WELCOME NEW TICKET READERS! You’ve joined a very influential and informed group of frequent travelers. We are glad to have you on board! –Chris McGinnis, editor and publisher
Gogo's new logo
GOGO INFLIGHT EVOLVES. Inflight Wi-Fi provider Gogo announced some big changes this week that will go into effect in the fourth quarter of this year on Delta. While Gogo knows that it has frequent business travelers wrapped around its finger, it has a tougher time with the broader leisure travel audience. Therefore, the “new “ Gogo will offer more free content (such as online magazines, games, shopping and access to sites like OpenTable) as well as streaming movies (for a fee). Gogo tells The TICKET that movies will be streamed from a server on the plane– not from the ground– which is good news given the current difficulty of viewing a 2-3 minute YouTube video from the sky. Prices for Internet access (its core product) won’t change much. Gogo also says that it will eventually (2015 or so) move to a satellite-based system (from its current network of land-base antennae), which will enable Wi-Fi access on over-water international flights.
BREAKING: Two Delta jets, a Boeing 767 and a smaller regional jet collided on the runway at Boston’s Logan Airport on Thursday night. The Amsterdam-bound 767 took the tail off the Raleigh-bound ComAir RJ with its giant winglet. Only one passenger was injured.
Delta's boxy flat bed seat on its 767 fleet
LIE FLAT GOOD AND BAD. Based on the comments we receieved on our recent post about finding Delta’s lie-flat seats, the consensus seems to be this: Love ‘em on the 777, but not so much on the 767. The 777 has a superior “herringbone” pattern, but the 767 sports a tighter, boxier style with less space, forcing limbs into the narrow aisle and legs into “the hole.” What do you think…would you rather have the cradle back on the 767, or is the new lie-flat at least a modicum of improvement? Have you flown other airlines that you feel do lie-flat better than Delta? PLEASE leave your comments below.
EXPEDITED TSA SCREENING FOR SOME. The AJC reports that the TSA is going to select a handful of ATL-based Delta frequent flyers as part of a pilot “trusted traveler” program. Those selected MIGHT (important word) be able to forgo taking off shoes and removing laptops from bags. Participants will get special bar codes on boarding passes that TSA agents will scan as they enter security, and then they’ll be sent to a special lane for expedited screening. Full story here. We at The TICKET think its smart when the TSA looks for dangerous people and not just dangerous items. What about you? Leave your opinion below.
iPHONE APP FOR MEDALLION UPGRADE LIST. The upgraded Delta iPhone app now includes a feature that allows Medallion members to see their position on the upgrade list without logging onto delta.com or standing at the gate waiting for the upgrade list to appear (for a short five seconds!) on the gate information screen. The ability to change seat assignments has also been added. This feature is only available for iPhone users, but is coming to the Android and Blackberry versions soon. Users must download an updated version of the app to enjoy this new feature.
SPEAKING OF THE APP: Delta’s giving everyone who checks in via their mobile device 1000 SkyMiles. Registration is required.
DELTA TO BOMBAY. Delta is moving its Bombay flight a bit closer to its ATL hub. While not nonstop (as incorrectly reported in last month’s newsletter—sorry!), it will be a one-stop, same-plane flight via Amsterdam starting in late October. Previously this flight has operated from Newark on a one-stop flight (also via AMS) to Bombay. With the move of this flight back to Atlanta, the long slog to the subcontinent should be a bit easier.
NEW CHINESE PARTNERS. China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines have officially joined the SkyTeam alliance and add another feather in Delta’s cap for increased market presence in Asia. SkyTeam already has China Southern in the airline group, and China Airlines of Taiwan is expected to join soon. This gives Delta flyers more SkyMiles earning/buring opportunities when crossing the Pacific. China Eastern operates nonstop flights to Shanghai from several North American cities including NYC, SF and Los Angeles. Have you flown a Chinese airline yet? If so, what did you think? Long ago, we heard only horror stories, but lately, we’re hearing that the service is greatly improved. What do you think? PLEASE leave your comments below.
