During my most recent trip to Panama (to do research for the next edition of Fodor’s In Focus Panama travel guide and also Latin Trade Magazine’s annual “Best of Travel” awards), I sampled Delta Air Lines’ business-class service between Atlanta and Panama City (you can check out a flight review of my flight from Atlanta to Panama City here). Here is a review of my experience on the return flight.
THE ROUTE: Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL); Boeing 737; 3 hours, 36 minutes; business class
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THE DEPARTURE: There was no line for check-in for this morning flight at the Panama City airport. Tocumen airport is a relatively pleasant airport (a brand-new terminal is to debut sometime next year). Free WiFi throughout the terminal is a plus, although it’s spotty. The Delta Air Lines flight departed from the newest concourse in the existing terminal, which is more spacious than other concourses, and has moving walkways and a variety of shopping options. As with every U.S.-bound flight in Panama City, passengers must go through a second screening process at the gate — complete with X-ray machine, scanner, and the required removal of computers from bags (they won’t even let you take liquid to the gate that you’ve purchased in the airport, so don’t waste any money on bottled water or soda pop before you board!).
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THE AIRCRAFT: The Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 had two classes of service, as well as premium economy options. I sat in the front of the plane.
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AIRLINE SEATING: Each of the comfy business class seats had a pillow and blanket. I especially love that Delta Air Lines equips these aircraft with power outlets between each seat in the front of the plane, so I could keep my cell phone well charged during flight.
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INFLIGHT SERVICE: The attentive flight attendant offered each passenger in business class a water bottle as well as a choice of coffee or orange juice while we were still at the gate (this was an early-morning flight). Free headsets were also offered, although I opted to use my own. If you’ve never seen a Delta Air Lines safety video, by the way, look them up on YouTube (or hop on a Delta flight) — they are likely the most clever safety videos around (love the guy with the barbecue grill in the aisle of the plane). These videos actually make me want to pay attention!
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INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: A free movie — Night at the Museum — was shown on the overhead video monitors. But what I really enjoyed was the free Delta Studio feature, which is available via the Delta app when flying within U.S. airspace range. Using this free service, you can watch TV shows, movies and other programming, right on your cell phone or device. Speaking of the Delta Air Lines app, it some other nifty features as well — including a “Track My Bags” tool that allows you to scan your checked bag tag and see where it is throughout your trip. Also cool is the “Parking Reminder” feature, which allows you to snap a photo and/or make a note of where you parked, so you won’t waste time lost in the lot upon returning home.
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AIRLINE FOOD: The flight attendant offered us hot towels before coming around with table cloths to cover our table trays. Breakfast options included scrambled eggs or raisin bran. I opted for the scrambled eggs, which was served with fruit and my choice of a warm bagel or croissant, served from a separate basket by the flight attendant.
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THE ARRIVAL: We arrived early at the Atlanta airport, and since I’ve joined Global Entry, processing for customs and immigration was swift and easy (the wait time to retrieve my checked bag was a matter of about five minutes).