Prologue:
This report falls under the historical category since NWA no longer exists. For a couple of years in the early 2000's, I used to be a Silver Elite member of NW's Worldperks program. Back then the airline had an agreement with CO and elites at both carriers used to be able to get upgraded for free. NW's membership in Skyteam also provided me the opportunity to sample AF's product several times.At the same time, I also was a member of AF Frequence Plus program and slowly switched my earnings in Skyteam to AF when NW decided to merge with DL. I used miles from my AF account to redeem for this flight. This is a vague report because I did not take notes of this particular trip. However when I went through my picture database, I came across some images that I took from this trip and decided to share them in a short TR.
My trip was booked as SFO-DTW-BOS by AF. Checked in was accomplished through the self service kiosk without any problems and I soon was on my way to the gate. No lounge access for domestic US F travel unfortunately as this is the case with all US carriers.
I remember boarding on time and being asked by a couple if I wanted to switch from 2C to 1B so that they can sit together. I changed my seat and after the door closed and the plane was taxiing to the runway it made a stop and returned to the gate. The captain informed us that there was a mechanical issue with the ventilation and advised that maintenance will come onboard to fix it. We finally left about 1 hr. later and unfortunately I missed my last connecting flight to BOS.
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The old logo on the bulkhead wall.
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Once the problem was fixed we took off. Upon reaching cruising altitude hot towels were passed and the lunch service began. The cheerful purser took beverage orders and a basket with butter flavored pretzels and mixed nuts were passed.
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Lunch consisted of a warm turkey sandwich with melted cheese a side salad potato crisps and a packaged chocolate peppermint brownie. There was no choice and this was a major downgrade in their meal service.
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I used to fly NW often and on a previous SFO-MSP flight leaving at the same time we were offered a shrimp cocktail hot choice of dishes and ice cream service.
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Nice logo on the glasses.
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I remember that later during the flight I decided to purchase a snack box since I was not too satisfied with the sandwich. The box had a nice assortment of product and included a souvenir card.
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========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========
========== Northwest Airlines - Airline ==========
========== Detroit (DTW) - ==========
Summary:
Service aboard was fine but the meal was disappointing compared to what they used to serve before.We finally arrived in DTW and due to the delay I missed my connection to BOS. As expected, there was a huge line of passengers trying to get rebooked and most people were accommodated at a nearby hotel. There was a Westin property inside the terminal and the nice FA told me to request that hotel since I was flying in F. Unfortunately I was sent to the same hotel that everybody went and couldn't enjoy the Westin.
11 Comments
ReplyI missed my last connecting flight to BOS => Poor you.. At least you did not miss it because you spent too much time in the lounge.. Something I remember...
For such a long flight I was expecting a better meal!
Thanks my friend for this nostalgic report!
" At least you did not miss it because you spent too much time in the lounge.. Something I remember..."
- The company must have been so great that you lost your sense of time. :P
Unfortunately this was towards the end of NW and at that point they were trying to reduce costs like everybody else.
ReplyThanks Adan. The good old days when we had choices within US. Great to see an old pal. Will you review the BOS leg ?
Indeed things were better when we had competition. The DTW-BOS leg is coming up and you will see more pics of the old NW there. ;)
ReplyGracias Amigo. Glad to see a new airline posted but damn it's poor for nearly 5h in the air.
Very poor indeed but it was a sign of the times. I wonder what kind of meal we will receive for a similar flight post COVID-19. Now that's a thought. ;)
ReplyMany thanks adan for your new ytr. RIP NWA.
Competition is a consumer's best friend. Sad indeed.
ReplyHello Adan and thank you for sharing this report with us!
Even if the catering is not as high as it should be, it's still remain a pleasure to discover Northwest.
To sell BoB to first class passenger because of the lightness of the catering it's still shameful.
Take care my friend.
A new discovery is always welcome for any avgeek and I'm glad that I was able to share a new experience.
I agree with you. F pax should not be charged for BOB but in the US most airlines are strict when it comes to that.
ReplyThanks for sharing this TR
Northwest was very generous with upgrades for frequent flyers from other Skyteam companies programs.
I remember flying with their DC9s a lot of US domestic flights
"The cheerful purser took beverage orders and a basket with butter flavored pretzels and mixed nuts were passed."
The snacks junk food basket wasn't what they did the best
"There was no choice and this was a major downgrade in their meal service."
It wasn't that bad : only an usual US food
" I decided to purchase a snack box"
OMG a box full of cochonneries ^^
See you soon
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