Two gripes: pouring soda & no free check of carry-on eligible bags at front counter
Jan 31, 2019, 2:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
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Two gripes: pouring soda & no free check of carry-on eligible bags at front counter
Two things I wanted to get off my chest and am curious if others agree:
1. Why is it that Delta, and most airlines, pour the soda into a cup instead of just handing out the whole can (without a cup)? I drink soda out of a can in my normal daily life; I can do it at 32,000 feet as well. I would imagine that the beverage service would go about 4 times faster if FAs simply walked down the aisle handing out cans of soda (or water bottles, juice, whatever). The "cost savings" of serving only a partial can is, I imagine, quite minimal given that volume discounts airlines must get on soda, and is counteracted by the cost of cups and ice. And, handing out whole cans would also enable beverage service on those short "up and down" flights that currently do not have sufficient time to do a beverage service in Y.
2. Why is it that Delta, and the other airlines, do not allow non-status passengers to check "carry on eligible" bags for free in the front of the airport (up to one per passenger)? The airlines allow - and in fact encourage - passengers to check bags at the gate, which is complimentary. Why not just allow passengers to check small bags out front? Benefits are as follows:
For passengers:
(a) No need to invest in trial-sized toothpaste, shave cream, and other liquid-ish toiletries
(b) Faster security screening for self and others
(c) Don't need to be in a big hurry to board (and play the game of lining up early) in order to secure overhead bin space
(d) It's just generally more pleasant to navigate airports without a bag in tow.
For airline:
(a) No hassle of dealing with gate-checked bags (makes life easier for gate agents as well as baggage crews)
(b) Fewer delays caused by full overhead bins that necessitate last-minute scrambling to check bags or otherwise find a solution
(c) I doubt there would be any loss of revenue whatsoever because I imagine it is extraordinarily rare for someone to pay to check a bag that is eligible to be carried on.
For the record, I often check carry-on-eligible bags, because as an elite (and Delta Amex card holder), it's free . . . and mishandled baggage is a very, very rare phenomenon (my checked bags have not arrived with me only two times in 25 years of frequent flying). But no way would I ever pay to check a carry-on eligible bag.
1. Why is it that Delta, and most airlines, pour the soda into a cup instead of just handing out the whole can (without a cup)? I drink soda out of a can in my normal daily life; I can do it at 32,000 feet as well. I would imagine that the beverage service would go about 4 times faster if FAs simply walked down the aisle handing out cans of soda (or water bottles, juice, whatever). The "cost savings" of serving only a partial can is, I imagine, quite minimal given that volume discounts airlines must get on soda, and is counteracted by the cost of cups and ice. And, handing out whole cans would also enable beverage service on those short "up and down" flights that currently do not have sufficient time to do a beverage service in Y.
2. Why is it that Delta, and the other airlines, do not allow non-status passengers to check "carry on eligible" bags for free in the front of the airport (up to one per passenger)? The airlines allow - and in fact encourage - passengers to check bags at the gate, which is complimentary. Why not just allow passengers to check small bags out front? Benefits are as follows:
For passengers:
(a) No need to invest in trial-sized toothpaste, shave cream, and other liquid-ish toiletries
(b) Faster security screening for self and others
(c) Don't need to be in a big hurry to board (and play the game of lining up early) in order to secure overhead bin space
(d) It's just generally more pleasant to navigate airports without a bag in tow.
For airline:
(a) No hassle of dealing with gate-checked bags (makes life easier for gate agents as well as baggage crews)
(b) Fewer delays caused by full overhead bins that necessitate last-minute scrambling to check bags or otherwise find a solution
(c) I doubt there would be any loss of revenue whatsoever because I imagine it is extraordinarily rare for someone to pay to check a bag that is eligible to be carried on.
For the record, I often check carry-on-eligible bags, because as an elite (and Delta Amex card holder), it's free . . . and mishandled baggage is a very, very rare phenomenon (my checked bags have not arrived with me only two times in 25 years of frequent flying). But no way would I ever pay to check a carry-on eligible bag.
Jan 31, 2019, 2:59 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2009
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Many passengers would still want a glass and ice, even if given a full can - so the current method reduces consumption overall. It’s probably as much about weight as it is cost of the beverages provided.
