Review of Delta Connection flight Detroit Toronto in Domestic First

Airline Delta Connection
Flight DL4515
Seat 3A
Flight time 00:38
Take-off 07 Feb 19, 10:31
Arrival at 07 Feb 19, 11:09
DL   #71 out of 96 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 137 reviews
hometoyyz
By 746
Published on 16th February 2019

introduction


In late 2018, China Southern announced its intentions to bid farewell to its then-current alliance mates in SkyTeam. While I had booked some rewards with China Southern over the last couple of years, I’d always ended up cancelling before departure for one reason or another.

But with the countdown on for the airline’s departure from SkyTeam, the clock was ticking on trying their premium products using Delta SkyMiles. And thus, this series of flight-reports, which will chronicle a quick impromptu trip to China and back to be able to “check off” China Southern on my list of experiences before its heading off for greener grass on the other side of the airline alliances fence.


The Rundown



photo yyz-can-pek-dtw-yyz

When last we saw our intrepid flight-reporter…


… he had just checked in at the Delta Hotel as a result of Delta Air Lines cancelling his flight hometoyyz after arriving from Beijing.

After a good night's sleep under the sweet tunes of roaring jets flying overhead (or at least nearby), I grabbed a hotel shuttle a little after 8:00 am and made my way back to the airport. 


security


Off the shuttle, up the walkway, and over to the terminal we go. There's a security check at this level, which is halfway between arrivals and departures, but there's no PreCheck here. That will never do.


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As is typically the case for flights with Delta, I already have my boarding pass on my phone, so no need to stop to get one when I get inside. The terminal isn't very busy at this hour of the morning, and in less than five minutes, I'm airside at DTW. 


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I had figured I wouldn't bother going to the lounge on this short visit, but I haven't had breakfast, so I figure I might as well stop by and see what's on offer.


Delta Sky Club DTW


Conveniently the entry to the Sky Club is just past the escalator, and I'm departing from a gate only a few planes over from this central location. 


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Inside, there's an agent with a mobile device scanning people in, and he's quite friendly about it. They've also added another desk downstairs, presumably to help people with irrops and other situations.

When I get upstairs, I see why the additional desk space has been installed upstairs. Those seats against the wall there? They weren't there the last time I was in this lounge. Or any other previous time. There used to be desk space here for the agents who've now been relocated downstairs.


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Things are surprisingly quiet. Quieter than I think I've ever seen in this lounge. I'm surprised. I figured it would be pretty swamped if there were a bunch of cancellations the day before. It's almost offsetting how easy it is to find a seat.


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There's been one other change since last I was in this lounge. This rounded room used to be a TV room, with seats throughout it. The buffet was shoved against the wall in the back. Not so anymore. The new layout allows more access to the buffet, but it also creates a lot of dead space in the area where the buffet used to be.


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The offered breakfast is pretty standard. No signature or special dishes, but at least there are some hot eggs, and some sort of a hash.



Unfortunately, I failed to get a photo of my scrambled eggs. The eggs themselves weren't very good, but at least Delta is wise enough to provide a bunch of flavours to cover up the allegedly fresh eggs. Even the most mass-produced "eggs" taste much better when given some cheese, bacon bits, and salsa that adds a surprising amount of pop.

I also enjoyed some oatmeal mixed up with dried cranberries, crushed nuts, and brown sugar.


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With breakfast done, it's about time to head down to the gate. Oh, there was WiFi in the lounge, and it was doing fine. But given the limited attendance, I'd have been shocked if it was lagging.


boarding time


When I head downstairs, what do I see but my ride back to Toronto just beyond the signature dancing fountains in the McNamara Terminal?


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I am just kidding, of course. My ride is a little less impressive and is located a few gates over and on the other side of the terminal.

My illustrious CRJ is just unloading its previous passengers as I pull up. 


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The gate agents call boarding a little after 9:30 am, and it's time to take my seat.


the flight-report


Flight: DL4515 Skywest
From: Detroit Wayne (DTW)
To: Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
Date: 2/7/2019
Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ-900
Registration: N692CA
Seat: 3A
ATD (STD): 10:31 (09:57)
ATA ( STA): 11:09 (11:24)

 For this flight, I'm seated in 3A, a window seat with aisle access. Oh, the luxury!


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I kid, but I'm quite happy to have this. I didn't notice the upgrade when it happened, and Delta had pre-assigned me 3B. At T-24, the First Class cabin was showing full, so I had no chance to move. But on the bus over from the hotel, I notice that one passenger has given up a seat, and 3A is now available. I'll take it.

It is, as standard, equipped with an improved-but-still lousy pillow, a blanket that I hardly ever use, and a little bottle of Dasani.

Legroom shot. Exactly the Delta Connection standard.


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A look out my window reveals our twin next door. 


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Towards the end of boarding, the flight attendant working the front of the cabin comes around to take drink orders for both on the ground and in the air. Efficiency is needed to get orders to all 12 First Class passengers on this 30-minute hop.

My requested black coffee is promptly delivered. Delta's coffee is always at least reasonably good, and this one is no exception.


