Delta Airlines Creates a WOW in Minneapolis!

Tables and tables of iPads!

I recently traveled through the Minneapolis Airport and had the surprising pleasure of enjoying my 2-hour layover for my next Delta flight leaving from Terminal G.

Wait – I enjoyed my layover… for 2 hours?!  Yes, you read that right… I enjoyed it – and here’s why:

Instead of uncomfortable, ripped, stiff standard airline chairs in the gate area (as in most airports), there were rows and rows of comfortably padded seats at small tables containing iPads!

Keep informed of your flight status!

When I arrived at one of the tables, a server immediately came over to explain the process to me: I could touch the screen (which allowed me to indicate which flight I was waiting for, so I could remain informed of its status), then touch the menu.  A variety of delicious-sounding choices were presented to me, and I selected the ones I wanted, checked out my “shopping cart”, swiped my credit card on the personal swiper at the table, and entered my e-mail address so my receipt could be e-mailed to me.

Swipe your credit card

While I waited for my food to be prepared (which was a hot, delicious personal pizza!), I could surf the net, check e-mail, play games, and do a whole host of other interesting activities (all FREE!) while I waited for my food to arrive.

iPads at Delta gates were a WOW!

What a concept!  Delta has taken the interminable waits at the terminal gates… and turned them into fun and unique experiences.  Instead of being bored and frustrated by my long wait for my next flight, Delta now has me hoping I can get connected through Minneapolis (or possibly JFK or LaGuardia, which also have iPads) again on my next flight, where I feel more like I’m waiting in a rather upscale cafe than an airport.

And next time I think I’ll have another pizza… no, a panini!  No, a chef salad!  Oh, the choices…