Please write into Delta
 

On a flight today that was delayed over 3 hours by weather and crew issues. Pilot came on during the flight and announced that if we were upset a hand written letter seems to work best and that this wasn't the crew's fault, but a staffing/weather/flight-ops issue and that maybe you can get some compensation.

Also as they were doing beverage service the FA's were talking - there were only two Chardonnay’s onboard and they commented how cheap that was of Delta.

Was a little shocked that the flight crew was suggesting that we write in, but guess it isn't only the Medallion members that are getting upset.

Was this DL metal or a regional jet?

Even if what the pilot and FAs said was true, totally unprofessional behavior on the crew's part. If I were a pax on that flight, I'd write to DL all right, but it wouldn't be to complain about the delay or the lack of Chardonnay! :rolleyes:

I've heard that a few times from DL crew...about writing the airline.

Usually it comes off about as sincere as the older lady at EWR's train to the rental car center, "If you don't like the delay in the trains, please write the Port Authority." Thanks, got it.

I truly believe that, by and large, the DL folks on the front lines are customer-focused... to the degree that the Empty Suits on Virginia Ave allow them to be. And, sometimes, more so if they feel they can get away with it. ^

Consider that they are the ones who most often bear the brunt of the frustrations shared by passengers. Little of the responsibility, but much of the abuse.

Also, consider that, for flight crews, any management-caused delays keep them from their families too.

Is there any wonder that they get frustrated too, and try to enlist some assistance from pax by suggesting that correspondence be directed to management?

Agree with your comments. IME flight crews suggest pax write in to DL with complaints for a couple reasons. First, the crew can't do anything except listen, which is not enough to satisfy many pax. Second, I often hear from FA's that DL doesn't listen to them. Yeah, we know the same feeling but agree with them that a note from us will carry far more weight than one from them. Well, something from us may not mean anything at all either but their point is it will have more impact than anything they suggest in the way of change to DL.

A few former NWA crew are yet to allow their hearts and minds to be won over by their current employer. The fact that OP is based in MSP is an important piece of evidence here.

It was really God awful the first couple of years, as the frequent response to any request was "Delta doesn't allow that". I thought those cherished Mid-western values would have included more employer loyalty, but I guess that's measured by how close you are to retirement.

It's not a MIdwest thing. I've experienced the "please write to DL" often on DL Connection carriers about the wine that's catered on some RJs. Some FAs feel strongly, and I agree, that FC wine should be more than pouring a small "for purchase" coach bottle into a glass, although the good FAs do this in the galley so that you don't see it unless they must go back to the coach cart to get more.

And a few legacy-DL FT members are not going to let this "we vs them" silliness die the peaceful death it deserves.

When they start serving this, you'll know they've hit rock bottom on cheapness:

http://i43.tinypic.com/33vm8td.jpg