with a Delta Sky Breeze cocktail and some San Pellegrino water.

After leisurely enjoying the starter the bar cart passes again with the base tray, salad, and soup. Bread from a basket is also passed. The asparagus and potato salad was quite nice vs. a bowl of greens or more traditional salad.

I can't get passed lamb on almost any menu. I really fancy the beast. This presentation was overcooked to my liking but is had a well seasoned flavor and was moderately tender.

The dessert cart passes next adn is virtually overflowing with abundance. I opt for the ice cream with Biscoff crumble and a selection of the cheese. I also enjoy a pour of the sparkling red dessert wine but unfortunately can't remember the name of the wine.

Meal service wraps up over Hudson Bay and the cabin is darkened.

Not ready to turn in just yet i enjoy a Cognac and simply savor the time and place in which I find myself.

Eventually I nap but don't find satisfying sleep as I'm just too excited to sleep. I have a nice chat with the flight attendant on duty and she offers me one of the mid flight snacks. It seems there is no formal middle service but if you're awake the FAs come by and specifically ask if they can prepare you a snack. In addition to that they are in the aisles fairly frequently replenishing water bottles and offering service. I think Delta does this very well. Of course there are snack and water stations setup in both the galley and the small table in the forward portion of the airplane.
Some tuna and a Tsingtao.

Way up north today on a polar track there is a twilight type lighting.

A walk about the cabin

The arrival service starts and I opt for the Chinese option of chili prawns. It's not a very successful dish.

Our arrival under darkness is uneventful…except…we get a remove parking spot! The bane of every other traveler is my joy!

There is a twinge of emotion leaving this airplane wondering if i will get the opportunity to ride on one again.

Tourist Bonus

I ended up only staying one night of a planned 2. I got home sick and decided to go back on the late departure the next day but made sure to sample some local culinary delights.
Have to enjoy noodle soup.

A trip to Huanghe Road Food Street (Chinese name: 黄河路美食街)
XLB at Jia Jia Tang Bao. This place was fun. I ended up at a table with a sweet, English speaking, Chinese tourist from Fuzhou. We were able to swap dumplings so we could taste more varieties. The crab roe was beautiful but I really just enjoy the pork.

I waddle across the street to yang's..cause…I'm here…

Doing dishes.

Love the bakeries.

The lines at cake shops all over town were intense. There was some holiday the following day but i can't remember the name. The kind woman in the XLB shop was telling me about picnics and remembering relatives that have passed.

A walk through the park and then down Nanjing Road to The Bund.