On Time & On the Ball: Northwest Airlines
Written: Jun 17 '07 (Updated Jun 17 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Left on time, landed early, efficient handling of unruly passenger
Cons: tired looking planes
The Bottom Line: Northwest delivered what I asked of it.
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| cmaw63's Full Review: Northwest Airlines |
I have flown a grand total of one time and that was several years ago. So, when I made it to the airport for my Northwest flight, out of Peoria, Illinois, I had little knowledge of what to expect in today's post 9/11 airline world.
Reserving My Flight
Choosing and booking the flight my sister and I wanted was easily done at www.nwa.com. We entered the dates and preferred times we wanted for our vacation and given the best options that Northwest offered. We were given the best rates for a round trip flight from Peoria to Laguardia (NYC), also. After choosing the flights that worked for us, we entered our personal information, and then my sister's credit card information, since she already had a WorldPerks account. WorldPerks is Northwest's award travel program that accumulates miles flown and allows for redemption for free airfare, elite status for better seats on flights, and more.
After finishing our payment my sister received an email within minutes with all of the pertinent information and was able to forward it to me (even though I was the one that navigated the site).
Catching a 6:15 a.m. Flight
We arrived at the Peoria airport at 5 a.m. and made it through security and to our gate by 5:25. Boarding started at 5:50 a.m. and by 6 a.m. all passengers for this Northwest Airlink flight was on board. It was easy to tell as there were only 34 seats and all were filled. The seats were somewhat snug, with little leg room, but comfortable enough for the hour and a half flight. We took off at 6:10 a.m.....yes, we left early. We had a flight attendant that was friendly, walking the aisle and asking each person where they were going and wishing them a nice time. She offered fruit juices, soda, and water for free. Alcohol was offered for $5. After a short flight we landed 20 minutes early at the Minneapolis / St. Paul airport.
Our flight from MSP airport to New York City left on time, also. Although we were on a larger plane (Saab 340 to an Airbus 319) the seats felt just as snug with only a little more leg room. Again, comfortable enough for our short flight, but I wouldn't have wanted to go on a long flight in the cramped quarters. We had 3 flight attendants on this plane and all of them put together weren't as friendly as the first one. That was fine with me, they were efficient and knowledgeable. As with all flights, they offered the free juice, water, soda and $5 alcohol drinks. Snack packs were offered for $5, also. We landed at Laguardia airport 15 minutes early.
Goodbye New York City
Our flight from Laguardia to Minneapolis / St. Paul was scheduled to leave at 3:15 p.m. and it did. This time we had first row coach seats, right behind the business class. Now that's where I want to sit every time. At 6' tall I had plenty of leg room to stretch out and get comfortable. Three flight attendants saw to the needs of the passengers, no more, no less. Another uneventful flight that landed 15 minutes early.
At MSP airport we boarded another small Saab for the final leg home to Peoria. Take off was as scheduled and uneventful. This flight attendant was brisk and efficient, which turned out to be a good thing. Being in the 3rd row seat opposite and one row behind a very nervous acting man, I was able to watch things unfold. As our imminent landing was announced, the usual turn off all electronics announcement was made. The man started acting nervous and wanted to switch to the exit door seat. He repeatedly refused to shut off a palm pilot type electronic that he was messaging someone with. The flight attendant insisted...the man ignored. With one swift motion the attendant was in charge of the small machine, shut if off, and entered the pilot's cabin with it. Luckily, the man remained in his seat, but I felt the crew had it under control as the co-pilot emerged and locked the cabin door behind him. The attendant and co-pilot stayed with the man until we landed (again early) and escorted him to security that was waiting. We were then able to depart the plane.
Northwest Worked for Me
I was extremely happy with my Northwest flights. The rates were the best I found and reasonable. All left on time and landed early. The planes were clean, if a little worn.
I'm not concerned about making friends with the flight attendants, I'm concerned that they do their jobs well. I was served refreshments regularly, and they made sure passengers followed safety rules.
I will use Northwest again.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
cmaw63
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 in Pets, Home and Garden, Books |
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Member: Julie
Location: Illinois, USA
Reviews written: 307
Trusted by: 73 members
About Me:
Looking forward to my first grandbaby. She's due November 24!
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