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 Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast who is a stay home mom of three in Dix Hills. She loves to plan her family’s vacations and helping her friends and relatives with their vacation ideas. |
| It seems all we hear these days about airline travel is how you are being pinched, squeezed and charged for every perk that used to be free. On a recent trip to Europe I decided to make note of our entire transatlantic experience on Delta Air Lines. I was pleasantly surprised by all the amenities that were provided to us in our “Main Cabin” seating.. formerly known as Coach. The food seemed plentiful, it was served round trip with a smile, and dare I say I felt a bit pampered? Upon finding our seat we saw that waiting for us was a blanket, earphones and an eye mask. After the always soothing and cheerful “welcome aboard” announcement from the Captain and a relatively short taxi we were up, up and away en route to Venice! Almost immediately the dinner service began. The drink cart came first where all drinks whether alcoholic or soft were free. Right on the heels of the drink cart came the food. We had a choice of three entrées, beef, chicken or pasta. I chose a kale salad with a grilled chicken breast. Included with the main course were a fresh fruit salad, chocolate brownie, cheese and crackers, and a pretzel roll. Tea and coffee came out next, the cabin lights were dimmed and a quiet lull descended as everyone tried to get some sleep. About an hour before landing the lights came back on and breakfast was being served. A box with “Bon Appetit” emblazoned on it was given out to everyone that contained a yogurt, orange juice, a croissant, a cookie and a breath mint that made me chuckle. Coffee and tea followed and it was time to land. Our nonstop flight back to JFK from Venice offered similar food choices except with extra snacks thrown in, as the majority of westbound transatlantic flights are flown during daylight hours. It’s something I affectionately refer to as “the eternal day.” There was the large main meal of 3 lunch choices, along with 2 rounds of snacks. The first snack served in the “bon appétit box” was cheese with crackers and chocolate. The second snack consisted of ice cream, and a baked pastry with a choice of meat or vegetable filling. Each time the food carts came thru you were offered complimentary drinks hard or soft. There were strong headwinds that day and our flying time back home was a long 9 hours. We arrived happy, relaxed, and pleasantly full. “I have to say that flying on Air Force One sort of spoils you for coach on a regular airline.” Ronald Reagan |
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