A Big Week for SkyTeam
 

The big day is almost here. NW, CO, and KLM are about to officially join ST. But except for all the bad news about Alitalia and Delta, nothing about this event seems to be publicized. I would think there would already be some hype and fanfare regarding the expanded ST, and the great travel opportunities that will be provided.

If NW, CO, and KLM officially join ST next week, and if the week comes and goes and this milestone is generally unnoticed, it would just reinforce the sad shape of much of the airline industry.

It is official :

http://new.stockwatch.com/swnet/news...le=Continental,

Webcast at 11.15 EDT

http://www.firstcallevents.com/servi...55707gf12.html

See also http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=354540

Maybe it is just that not everyone is as passionate about global airline alliances as we FT people are, so it is hard to make headlines in the mass media.

Not being publicized seems to be a major understatement.

As of 00:30 this morning (EST time), the Delta Customer Service rep in LA who handles partner flights was pretty much unaware of it. When I mentioned it to her she said, "Oh, yes. I think I got an e-mail about it a couple of hours ago" and then went to read the e-mail while I hung on the line.

As of 3 am this morning (again, EST time) the person I spoke with at the Delta City Office in Tel Aviv argued that while Continental is a partner airline, it is not part of SkyTeam. When I informed him that as of today it is, he told me that TLV had not been informed. :)

Perhaps TLV has somehow been distracted the past few days? ;)

I hope they are not still distracted by the holidays on Monday. I am going there to get re-ticketed and as I am certain they still won't believe that Continental is part of SkyTeam I am bring along a copy of the e-mail the CSR sent me confirming my new itinerary.

I too was amazed at how little attention was paid to the "big day." I flew DL on the day when CO, NW, and KL joined SkyTeam and nothing was said aboard the flights. I've also been looking for some good deals, as I have two more tickets to buy before years end, and again ... NOTHING! How sad!

GRS reference for Skyteam is G*13313 - that should help if they are still in doubt.