INTRO
Flight routing
- 1DL5425 - Domestic First - Baltimore → New York - Mitsubishi CRJ900
- 2
Welcome to the first segment of this BWI-JFK-SDQ trip. We traveled just a few days after the Crowdstrike incident, which affected airlines and businesses globally, and Delta was one of the last airlines to recover. The incident occurred on July 19, and 4 days after, there were still many cancellations and delays, although not as the previous days. There were also a lot of crew issues, which made the issue a bit worse.
The highlight of this report is that this was our first time traveling with our recent member of the family, who just turned 2 months several days before the flight. It was time to bring the little one to the Caribbean.
Check-in
We arrived at BWI at around 4:00 AM. The regular Delta check-in line was long, but the SkyPriority line was relatively short.
Check-in started a few minutes later, and the agent quickly checked our bags + several duffle bags with baby gear that would remain in SDQ for our next trips. We then proceeded to Security, which was empty at this time of the day.
Quick security process through TSA-PRE, despite having a car seat and a stroller, which were verified by the agents. We then proceeded to D gates.
This morning's departures. Several flights delayed or cancelled due to Crowdstrikes disruptions.
The Lounge at BWI
It was still very early, so we made our way to the only available lounge.
The lounge offering was really bad, as always, so we just sat for a little while.
Time to walk back to the gate
Boarding
Boarding was organized and priorities were respected. My only issue was that the gate agent, who seemed to be having a bad morning, told us that passengers with infants should board after Zone 3 (Comfort +) passengers, but we were in Zone 1 as we were in First Class, she seemed a bit confused, but then she realized that she could not penalize our priority boarding because we had a baby, and that the rule of boarding after Zone 3 was only applicable to Economy class passengers.
My favorite part about boarding regional jets.
Flight
Typical regional jet first class seat. The pitch was very good as well as the recline. These seats are very comfy for a 2 hour or less flight.
On the other hand, the overhead space is very limited. On the left side, only small backpacks can fit, which means that most carry-on bags need to be checked at the door.
Pre-departure drinks were served. It was too early for an adult drink though.
Cockpit, ready for departure
Pushback
Due to heavy ATC traffic in the New York area, we had to sit in the tarmac for about 25 minutes. This is usually calculated as the flight time was only 42 minutes, but Delta scheduled a 1h20m block.
Takeoff
As this was a quick flight, only snacks were served in the front cabin
Great morning views from 16,000 ft
Final approach and landing
Arrival
Even with the short wait at BWI, arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule in Concourse A
I really like the concourse A expansion area
As our flight to SDQ was departing from the B gates, and we were hauling more luggage than usual, we decided to take the bus
Thanks for reading. See you at the bus on the next report.