'Delta' Vs 'V Australia' - Australia to USA flights

[neon_crossing]

Hello all,

Just keen to find out if anyone has flown on both Delta and V Australia (economy class) and wanted to provide a comparison for both.

Also if anyone has flown Delta SYD - LAX on one of the 777-200 recently and if the IFE is any good?

I usually fly V Australia to the USA and was tempted to look at Delta because I can still earn Velocity points and I believe it might be a bit easier connecting in the same terminal in LAX to another destination as apposed to flying through Tom Bradley then having to catch a connecting flight from a different terminal.

I am not a large frequent flyer so I am not on any good levels of lounge access and I did like the look of the Delta LAX lounge for $50 and particularly the shower facilities because I definately need those after a long hours flying from ADL > LAX.

On another note, which 'single day access pass' applicable lounge is the best in LAX (with shower facilities).

I am prepared to fly any airline (LAX to ORD) (almost every airline services that route direct or with one quick stop) in order to buy an access pass to a good airline lounge in LAX with shower facilities.

Cheers,

 

[Saab34]

VX soon will fly to ORD and I think there was mention about using a lounge if you fly VX. Not sure on details.

 

[samh004]

Just remember that right now you can only earn points, not status credits, on Delta. So if you were short of Gold or Silver, the points might be useful for a future flights, but you wouldn’t be any closer to the status.

In the future this’ll probably change, but as it stands right now, it’s just points.

 

[MAMinOz]

I've only flown on Delta to the US, so I cannot compare. I will also say that I flew in July of 2009 when they first offered the service. The question on the IFE is an interesting one because about 30mins into the flight, my IFE went all black. To spare you all the painstaking details, we asked a minimum of five times to have the thing reset. At one point they accidentally reset my husband's seat instead of mine. I think it took over three hours to get it working for my seat.

The plane is new and nice. The food was okay. The service was awful. It does not compare to Australian domestic travel on Virgin. All of the flight attendants walk down the isle looking at the floor throughout the flight, so you cannot get their attention. We will never fly Delta economy again on a long haul flight.

Regarding the lounge. I once flew Business Class on United and because of the switch of terminals at LAX, I went to the domestic terminal and sat in that lounge. The domestic lounge did not have showers. Beware of which terminal's lounge you are using and make sure the shower facilities are available.

Enjoy the trip!

 

[neon_crossing]

I was just having a bit of a search online and it seems as though the two viable 'Day Pass' lounge access options in LAX seems to be Delta & American Airlines Admirals Club, anyone had experience with any of the two abovementioned lounges & shower facilities?

 

[Kangarucci]

I am also interested in hearing thoughts about flying SydLax return on DL. The travel agent booked DL instead of VA, (VA code share). Is there personal, (not an overhead screen),IFE free of charge or is it on demand for $?

 

[Deewhy]

I am also interested in hearing thoughts about flying SydLax return on DL. The travel agent booked DL instead of VA, (VA code share). Is there personal, (not an overhead screen),IFE free of charge or is it on demand for $?

Personal screen free of charge. Did DL but next time I'd try VA. DL in Y felt a bit LCC.

 

[MAMinOz]

I am also interested in hearing thoughts about flying SydLax return on DL. The travel agent booked DL instead of VA, (VA code share). Is there personal, (not an overhead screen),IFE free of charge or is it on demand for $?

I seem to remember that the premium shows (like HBO Series) had a price per episode. The mainstream IFE (including newish movies) was free. There was a series that I was excited to see and then I was prompted for a credit card. Again, this was over three years ago, though.

 

[gwilli1]

Hi , just seeing if there is any more comments re VA vs DL . I am keen to get into LAX early to take advantage of an early connection to BOS . It comes down to DL direct from SYD or taking VA via BNE to connect with the direct service to LAX . Any recent Y experiences on either will be appreciated.

 

[jgm]

I was just having a bit of a search online and it seems as though the two viable 'Day Pass' lounge access options in LAX seems to be Delta & American Airlines Admirals Club, anyone had experience with any of the two abovementioned lounges & shower facilities?

I've used the Delta lounge the last 2 times I've been to LAX. Good showers & snacks were reasonable. Delta uses terminal 5 which is interconnected airside to 6,7 & 8, so you can access the Delta lounge if flying Delta or United. I wouldn't bother with the United lounge, as it doesn't have showers.

