Flying first class sounds luxurious, but our recent experience with Delta turned out to be anything but. We splurged and treated ourselves to first-class tickets, hoping for a comfortable and seamless journey. The seats were spacious and inviting, promising a relaxing flight. However, our dreams of a stress-free trip quickly evaporated when the flight crew arrived late, delaying our flight. The delay caused a ripple effect, forcing numerous passengers to scramble for connecting flights. Our hearts went out to them as we witnessed their frantic efforts.
Adding insult to injury, one of our checked bags went missing. Delta’s online help system proved to be of little assistance, leaving us frustrated and worried. Fortunately, the baggage claim staff were kind and understanding, but the search for our missing bag dragged on for almost two hours. Finally, after hours of waiting, our bag was located, and we had to drive back to the airport to retrieve it.
This entire experience left us feeling disappointed and disillusioned. We certainly won’t be indulging in first-class travel anytime soon, especially with Delta. The service we received was far from what we expected, making us question the value of premium fares. While we have family in Atlanta, limiting our airline options, we’ll be looking for alternative airlines in the future. This should have been a simple flight, but thanks to the flight crew’s tardiness and the baggage mishandling, it turned into a stressful and chaotic ordeal.
A Nightmare in the Skies
Our first leg from Washington, D.C., to Paris was a pleasant experience with a friendly and accommodating crew. However, the return flight from Paris to Mumbai was an utter disaster. The plane was packed to the brim, leaving little room for overhead luggage. The flight attendants were unresponsive to calls for assistance, and the crowded conditions created a tense atmosphere.
To make matters worse, one flight attendant rudely slammed a water bottle on the table after serving me a glass of water, splashing some on me. She offered no apology for her careless actions. For such a long flight, the cramped legroom was unacceptable. Airlines should either address the lack of space or refrain from overbooking their flights. The cramped conditions put undue stress on the flight attendants, who seemed to vent their frustration on the passengers.
Adding to the misery, the long lines for the restrooms added to the discomfort. In short, the second half of our journey was a pathetic experience.
Norse Atlantic: A Disaster Waiting to Happen
Norse Atlantic Airways has earned the unfortunate title of the worst airline I’ve ever flown with. My extensive travel experience has never encountered such a lack of basic service and professionalism. From the moment I checked in, I knew this wasn’t going to be a pleasant journey.
They made me check my carry-on duffel bag, claiming that my backpack didn’t qualify as a personal item, despite fitting comfortably under the seat. I was charged an exorbitant €125 for the duffel bag and another €125 for my wife’s checked bag, a total of €250 for two bags, a blatant rip-off!
The problems continued on the flight, with a 45-minute delay caused by the airline’s mishandling of a handicapped gentleman’s scooter. Despite having prior permission to bring it onboard, they were giving him a difficult time, refusing to accept his valid paperwork. They finally relented after a lengthy and unnecessary argument, allowing him to stow it above his seat. Even then, they watched his wife struggle for a minute before offering assistance.
The airline’s “everything for purchase” policy was a complete joke. Even water was not provided free of charge, forcing passengers to stand in line to fill empty bottles in the sink. The aircraft was freezing cold, as if they deliberately turned up the air conditioning to encourage the purchase of their overpriced blankets. Passengers were forced to wear layers of clothing or brave the chilly temperatures.
To add insult to injury, they turned on the lights during the red-eye flight to sell duty-free products. This unnecessary disruption stirred frustration and anger among the passengers, who were already exhausted and uncomfortable.
I would never fly with Norse Atlantic Airways again, even if they offered me a free ticket.
A Reclining Nightmare
The boarding process was chaotic and stressful. The airline’s business model is based on tight spaces but with seats that recline further to promote sleep in economy class. However, the passenger behind us didn’t understand this. They shook our chair, complaining that we were reclining too much.
We immediately called for the flight attendants to mediate and de-escalate the situation, but they did nothing. The passenger continued to harass my wife throughout the 8-hour flight.
If this is their business model, then they need to provide better training to their staff. They need to address this potential conflict point proactively to avoid similar situations in the future. This type of experience could deter passengers who value legroom and reclining angles from booking flights with this airline.
