Etihad Airlines Rocks – Delta Airlines Not so Much

I am sitting in “The Lounge” at JFK airport in New York waiting to board my Etihad flight to Abu Dhabi.  I have not even boarded the plane, and I know from experience that I will have a completely pleasurable experience.  The service will be 5 star.  The four course meal (that I get to choose from 2 to 5 options per course) will be splendid.  The wine list will cause me to take note for a future purchase.  The very comfortable seat will play a large role in helping me get a solid 7 hours of sleep.  I look forward to this flight even though it is nearly 12 hours in the air.

So I’m guessing that you are now wondering why I am writing about airlines on my photography blog.  There is only one reason – therapy.  I will not totally abandon you – I will connect my rant with some aviation related photography, but the bottom line is that I feel a deeply compelling need to express my heartfelt displeasure with Delta Airlines.  Don’t misunderstand me, there are plenty of other U.S. carriers that deserve similar ridicule, but today we will focus on Delta.

Delta sucks, but German does not.  My one positive experience of the day with Delta involved a little man named German (hey Delta guys…pay attention and show some love to German).  My completely exhausting experience was interrupted momentarily by German who did a yeoman's job of helping me at check in.  The Delta kiosks choke when it comes to international connections…German fixed it with a smile on his face.  Thanks German.

The girl at the gate said I had to check my legally sized carry-on.  I politely challenged her by informing her it had several thousands of dollars of photography equipment in it.  She replied that it was not her problem and that I had no choice but to check the luggage.  There are options…but she could not be bothered.  I have yet to determine if there was any damage.  I conceded thinking that an upgrade to the 5D MKII would not be a bad idea.

Then we get to the plane.  I can’t stand up.  I don’t fit in the seat (nor would anyone above 5’10”).  And the flight attendant has a serious attitude.  Yup, you guessed it.  I picked the commuter route from hell, with La Diabla telling me my feet are too big and are blocking the aisle…no shit!  Build an airplane designed for adults!  And if you Delta suits are listening, it was flight 6736 from Washington Regan to JFK on 6 November.  You can do better…anyone could.

I could go on, and on, and on.  But I’m sure I would be telling you nothing new.  And seriously, I have flown military air in a jump seat that was a better experience!  Oh!!! breaking  news!!!  My wife just got off the phone with her parents who arrived moments ago in Arizona on a Delta Airlines flight…unfortunately their luggage did not make it.  Coincidence?  Conspiracy?  Incompetence? 
I hope you enjoyed the photography, and thanks for the patient and sympathetic ear.  I will shortly be embarking the Etihad flight and the world will regain some order.  Thank you Etihad!
And for the record…Delta Airlines has not paid me to document their ineptitude.  And likewise, Etihad has not paid me to flatter their well deserved reputation (but my ears are open!!!).
By the way…all the photographs featured in this post were taken with my iPhone.  I am not yet sure if my Canon 5D still functions, nor if the glass is intact on my 70-200 2.8L IS (Hey Delta - $2500 and $1800 respectively!)
Have fun, and go make some great photography!
Craig