We're early but we'll blow it!

Coming back from Hartford last night, the good news was that we ere an hour early. The bad news? Of course, no gate was ready and we were going to sit for 10 minutes for another plane to push back.

I assume that Delta keeps track of its planes that are in the air and their ETAs. (At least, I think I asumme that. Maybe they don't. Maybe it is a surprise to on-the-ground operations at Hartsfield when they get a radio call, "Hi! We're here!".) Why on earth can't they do any sort of semi-real-time management of arrival gates?

For that matter, why don't they tell the incoming pilot to slow down? Delta should realize that the experience of arriving 15 minutes early is very different than the experience of arriving 30 minutes early and sitting on the tarmac for 15 minutes.

The worse news? The towbar broke on another just that was being towed past us, leaving it blocking the gate. We got in 30 minutes early (cheers). We deplaned 0 minutes early.

Georgia man charged in ND airport vandalism

Bismarck Police Sgt. Dwight Offerman said the 40-year-old Wright is accused of striking and breaking the kiosk shortly before 5 a.m., Thursday. Offerman said Wright arrived 30 minutes before to his flight and was frustrated when the kiosk failed to work. (Should medallion fliers set up a defense fund for the guy?) Details: Georgia man charged in ND airport vandalism | ajc.com

Delta matches American, United on $10 holiday surcharge | ajc.com

You GOT to be kidding... a surcharge for flying on a holiday? Not an increased fare because of increased demand, but a SURCHARGE? Can I call Delta and demand a reverse surcharge for flying on slow days? Of course not... but the fares are cheaper, yes?

Complete story at ajc.com but note... "AirTran Airways, the second-largest carrier in Atlanta, said it will not match the holiday fare surcharge."

Possibly the worst meal in the world

The good news: I got my vegetarian meal flying to France earlier in the week. The bad news: Delta seems to think that undercooked carrots and peas on white rice constitutes and entree. This was the worst meal I've had on any airline at any time, bar none.

However, the flight attendants were GREAT and managed to cobble together a decent meal for me. And, they remember the problem when breakfast rolled around and also took care of me then. A great example of Delta people compensating for Delta.

Delta's lack of integration with partners a headache

Normally, I wouldn't mind too much Delta being unable to issue a boarding pass in Atlanta for a continuing flight on a partner airline (even though Delta booked the entire itinerary and took the money for, and the flight has a Delta flight number).

BUT... when I'm changing planes in Charles de Gaulle, and not having the boarding pass means going outside security, finding the Delta counter, jumping the queue to get a boarding pass, and then going through security and immigration... and, because the bloody airport is Charles de Gaulle, having to deal with poor signage, dead end mazes, a sprawling airport (etc etc), having to spring the whole damn thing and insert myself rudely at the head of several queues, then Delta's lack of integration with the systems of its partners airline has a real impact. (Yes, I made the connecting flight. Yes, I was covered in sweat and a good candidate for a coronary by the time I got there.) Had I been given a boarding pass by Delta, it would have been an easy relaxed plane change. As always, "Thank you, Delta".