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Last night I posted a copy of the instruction sheet that Delta has sent out to FAs, that is Flight Attendants. I said there is really nothing to say, but I take that back as there is LOTS to say now that I am fully awake. Let’s look at why.
First off, it is really good Delta did something to let FAs know what they are to do. After all, training had been, up to this point, nothing but the same info we all have about the upcoming PR sheet of what will happen. This is at least something with info for them to look at and understand.
Also we have some PROs and CONs that we have wondered about answered. They are:
PROs
C+ gets SKY boarding zone before Zone 1
If no overhead they are to find space for you (somewhere)
$2.00 earphones are free (as well as Delta Studio)
FL or Flight Leader will come from 1st class to get you round 2 etc.
ALL FAs are to “monitor” C+ seats sorta like 1st class
There will be fruit in the basket not just junk food
CONs
The “dedicated” overhead space was not true i.e. no policing space
No extra cart for C+ just part of MC or main cabin service
So as you can see we are talking a bunch more PROs than CONs. Delta is clearly trying to, as I have speculated, make up for the lack of 1st class upgrades as with the full push to sell every single 1st class seat up to boarding time there will be a bunch more of us in C+.
Now the really funny stuff. Did you peek at the “Tips & Tricks” section (what a name btw). Here are the ones that just had me roaring:
- “Use good body mechanics when serving the snack basket” and the line that follows. I mean seriously. Do FAs really need to be instructed by some suit at the mothership how to hold and pass a basket of goodies? I really must stop typing now before I get into trouble.
- “Hold the end of the basket containing fruit closest to your body”! No, I just cannot comment on this one either but oh my is it funny.
- “Provide napkins in the snack basket”. Giggle. Have you ever NOT had an FA give you napkins? This needs to be told to them? Sigh.
The last bit of info that is often asked about is can you pick more than one item (same goes for 1st class). Even Delta says yes and they will restock from 1st class and should try to bring back for another pass. This is good. Maybe I can ask for a salted caramel from the 1st class one later on in the flight with my Woodford! 😉
Other interesting info. I have also learned that Diamonds will board with 1st class as of 1MARCH. So these, plus SKY all will be on-board before Delta AMEX card holders get to board in ZONE 1 with Silver Medallions. If you see ZONE 2 on your boarding pass, expect there to be ZERO overhead space on most flights.
I still think the first week or so of this new service will be a learning curve for FAs. I do like that they are starting this roll-out early a.k.a. already today so be sure if you are flying to comment how it goes and if they saw this memo! – René
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So, I’m Silver Medallion, TSA Pre-check and have a Platinum SkyMiles Amex. When do I board? Also, will I still be able to do a complimentary upgrade to C+ if available when I check in online? And really, no Brownie Bites?
@Kimberly – Zone 1 unless you do get the C+ upgrade / seat choice at the 24h mark. If you get that then SKY.
@rene, thank you for the clarification. Now…about the brownie bites…
Seriously, I’m flying SFO-JFK-SFO in a couple of weeks so it should be more interesting than usual.
René, have you seen that SM and GM now get C+ for free on international flights? At their same respective 24/72 hour windows of course. That’s better than the discount they used to get.
@Adam – Yep was announced back when they took away GM free choice to domestic C+ http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/08/delta-re-brands-seat-names-adds-perks-downgrades-gold-medallions/
You’re majoring in minors on this one.
@Scott – Maybe to you but to me DM boarding with 1st class is HUGE new perk as well as C+ with SKY. The rest are also important as per my recent poll over 50% of Delta Points readers are DM & PM and will often be in these seats due to FCM! 😉
Rene
The key to the boarding order is the gate person enforcing the order. The zone lines some other airlines use would reduce the chaos IMHO.
@John – Agree!
We are headed out on March 5th, so anxious to check out how smooth this all goes (plus of course, have my usual conversations with the FA’s on the new procedures and how they see it from their perspective.)
Will also follow-up with a same-day RT on St. Patrick’s Day to further follow-up on the progress.
I am much less concerned about the ‘Cons’ on this ‘enhancement’ (I never expected FA’s to become the Bin Police. I like that the FL will now assist with follow-up service for the Comfort+ seats.
I do wish, however, there was a snack basket offering even if there is a snack/meal served to Comfort+ passengers; it’s a nice follow-up.
@Kimberly – As far as the “brownie bites,” they are no longer offered in the snack baskets.
All I can say is that I think this whole thing is going to be a mess. The FA’s are going to have a hard time adapting to all the C+ patrons who want business class treatment. Personally, I’m going to order my 2 drinks on the first pass and watch the fracas begin!
“What do you mean you’re out of bananas???”
“Hey that coach person put their bag in my bin!!” LOL!..
My bet is they run out of booze within 700 miles. Here comes the fun!
They served brownie bites in the snack baskets on Wednesday nibght from EWR to DTW.
Well this is bad news for me. The only thing I found of value in the C+ offering was the dedicated overhead bin space. I have back problems and I’d love to not have to sit on the plane for 30-40 minutes just to make sure there’s room for my carry-on in the overhead bin. And I don’t want to have to go to the back of the plane to grab my carry-on after we land.
I’m probably the only one but I’d prefer Dedicated Overhead Bin Space *over* Free Alcohol.
Aaron – I am with you. Space over booze.
I don’t drink and I don’t ever bring a bag on board that doesn’t fit under my seatso I don’t mind being last on board. What I want to watch is the FA bring the basket to C+ and watch the person in the first row after c+ asking why he isn’t offered the same thing as the row in front of him. I remember when they first instituted the economy comfort seats and someone tried to sit in one they hadn’t paid for. The flight attendant could not have been nastier and there were lots of folks offended when they made the announcement that you better not dare sit in one unless you paid.
So just returned from my last flight as a GM for a bit from STT TO PWM. Happy to say I got gate upgrades on both flights. Here is the interesting part. On the hop to PWM (virgin atlantic operation) the FAs were discussing what a hassle it will now be for them to do thw basket and multiple trips with drinks. The non-Flightlead FA pointed out to rhe rest that the instructions say ‘time permitting’ so they always have an out. Will be interesting to see how diligent they are in the 2nd pass.
Hi Rene,
Traveling now…..in air Love my GoGo…..
New baskets today on all 3 flights. Interesting though, no fruit. Also as you mentioned, no FA is paying attention to overhead bins.
Really no surprise here…….
@Adam: “Free” seats in Economy plus 72 hours out only does you good if there are seats available. And if you’re traveling with someone, the trick will be trying to find seats next to each other.
As a DM who gifted GM to my wife, this change really stinks.
Chaos reigns. Gate agents confused about boarding, resulting in unseemly and unsightly business class “gate lice” before boarding JFK-PHX on Friday. “Prem” and “SKY” put into same line, resulting in much jockeying for position. Did not UG for SLC-JFK on return. My, those C+ seats are UNCOMFORTABLE for long flts, despite the legroom). Snack basket did have bananas, but not held toward body (haha). Overall a decidedly unpleasant experience.