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We push back at about 10 minutes past 10.


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No need to de-ice this morning, but it still takes almost 25 minutes to get to the runway and get into the clouds hanging just above Detroit Wayne.


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Once we pass 10,000 feet, the flight attendant gets into action. First, she passes around what is a rather uninspiring snack basket this month. And then drinks are delivered, including my requested Coke Zero.


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Delta used to offer glassware on this route not too long ago.

By the time I finish my drink and my highly mediocre snack, we're already starting our descent. Nevertheless, our flight attendant offers a drink refill, and I decline.

Just like on takeoff, we're almost on the ground by the time we break through the clouds.  


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The Etobicoke Creek lets me know what we're almost there. 


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And touchdown.


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The taxi into T3 takes a bit longer than would be expected because we have to wait for this 77L to get out of our way before we can proceed, and it's taking its time.


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But soon enough, our journey ends as we pull into the terminal next to our stablemate soon to be heading back to Atlanta. What's up, Mad Dog?


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arrival into yyz


There's not too much in the way of spotting on the path to immigration. It's too early for most of the international heavies to be here yet. The only thing of interest is this WestJet 737-800 in their Frozen special livery. I was going to make a joke about it, but I decided to let it go.


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The best part of it being too early for the international heavies to be in is that the passengers for the international heavies aren't in line for immigration. It never takes very long to get through thanks to my Nexus card, but at this hour, it wouldn't take long even for passengers taking the normal path.

Less than 15 minutes after being let off the plane, I'm airside at Terminal Three. This picture tells you it's too early. This area is usually packed full of people waiting for passengers from overseas arriving. It was so busy when I was through here just two weeks before that I didn't notice the new lounge chairs, part of a promotion with a Canadian bank.


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And so this trip will end as it began, with this shot from the bridge between the terminal and the train. 


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I'll leave it at that as I head back into the city, and thank you very much for joining me for obviously the most fascinating and exotic part of this trip, the 214-mile epic between Detroit and Toronto.

But seriously, thanks for joining me for this series. I'll be back on the site sooner than later with another adventure, and I hope to see you there too.

Cheers!

See more

Verdict

Delta Connection

5.2/10
Cabin7.0
Cabin crew6.5
Entertainment/wifi4.0
Meal/catering3.5

Delta Air Lines Sky Club (Gate A38)

5.8/10
Comfort6.5
Meal/catering5.0
Entertainment/wifi5.0
Services6.5

Detroit - DTW

6.6/10
Efficiency6.0
Access6.5
Services7.0
Cleanliness7.0

Toronto - YYZ

7.0/10
Efficiency6.0
Access7.0
Services7.0
Cleanliness8.0

Conclusion

A fine short flight with Skywest to end this series. Service was perfectly acceptable if not overly memorable. I look forward to them switching to next month's snack basket. This one didn't have much to offer. My only other wish would be that this flight had taken place the night before. But you can't fly in the winter in the northern part of North America and expect everything to go smoothly every time.

Information on the route Detroit (DTW) Toronto (YYZ)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 4 avis concernant 2 compagnies sur la ligne Detroit (DTW) → Toronto (YYZ).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est Delta Air Lines avec 7.4/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 0 heures et 47 minutes.

  More information

6 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 488535 by
    KL651 TEAM 4534 Comments
    Thanks for this FR.
    While I agree this is a really short flight, not even having a real glass really cheapens the experience when you already only get a snack basket as a "meal service"
    • Comment 488635 by
      hometoyyz AUTHOR 539 Comments
      Hi KL651,

      Thanks for stopping by and offering your thoughts.

      “While I agree this is a really short flight, not even having a real glass really cheapens the experience when you already only get a snack basket as a "meal service"”
      - While I agree with you, they’ve “streamlined service” so much that people in the back only get water -- and that’s if there’s enough time to get it to them -- on flights like this of under 250 miles. So I guess it’s all relative. But I have photographic proof that they used to offer glasses on the exact same route.

      Cheers!
  • Comment 488560 by
    ISTFlyer SILVER 399 Comments
    Hi hometoyyz and thanks for sharing this report,

    - The Delta Sky Club is pretty impressive, when comparing the lounge to Admirals Club's or United Club's. It's great that you had the option to have a hot dish. It's also nice that the SkyTeam protocol allowed you to access this lounge for free without any paid membership due to your First class ticket.
    When it comes to the flight,
    "For this flight, I'm seated in 3A, a window seat with aisle access. Oh, the luxury!"
    - Hahaha, this is why they call First, instead of Business :)
    "My requested black coffee is promptly delivered. Delta's coffee is always at least reasonably good, and this one is no exception."
    - Never flown Delta in the past but everyone has says the same thing
    "Delta used to offer glassware on this route not too long ago."
    - It's really cheap that no glassware was offered for a ticketed F passenger. Also I really find the snack basket cheap.
    "I'll leave it at that as I head back into the city, and thank you very much for joining me for obviously the most fascinating and exotic part of this trip, the 214-mile epic between Detroit and Toronto." "But seriously, thanks for joining me for this series. I'll be back on the site sooner than later with another adventure, and I hope to see you there too."
    - Thanks again for sharing this wonderful series and wish to meet you in the next the next serie.

