"I didn't get picked up in a Porche... I want compensation!!!"....Just kidding. Actually, I am MSP based - so we'd use snowmobiles, anyway.
Seems a little "over the top" for an on-going "benefit". If they really wanted to have a functional, on-going benefit - like an earlier post said - small fleet of electric vehicles or something like that.
I think you are missing the point: I'll let Canarsie spill the beans but this is not supposed to be a defined benefit and not confined to DMs rather any HVCs who are $elected based on criteria DL uses to help these customers get through ATL airport. Think random, surprise & delight when you have a tight connection rather than defined benefit.
__________________ The unofficial SkyMiles slogan: what have you done for us lately?
Programs: DL DM, 1MM, AX Reserve, SPG Plat, IC Amb
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What a fascinating thread to read, both the fact itself and the reaction of the posters!
Sure, this service is not absolutely new in the airline industry, but it certainly is not very common for a U.S. carrier. Although about 3-4 years ago, when I was a United GS, I was picked up in a car (don't remember what it was, probably nothing too special) at SFO when I had a very tight connection for a flight to Hong Kong, and my inbound flight was delayed. They just whisked me from one gate to another in a car; I would not have made the flight otherwise. It was absolutely wonderful.
I agree that it cannot be a real benefit for all DMs, simply because there are way too many of us, especially in hub cities, and in reality, it is not always needed (and DL does not have a true FC product anyway, like LH has, for example). A marketing scheme -- perhaps, but a very nice touch, and can be very useful for those with tight connections. In certain cases, I would even consider paying for this service if it were available (like this Monday, when I have a 41 min D-I connection at JFK; it is still "legal", but I know that the gates are always quite far from each other, so it will be a hassle).
I don't think that Delta would invest big $$$ in this scheme anyway, at least I hope it does not at this time -- there are other priorities right now. I am nevertheless glad that Delta is being somewhat creative (or is it Porsche who is creative?), even if it is "R&D", as someone put it.
So what, if its a marketing plan? were you going to decline the offer if you were the OP??? We know its not a DM-wide benefit, but it could be a test program/ customer survey that Porsche has going on. Nissan does similar in LA & SF area airports for a particular airline, nothing new here.
OP - I am happy you got to ride in style & enjoy some VIP treatment, lotta jealous folks on here....
Delta + Porsche = #winning
So true. Exactly. Enjoy the PERK!
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Upgrades in '13 - GM: 0 of 4 (0/0 alone; 0/4 with family)
If giving HVC's a warm fuzzy feeling were their goal, they wouldn't call them "gamers" and implement the T-72 rule... It's all business. No one should ever forget that.
Of course it is business... but giving your HVC a ride in a Porsche means they come back and fly your airline. Good business.
Also, who calls DM's "gamers"? What are you talking about?
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Upgrades in '13 - GM: 0 of 4 (0/0 alone; 0/4 with family)
Delta just made my night. I was flying from DFW to ATL and after we pulled up to the gate everyone began speculating about a white Porsche outside. When I walked off the plane I found out the car was waiting for me. They drove me directly to my car bypassing the whole process of having to ride the train. I just made DM but if this is any indication of the service I will get, I am sold. The driver said this was a new service offered for DM members at random. Has anyone else received this?
so, the OP got into the car planeside? This beats the immigrations escort at JFK by a million miles. Why, of all flights, would they get a DM off a flight from DFW?
What a fascinating thread to read, both the fact itself and the reaction of the posters!
Sure, this service is not absolutely new in the airline industry, but it certainly is not very common for a U.S. carrier. Although about 3-4 years ago, when I was a United GS, I was picked up in a car (don't remember what it was, probably nothing too special) at SFO when I had a very tight connection for a flight to Hong Kong, and my inbound flight was delayed. They just whisked me from one gate to another in a car; I would not have made the flight otherwise. It was absolutely wonderful.
Just to point out the obvious; they're not doing it for you, they're doing it so they can push back on time and not have to rebook you on another flight (the next day) ...
Location: SEA - DL DM/MM, UA 1P, SPG Plat, some other car and hotel stuff
Posts: 5,280
You can choose to be like adamj023 and not believe me, but here are some "insider" details on the new program. (Sorry for the scoop, Canarsie. You snooze, you lose!)
Meant to transport HVC/VIP pax
DL does not pay for the cars - this is a marketing agreement with Porsche, whose NA HQ is indeed ATL
These Porsches won't be used by any DL employees (including execs)
Program is managed by the "Elite Services Team"
I have no additional info at this time. I am sure Canarsie will be able to share much more.
So last night I was on DL 15, the 6:25p ATL-SEA flight. I was in 2D window on a 75X. When we backed away from our Gate B32, I saw a white Porsche Cayenne circle in, the driver backed it up right by the bottom of the jetway stairs, and then he opened the trunk. I figured it was some sort of high profile/celeb or someone with super special needs, like a KM. We started our engines and taxied away, but I was trying to see what was going on as this looked super unusual. It was maybe a 2011 white cayenne, it had the LED lights on the front, sort of like some of the newer Audis. The driver was wearing a suit/tie.
Programs: DL DM, 1MM, AX Reserve, SPG Plat, IC Amb
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by oh912flyer
Just to point out the obvious; they're not doing it for you, they're doing it so they can push back on time and not have to rebook you on another flight (the next day) ...
Sure, but it worked well for me too, so our interests aligned. I did not loose a day (and I really needed to be on the other side of the ocean on time), and they gained a lot of good will and loyalty from me and did not have to rebook. A win-win, in my book!
Flew LH F on miles last year. Connect into MUC aprked at remote pad. Stepped off the plane and there was a black Mercedes with driver holding a sign with my name and the words "Lufthansa First Class."
The gentlemen took my bags, placed them into the trunk and drive me to their first class lounge where they have SEPARATE passport control for their first class passengers.
Sweet ride. If DL made a habit of behavior like this I'm all in (I give 125K travel to DL and 100K travel to UA annually). That said, there are too many DMs for this to be a regular experience.