Other considerations could include the inability to provide all beverages in their original container (as some are stocked in bulk), and a desire to be consistent with how beverages are served to all passengers; the need for a vessel to mix sodas with alcohol for passengers interested; and the major mess and hassle of disposing of a bag full of half-drunk soda cans at the end of the flight.
I don’t think I’ve ever been denied when asking politely for a full can on Delta - just request it and they’re usually happy to oblige, if not during the service certainly immediately afterwards. (American, now that’s a different story. I’m apparently no George Clooney... but I already knew that.)
Other considerations could include the inability to provide all beverages in their original container (as some are stocked in bulk), and a desire to be consistent with how beverages are served to all passengers; the need for a vessel to mix sodas with alcohol for passengers interested; and the major mess and hassle of disposing of a bag full of half-drunk soda cans at the end of the flight.
I don’t think I’ve ever been denied when asking politely for a full can on Delta - just request it and they’re usually happy to oblige, if not during the service certainly immediately afterwards. (American, now that’s a different story. I’m apparently no George Clooney... but I already knew that.)
Jan 31, 2019, 2:59 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2007
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As far as the cans go, have you ever seen the crap that can get on the lid of a soda can? It can be quite unsanitary. There are horror stories of rat feces, etc., and the airlines are trying to hedge against that.
Jan 31, 2019, 3:01 pm
#4
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For #2 , a surprising amount of baggage fee revenue is driven by overhead bin anxiety among the general public. Even though we, as frequent travelers, know that gate checking is usually permitted for free and even encouraged - the general passenger worries about finding space, and is willing to pay for the peace of mind of not fighting for it. I agree boarding would be more expedient, as it is on international flights where a checked bag is included... but the fee revenue wins out for the foreseeable future.
Jan 31, 2019, 3:01 pm
#5
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As to your second point, $$$. They only do the complimentary gate check when it is convenient for them (e.g. when the overhead bins are going to be full).
Jan 31, 2019, 3:02 pm
#6
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While I agree, I’m not sure this is a pro for the current system, as the flight attendant usually unceremoniously opens the can, dumping whatever’s on the tab into the drink. I’ve seen some be conscientious about wiping them off, but... not all.
Jan 31, 2019, 3:09 pm
#7
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Have you asked for the can and was denied?
I agree that Delta's baggage ops is pretty fantastic and the bonus if bags are late is nice when there is a delay.
And if there was a perfect solution to carry-ons, every airline would be doing it the same way. I would love to know the cost of delivering a bag to its destination if checked at front counter vs checking at gate. When Ed was on CNBC back in December, he was asked about the cost to check a bag and Ed didn't know that exact number.
That part is at 6:20 https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/12/1...d-bastian.html
Also Delta's credit card revenue is growing nicely and is a very high margin part of their business, so if they can push people to get a DL credit card and get free checked bags, that might be the solution they want to pursue most.
I agree that Delta's baggage ops is pretty fantastic and the bonus if bags are late is nice when there is a delay.
And if there was a perfect solution to carry-ons, every airline would be doing it the same way. I would love to know the cost of delivering a bag to its destination if checked at front counter vs checking at gate. When Ed was on CNBC back in December, he was asked about the cost to check a bag and Ed didn't know that exact number.
That part is at 6:20 https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/12/1...d-bastian.html
Also Delta's credit card revenue is growing nicely and is a very high margin part of their business, so if they can push people to get a DL credit card and get free checked bags, that might be the solution they want to pursue most.
Jan 31, 2019, 3:16 pm
#8
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Jan 31, 2019, 3:21 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2017
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This
And this
Also re cans....
There have been so many frills removed from air travel, let me have my cup and ice. I dread the ambiance of the flight attendants walking down the aisle chucking cans of soda at us like at a ball game. If I want that kind of service I will fly Southwest (they basically do that with the snacks).
I do agree about the cans being dirty, plus pouring soda into a cup, especially with ice, reduces the carbonation, which I much prefer than drinking from the can or bottle.
Don't get me wrong I am not above drinking from the can, but given the choice I prefer not.
Also re cans....
There have been so many frills removed from air travel, let me have my cup and ice. I dread the ambiance of the flight attendants walking down the aisle chucking cans of soda at us like at a ball game. If I want that kind of service I will fly Southwest (they basically do that with the snacks).
