FWIW, on an Atlanta bound flight yesterday afternoon, overhead a station employee talking to what appeared to be a retired pilot, and employee said s/he was headed to Atlanta for Red Coat training.
Programs: DL PM/DSC, HH Gold, UA 1P, Fairmont Platinum
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As I recall Red Coats returned awhile ago.
From an Sept 2007 Press Release.
Quote:
Enhancing customer service
With the new schedule, Delta customers can expect improved service on the ground at JFK with more international-capable self-service kiosks, personalized customer service offered by additional “Red Coats” throughout the terminal, continued improvements to Crown Room Clubs and BusinessElite lounges, complimentary helicopter service between Manhattan and JFK for eligible BusinessElite customers, and improved airport concessions – including recently opened “Bonfire Steakhouse” by celebrity chef Todd English, “Bonfire Bar” by Todd English, Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market, The French Meadow Bakery and Café, and Legend’s Sports Bar.
Thanks Andy. I remembered hearing that back then, too, but I thought the plan might have gone away with Simplifares, mergers, etc.
Maybe new just to that station. I've been off the road for a while and haven't seen any Red Coats during my recent travels, but I'm a back-of-the-bus LUT passenger clawing my way back toward status...and justifying a crown room membership.
Definitely an improvement and needed way more often, especially at hubs. I just hope that DL management doesn't do the usual and cripple their ability to do right by the customer even where that may involve one of those "waivers or favors" which DL management is notorious for hating.
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This game is not as much fun as it used to be: 2008/2009 Frequent Flyer Program Fleecing Award goes to Delta Airlines
IIRC, they were the people to turn to if problems arose with your itinerary or flight. Akin to Customer Service Superstars.
And they were more plentiful than the "Supervisor" personnel who wore blue coats (and I think still do). The Red Coats were essentially relatively available, relatively responsive, relatively empowered, higher-level pseudo-management types who could cut through the clutter, engage the cerebrum, and deal with problems.
They could also serve as a spare set of hands when a flight was late or overbooked, to help the gate agent get things done more efficiently.
1) That lockheed is long gone
2) They actually waited for a passenger
3) The stewardesses (yes, that's what they were called) were decent looking
4) That girl is probably 30 now
5) Her parents didn't have to spend $150 to send her as an UM
6) Her grandparents were able to get through security and meet her at the gate
definitely a step in the right direction
Best in Class 
