From its home in Atlanta, Delta Air Lines prepares to take off for Panama City

It’s late. I’ve been travelling for 22 hours. And now I have to board a four-hour flight to Panama City . I need a hassle-free flight. I need Delta Air Lines. 

Flight Details

Date:  4 December 2012
Seat:  25F (Window)
Aircraft:  B737-700

Luggage allowance

Checked in baggage:  First checked bag free, second checked bag for US$40, with dimensions of 62 inches (157 cm) for length plus width plus height. Permitted weight is 50 lbs (23 kg).

Cabin baggage allowance:  One carry-on bag and one personal item at no extra charge.

Check-in

Online check-in is available within 24 hours of flight departure, while the free smartphone ‘Fly Delta’ app is handy for those wanting to check-in on the go (online check-in is like, so last year).
Delta also offers a curbside check-in service (at around 100 U.S. airports), which is quick, easy and best of all, free.

But as I’ve been checked-in for my entire journey from Sydney, I’m mercifully spared the check-in process for this leg.

Cabin conditions

Clean and comfortable albeit a tad tired looking (or was that me?). Cabin configuration for economy class is 3-3 (2-2 in business class).

Seat comfort

After enjoying Delta’s Economy Comfort class all the way from Sydney to Atlanta, I don’t look forward to the next leg of my journey. But my trepidation is soon put to rest after I find I have just enough legroom – thanks to a 32-inch seat pitch – to sit comfortably for the four-hour flight.

Onboard catering

A selection of cold snacks such as sandwiches and cheese platters are available for purchase. But with stocks running low, I decide to settle on the complimentary pretzels, peanuts and Delta-branded cookies. Seeking a vitamin A and C boost, I also opt for a cold tomato juice.

Cabin staff service

Very friendly and professional (in both English and Spanish), especially when dealing with passengers with bags which probably should have been checked in. Always lots of smiles.

Inflight entertainment

A selection of 18 satellite television stations (which predictably last around half-way to Panama) is available as well as several channels on demand and HBO. There was certainly a Taylor Swift agenda on board, with the young singer’s face gracing the cover of the inflight magazine, Sky, as well as having four programs in her dedication. Looking for a laugh, I opt for an hour of Comedy Central duo, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart before getting some much-needed shuteye.     

On-time performance:

The flight took off on time, landing in Panama City around 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

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