    Wish you a wonderful weekend as well,
    • Comment 488639 by
      hometoyyz AUTHOR 539 Comments
      Hi IST,

      Thanks for stopping by and offering your comments.

      “The Delta Sky Club is pretty impressive, when comparing the lounge to Admirals Club's or United Club's. It's great that you had the option to have a hot dish.”
      - It’s kinda mixed bag. I’d say it’s pretty good for a domestic lounge, and DTW is one of the less-updated Delta lounges. Some others, say, JFK, are really much nicer in terms of style and features. But the problem is they’re also the only available lounge for premium pax on international flights. Is this a great lounge for 215 miles of DTW-YYZ? You bet. Is it good for a paid J pax heading out from DTW to PVG? Not really.

      “It's also nice that the SkyTeam protocol allowed you to access this lounge for free without any paid membership due to your First class ticket.”
      - To be clear, Delta does NOT allow First Class or status pax into the SkyClub on domestic flights. The same policy as AA and UA. I got access because Delta considers Canada to be “international” for lounge access purposes. So does UA. AA does not. That was one of the biggest initial reasons for me defecting to DL instead of trying out AA. I think I dodged a bullet on that one.

      “Hahaha, this is why they call First, instead of Business :)”
      - That and marketing.

      “Never flown Delta in the past but everyone has says the same thing”
      - It’s Starbucks, which I’m not a huge fan of, but it’s pretty good black. At least reasonably strong. AC’s coffee was terrible, and UA’s was too, although I think both have since “partnered” with more respected coffee brands, so maybe their caffeine game has improved.

      “It's really cheap that no glassware was offered for a ticketed F passenger. Also I really find the snack basket cheap.”
      - Yep, the plastic cups are a service enhancement in the most airline sense of the word. And the snack basket can be quite a mixed … uhhh… basket. It’s always prety cheap, but some months you can get some good stuff in there. Beef jerky and Michel et Augustine cookies are my favourite picks, but there have been some other good choices in there from time to time.

      Thanks for the kind words and the well wishes, and for your comments as well. Cheers!
  • Comment 488592 by
    socalnow 976 Comments
    "The only thing of interest is this WestJet 737-800 in their Frozen special livery. I was going to make a joke about it, but I decided to let it go.
    -That little nugget was well worth the price of admission!

    Glad you are home safe without too much hassle from the weather cancellation. Thank you again for such an entertaining and informative series. Happy flying
    • Comment 488636 by
      hometoyyz AUTHOR 539 Comments
      Hi IST,

      Thanks for stopping by and offering your comments.

      “The Delta Sky Club is pretty impressive, when comparing the lounge to Admirals Club's or United Club's. It's great that you had the option to have a hot dish.”
      - It’s kinda mixed bag. I’d say it’s pretty good for a domestic lounge, and DTW is one of the less-updated Delta lounges. Some others, say, JFK, are really much nicer in terms of style and features. But the problem is they’re also the only available lounge for premium pax on international flights. Is this a great lounge for 215 miles of DTW-YYZ? You bet. Is it good for a paid J pax heading out from DTW to PVG? Not really.

      “It's also nice that the SkyTeam protocol allowed you to access this lounge for free without any paid membership due to your First class ticket.”
      - To be clear, Delta does NOT allow First Class or status pax into the SkyClub on domestic flights. The same policy as AA and UA. I got access because Delta considers Canada to be “international” for lounge access purposes. So does UA. AA does not. That was one of the biggest initial reasons for me defecting to DL instead of trying out AA. I think I dodged a bullet on that one.

      “Hahaha, this is why they call First, instead of Business :)”
      - That and marketing.

      “Never flown Delta in the past but everyone has says the same thing”
      - It’s Starbucks, which I’m not a huge fan of, but it’s pretty good black. At least reasonably strong. AC’s coffee was terrible, and UA’s was too, although I think both have since “partnered” with more respected coffee brands, so maybe their caffeine game has improved.

      “It's really cheap that no glassware was offered for a ticketed F passenger. Also I really find the snack basket cheap.”
      - Yep, the plastic cups are a service enhancement in the most airline sense of the word. And the snack basket can be quite a mixed … uhhh… basket. It’s always prety cheap, but some months you can get some good stuff in there. Beef jerky and Michel et Augustine cookies are my favourite picks, but there have been some other good choices in there from time to time.

      Thanks for the kind words and the well wishes, and for your comments as well. Cheers!
    • Comment 488638 by
      hometoyyz AUTHOR 539 Comments
      Hi SCN,

      Thanks for stopping by and offering your thoughts.

      “That little nugget was well worth the price of admission!”
      - Heyo! I’m here all week! Try your waitress and tip the fish!

      “Glad you are home safe without too much hassle from the weather cancellation.”
      - All’s well that ends well. At least I didn’t get stuck lost in the maze at PVG for six months this time!

      Cheers!

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