The Friendly Skies

So one of the things that has not changed since moving to the city is flying. I absolutely hate flying, regardless of the city. It stresses me out every single time I have to do it which is fairly often. I’m a true Ohioan I guess, I’d rather drive, but I guess it’s not so time efficient to drive. I really hate flying from LaGuardia. It’s crowded, most of the staff are pushy and unfriendly and the flights are constantly delayed, especially when I’m flying from Ohio. It’s not like my wonderful Ohio, airports; fewer passengers, friendly staff, smooth security process, you know, more of what you would expect when you’re spending hundreds of dollars on flights. However, this week I was introduced to a new flying experience, the Delta Shuttle http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/flight_partners/delta_shuttle/index.jsp. According to Wiki, Delta Shuttle is the brand name for Delta Air Lines' air shuttle service between LaGuardia Airport, Logan International Airport in Boston, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport serving Washington, D.C.. It is a direct competitor with the US Airways Shuttle (but so much better).

At LaGuardia, the Shuttle operates out of the Marine Air Terminal, separate from other Delta Air Lines operations and the rest of the airport, even accessed from the Grand Central Parkway from a different exit than the other terminals. Delta markets the Shuttle as being the closest terminal to Manhattan. The service is amazing. First, you go to a totally different part of chaotic LGA. There are fewer flyers, mostly business, it’s one small security line which is really quick because there are so many flights per hour so it’s not big back ups. The atmosphere is laid back and quiet. There are free papers (NYT, Boston Globe, Washington Post, magazines, it’s lovely. And best of all there’s free coffee, tea, and bagels! We truly live in a world of the haves and haves not(s). I mean this service is totally different from regular Delta service. When you leave cabs are waiting like limos outside just begging to service you unlike other terminals where you can expect at least a 15 minute wait for a cab any time you land.
The site claims: The shuttle offers a unique level of service designed primarily for business travelers between the northeast's business centers in Washington, DC, New York, and Boston. Services and amenities found on Delta Shuttle flights not usually found on Delta "mainline" flights include:
• Open-seating policy (to decrease delays associated with standard boarding procedures)
• Enhanced snack service on all weekday flights (on "mainline" flights, Delta's enhanced snack service is reserved for flights longer than 3.5 hours)
• Complimentary wine and premium beer
• In addition, in gate waiting areas at Shuttle airports, passengers are offered complimentary newspapers and magazines, coffee, and juice.
Unbelievable! Why aren’t all flights like this? It’s not like we don’t pay enough to fly. The service isn’t much more expensive than regular service and if you are flying to one of these locations it’s totally worth it. So I want to spread the word, fly Delta shuttle if you can. If anyone knows about a service like this is Ohio, PLEASE let me know. In addition to the great flight experience I’d like to share some beautiful pics I capture in the friendly skies. Enjoy.
Cleveland or NYC; You Decide…