Flying Colonel - Does Anybody Remember?
#31
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Cary, NC
Programs: AA 1MM; DL DM; Global Entry; MR Gold; HH Gold; Nat'l EC
Posts: 562
Flying Colonel - Does Anybody Remember?
I worked with a guy back in the early 90s that was awarded FC status after assisting a FA with a belligerent pax. He was an infrequent traveler, but displayed the plaque in his office.
I always liked the "Flying Colonel" title; way cooler elite status name than DM.
I always liked the "Flying Colonel" title; way cooler elite status name than DM.
#32
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,951
When I worked in reservations in the mid 1990s, the Flying Colonel was explained to us during training that it was some sort of recognition given out by the marketing department. But we didn't do anything special for them, like during IRROPS, like we did for SM/GM/PM. The pax's Medallion status determined the extent to which assistance was offered. Yes, "FC" showed up on the PNR next to the pax's name, along with their Medallion status if they had one.
#34
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,951
On the operations side, i.e., ticket agents, gate agents, etc., FC might have received special recognition and treatment; however, on the reservations side, before pax got to the airport, there was not much to nada. We weren't even instructed to address them with "thank you for being Flying Colonel" or something to that extent.
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
I guess time does dim painful memories.
Just ran across this:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/500430-post1.html
Loss of Crown Room membership for FC was another bit of Leo Mullin skulduggery.
To relieve Crown Room overcrowding, no less.
Just ran across this:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/500430-post1.html
Loss of Crown Room membership for FC was another bit of Leo Mullin skulduggery.
To relieve Crown Room overcrowding, no less.
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
What an ironic coincidence... had an FA (older male FA) greet me today with "You're my FC on the flight today."
Yes, FC still shows on the manifest.
Interesting..., FA was emphatic that FO was the female equivalent of FC.
I'd never heard this suggested before.
Yes, FC still shows on the manifest.
Interesting..., FA was emphatic that FO was the female equivalent of FC.
I'd never heard this suggested before.
#37
Join Date: May 2003
Location: SFO
Programs: DL 3MM/FC/DM LT; LH FT LT; HH DIA
Posts: 346
Flying Colonel - Does Anybody Remember?
FO = flying orchid, female equivalent of FC.
FC still shows on manifest alongside with Medallion and MM status.
In the early 90's it was very helpful with IROPs. Also got inflight upgrades from C to F on my regular flights from CVG to FRA. Maybe was the Purser (Alexander) he flew the route regularly and welcomed me on board by last name at least 20 times :-) I start feeling old now...
FC still shows on manifest alongside with Medallion and MM status.
In the early 90's it was very helpful with IROPs. Also got inflight upgrades from C to F on my regular flights from CVG to FRA. Maybe was the Purser (Alexander) he flew the route regularly and welcomed me on board by last name at least 20 times :-) I start feeling old now...
#38
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York,NY USA
Posts: 1,478
Here we are in 2019. I was a Flying Colonel and that card/status is long gone. I just hung up the phone with Delta reservations and the agent was gushing over me...that she was talking to a Flying Colonel and how much she appreciated my loyalty. I was quite surprised it is till in my profile.
#39
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Verdi, NV, SFO & Olympic (aka Squaw )Valley.
Programs: Ikon Pass Full + AS Gold + Marriott Titanium + Hilton Gold. Recovering UA Plat. LT lounge AA+DL+UA
Posts: 3,815
Honestly I think that DL should bring back FC status. Would be a great brand to use versus other unpublished benefits.
#40
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,881
Here we are in 2019. I was a Flying Colonel and that card/status is long gone. I just hung up the phone with Delta reservations and the agent was gushing over me...that she was talking to a Flying Colonel and how much she appreciated my loyalty. I was quite surprised it is till in my profile.
#42
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: DL DM Hilton Diamond WN A List
Posts: 65
I"m an FC, getting it in the mid 90s. Was a nice touch. Picked up by DL marketing in TYS and taken to lunch and given the plaque which I've since lost.
Does the FC designator still show on our records? I've never had an FA mention it recently
Does the FC designator still show on our records? I've never had an FA mention it recently
#44
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: AUS
Programs: DL Flying Colonel
Posts: 4,023
I spoke to reservations a few months ago and the CSR commented that I must be close to or older than her as she remembers those great days gone by.