Delta via Detroit

[Brightwater]

We have always travelled non stop for our off peak dates with reasonable prices.
Travelling with family in August 2014, non stop was expensive, so we looked at 2 leggers. We chose Delta Gatwick - Detroit - Tampa, with 90 minute layover outbound, 4 hours return.

Schoolboy error - flights badged as Air France. I wasted a few minutes queueing at Air France, to be redirected to the Delta desks.

We were late taking off from Gatwick. It was going to be tight at Detroit. We were resigned to a 6 hour wait for the next flight. Immigration and customs were a bit tedious, but we managed to get on our Tampa flight 20 minutes before takeoff.

The return flight from Tampa was on time. After playing on the Detroit monorail and looking at some shops, we decided to get something to eat. After we sat down, the restaurant staff started closing up, but served us.

This option worked ok for us, saving a shed load of money. We would repeat if we go again during peak dates.

Dave

[christhear]

We have started to use Delta in direct. Have gone out via Boston and JFK. Had about 2 hours each time. Always seem to come home via Atlanta and can do this with just an hours layover. Always make sure we book Delta flights rather than the virgin ones though as they are so much better. Last August we got upgraded from Delta comfort to Business on the heathrow to Boston leg. This year when I put in our Delta miles number we got upgraded to Delta comfort on both international legs. Youalso get to choose your seats when you book without paying any extra.

[ujpest doza]

Been looking at indirect flights using Delta/KLM via Amsterdam and Detroit/Atlanta.

What's the inflight entertainment like on both Delta and KLM?

Is the KLM entertainment in English as well as Flemish?

Is the food okay?

[florida4sun]

KLM are fine used them a couple of times. Was due to fly with them on Monday but my tours been cancelled. Entertainment of both airlines is fine and in English.

Been looking at indirect flights using Delta/KLM via Amsterdam and Detroit/Atlanta.

What's the inflight entertainment like on both Delta and KLM?

Is the KLM entertainment in English as well as Flemish?

Is the food okay?

[Pookie]

We always go indirect LHR-IAD-TPA it has worked well so far and this is our preferred routing.
I won't fly Virgin and the BA LGW - TPA routing means we would get to the house later than with the indirect routing.

[jcargill]

We have started to use Delta in direct. Have gone out via Boston and JFK. Had about 2 hours each time. Always seem to come home via Atlanta and can do this with just an hours layover. Always make sure we book Delta flights rather than the virgin ones though as they are so much better. Last August we got upgraded from Delta comfort to Business on the heathrow to Boston leg. This year when I put in our Delta miles number we got upgraded to Delta comfort on both international legs. Youalso get to choose your seats when you book without paying any extra.

We almost always have indirect flights e.g. Aberdeen-Paris-Atlanta-Orlando. The best we can achieve otherwise is ABZ-LHR/LGW-MCO or via MAN. This has given us flights via CDG/ATL for less than £500 for this coming Xmas/New Year. Some people like having the journey broken up a bit, others just want to get there ASAP. There are however some pitfalls to be aware of if this extended flights approach is taken - firstly there is greater exposure to flight delays and baggage handling damage. Secondly, if the carrier is Delta (as part of the Skyteam alliance with AF/KLM) you are not eligible for delay compensation under the EU scheme. Having taken this onboard we've also found that booking via the delta.com site has worked out cheaper than via AF/KLM.

[Katys Grandad]

Secondly, if the carrier is Delta (as part of the Skyteam alliance with AF/KLM) you are not eligible for delay compensation under the EU scheme.

Just to clarify that, you are covered by the EU delay compensation legislation on all carriers provided your journey starts in the EU. In the other direction you're only covered on an EU based carrier which, as you rightly say, Delta isn't.