DL 1356 DCA-LGA 2:30-3:40 pm 28 December 2008

DL 1356 DCA-LGA 2:30-3:40 pm

We arrived DCA early and were not sure where to check in. The main ticketing area was a madhouse and the metro level check in kiosks were unstaffed and for carry-on bags only. We went back up to the ticketing level and ended up checking in at a bank of kiosks that was staffed by agents who could tag bags. When we got to the security checkpoint, we noticed another check in for the shuttle. Oh well! I used the Clear line and J the regular security line. I passed through a good 10 minutes quicker. I love Clear and now with photo ID Clear cards, that’s the only ID needed! If anyone wants a referral, I can provide a code which gives each of us a free month. Just e-mail me. The annual fee does go from $159 to $199 on Jan. 1.

We spent about an hour in the CRC enjoying our complimentary adult bevs. The bartender was nice. T-Mobile HotSpot hiccuped on me near the end, rejecting my login. That made me kinda irritated since I pay for it.

We made our way to the gate where the line was forming for free-for-all boarding, but this time they at least boarded specials, then zone 1, zone 2, etc. F ended up being full. There was no pre-dep bev or coats taken. We backed away a few minutes past published departure, but took an ATC hold due to shifting wind direction and runway change. We ended up taking off at 3:06 pm, 36 minutes past the published departure time of 2:30 pm.

In-flight service SUCKED. All we received were mini Dasanis. That was it. No snack basket. There is no way in hell someone should buy F for this, no reason whatsoever.

There was also no Gogo. J volunteered to take me to Gogo on the way home. He even volunteered to go in with me. LOL

We landed about 10 minutes past the published arrival time, at 3:50 pm. My checked bag made the earlier shuttle and was already there when I arrived.

Trip Experience Ratings:
Convenience/Schedule – B (ATC delay)
Comfort/Service – C (F no better than coach except a bigger seat)
Boarding – C (DL needs to stop the free-for-all boarding process already)
Check In – D (confusing)
Clear – A+++

DL 1349 LGA-DCA 10:29-11:49 am 26 December 2008

DL 1349 LGA-DCA 10:29-11:49 am

We arrived at LGA early and J dropped me off to check our one bag. Check in was chaotic. There are about eight kiosks, which no one used but me, so there was a line of inexperienced travelers with luggage and kids and three agents working, with checked bag luggage fees having to be paid, etc. There was no dedicated bag drop line and no elite line, so I had to wait just to drop off and tag my bag behind these inexperienced travelers. I was glad I arrived early!

We passed through security quickly and boarding was the usual first come, first served way DL does their shuttle. However, J and I were able to get seats together in F, as there were only nine passengers (of 14 possible seats.) As we boarded, there was a cooler to pick up a snack, which was a bagel, cream cheese, strawberry jam, and a packet with a plastic knife, a moist wipe, and Delta Shuttle-branded napkin. There was no pre-departure drink service. We pushed back three minutes late at 10:32 am and took off at 10:42 am, 13 minutes late.

Although we both received Gogo Internet free passes good through 12/31/08, this flight was not Gogo ready. That is what happens when you are prepared to try it!

We received a full, in-flight beverage service. J had a screwdriver and I had a Bloody Mary (no lime), both served in plastic, Delta/Coca-Cola-branded cups. My Bloody was strong!

We arrived at 11:27 am, 18 minutes early.

Trip Experience Ratings:
Convenience and Schedule – A+
Comfort (MD-88, F class) – A
Snack – B
Boarding – C (why have zone 1 if it is not used!?)
Check In – D

Delta’s reply in less than 12 hours – Bravo, Delta!

Thank you for your e-mail describing your recent experience with Delta and our Delta Connection partner, Chautauqua Airlines. We regret the circumstances you described and appreciate your taking the time to share the details.

Your time is valuable, and operating on schedule is equally important to us. In the process of providing air service over many different routes each day, we sometimes encounter mechanical problems, adverse weather, and other unavoidable interruptions. These are situations faced by all airlines and no carrier can guarantee that all flights will depart and arrive as planned. We’re sorry you were inconvenienced.

