Poor Experience D1 ATL-JNB
Nov 27, 2017, 10:51 am
#76
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
Um, well, it sounds to me (and I have no specific inside knowledge) that the "threat" of unionization is having the same impact as actually being unionized. So there goes your debunking of the theory, no?
Out of curiosity, what do you think is the reason DL doesn't seem willing/able to enforce service standards, as you posted earlier?
Out of curiosity, what do you think is the reason DL doesn't seem willing/able to enforce service standards, as you posted earlier?
Last edited by KDCAflyer; Nov 27, 2017 at 11:38 am
Nov 27, 2017, 11:15 am
#78
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Um, well, it sounds to me (and I have no specific inside knowledge) that the "threat" of unionization is having the same impact as actually being unionized. So there goes your debunking of the theory, no?
Out of curiosity, what do you think is the reason DL doesn't seem willing/able to enforce service standards, as you posted earlier?
Out of curiosity, what do you think is the reason DL doesn't seem willing/able to enforce service standards, as you posted earlier?
Honestly, I don't think it's the fear of unionization. As long as DL keeps handing out cash bonuses in a generous profit sharing scheme, I think they will be fine on that. I could be wrong.
I really think it's that they have not felt the pressure. They are making a lot of money and, in general, their J product gets good reviews. I think the vast majority of people notice & care about lots of things less than the sample that is on FT. I also think most people will choose a particular J class carrier because of the route, the hard product and the price, and that the FA's are fairly far down the list of things that matter to people.
I would also add that every time I have flown J on Delta I've had either a great or at least totally acceptable experience with the crew, but mostly great. I know there have been several reports on FT about this exact issue, and this is not the first, second or third time people have gotten into a discussion about the seniority/age thing. All that being said, I have not personally encountered the issue that others have, which is just another data point. Note that it's not that I don't think there are problems, I just question how widespread the problems actually are.
Nov 27, 2017, 1:18 pm
#80
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Really? Which ones? PP has no real standards, its just access, so it totally depends on the lounge. At least in Europe and the US they are generally worse IME. For example, the PP lounge at SFO is the AF/KLM lounge and it sort of feels like a bus depot. Both the Sky Club or Centurion lounge at SFO are fantastic. The Aspire lounge at LHR is overly crowded and has a meager food selection while the BA lounges in that terminal are rather nice.
There are certainly other airlines/alliances that have better lounges than the SC, but in general I think the SC is a much better lounge than the third party contract lounges that tend to affiliate with PP.
Nov 28, 2017, 5:13 am
#81
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
OP -- Your review is spot-on for this route.
Fly this route 4-5 times a year, and exceptions not withstanding -- this flight is crewed (especially up front) by cabin crew with serious seniority, and your experience is par for the course.
As for the food -- Delta has tried hard to dress up the presentation -- but the quality has seriously declined...
If only Delta would take a page out of Qatar service and catering manual, and whine less about unfair competition (ironic as Delta got all kinds of 'benefits' from bankruptcy)
Unfortunately South African is Worse --- And Qatar makes the trip even longer via Doha -- so stuck with Delta.
Fly this route 4-5 times a year, and exceptions not withstanding -- this flight is crewed (especially up front) by cabin crew with serious seniority, and your experience is par for the course.
As for the food -- Delta has tried hard to dress up the presentation -- but the quality has seriously declined...
If only Delta would take a page out of Qatar service and catering manual, and whine less about unfair competition (ironic as Delta got all kinds of 'benefits' from bankruptcy)
Unfortunately South African is Worse --- And Qatar makes the trip even longer via Doha -- so stuck with Delta.
Nov 28, 2017, 5:17 am
#82
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Just as an aside, flew JFK-LAX in D1 last month and the lunch was inedible, dry, overcooked, really bad. The FA's were very apologetic and offered to get something from the back, which I declined. The Purser suggested I Write an online complaint, which I did. 28 days later 9,000 miles appeared in my account with no explanation. 10,000 miles seems low in comparison, given the other issues you had. I'd let Delta know the issues have not been resolved to your satisfaction, and propose a solution to your liking. Good luck.
Nov 28, 2017, 1:38 pm
#84
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: LAX
Programs: DL, UA
Posts: 421
Have had great experiences on Virgin and can always do a bit of work in London. That's probably my preferred route now. Am a big fan of their 787-9 and am a regular on the LAX-LHR route anyway so it is a great option!
Dec 12, 2017, 1:39 pm
#85
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: LAX
Programs: DL, UA
Posts: 421
Quick update-
Flight back from JNB-ATL last week was much better. Service was excellent and much friendlier overall. It's amazing what difference a good crew can make. SLOW Lounge in JNB is also excellent.
Still think I'll try to fly Virgin J (787 LAX-LHR-JNB) when I head back to SA in a few months...
Flight back from JNB-ATL last week was much better. Service was excellent and much friendlier overall. It's amazing what difference a good crew can make. SLOW Lounge in JNB is also excellent.
Still think I'll try to fly Virgin J (787 LAX-LHR-JNB) when I head back to SA in a few months...
Dec 12, 2017, 11:17 pm
#86
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Quick update-
Flight back from JNB-ATL last week was much better. Service was excellent and much friendlier overall. It's amazing what difference a good crew can make. SLOW Lounge in JNB is also excellent.
Still think I'll try to fly Virgin J (787 LAX-LHR-JNB) when I head back to SA in a few months...
Flight back from JNB-ATL last week was much better. Service was excellent and much friendlier overall. It's amazing what difference a good crew can make. SLOW Lounge in JNB is also excellent.
Still think I'll try to fly Virgin J (787 LAX-LHR-JNB) when I head back to SA in a few months...
Dec 13, 2017, 4:06 am
#87
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Plus, LHR breaks the trip up and even gives you the chance for some sightseeing during a layover in London.
Also, you should earn more MQMs routing through London.
Also, you should earn more MQMs routing through London.
Dec 13, 2017, 8:25 am
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,232
Yes, it's quite far out of the way and I'd probably really only recommend it if you're stopping over. A bunch of years ago we did JFK-LHR-CPT with a 1-night stop in LHR, but did straight through on the return, both daytime flights. It was a loooong travel day. Even in BA/AA first class.
Dec 13, 2017, 11:53 am
#89
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Yes, it's quite far out of the way and I'd probably really only recommend it if you're stopping over. A bunch of years ago we did JFK-LHR-CPT with a 1-night stop in LHR, but did straight through on the return, both daytime flights. It was a loooong travel day. Even in BA/AA first class.
Dec 13, 2017, 12:36 pm
#90
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Austin, TX - AUS
Programs: AA Platinum, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 1,625