This is our trip home from Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis. I really had a great weekend away and nice return to travel. However this is bitter sweet as it’s my last MD88 flight ever.
On This Trip
1: GSP-ATL-IND Delta 717 Comfort+ and Delta MD88 First Class. Flying in the time of COVID
2 :IND-ATL-GSP Delta MD88 Comfort Plus and 717 Comfort Plus. Goodbye to the MD88.
2.1: IND Airport
2.2: Delta MD88 Comfort + Review
2.3: ATL Airport
2.4: Delta 717 Comfort+ Review
IND Airport
I very much like the IND airport. It’s bright and modern. In normal times, it also has very good connectivity.
The check in area was empty.
Sad to see such an empty flight departures list.
A few Southwest 737s seem to be stored here. Beautiful sunny day outside.
Security was empty and we are soon though to the gate.
Delta MD88 Comfort + Review
Well, there it is. My last MD88 ride. I really like these planes. As a kid, they are the plane that I always remember riding on. In the front they are quiet and comfortable. They have a unique look that likely will never be seen again. They are also the last of the McDonnell Douglas aircraft.
This is a young one. Many of Delta’s MD88s were built in the late 80s. I’ll miss seeing these Long Beach tags when I board planes.
As always, comfortable and quiet.
Snack bags of my favorite items. Water, cheez-its, and Purell.
We are soon underway on a beautiful Monday afternoon.
Power outlets in First and Comfort+ on these planes.
I’m going to miss this sight.
No additional service today. The attendants distanced themselves and only did trash pickup and safety checks.
Yep, boring.
We soon began descending into a wet Atlanta.
Oddly pretty for being a stormy day.
On the ground in ATL. My last MD88 flight is complete. I will miss these planes.
ATL Airport
Welcome to an empty ATL airport.
So empty that parts of the E concourse had been walled off.
We had a 2+ hour layover so we went to the E Concourse to relax away from everyone else. Nearly deserted.
Saw some planes like this 767.
And these A330s with one heading off to LAX.
It was soon time to head to our gate. One the walk back we saw several closed SkyClubs.
Delta 717 Comfort+ Review
With the MDs sadly gone, the 717 will have to suffice. Mad Puppy maybe? What’s the nickname for these things?
Boarding again starting with the rear. Not many people anyway.
As with the MD88s, there is plenty of space for the short flights these 717s fly.
Power in every row and because of COVID, Delta has blocked all the middle seats. Makes for a very roomy ride.
Dark and rainy out tonight.
Soon we’re off and away.
Short flight but my favorites were served.
Wet and dark in Greenville too.
And on the ground for another boring trip.
I’m sad to see the MD88/90s go. They were a comfortable safe way to travel. The 717 will live on, but it’s just not the same. Although, it will be more quiet around Delta serviced airports.