 

[myfavouritescar]

Hi , just seeing if there is any more comments re VA vs DL . I am keen to get into LAX early to take advantage of an early connection to BOS . It comes down to DL direct from SYD or taking VA via BNE to connect with the direct service to LAX . Any recent Y experiences on either will be appreciated.

I recently flew SYD-LAX on DL, after I purchased the ticket I upgraded myself to their Economy Comfort (I think an extra $150?). The extra few inches of recline were amazing (I've never flown anything other than economy) I slept comfortable the whole way! The food was reasonable, free drinks and the flight attendants were friendly. I returned LAX-SYD on VA which doesn't have an upgrade option (other than full PE). The seat was harder and less comfortable, not as reclined and noticably narrower. I thought the food wasn't as good as DL. My biggest problem was the flight attendants kept missing me with the drinks and then acted like I was being inconvenient when I asked for one. Next time I fly I'll be chosing DL over VA.

 

[Kangarucci]

Flew DL in Sept return MEL to LAX. Flights were fine as was service. Our preference is VA but we got a good deal when booking DL. If using the Delta Lounge, book the showers as soon as you check into the lounge as both times we had to wait about 30mins for availabilty. Everything that you may need is provided in the shower.

Self serve bar, dip, pretzels, cereal, bagels, cheese and crackers , maybe some fruit.

 

[Vim Fuego]

looking at Perth to Orlando at the end of January. The Virgin/delta option is $660 cheaper than qantas so its an option, is the economy comfort only available after booking?

I'm a silver QF with QC so would forgo points and club but $660 difference is hard to overlook.

 

[drewbles]

looking at Perth to Orlando at the end of January. The Virgin/delta option is $660 cheaper than qantas so its an option, is the economy comfort only available after booking?

I'm a silver QF with QC so would forgo points and club but $660 difference is hard to overlook.

There is no such thing as 'Economy Comfort' on VA or QF, only DL. The DL website says prices are '$40-180' and vary by segment, so i'd imagine that the AU-US segment would be $180. As for LAX-MCO, i'm not sure what they'd charge.

Having flown it, it's nothing but an economy seat with extra leg room. I'd probably pay the extra, but i'd rather just fly VA (and use my status to get a decent seat; i'm aware that's not an option for you).

If you're booking it via VA, i'm not sure you'll be able to upgrade the one leg, although in theory, if you get the DL PNR, you should be able to. According to the DL website, you can book them (and not just upgrade) but it may involve a person (call VA or a travel agent): Economy Comfort™ | Delta Air Lines .

 

[Ausbt]

I flew JFK-LAX on Delta in EC a while back, scored row 18 E & F on their 757 - IMHO the best seats on the place. Exit row and the layout is A, B, C but with only E & F on the port side of the plane. Paid $55 for EC. One interesting point of note was I decided to have a few drinks (Labrott & Graham bourbon and some red wine). The Delta staff were obliging enough but asked me regarding the wine "do you want a large bottle?". Ahhh, yeah bring it on. They seriously stock 375 ml bottles of red! I'd never heard of this before, but gratefully accepted one.

 

[drewbles]

I flew JFK-LAX on Delta in EC a while back, scored row 18 E & F on their 757 - IMHO the best seats on the place. Exit row and the layout is A, B, C but with only E & F on the port side of the plane. Paid $55 for EC. One interesting point of note was I decided to have a few drinks (Labrott & Graham bourbon and some red wine). The Delta staff were obliging enough but asked me regarding the wine "do you want a large bottle?". Ahhh, yeah bring it on. They seriously stock 375 ml bottles of red! I'd never heard of this before, but gratefully accepted one.

AA also do 'small' and 'large' bottles of wine. I don't recall seeing it on previous flights (although on AA I'm usually in F).

Economy Comfort flights on the LAX/SFO-JFK flights include complimentary wine as you found out (other domestic routes it does not).

 

[Vim Fuego]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. Now looking at United with there economy plus as another possible option, desperate times call for desperate measures

 

[drewbles]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. Now looking at United with there economy plus as another possible option, desperate times call for desperate measures

Depending on your budget (and time) I'd suggest looking at Premium Economy on Virgin, originating from Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington

 

[Kangarucci]

Lax to Syd on DL. Paid $157 for Economy Comfort. Just that little extra legroom was very welcome.

 

[gwilli1]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. Now looking at United with there economy plus as another possible option, desperate times call for desperate measures

I'd stick with VA / DL , UA aren't what you would call reliable with their AUS-USA services .