Delta Song Review Boston to Orlando

[LoriZH]

Very briefly, this airline was on time both ways, the skycaps were very friendly and efficient. As far as the staff inside, or the “talent” as they like to be called, well they were less than desirable. Some of the attendants were friendly and smiled and some were not. I was also not expecting an “older” aircraft. I didn’t realize what they did was take old planes and just refurbish them, I am talking real old planes. The ride was comfortable enough but I just didn’t feel safe in that rickety old plane. The blankets were paper thin and there were not enough to go around! The food and beverage carts started at row 1 and worked their way down the aisle (most planes have one at row 1 and one that starts in the middle so the poor people in the back rows don’t have to wait 45 minutes to an hour to be served) and you are not guaranteed they will have your selection once you are reached. They only offer you one complimentary beverage (non alcoholic of course) and the food is over priced, oh there’s a shocker, lol. On the other hand, the food was decent, but the staff just wasn’t friendly enough for my taste, they were kind of gruff and you got a “do you want something to drink?” instead of a friendly “may I offer you.” no big deal, but it would have been nice. The seating was comfortable and there was plenty of room unlike the usual Delta flights, so that was a plus. We usually fly American but they were not offering the non stop from Boston they use to have, so we decided we would try Song. BTW, there are no tv screens on the seats like they advertise and there are no game boys either. Would I fly Delta Song again, in a word…No.

 

[CarolA]

Lori,
Sorry you were disappointed, but you may have had unrealistic expectations.

In this day and age there are NEVER enought blankets and pillows to go around and there are RARELY two beverage carts unless you are going cross country. I get upgraded to first class a lot and even there you are not guranteed your choice of meals (if they bother to serve one!)

Also, Song has been upfront that not all of the old DL Express planes have been re-fitted with the entertainment unit.

Since I fly all the time I will say that your description of the Flight Attendant attitude pretty much covers it on almost all the majors. (I once saw an AA Attendant curse out a passenger, so much for the customer is always right. And by the way in this case the passenger was right, several of us stood up to the flight attendant.)

I think that Americans want it all. We want good service, extra large seats and cheap flights. Even AA has given up and begun reducing the number of plances with the Extra Room in Coach. We vote with our pocketbooks.

I would not worry about the safety issue. The FAA monitors the airlines pretty closely and you would be AMAZED at how old some of those planes that you may think are fairly new really are.

 

[castlegazer]

I, for one, feel you have every right to be upset and I am very glad that you shared your experience. I just got through making my reservations from Mass. down to MCO. I poured through everything and was very interested in Song's (really the same airline I have always flown - just a new name) claim of having Game Boys (I am a secret fan). I have been very skeptical about Delta just changing the name and throwing some paint on the airplanes and regenerating interest. Next time look to JetBlue - new airplanes, same or lower fares and you get a TV screen for sure with 24 channels of DirectTV - they start flying in January out of BOS.
My deciding factors were the entertainment, Fares, and times - every airline I was choosing between had the same fare (SWA, JetBlue, and Song). I was very torn between SWA and Song (DH refuses to fly out of BOS - so I was looking to PVD and BDL). Finally SWA won out - but those TVs and GamBoys gave them a run for the money - I would have been very upset if I had made the decision based upon this and then found out that they didn't have them on the flight I was on.
It may be petty - it may be AMERICAN, but they are promoting the airline with friendliness, and entertainment. Some can say what they want, but the whole "grab your bag of food on the way to your seat" thing didn't last long either - friendliness always wins out. I am willing to pay for my food, I am willing to pay extra for security, I am not willing to be bamboozeled into booking an airline on false claims of having amenities that others don't if that just isn't the case.

 

[dvc guy]

On time both ways , what more do you expect. I fly Delta often and while not all the planes are new, they are in much better shape than many other carriers. I have NEVER seen a plane that was "rickety".
Looking for older planes try AA A300's or MD 80's. How about Spirit 's entire fleet. Do you think that all of SW 737 are brand new??


The web site states that TV's they will not be on the entire fleet till mid January 04. Food costs and order forms are available on line.

