Dedicated D1/DM Check-in at SEA. Elsewhere?
Aug 16, 2021, 10:32 pm
#16
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: USA - Seattle area
Programs: DL Platinum, "alum" of high status with UA but not any more
Posts: 532
When I use the Microsoft check-in when traveling for personal purposes, I proactively pull out and present my Microsoft ID card as I approach the counter. This saves the gate agent the somewhat uncomfortable duty of asking me for it, and spares me from the uncomfortable position of being questioned.
FYI Microsoft employees cannot ordinarily book personal travel using the company's travel portal.
FYI Microsoft employees cannot ordinarily book personal travel using the company's travel portal.
Aug 17, 2021, 8:29 am
#17
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mostly living in the basement
Programs: Newly minted free agent; MR LT(!)TE, HH SE, BA SECM, DL MM, UA PS, 2V Fanboi, CBP GE
Posts: 5,108
Having a "dedicated" D1 check-in counter at the D1 "outstations" (SEA, SAN, etc) is a low cost way to improve the product given that probably only a small number of locations (LAX, JFK) would have the volume to justify dedicated facilities. The D1 agent can process SP check-ins when there are no D1 customers. This should be part of the product offering, along with SkyClub access, etc.
Aug 17, 2021, 9:22 am
#18
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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I'd argue that DMs should be able to use the D1 check in counter when flying domestic FC since D1 is not offered on such flights. On long haul flights, if D1 was offered but the DM did not choose a D1 ticket, they can use the regular SkyPriority line.
Aug 17, 2021, 10:11 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
To be honest, I’m surprised they haven’t started an on-demand passenger airline yet out of Seattle Boeing Field yet. I feel like they could pull something like that off with their tech savvy millennial hipster crowd.
Aug 17, 2021, 10:24 am
#20
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
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Posts: 3,947
I'm not sure "condition" is the right way to characterize it, but I think it's an incentive they offered, though, for sure. Delta has offered all sorts of perks to both companies to win over their Seattle business besides these checkin desks; one of the most visible externally was Delta's early bet on Windows Phone for in-flight service phones.
Aug 17, 2021, 10:37 am
#21
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I'm not sure "condition" is the right way to characterize it, but I think it's an incentive they offered, though, for sure. Delta has offered all sorts of perks to both companies to win over their Seattle business besides these checkin desks; one of the most visible externally was Delta's early bet on Windows Phone for in-flight service phones.
I'm surprised that Boeing doesn't get the special check in desk privilege at SEA too.
Aug 17, 2021, 11:06 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
I'm not seeing the connection between "might buy D1 if offered" and "DMs"
Aug 17, 2021, 11:42 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SLC
Programs: DL DM 1MM, UA 1K, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 32
Where was this D1/DM area set up? The desks between doors 13 and 15 marked for AF and KE are also sometimes used as overflow for Sky Priority or as AMZN/MSFT desks, so I suspect those are where they were...but it wouldn't be a complete surprise if they repurposed the Sky Priority desks over by door 17 instead.
SEA airport map of DL checkin desk area
SEA airport map of DL checkin desk area
The Korean / Air France areas which as you point out have been used as SkyPriority, MSFT/AMZN employee check-in in the past were not staffed or signed.
Aug 17, 2021, 6:27 pm
#24
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
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Posts: 3,947
From SEA, what alternatives do these companies have for business travel? They need a big route network, including international flights, albeit perhaps more so for MSFT than AMZN. AS isn't going to work and UA or AA will involve connections through (at least) one of their hubs for most destinations.
I'm surprised that Boeing doesn't get the special check in desk privilege at SEA too.
I'm surprised that Boeing doesn't get the special check in desk privilege at SEA too.
Aug 17, 2021, 9:17 pm
#25
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PP, DL PM
Posts: 2,086
I believe Alaska has a deep partnership with both companies, and many travelers at both companies prefer them. Their OneWorld partners (AA, BA and JL) provide substantial international connectivity. I don't think "AS isn't going to work" is accurate at all - I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that both companies spend more with AS and their partners than with DL.
JetBlue has said in their earnings call that they saw a significant boost in revenue once they could sell to AA's corporate customers. I would bet AS+AA have had some success at corporate sales in SEA. Don't forget QR now flies to SEA too.
Aug 18, 2021, 10:25 am
#27
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. / Washington, DC
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Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they start a Prime Air charter between SEA/BFI/PAE and DCA once HQ2 opens.