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DISCOUNTED AWARD TRAVEL. Delta is offering discounted award redemptions for flights within the continental U.S. on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to select SkyMiles members. First, register here to see if you are eligible for the promotion (yep, this is another one of Delta’s “targeted” offers). Then book reward travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If the entire itinerary for domestic travel is only on a Tuesday or Wednesday (traditionally the lightest days of the week to travel), you can receive a 5,000-mile refund. If travel takes place partly on one of those days, flyers can receive a 2,500-mile refund. Reservations must be booked by July 31, 2011, and travel must be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.
HUGE PLUG IN FORBES. Welcome to all the new TICKET readers that have come onboard as a result of this very flattering article about The TICKET on FORBES.com. Here’s a snippet: “Way back in 1993, before anyone but Al Gore knew what the internet was, Chris McGinnis launched a newsletter called The TICKET devoted to flyers out of Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport, the world’s busiest… At the time, he lived in Atlanta and covered aviation and especially Delta for both the Journal Constitution and later CNN, which was based there, and ever since, he has been THE authority on all things Delta and ATL. This now includes AirTran, also using the airport as its hub, as well as other carriers into Atlanta and all of Delta’s international SkyTeam partners, from Air France to Korean Air.” Gee willikers, that’s nice! Thanks to Forbes’ Larry Olmsted for the kudos. Return the favor by checking out for Larry’s hedonistic “Great Life” blog on Forbes.com.
FLYING TO/FR LAX ON JULY 15, 16 or 17? Beware of the planned 53-hour closure of Interstate 405, LA’s main north/south freeway—and the primary route for getting to/from LAX. As Angelenos are fond of saying, “Take surface streets.” (The old freeway is getting much needed widening and repairs.) There’s even a special Carmageddon section on LATimes.com.
THE TICKET PRINT-FRIENDLY VERSION IS BACK! YAY! For all of you who’ve been asking us to bring back a print version of The TICKET, we’ve now got you covered. Scroll down to the bottom of this post, look for the row of icons across the bottom and choose “PRINT WITH PRINT FRIENDLY.” Easy!
HALF OFF BUSINESS ELITE UPGRADES. For overseas flyers, there’s some good news this summer for people using miles for upgrades. Until Aug. 31, 2011, Delta is allowing upgrades to Business Elite for 50% fewer miles. For example, transatlantic mileage upgrades are typically 15,000 miles each way. This summer, they can be had for 7,500 miles each way. Upgrades are permitted only on Y, B or M Economy Class fares, which are usually quite expensive, and are subject to availability. Before redeeming miles, it is best to call Delta to see if “Z” availability is open since that is the class that must be open to upgrade with miles (or with systemwide upgrade certificates). No registration is required. Click here for more information. While using miles can be a good deal, keep in mind that Delta often sells Business Elite seats at a discount, which can be even cheaper than a full Economy Class fare, but come with many restrictions. Be sure to research all the options before redeeming your hard-earned miles!
PUSH MY BUTTONS. According to Reuters, Boeing has moved the flight attendant call button far away from the overhead light button on the new design for its popular 737 model. “Usually located next to the reading light button and often indistinguishable from it, the dreaded button causes flight attendants to make countless pointless trips down the aisles every day, only to hear embarrassed passengers say they were just trying to switch on the light,” says Reuters. Great idea!
5 FEES BUSINESS TRAVELERS LOVE. Lately, travel headlines practically shout: It’s a fee frenzy! A fee-for-all! Travelers are fighting mad about fees! But are all fees bad? Not necessarily. Many of these so-called “new fees” can be viewed as charges for new products, like in-flight Wi-Fi, that travelers could never “buy” before. And for many business travelers, it’s worth the cost to pay for something that improves comfort or productivity while in the air. Do you want to buy your way to a better trip? Here are five ways to do that. (from my BBC.com column archive)
DO U H8 DELTA? The Atlantic magazine says that Delta is the #2 most hated company in America (after #1 Pepco, a public utility in the DC area). US Airways, United and American were also included in the top 10. Here’s what The Atlantic said about Delta: “Complaints include additional costs for food, beverages and baggage fees. The airline collected more than $952 million in baggage fees from flyers in 2010, almost twice as much as any other airline carrier. Since acquiring Northwest airlines in 2008, Delta’s consumer satisfaction score has plunged.” We know that most TICKET readers have a love/hate relationship with Delta, but… hate is a pretty strong word…what do you think? Deserved or just headline grabbing? Leave your comments below.
