Tom E.
Yelp
I love Delta. In fact, I fly about 95% of the time Delta, and the only reason why it isn't 100% of the time because there were a few times I did not have control of what airline I fly. Growing up in Atlanta (the now HQ of Delta), it only made sense to patronize it. As I moved out west, I even flew Delta even if it meant taking a connecting flight instead of a nonstop option with another airline. I am currently a platinum medallion skymiles member. I think you get the point- Delta has been part of my life, like UPS and Coke.
I heard there was a flight museum, but unfortunately it was one of those things where everytime I fly, I just focus on getting to my gate, on time. So finally, on my most recent trip from ATL-OAK (via SLC layover, 40 min), I left a little early to beat rush hour traffic, learn some more about Delta's history, and see some planes (IE the Spirit of Delta and the 747 exhibit).
The markings to get to the parking is easily accessible (again, this is the first time I have really been in the area as a tourist, and not on a plane looking at HQ). I was greeted by a security guard and asked if I could see the museum. During this awkward exchange, I had to show them my license. I didn't realize that it was technically on airport turf, so it had tight security.
After checking my id they gave me a sticker, and told me the entrance was in between 2 buildings off in yonder. So, I drove straight, and realized, there was no way to get through (the parking lot was separated by a large fence with controlled entry. I parked, and waited for a Delta employee who was leaving to let us in the parking lot we needed to be in. It was either that or hopping the fence. Both were sketch options.
When we got in to pay admission, they made us empty our pockets and go through a security scan. Since it was later in the day, they suggested we go see the 747 (the new plane exhibit in the parking lot) exhibit first as it closed first. The guy stamped my wrist with a blue 747 stamp. We walked back out to the parking lot, and then realized next to it was a controlled gate to get in the parking lot. Annoying.
The 747 was cool, my first time being on one. Fascinating. Then we ran back inside to check out the hangars. The hangars are filled with Delta history (did you know Delta started out in Monroe, LA?) and other planes rich with history. There is also a flight simulator, and countless mini exhibits. Then, there is a gift shop at the end.
After shopping, we realized we needed to get back outside the gate area. So we stood at the entrance (near the 747) and waited for a car to come by to open it up. Better than scaling the fence, but still sketch.
I would have thought visiting the museum I would have had a good omen with Delta before my flight. My inbound flight from JFK (nowhere near bad weather FYI) was late enough to make me miss my connecting flight (and also the last for the night to OAK) in SLC. I had to stay in SLC for the night. So much for trying to support a good cause- I rarely have late flights- my luck.
Check it out if you are a plane buff, don't go before a flight.