e-Travel Blackboard hops a Delta Air Lines jet in Panama City, Panama, for a flight home – that is, to Delta HQ in Atlanta.    

Flight Details

Date:  10 December 2012
Seat:  13A (Window)
Aircraft:  B737-700

Luggage allowance

Although my bag could easily fit into the onboard overhead, I decide to check it in, at no extra cost. A second checked bag will set you back US$40. Allowed dimensions for luggage are 62 inches (157 cm) for length plus width plus height with a permitted weight of 50 lbs (23 kg).

Check-in

Having spent the better part of the last 24 hours on boats, in mini-vans, working, eating and sleeping, I’m unable to take advantage of Delta’s online check-in service, which is available 24 hours prior to takeoff. And with the free smartphone Fly Delta app still on my to-download list, I make do with good-old fashioned face-face check-in; only the face that welcomes me is a very youthful one, whose friendly demeanour more than makes up for the seemingly lengthy wait in line. 

Cabin conditions

Cabin conditions aboard the Boeing aircraft are as fine as the weather outside, allowing for a very comfortable flight. Configuration for economy class is 3-3 (2-2 in business class).

Seat comfort

A cozy window seat on my favourite side of the plane (left), combined with a comfortable 32-inch seat pitch, makes the almost four hour journey fly by, even as sleep eludes me.

Onboard catering

Sitting at the front of economy does have its advantages – getting a whiff of the food in business class, while staving off an unrelenting hunger, is not one of them. But the small packets of complimentary pretzels, peanuts and (cinnamon?) cookies, washed down with a cran-apple juice, do just enough to subdue the hunger pangs.

A selection of cold snacks such as sandwiches and cheese platters are also available for purchase.

Cabin staff service

Very good, as I’ve come to expect from my recent experiences with Delta – even airline boss Richard Anderson (no, not Macgyver) makes an appearance on the carrier’s inflight safety video.

Inflight entertainment

More extensive than the flight from Atlanta, with more television (including HBO), movies, and music from which to choose.

While procrastinating over a choice between Dexter and a spoof of Dexter on The Simpsons, I decide on listening to selections from the flight’s considerable ‘Americana’ music library. On the menu today is Neil Young, Wilco, Edward Sharpe, Ryan Adams, My Morning Jacket and Fleet Foxes.    

On-time performance:

Punctual almost to the minute. Unless you’re a Japanese train driver, you can’t ask for much better than that.

e-Travel Blackboard tip:

Always carry a pen with you on a flight – you’ll need one to fill in those forms which expedite you’re passage through customs.