BARBIE JETS GET WI-FI. Installation of Gogo Wi-Fi on Delta Connection regional jets with First Class cabins is getting underway. The entire mainline Delta fleet of narrowbody (one aisle) planes and 767-300 domestic aircraft now have Wi-Fi access. The first Wi-Fi equipped Delta Connection plane rolled out in June, an ASA CRJ-700 with fleet wide installation complete by the end of this year.
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OLE AND CHEERS. Delta is adding a tequila cocktail to its lineup of beverages in Sky Clubs across the country. The new drinks will be prepared using Avion Tequila, which recently won a World Spirits Competition honor. To celebrate the new drinks, several Sky Clubs will be hosting mixologists to shake and stir drinks and offer tastings to customers in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York (LaGuardia and JFK).
WHACKY CROSS DRESSER IS BIZ TRAVELER. Remember the recent story about the guy who likes to dress up in skimpy women’s wear when flying? It ends up he’s a regular old business traveler just trying to have some fun. “Howard,” the 65-year-old consultant flies several times a month as an elite member of US Airways Dividend Rewards program. In this San Francisco Chronicle article, he says’ that he’s flown in scanty female clothing for several years. “I’m a business consultant and would be extremely vulnerable to being discredited. … This is just something I do for fun. I don’t mean any harm.” Do you buy it? Leave your comments below.
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I have flown DL and BA business class from ATL to LHR. The DL business class seat is superior as another reader commented. Since I’m only 5’10” tall the B-767-400 box lie flat with a hole for your feet works well for me. If you were any taller or a larger person the seat could be a problem. I also like the later evening departure (2050 & 2250) of the DL flights to LHR. I often get five solid hours of sleep on the 7+ hour flight which allows me to adjust well to the UK & European time zones. I’m looking forward to DL installing the lie flat on all there B-767-300 international aircraft.
Fly Delta maybe twice/year. Always arrive on time, never lose luggage, no hitches booking, and when I needed customer service they got me what I needed efficiently and with a friendly helpful attitude.
They rate high for me.
Long time Delta customer and SkyMiles member. I don’t hate Delta but I do resent the way they have all but turned their back on Silver Medallions. I think their TV ads are so much feelgood crap. I think this whole “Hometown airline” push is insulting since Delta has nothing but shake down Atlanta passengers for years with noncompetitive fares. I think Richard Anderson, the new CEO, is a boring suit who cares nothing for Atlanta or Delta’s loyal passenger base.
I am frustrated with DL more than hate. When trying to book award seats, when it says seats are available for the low tier, you go to that day and they are not there. The DL award fee chart bears no resemblance to the miles required. A f class low award is 75k but when you try to book it’s either 105K or 135K. I REALLY wish they would clean up their act. But as this is award travel I imagine it is among the lowest priorities
Biggest issue with Delta in the past 2-4 years has been with level of service and hospitality. In the last 80’s early 90’s Delta was the envy of all airlines and Delta Frequent Flyers were “KING”. Now Delta treats Medallion status – even Diamond level as another head count on the plane. I for one am looking forward to seeing what will happen when Southwest actually takes possesion of Airt Tran. I know there is a difference between the two (Have flown both)and franlky am more impresssed with Southwest!
A couple of comments:
Flat beds – # 1 in the airline industry is Singapore Airlines. By far the best of the best in class for travel, hospitality and overall experience while in the air. Whether its for 1 hour or 19, Singapore Air knows how to treat a customer.
TSA Screening – I for one have been traveling in an out of Atlanta’s airport for the past 20 years and would love to see them start a preferred travelers program. Being reduced to taking off nearly all my clothes, have little more that 20oz of fluids with me and still get a full screening and pat down after the fact, makes me want to give it all up. If TSA and Delta would partner up with their top tier flyers I am sure there would be a way to make the process easier and I would be willing to do whatever it took to make my job easier.
