Review of Delta Air Lines flight from Santo Domingo to Atlanta in Domestic First

intro

Welcome to another SDQ report. After a quick weekend trip, it’s time to go back to Washington, DC. This time we flew to Atlanta and back to BWI.

transfer and airport check-in

Usual traffic in Santo Domingo, and the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Airport Terminal

Check-in area, crowded as always

SkyPriority Check-in, also crowded due to two flights (JFK and ATL) departing at the same time.

SDQ BEFOREBOARDING PREMIUM LOUNGE + MEET&GREET SERVICE

Back outside to transfer to the VIP terminal. This time we were drove by the same person who dropped us off at the airport. You can chose between using the airport provided shuttle or being driven by whoever drops you off.

The VIP terminal consists of 5 lounges, each one with an independent entrance:

- Ambassadors’ Lounge, used by high ranking diplomats and foreign missions.
- Government Lounge, used by high rank government officials and for protocol activities.
- Beforeboarding Premium Lounge, with access both paid (but expensive in my opinion) and by premium Dominican Banks credit card holders (Visa Infinite, Mastercard Black).
- FBO for private jet operations.
- Popular Bank Lounge, for eligible Popular Bank Cardholders.

Outside view of the premium lounge. It has a nice terrace where you can sit and enjoy one last drink before departing. If you have family or friends dropping you off, they can stay with you in this area (but only those traveling have access to food and drinks). It also has a section where those waiting for arriving passengers can stay.

Inside the lounge

In the absence of Halloween and Thanksgiving traditions (although every year it’s been celebrated more and more, especially by the middle and upper class), Christmas decorations start mid-October.

My snack selection.

10 minutes before boarding we were escorted to the dedicated security checkpoint and passport control. To me, this is the best benefit as the general departures area can get chaotic.

Then we were walked to our gate, first through a secure corridor that involves taking an elevator to the departures level, and then through the main concourse.

Boarding

N889DN waiting for us.

JFK flight

View of the gate area

Busy afternoon at  SDQ

Last chance to drink rum 

Boarding was on time and very organized 

Jetbridge

Esteban moment

the flight

Our seats, 5A/B

AA just arrived from MIA

Seat pitch, entertainment system, and pre-flight amenities.

Flight completely full. Zero upgrades to First Class or Comfort+ today.

2:54 flight time. Safety video played as we pushed back.

Free WiFi gate to gate

Taxi to runway 17 for a southbound departure

Cloudy takeoff

Right turn and back to the island

As this is a relative short flight, service started immediately. White wine, as prescribed by my doctor, as we continued climbing.

My meal choice today was the vegetarian lasagna, which was delicious, the mango mousse was also very good. The other choices were the cheeseburger, which my spouse chose and was also very good (despite looking like a McDonald’s cheeseburger) a cold chicken salad, and the sad charcuterie plate. Choosing your meals 7 days in advance guarantee that you will get your preferred meal option. A snack basket was also passed around.

A bit more Chardonnay

The view over the Bahamas that always takes my breath away.

Initial descent into ATL

Final approach

Landing

Taxiing to concourse F

arrival

Early arrival, very usual when the flight departs on time.

Last view of our plane 

On our way to immigration 

After clearing immigration, customs, and security, back to Concourse F to visit the SkyClub before our flight to BWI.

Thank you for flying with us! See you on the ATL-BWI flight.