I agree with you about flight staff, but that is every airline, and every service business in the world.

 

[LoriZH]

It sounds as though some of you are taking my "review" which in reality is my experience and my opinion, too personal.

DVCguy, when I booked back in July it clearly stated that they were going to have all the tv's in place by the end of October, that is exactly what their web site stated. Also they stated that Game Boys were available to the customer. Now, I am in no way saying that if they were available I would have been any happier with this airline. I clearly do not like their planes, they are old and that scares me, maybe not you, which in your case is great, but not for me, you seem to have some sort of knowledge about planes, I don't. I know what's new and what is old and a plane that has ashtrays on the outside of the restrooms is clearly old to me. I really didn't need you to state all the old planes flying in the air right now, thanks for the info though. Please don't take my review personal.

Also, the unfriendly service was a bummer, so yes Carol maybe my expectations were unrealistic, but I think that should not upset anyone but me. I thought I was going to be with a fun crew going to Disney, just sounded like a big ole' party the way the advertised. Oh and I have never been on a flight with only one beverage cart or not enough blankets that was a new experience for me, so pardon my ignorance, I've never had to deal with that before so I was a little taken back. I honestly had no idea that is the way it goes nowadays. The last time I flew was a year and a half ago on American and they had two beverage carts (this was seperate from first class where they don't have carts they actually hand deliver it to you from the front) so I was unaware of the new policy.

No big deal, I was disappointed, I won't fly with them again. This should in no way whatsoever hurt anyone's feelings, please. Do not take this personal, I don't know you guys and if you gave me your review I would take it with a grain of salt and most likely I would have just thanked you for your opinion and said that I was sorry that happened. Everyone has an opinion and I for one am entitled to mine. BTW, there is another report on this board by someone who flew from Ct to Mco with Song and they too were not happy.

Castlegazer, if it were me, and it's not so please take it for what it's worth, I would not book with Song. I too am very excited about Jet Blue coming to Boston! If American doesn't reinstate their non stop to Orlando, then I will definitely try Jet Blue.

 

[goofy4tink]

We flew Song in August. Have to say that I enjoyed the trip. I found them to be no worse than Delta Express was, in fact, they were better. I knew going in what the food offerings would be. I also expected GameBoys to be offered too, but they were not. Also, no blankets/pillows. But, get me to my destination on time. That's what I care about. As far as traveling into Boston, I have to say that before my trip in August I would have agreed with you. But, what used to take me 1 hr. only took 35 minutes!!! But, I will be looking to JetBlue and Southwest also. I want decent fares, and good flight departure times. We'll see what happens when a little competition gets to Logan!!!

 

[CarolA]

but the whole "grab your bag of food on the way to your seat" thing didn't last long either

Hmm... I have seen numerous flights on several airlines lately with the Grab bag. The only ones who don't do it are those who are selling food or the really long flights.

Actually food is pretty rare all together anymore. (Although considering the quality I wonder why we miss it!) I have had several 3 hour to 4 hour flights recently with no meals.

 

[Quirky Cruiser]

Since I have flown Song and will be flying Song with Delta many more times this year (I fly A LOT), I figured I would add my two sense....

First off - I LOVE SONG. I fly Delta whenever possible (for my skymiles) and I have had my fair share of problems with this airline - but no airline is without its kinks and no airline can predict the weather and unforseen maintenance on planes, so they're off the hook. I flew with them in August with a full flight out of Boston and they were great. No problems to report. The inflight entertainment will be on all planes by Jan '04 and that has been stated in all their advertisements since their introduction. Now, as for the Game Boys.....A coworker of mine flew with Song this past weekend and requested a game boy (we try to have fun when we're not busy with work!). There were none - when she asked why the flight attendent said that they started with 1000 across their fleet of planes and they have all disappeared!!! Sad, but sounds like their were some sticky fingers on a few flights. They should take names and cc numbers and have a system of checking them out and returning them (kind of like a library) until the entertainment systems are up and running. But they did have the game boys at one time (saw one on my Aug. flight).

