cmd320

I don't disagree, but maybe at this point it has to become a big enough problem before Delta actually does anything about it. Of course, if the phone lines indication we may be waiting for quite a while...

mkstewartesq

Thanks for the suggestion. Actually, I have filed a complaint with both Delta and Amex. While I am not a Medallion, I do pay extra for Comfort+ for the early boarding and dedicated bin space, and I also pay the $250 annual fee for the Delta Platinum Amex (in part) for the published early boarding benefit when I buy Main Cabin. So I've effectively paid for the early boarding benefit two different ways (once to Delta as part of the C+ fare and once to Amex with the card fee) but won't get it under either, nor does it seem likely that FAs will protect the dedicated bin space advertised and paid for.

Amex was polite but only said they'd pass the complaint up the ladder (I suspect this will be a black hole until enough complain for someone to notice). I requested a response from DL but expect a canned reply to the effect that "the COVID crisis continues" (which is true, but doesn't make much sense when they feel that filling every seat on a 5-hour transcon is now "safe enough" but altering the boarding process to honor paid-for benefits isn't).

M

xiphoid76

On my flight from MSP to ATL today they boarded the old fashioned way in the beginning. Extra time, followed by first class and Diamonds, then comfort plus. Then they went back to front in main cabin. Almost a full flight on the Airbus a330. Get almost like a normal Monday morning!! Now delayed in ATL with thunderstorms- actually a very typical Monday!

MCO Flyer

Boarding is very inconsistent right now. Some flights they board like you describe, others it’s just First Class and Diamonds, and on some flights, I’ve seen them do back-to-front only with no priority “zone” for FC or DMs.

parzivalmx

Two flights yesterday C+, boarding was as regular old fashion way.
MEX-SLC
SLC-SAN Complete full flight. took forever to board everyone.

mkstewartesq

Well, I got a response from Delta. I have to give them credit - the response came within a couple of hours, even though the auto reply confirmation I received said it would more likely be 14 to 21 days before I got a response. In any event, here is the response I got:

“Thank you for contacting us about the boarding process now that we have opened up the middle seat on our aircraft. We continue to leverage trusted experts to help us make informed decisions on changes to the travel experience.

At this time boarding will continue to board from back to front with those customers seated at the back of the aircraft boarding first. This will only be a temporary process as we work to getting back to our normal boarding process. These processes are changing as the experts determine the risk of COVID transmission is lessened. To make sure that our standards are constantly met we've placed over 100 Global Clean Specialists into position to ensure we are always effective. I have forwarded your comments to our Safety and Global Cleanliness leadership team for internal review.

As a SkyMiles member, your loyalty is important to us. We appreciate your valuable feedback and look forward to exceeding your expectations the next time you travel.”

MasterPengs

It may have been a fluke, but my last flight they called D1/First Class/Diamond/PM together (BOS - ATL)

defrosted

I know this isn't right, and I agree with much of the sentiment here, but at this point I have resigned to accept whatever comes for the next 3 to 6 months in terms of policies like this.

Delta lost what a billion dollars in Q1? Again I hate to be an apologist but billion with a B. I will cut them some slack on boarding. Besides anyone with the board first perk also likely doesn't pay for checked bags, as mentioned earlier just check the bag and get on the plane last, or board last and have them gate check it if no room. Seems considerably less stress, sometimes we create our own stress maybe see if there is anything you can do to reduce the stress, even if it isn't the "way it ought to be".

(Totally get there are some cases you can't check the bag - don't troll me on 2% exceptions to generalized 98% of situations )

There is very little back to normal right now and nobody can even agree what normal even is at this point. I have no doubt Delta will get back to their normal boarding process soon. And if there were a list of things I wish they would get back to normal, boarding process is awfully low on that list. My point is if triage for them means bring back coke and ice on the plane vs boarding. I'll take the coke and ice!

mkstewartesq

I respect your opinion, I really do, and I also think I agree with your general thesis that, in the grand scheme of things, boarding order is not the most pressing concern.

But I really don’t get these references to how much money Delta lost last quarter or prioritizing between bringing back early boarding and restoring drink options. It costs them absolutely nothing to restore the old boarding system, and they save no money by not doing it. On the other hand, those of us who have paid for it based on published statements that it is a benefit of the fare or card we purchased – with no notation since then the benefit has been curtailed - are the ones who are paying for this, not Delta. So not restoring early boarding can’t be justified, in my mind by citing to how much money Delta lost last year, nor can it be treated as a trade off against bringing back some other amenity that does cost Delta money.

Sorry, I just don’t get how Delta’s loss of money impacts them bringing back a benefit that doesn’t cost them anything and, in fact, has already been paid for by the passenger. In fact, it appears that not bringing the benefit back may prove to be more costly to them in the long run, as they are angering a lot of people who rightfully believe that they are not getting an advertised benefit that they paid for.

dw

The current revenue situation does explain (but perhaps does not justify?) the current catering in F… but what is the cost to DL to revert to the pre-pandemic boarding order?

DCAproducer

Delta’s inability to turn a profit has no bearing on boarding. And prior to COVID, Medallions had faced years of Delta cutting benefits and monetizing things such as C+, FCM and boarding priority. DL is still charging people an up charge for C+ and F, but not providing the advertised priority boarding. Amex is charging for DL branded credit cards that use priority boarding as a published perk.

And I’m part of that 2% who can’t check some of my baggage. I use all three of my checked bag slots, but always have a carry on that must come on board. Literally required by DL and the FAA. (Large lithium batteries) If I’m in C+ or F, and DL charged a premium for those seats, they have an obligation to secure overhead bin space or allow early boarding.

Also, AA lost a ton of money as well, but they’re back to boarding groups.

defrosted

I just imagine they have limited resources to implement change, and an organization their size doesn't change quickly and without a bunch of work. Easy to say just go back to it, but you have to do all the customer facing announcements (media/social media), internal memos, re training ect. I don't know any of this first hand but I imagine these type of changes (regardless of cost) are all on a list and they are working down the list.

I completely understand and agree that the actual change itself doesn't cost anything. I was just thinking they can only make so many changes at once, and that change itself costs both money and time to make, both of which they have in limited supply right now.

I would rather them spend time and resources (both monetary and management focus) on things like on board service and maybe resolving crazy hold times.

defrosted

If boarding groups are more important then book with AA. I am not trying to be flippant, but like always if you like how the competition is dealing with this better vote with your wallet.

bcj1949

Boy I have...dropped my Delta Reserve Card today.....Delta has collapsed it's # spot in my opinion.....dumped the stock too.....

MCO Flyer

The only resource needed to make this change is a company internal e-mail sent out to tell GAs to return to the old boarding process. It cost DL $0 to change the boarding process as the old zones still print out on everyones boarding pass.