A few days ago, I flew Delta for the first time. I've flown on many carriers in South America, and Europe, so I'll use those to make the comparison.

What impressed me the most? Hands down: The flight attendants.
They were terrific, picture perfect hospitality, (I flew coach, with my two children, mind you) very helpful and accommodating, and they managed to do it all with wreaths of smiles.

If I had been a mystery shopper, evaluating them, I would have written a sparkling review.

The food on board was tasteful, varied, and for someone who's just spent the past six years in Italy to enjoy "plane food" tortellini, is a huge compliment.

The only thing I might have to say in a negative light would be the apparent age of the fleet. During my long international flight and connections, I boarded a total of three different types of Delta planes. All had the same fault, they seemed, at least in my eyes, to be a bit past their prime. Take-off and landing were the moments I felt the "age" the most. With lots of odd noise, rattling and bumps, my kids turned to me more than once asking, "Are planes supposed to make that noise mom?"

Well, we got to our destination safely, and are none the worse for it, so I'm assuming the planes still make the cut. Plus, in a strange off-setting way, there were "state-of-the-art" touch screens on the backs of the seats. So in-flight entertainment was varied, and kept the kids...(ahem...aka: me) nicely distracted the entire time.

Last but not least: Delta's got GREAT low-cost rates!! Not always of course, but if you do a bit of research, you'll dig them up. I found (one way) tickets from San Diego airport, to Dublin, Ireland, for 230 dollars. A treasure for a recently separated mom, needing to keep costs to a minimum.

Plus I signed up for the Sky Miles program (after the flight), and got to keep those too. Yay!