My flights were on time and the service was fine. I don't have huge expectations for food service on planes - as long as I can have something to drink, I'm fine. The extra legroom is an added bonus and they do a very good job at loading and unloading the plane's passengers. I will fly Song ANY DAY over Southwest....I have experienced the cattle call a few times with them, and personally, I don't enjoy jockeying for a place in line just to get a decent seat.

For those of you flying Song in the future, you made a great choice. The planes are great and the flight attendents are professional....and don't worry, they don't sing the whole way to florida...you'll still be able to have a nice nap without interupption. Enjoy!!!

 

[LoriZH]

Originally posted by Quirky Cruiser
The inflight entertainment will be on all planes by Jan '04 and that has been stated in all their advertisements since their introduction.

This is simply untrue, it stated by the end of October they will have all their entertainment units in place, I believe the words they used were they "anticipate" having them in place by the end of October 2003. It now states early 2004, never even mentions January. I booked my flight in July and know exactly what I read because I was traveling in October and was hoping they were going to be in place by the 23rd. It truly was no big deal to me but I know what I read and it never stated early 2004 or January, it said October. I have not checked that part of the web site since sometime in July so it probably changed since then. I am going to email them tomorrow just to see what they say regarding the October deadline.

As far as the game boys, I too told the flight attendant that they should have got the names of the people that didn't return them and she told me, it wasn't the passengers, it was the employees, so they pulled them all and did away with it. Which makes sense because they would have simply charged people's cc's if they weren't returned. I guess there is theft in every company and people just found these game boys too irresistable.

Once again, I do not want anyone taking my experience personally, this was just my experience. I wasn't comfortable on the flight, I didn't think the talent was talented and yes I was expecting singing and didn't get that either! lol Oh and I totally agree on the SWA thing, I wouldn't fly without seat assignments either!

 

[dcgrumpy]

when I booked back in July it clearly stated that they were going to have all the tv's in place by the end of October

when I booked my flight in August the website said they were going to start installing the tv's in October, maybe it changed since you booked. How can you blame them when they clearly stated it on their website?

 

[LoriZH]

Originally posted by dcgrumpy
when I booked my flight in August the website said they were going to start installing the tv's in October, maybe it changed since you booked. How can you blame them when they clearly stated it on their website?

Oh dearest Lord, I am not blaming them, lol! I don't care, really honestly I don't! I was stating plain and simply what I read. I don't care, I truly truly truly don't care about the inflight entertainment! If you look at my original post (which I am about to pull!) it was stated as a "oh by the way" not a "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!"

My main objection to this airline, was that their planes are old and I (not you) but "I" didn't feel safe, along with the fact that they made it sound like they were the friendly skies and they weren't. Now everyone, please stop the issue over the in flight entertainment and stop badgering me over something that is cleary not your concern. I was giving my review, my experience, my opinion, if you don't like it, please just say, gee that's not the experience I had, or something like that. Don't be all up on my grill over something just to be argumentative, that's not nice.

Have a great day!

 

[alexturner74]

Originally posted by LoriZH
This is simply untrue, it stated by the end of October they will have all their entertainment units in place, I believe the words they used were they "anticipate" having them in place by the end of October 2003.

Misunderstanding perhaps? I don't recall that they ever said that all units would be in place by the end of October. Everything I've seen since April has been that it would be available by the end of October, which it was...on one aircraft.

 

[alexturner74]

Originally posted by LoriZH
My main objection to this airline, was that their planes are old and I (not you) but "I" didn't feel safe...

Most of the Song aircraft are less than 5 years old. There are a handful of airplanes that are older, but are still comparable to the average age of Delta's fleet.

 

[mcnuss]

Clearly the OP did not get what she expected. I think that's all she's trying to say. To the OP, what I think others are trying to tell you, and that you are taking personally, is that perhaps you relied a little too heavily on advertising in setting your expectations. It's a little like expecting the people at your health club to look like the people in the ads! LOL!

The one thing that you've taken personally, but that I am sure nobody meant to have you defensive over, was the business about the "old" planes. I think people were a) trying to reassure you that old does not equal unsafe and b) that most carriers' planes, including AA's, are not new. JetBlue and ATA are exceptions, not the rule. I fly all the time, but believe it or not, I am white knuckle on every take off and landing, so I'm with you on this. But what matters most is the carrier's record of safety, and luckily, here in the US, our carriers are very heavily regulated in that regard.

