The problem with LAX, the way I see it, is this: its JFK without the rats. At least, not of the rodent variety. Much like JFK, LAX is 1960s technology. Operationally, terminals 5 (our primary) and 6 are capable of handling our flights. Which is a huge step up from our JFK ops which I think are the worst in the system. That being said, our ops facilities in terminal 5 haven't changed since we merged with Western in the 1970s. The "pilot lounge" is the same that the Western guys had 3 decades ago. Its a depressing little hole with a few computers. Thank God for Patti who keeps the whole thing running smoothly. The only eating facilities in the terminal are a McDonalds and a CPK Express thing. Actually, the "dining options" in 6 are much better. The problem is that if you have to transit terminal 5 to 6, or vice versa, you have to walk the Green Mile to get there. No tram, no moving sidewalks, nothing. Plus, you're walking in a tunnel that will make you think you're serving in a WWII caliber submarine. When the NW ops came over, the ticketing, baggage, check in thing has become underwhelming. Pax stand in lines that go out the doors trying to get through the tiny little TSA ops there. 2009 meet 1968. Its not pretty.

 

I know, but I like that tunnel. It is a bit nostalgic. Kind of a nice change, but for the modern day passenger something needs to be done.

 

For some reason, it reminded me of intro to Get Smart, and NOT the recent one.

Royal PITA when you're down there and the gate in the middle drops. Or when the tunnel is flat out closed and you have to go outside, and walk between 5 and 6 and clear security.

 

I agree that we have some serious cosmetic issues. But the bigger issue is, DAL is increasing flights into ATL because we "gotta protect ATL". I understand that. But I also understand the congestion this is bringing. Not to mention, your passengers arrive at Concourse T and has 30 minutes to eat, use the bathroom, and get to Concourse C. Sure its their fault for having short connections between flights, but so far on my last two trips, I've consistently been late to the gate thanks to arrival ground taxi delays.

JFK is ATL times 1,000. JFK is confusing to me and I fly out of there as one of my domiciles. I really hate answering questions from passengers because I simply don't have the answers.

LGA isn't much better. I welcome the increase in flying there; however, I think it will ultimately make DAL look worse statistically overall since more of our flights will be permanently delayed which is ops normal for LGA.

 

The Western merger was completed in April, 1987. They had just completed the marble renovation of T5, and all those planters used to hold full size palm trees. As part of the cutbacks in '93, they weren't cared for and slowly died off. Food options have steadily declined in T5, it appears Creative Croissants is gone from your message. T6 used to have a Johnny Rockets and a Brew Pub, along with a Starbucks for morning Joe. Hopefully our increased LA traffic will result in increased vendor interest. With 40 flights a day, there wasn't a huge demand for enhanced pax services.

Your point about passenger handling in the front of both T5 and T6 is spot on. It sucks. There isn't space for enough security lines to handle the new traffic, and the lobby space sucked up by the bag screeners is enormous.

 

At least the LAX terminal looks good. I'm biased though...my dads company did the interior. (-: I miss the guy on the golf cart with the jazz music that used to shuttle people from 5-6 in the tunnel.

 

All true - but when was the last time it took over an hour to depart from LAX? Like you said - operationally it can handle our flights.

Besides that tunnel reminds me of the subway scene in "An American Werewolf in London," everytime I walk through it, I find myself looking back over my shoulder, you know, just in case.

Scoop

 

When can the DAL N guys plan on seeing the AE results? Under our old APA award it took 2 weeks to sort things out.

Thanks

 

The past few AEs were published within a couple of days for the DAL-S pilots.

 

Bid posting depends on the size and complexity of the bid. Generally if it closes on a Monday morning the results will be out Tuesday afternoon. I have seen the same day and now and then two or three days.