As our customer, you are in the best position to point out areas that need attention. Our goal is to provide consistent and accurate information to our passengers at all times. I am sorry that in this
instance you did not receive the service you expected and should have received from our airport agent. Feedback like yours will help us improve our airport process and customer experience. Please know I will be sharing your comments with our Customer Service and Airport Operations leadership team for internal follow up.

As a goodwill gesture, we have issued our $100.00 electronic Transportation Credit which may be used toward future Delta travel. E-TCVs are valid for one year from the date of issue. If redeemed at
delta.com, they will not incur a transaction fee. Fees will apply if the voucher is redeemed through any other Delta location. You will be receiving a receipt for this e-credit along with the terms and
conditions in a separate e-mail.

Again, thank you for writing. We appreciate your selection of Delta and will always welcome the opportunity to be of service.

A Letter to Delta

December 23, 2008

On December 22, 2008, I was a passenger on DL 1218 from Cincinnati to New York-LaGuardia, which was delayed over four hours due to a mechanical problem and a subsequent equipment swap. According to your Contract of Carriage, there should have been some sort of meal compensation for a delay of over four hours as follows, which I was not offered:

3. Amenities for Delayed Passengers
If your travel is interrupted for greater than 4 hours after your scheduled departure time as a result of flight cancellation or delay on the date of your travel we will provide you with the
following additional amenities to accommodate you during the delay:
(a) Meals
We will offer a voucher for meal service to each ticketed passenger.

I would appreciate a response to this misstep in policy.

Sincerely,
C’est Beth
xxxxxxxxxx
PNR xxxxxx

22-23 Dec AVL-CVG-LGA

Pre-trip report:

This was my first trip as an official, earned DL Gold Medallion, and my first flights in about four weeks, the longest I have gone without flying since 1997! However, I was not upgraded until Saturday night, so I did online chat to make sure my Gold status was in there and it was. So I guess they were holding inventory for sale.

I arrived AVL an hour and a half early. I had checked in, but could not print, so I went to the elite check-in, where I was first in line. Check in was quick and easy with an agent and I checked one bag. I proceeded to security and there were there were probably 10 people in line in front of me. Once I passed the ID check, there were TWO screening lines! The TSA agents were very polite and nice, as we all are in AVL. They also have much larger bins and I was able to get everything in one bin. Way to go, AVL!

Past security, I discovered there is now a small bar/café! Yay again, AVL! Typical high airport prices, but at least I was able to get a sandwich.

DL 6136 AVL-CVG 5:10 PM-6:27 PM EMB 145 12A Exit EMB 145

My first flight was uneventful. We boarded late around 5:05 pm, because they had to push back a late ATL flight first. We backed away from the gate 7 minutes late, at 5:17 pm, and were airborne by 5:27 pm, 17 minutes late. In-flight service was by request only, but the FA did go up and down the aisle a few times asking if anyone wanted or needed anything. We landed at 6:19 pm, 11 minutes early.

DL 1218 CVG-LGA 7:30 PM-9:31 PM 738 3C First 737-800, delayed four hours due to a mechanical and subsequent equipment swap

The inbound plane arrived around 11:20ish as scheduled. Boarding began shortly thereafter with F class first. During boarding, there was music playing (this was true for my first flight as well.) The male FA came and collected our coats. We had pillows, blankets, and Dasani minis at each seat. The flight was not full at all. In fact, there were only four people in F and I had no seatmate! They shut the door at 11:55 pm, pushed back at 11:58 pm, we were de-iced, then we took off at 12:25 am. At this point, I was pretty tired, so all I had to drink was Sprite, then Fresca. Fresca sucks. They replaced Sprite Zero with it. DL also no longer has ginger ale or tomato juice, either. I had peanuts and Biscoffs from the snack basket and tried to nap. We landed earlier than expected, at 1:42 am. I had checked a bag and it was one of the first five out. There were also TONS of bags still at LGA at well, as a result of the weekend storms.

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