Thank you for posting so that others will be forewarned. I am sure that was your intention.

 

[Quirky Cruiser]

LoriZH,
I didn't mean to sound like I was flaming you - I was just trying to point out that I had a different experience. I apologize if it came out the wrong way! I know it's hard when you're trying to be helpful by posting an honest review and people "attack" you for having a different opinion than them. Again, I'm sorry if I came off rude or harsh - I didnt' mean it.

Hey - at least we agree on Southwest! I hear they may switch to assigning seats in which case I may consider flying with them again....

 

[Jillpie]

Lori, thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about Song. We are flying with them from Logan in January with our three boys. I was really looking forward to the tv entertainment, but I guess thats ok. I remember perfectly well back last Summer when they said October, so I understand what you are saying. Did you use their kiosks to check in or print out boarding passes from home? How did all that work for you, smoothly? Sorry you are getting so many negative responses, its just the nature of the beast on the boards...its not you, it happens whenever anyone posts something that isn't positive. Thanks again, its much appreciated .

 

[castlegazer]

Goofy4Tink I am from central mass too and I flew PanAm once from WOR and am very happy to report that I am still alive! Flying PanAm for all of you in the Northeast corridor should be avoided - our engine blew up while enroute to Sanford - yes, I said blew up - big news in Norfolk where we emergency landed - no news here.

I meant by stating that the "grab your bag of food" and go thing had not lasted long, that customer service wins out with me and many other customers as noted by this thread - I fly for work and you don't see this often anymore. Customer Service is the impression that lasts when you return from your trip. Food is not the important part - especially for a flight from MA to FL. What is important is friendly, helpful service. I really do think that the revamping of Delta Express into Song needs to live up to their advertisement claims and not be simply a change in paint. If it is not, why did they do it? They are using their advertisement to garner more market share - well then what's wrong with us flyers expecting the ads to be right? If they don't live up to their advertisements then there IS JetBlue! If I could get my DH to fly out of there - and I know it is a breeze now because of the flying for work thing - I would be on that airline in a snap.

I am nervous about flying SWA and the supposed cattle calls - but I will be traveling with an infant in a seat so I hopefully will be able to get on prior to the all out war for placement. I will expect, as LoriZH expected, helpful and friendly staff to help me get to me seat promptly and get my DS belted in properly. If I do not get this and if we do not get friendly service while in flight, I too will be dissapointed. And I don't think that because we are all demanding lower cost airfare I should not get or expect this amount of courtesy.

Don't worry LoriZH - this is a good debate. I like to hear others impressions of airlines and I have been particularly interested in Song because of having switched to USAir several years ago due to issues with Delta Express similar to those you describe.

 

[LoriZH]

Well I would like to thank all of you with positive responses! Thanks so much for the understanding, all I did expect was what they advertised with the exception of the inflight tv's (I was unsure whether or not they would be finished) and that is not what I got.

I also want to add, that this did not put a damper on my vacation one bit, just made up my mind on whether or not to fly Song again.

Thanks again!

BTW, I have checked out JetBlue and their flight times are great and they are the same price as Song, maybe a little cheaper on some flights.

 

[NotUrsula]

I will expect, as LoriZH expected, helpful and friendly staff to help me get to me seat promptly and get my DS belted in properly.

Just FYI, for liability reasons, flight personnel on US-based air carriers generally are under orders NOT to help passengers install carseats. They might place the CRS in the aircraft seat to spare you carrying it, but they are supposed to leave the business of securing it entirely up to you. They might give you some tips if you appear to be having trouble, but don't expect them to strap the seat in while you hold the baby.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew MCO/PIT yesterday on USAirways. I knew the plane (737) was old because there were no video screens and the FA's had to do the safety demonstration the "old fashioned way". I didn't feel unsafe because I know those planes are completely overhauled every few years. So while the interior may have some old features, I don't think the engines and mechanical equipment are as old.