I do agree about the cans being dirty, plus pouring soda into a cup, especially with ice, reduces the carbonation, which I much prefer than drinking from the can or bottle.
Don't get me wrong I am not above drinking from the can, but given the choice I prefer not.
Jan 31, 2019, 3:40 pm
#10
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Yeah. I am not saying it is effective, but it may be perceived as more hygienic. Plus, there is also the $$$ - they would serve roughly twice as many sodas if they 'canned' all the pax.
Jan 31, 2019, 3:40 pm
#11
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I think $$ is the simple answer to both your questions.
More complimentary drinks = more $$
More cans on board = more weight = more $$
Adding bev service on shorter flights = more $$
I understand being annoyed by this but surely you understand your request would cost more. As the cans aren't always cold enough, and not everyone wants to drink out of a can, I don't forsee significant savings on cups or ice.
The size of airlines makes even small cost differences significant. Lets say each can now serves 2-3 people. You want it to serve 1. Since some may go half used, lets just round down to 2. Delta flies 180 million passengers a year. If half of them have just one soft drink, that's 90 million cans vs. 45 million cans. Even if the cans cost 20 cents apiece to Delta, that's VERY conservatively $9 million a year you want Delta to spend. 'Quite minimal' indeed.
As for baggage, it would mean those paying for checked baggage for reasons beyond size (liquids, firearms, etc) would get that for free. It would mean having to check sizing to decide if a checked bag is free or not. It would create more work for the GA and baggage agents. That all costs DL revenue.
More complimentary drinks = more $$
More cans on board = more weight = more $$
Adding bev service on shorter flights = more $$
I understand being annoyed by this but surely you understand your request would cost more. As the cans aren't always cold enough, and not everyone wants to drink out of a can, I don't forsee significant savings on cups or ice.
The size of airlines makes even small cost differences significant. Lets say each can now serves 2-3 people. You want it to serve 1. Since some may go half used, lets just round down to 2. Delta flies 180 million passengers a year. If half of them have just one soft drink, that's 90 million cans vs. 45 million cans. Even if the cans cost 20 cents apiece to Delta, that's VERY conservatively $9 million a year you want Delta to spend. 'Quite minimal' indeed.
As for baggage, it would mean those paying for checked baggage for reasons beyond size (liquids, firearms, etc) would get that for free. It would mean having to check sizing to decide if a checked bag is free or not. It would create more work for the GA and baggage agents. That all costs DL revenue.
Last edited by CPMaverick; Jan 31, 2019 at 3:51 pm
Jan 31, 2019, 3:42 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Jan 31, 2019, 3:44 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2008
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This
And this
Also re cans....
There have been so many frills removed from air travel, let me have my cup and ice. I dread the ambiance of the flight attendants walking down the aisle chucking cans of soda at us like at a ball game. If I want that kind of service I will fly Southwest (they basically do that with the snacks).
I do agree about the cans being dirty, plus pouring soda into a cup, especially with ice, reduces the carbonation, which I much prefer than drinking from the can or bottle.
Don't get me wrong I am not above drinking from the can, but given the choice I prefer not.
And this
Also re cans....
There have been so many frills removed from air travel, let me have my cup and ice. I dread the ambiance of the flight attendants walking down the aisle chucking cans of soda at us like at a ball game. If I want that kind of service I will fly Southwest (they basically do that with the snacks).
I do agree about the cans being dirty, plus pouring soda into a cup, especially with ice, reduces the carbonation, which I much prefer than drinking from the can or bottle.
Don't get me wrong I am not above drinking from the can, but given the choice I prefer not.
Jan 31, 2019, 4:08 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 597
Delta does not have to use 12oz cans, they could hand out 8oz cans. Also, when the flight attendants open a can to pour it, they don't wipe it down, so anything unsanitary on the top of the can is going into your drink.
Regarding bags, I only check them on international flights. I just hate waiting at the destination for bags to come out. However, if a short connection and I'm in the exit row instead of up front, I'll often gate check my bag. I've never been told no.
Regarding bags, I only check them on international flights. I just hate waiting at the destination for bags to come out. However, if a short connection and I'm in the exit row instead of up front, I'll often gate check my bag. I've never been told no.