hfly

pbarnette? Of course the Feds should. Forgetting the fact that they receive far more revenue from VFF's rather than NFF's, it would only be one of DOZENS of Federal programs and departments which offer a more efficient and quicker service to frequent and/or more organizer customers, and which has been done for DECADES.

Regarding this program, Robert is righyt, they did have it a very long time ago, however I do not remember it as seamless as he does (or maybe he was just lucky), I remember once having a great guy, doing all that Robert relates, and the next time having a guy who basically said "go that way", followed by the next trip with a guy asking if I needed any special assistance.

I have not yet experienced this new perk, but am greatly looking forward to it when flying to JFK in the coming days and do see this as a very postive move on Delta's part.

pbarnette

Actually, everyone on the plane pays the exact same fee for customs, immigration, and ag screening. There is no differentiation in pricing between VFFs and NFFs or between full-fare F and discounted Y. If someone uses the service multiple times, they will indeed pay more over time, but they are also using the service more, so that only makes sense.

The Feds have already created a program (Global Entry) that suits the needs of VFFs, the folks working the counters, and everybody else in line - it is a win for everyone. This program only seems to help out those cutting the line and disadvantages everyone else.

hfly

Yes, that is exactly what I said, I fly 50 times a year, I pay 50 sets of taxes and fees, I am 50 times more valuable as a customer, whether to the government or airline as the pax that flies once. As I stated there are DOZENS of Federal programs at multpile federal institutions which offer faster and/or cheaper service in such situations, this is standard and has occurred for decades. Familiar with such exotic institutions as THE POST OFFICE? or the IRS? Notice that this service is being based on being DM, not by flying in Business Class.

Global Entry like its predecessor INSPASS has its drawbacks and one thing should not in anyway be compared to another (especially as it IS a US citizens right NOT to provide biometric information such as that required by Global Entry if he/she does not want to).

STBCypriot

My last "meet and greet" in JFK was last year where a DL agent came and asked "how many of you are on flight XXXX"? Those of us on that flight raised our hands. She then said "well, you're not going to make your flight" and then promptly disappeared. I then had to wait an hour for my Priority tagged bags, along with 9 other passengers who were traveling in BE as was I, for my bags so that I could go through customs and wait another hour in line to get rebooked. I hate JFK and DL's service there has been terrible. Let's hope there is now a permanent improvement in service. I'll be flying through there again from Europe in Sept.

DLItaly

Landed yesterday @ JFK (DL263 from MXP) a DL employee had a sign with my name, she escorted me trough immigration, bagage claim, customs, and bagage re-check bypassing all the lines.
She told me that this is a new service for DM (started July 1st).
Great Job DELTA.

DLItaly

JSFox

Effectively what DL are saying is "We're completely screwed up with managing our operations in JFK so we'll help our DM's so at least for them it seems like we're as good as other airlines."

N639DL

That is absolutely amazing. Were people looking as to why you were being escorted?

How long was your connection?

bmchris

I wonder if they'll do this for international arriving connections in ATL - that would be certainly welcome.

The other thing is consistency - they need to do this consistently, or expectations won't be met.

DLItaly

people were little upset because the DL employee bring me to the very front of the lines but no one compliant.
My connection was 2h10m, plenty of time...
There was another DM on board and also he receive the same service by another DL employee.

DL-Don

I hope this lasts through my September trip to Berlin and my November trip to Ireland.

N639DL

Not surprised people were a little upset. I was asking about the connection to see if maybe they were doing it because you were on a tight connection, but that is obviously not the case. Hmm...this sounds like a great service to DM's.

eheinz

I would rather DL take steps to improve their extremely @£$%^&* international arrivals mess in JFK (for me by far the worst part of the airline ... I never seem to have trouble burning miles or using PMUs). Failing that however, this would probably make me stretch for DM this year IF it is implemented consistently.

But then again, why DMs only. If I were a lower- non-status flyer on a full F fare, I would be annoyed as hell.

fti

CO offers this service to a business class passengers.

TeleP

I am with you on this issue

mAAine_flyer

I go to the Post Office at least once a week. Most times, there's line for counter service. Because I'm a frequent customer, I have been invited to skip ahead to the front of the line exactly zero times. I don't expect any different.

Unless DL is paying the costs of having additional INS agents on duty, I'm with pbarnette on this one.