Just a quick note, Gogo upped the monthly fee from $29.95 to $34.95 and they no longer allow a 30 day pass. You can only sign up for a recurring charge that you have to cancel 7 days prior to it recurring or face another month of automatic billing. I find this very un customer friendly and decided to go the next month without the service to see if I miss it.
sent via email from reader JK:
As for the lay flat seats, I’ve done both the 777 and 67-400 numerous times. While the 777 is certainly the preferred lay flat, the 67-400 is so much better than the God-awful cradle seats. One must not be very big to fit in the 67-400 seats but I haven’t been on a flight to LHR yet that it caused anyone too much of a problem (I usually am in 9D so can see pretty much all in Bus. Elite.) By the way, at least four times, I have connected through Detroit, Mnpls or JFK to make sure I flew into LHR on the 67-400 rahther than direct from ATL to LGW on the 767-300 with the cradles (I use Diamond upgrades and not always available on the 67-400’s out of ATL.)
I’m surprised by the positive comments regarding Delta’s 767 lie flat configuration. I’m 6’3″, 200, and found it extremely cramped and uncomfortable (I had a left side window seat with the seat more towards the aisle. The “hole” that you put your feet into is very tight and if you can sleep flat on your back with your legs straight out – you might be comfortable. I do not, and sleeping on either side was difficult given the room for legs.
Service is a complete joke. On my most recent trip, the crew apparently did not understand when to begin breakfast service and could only serve the first 2 rows before they had to cease service and clear up to land. Those of use in row 4 back could not even get coffee or orange juice. Other trips have been the same – it seems the crews are not at all properly trained on the service, and seem tentative and unsure of what to do. It’s painful.
I fly out of JFK – and I find BA’s Club World product far superior and more comfortable. True – if the window or interior aisle seatmate has to get up – it is tight, but the staggered configuration of the seats is far more comfortable. And for us “side sleepers”, it does not feel as if you are having an MRI as it does on Delta.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the flatbed Business Elite seats on the Delta 767-400. While not quite as luxurious as the flatbed Business Elite pod/seats on the 777-200, they are fantastic. If you get a solo “aisle” seat, there is plenty of room between the seat and the window for your personal items. And at 6’4″ and 205 lbs, I did not feel cramped at all. These seats are def an improvement over the “recliner” seats they replace and far better than the awkward “lie-flat-at-an-angle” seats on some aircraft.
No I don’t H8 them for charging fees, but I do feel that all airlines should allow ‘1’ free checked bag on their flights with a paid ticket. They could charge $50 for a 2nd checked bag to make up the revenue if they must. This would speed up the Boarding process at the gate, people would check a bag instead of
trying to ‘stuff’ everything into their carry on to avoid paying that 1st checked bag fee.
3.5 million miles later, I hate Delta. Loved Delta in the 80’s, but we’ve watched the vaunted service culture decline since, to the extent now that I dread the devalued experience. Mostly it’s greed and stupidity that’s turned me off. It started with the Leo Mullin culture of greed that feathered the top executives’ nests, and has continued into the current era. Here’s one small example: is there even a remote chance the former company would have ripped off homebound soldiers? No.
Recently flew BA from FCO/LHR/ATL in business class. Their flat bed seating is not as nice as Delta’s. We were on the 777 out of LHR and seating was very tight; plus, when stretched out flat you either block the exit of the person next to you, or you will be awakened when that person tries to get out of their seat. Not a good arrangement at all. At least with Delta’s seating you are not disturbing the adjacent person.
I think we all have a love hate relationship with Delta. Lately, the things that I hate the most are always having to wait for a gate when returning to ATL on Thursday night and the new commercial for Lincoln cars being shown at the start of the video safety announcements.
I agree that since the inclusion of NW crews on Delta flights, things have “gone south” for DL. Just flew back from SLC and tried to board in Priority Line like I ususally do, and gate agent was supremely rude and made me wait..even with Medallion status and the boarding pass saying “Priorty”. It’s not like I tried to get on with the 1st and Business class folks….? What was up with that? Then to make matters worse, the SLC crew was surly and downright testy to people on the flight and the service was sloppy. When the guy in front of me asked for an additional bottle of wine, the male attendant said “What? Another one?” Wow! I was shocked!
Please tell me exactly who qualifies for the 5,000 mile refund if I don’t? I’m a two million miler, consistant platinum medallion and I’ve had to use 40,000 miles for the last three “free” coach tickets I’ve gotten for my wife to travel with me to conventions that I knew about weeks, if not months, in advance. I can only hope and pray that Southwest/Airtran gives Delta a run for it’s money because my “loyalty” to Delta will match Delta’s “loyalty” to me!