What is the "Delta Protocol Office" at DCA?
 

The other day, I sadly had a lot of time to kill at DCA. I went up to the SkyClub and noticed that across from the SkyClub was another room, with the exact same style of entry door. The only difference was that, instead of "SkyCub" branding, the sign read "Delta Protocol Office". It was dark inside (frosted glass, so I could see no lights were on) and the door was locked, so I couldn't just "accidentally" wander in and ask what it was about. Anyone know?

By the way, I was very impressed with the counter agents and gate agents at DCA (they were all very nice and professional, although a bit harried, which was understandable), but I was incredibly disappointed in the SkyClub agents (which is a first for me!) They honestly seemed completely baffled by the computer systems when processing a very simple request, I had troubles understanding them, and they seemed unnecessarily brusque, not only with me, but with some of the other folks in the lounge.

That area is for the Super Elite. It's so ridiculously awesome that they can't even promote it.
And yes some of the agents do seem baffled by the computer system. I was there when the one lady was enduring her first day (which happened to be in the midst of one of the snow storms) and chalked it up to that. The jury's still out. For the most part I've found them quite competent. Maybe a bit harried but they get the job done which is all I really care about.

... to deal with the politicians, senior bureaucrats, and the like in DC.

About the DCA DL lounge staff that you encountered, they still have issues with admitting Skyteam ElitePlus members on a same-day international Skyteam itinerary to access the lounge when flying DL from DCA to another airport to catch a Skyteam carrier's international flight.

I kind of thought that and, it again brings up something that really bugs me. Why do politicians need "special" lounges? Are they that afraid of mingling with "real people" (such as the public that actually elected them? GRRRRR :mad::mad::mad:

This was my first time at DCA, and I have to say that, as a taxpayer, I find the mere existence of the airport, let alone the extravagant decoration offensive.

of course, I believe that all federal elected officials should be required to use Greyhound for primary transportation, live in the government-built housing estates in SE, and be paid whatever the prevailing minimum wage is for the district. Oh, and they should be required to fly only on T fares, decline any upgrades, and turn all earned miles back to the airlines for use in charity flights.

Before any government employees jump on me, note that I was only referring to elected officials. Government employees (and military) are a completely different matter. They, of course, should be paid a liveable wage, be allowed to join frequent flyer programs, avail themselves of any perks the programs offer, and keep their miles and, when traveling OCONUS, should be permitted to travel in Business class at all times. It's only pond scum like Mitch McConnel, Harry Reid and their "colleagues" who need to be reminded of who they serve.

Jim, please tell us how you really feel :D:D;)

Jim
I think members also have special free parking at DCA as well.

Protocol Office would also include affairs of State. You can presume that just about every embassy has the direct phone-line to that office.

I saw Former Supreme Court Justice Sanda Day O'Connor in the "regular" (not Protocol Office) Sky Club the other day. She was surrounded by security and all, but still with everyone else.

I imagined her taller.

All the DCA lounges are excellent. The Continental P-Club is staffed, equipped and operated better and any lounge I have been in in the US.

MisterNice

And least you're bipartisan....or I guess equal opportunity, depending on one's view.

I thought Delta had the separate room at DCA for the protection of the public. It keeps politicians and other undesirables away from their paying customers.

Hey! I understand you're general point, but why hate on all of my home airport! :D

Seriously, it's incredibly convenient for people living in the District or Arlington—it serves a lot more than just politicians.

I have to 110% agree with this. When I lived in DC, it was nice so nice to have one of the airports close to the city and on a MetroRail line. It's definitely well used by the non-politicians!

Like me!

The airport isn't federally-owned any more, and hasn't been since 1987 - before the new terminal was built. (Perhaps the historic terminal was federal largesse -- but hey, that was during the Great Dpression.).

It's paid for just like all the others.

Yes, Congress, Supreme court , Cabinet memebers and White House staff. Probably others like FBI.

Doesn't everone understand, these people are privlidged and have their own rules. Good thing China is paying for all of it.
What happens when we owe China and Japan more money then exisits?
What happens when the interest on the Debt exceeds all Federal revenue?