A couple of our posts earned significant attention from people we deduce are Delta employees — or other airline employees.
Last week, René wrote a great post called “Possible Unintended Consequences of Delta Flight Attendants Getting Paid During Boarding Time.” He talked about Delta’s recent decision to pay flight attendants for the time spent while passengers board their planes. From a Medallion status holder standpoint, he addressed upgrades and pre-departure beverages.
Another post discussed non-revenue passengers (i.e., airline employees, their families, etc.) sitting in premium cabins when using their flight benefits. A reader flying an international trip on Delta wondered who all the standby passengers were that received Delta One seat assignments. After all, those seats aren’t available for complimentary upgrades (unless using Global Upgrade Certificates).
In that post, I recalled a trip during which a friend and I traveled from London Heathrow to Portland and sat in Comfort+. I asked one of the flight attendants if there were any empty Delta One seats — and, if so, what the chances were a Diamond Medallion (me) and his friend could sit in them once the door closed. She graciously played along and informed us that non-revs would occupy the unsold Delta One seats. Great. At least someone got to enjoy them! End of story.
(In the next paragraph, I wrote the flippant remark, “Who’s more deserving of Delta One upgrades: paying passengers or non-revs?” I’m sorry and appreciate the insight several people shared.)
People weighed in on both posts. And we love it when people respectfully contribute to the Comments sections and add their perspectives.
But both posts drew some passionate comments about elite status holders.
”You…Entitled Jags”
Here are some of the more memorable comments we received.
Someone by the name of “Anti-Entitled jags” said,
Interesting how you end with your snarky comment questioning whether or not employees of their own company deserve a perk of working for said company. I’d ask how many of your diamond and platinums have your status thanks to your company paying for your ticket (or reimbursing you) and allowing you to keep your miles. That’s the perk of your job, like getting a D1 seat that hasn’t been paid for is a perk of their job. You want that perk, go work for an airline and stop looking down on people who think are “less than” you. you guys are such entitled jags.
EntitledSOBs told us:
The entitlement I’m reading here is truly appalling lol. Bitching about free upgrades? Woof. No wonder this country is in the [toilet].
Someone using that same email address posed as “DumDumbPassengers” said:
I honestly wonder what goes through the general public’s head when I see [stuff] like this… that’s the dumbest take. And you know, when an aircraft is at the gate, it doesn’t mean that the crew is on it…you know that, right? Or do you think the crew just lives, breathes, eats and [poops] on the plane 24/7?
J opined,
How about worry about your own seat, mind your business, and enjoy your flight! Platinum Stallion Medallion Scallion status means nothing in real life! Get over yourself.
John cautioned,
I would consider if I were you not letting everyone on a flight know you are a medallion member because at the end of the day nobody really cares…
Derrik Johnson said,
None of you know anything. So much false information being spread.
Unfortunately, Derrik didn’t tell us which alleged false information is being spread.
Paco is buying the next round.
Non revs deserved you cry baby medallion holder. Next time I’ll make sure to send you drink from delta one
Virginia W (a former F/A) helpfully explained how flight benefits work — then offered this parting message:
I’m sorry if it angered you to see me — an undeserving peasant — sitting a seat that otherwise would have been empty.
Tj tell us:
Most medallion flyers are so insufferable.
Paul said,
You people are something else. I’ve seen some fits thrown when you don’t get your upgrade – something you haven’t even paid for. And… y’all stand right at that gate like you’re waiting to be fed.
We also received plenty of direct messages on social media and emails. To be fair, several other commenters said they work for Delta and appreciate Medallion members.
Please Tell Us: How Can Elite Flyers Be Better?
In the genuine interest of making travel a more pleasant experience for passengers and airline employees, I’d love to know what is so horrible about elite status holders.
For real. I’m not being snarky or challenging anyone to an argument.
Maybe some people annoy flight attendants or gate agents — but honestly don’t realize it. Their behavior and actions need to be pointed out.
Sure, some jerks think they’re better than everyone else. But that’s not limited to frequent flyers; we find them in everyday life. So, not everyone can necessarily be “cured.”
But would you please share some examples of specific behavior or actions of elite status members that indeed are problematic?
Calling people names and saying stuff like, “You’re all entitled brats who don’t pay for anything,” isn’t helpful. But offering something along the lines of, “I wish elites would realize…” could be.
I hope some airline employees share constructive criticism or suggestions — and readers take those comments to heart.
Please share in the Comments section below.
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
The problem? Putting a flight attendant in the awkward position of breaking company policy by requesting to be upgraded to Delta One without the proper certificate. It wouldn’t be worth risking my job or disciplinary action. Not to mention that you may not be the only Medallion member making the request. Who would go first? And multiple requests take away from the time the FA could be tending to other passengers.
But bottom line, if they give away Delta One who would pay for it?
Suggestion – follow the rules.
I am a lowly Silver Medallion member. I have never been high enough on the Upgrade List to score a seat in 1st Class or Comfort Plus, but knowing how the upgrades are processed, I have no expectation of ever receiving one. My status does give me preferred seating in the Main cabin and, with airfares so high, I really appreciate the perk. In reality, there are less obnoxious people among Medallion members than there are in the general public. If fact, some of them are more considerate than you think. Last year, I purchased a one-way, first-class ticket to Hawaii on Delta. I carefully selected two seats together for my husband and me. It was not a Delta One, but when we boarded the plane, we discovered otherwise. Another passenger kindly offered to change seats with me so I could sit next to my husband. She told us she was a Medallion member with an upgrade, so it didn’t matter where she sat.
In general, many “elites” need to realize that they are “elite” due to gimmicks (like status runs), promotions, other people’s money (corporate travel) or through purchase (credit cards) as opposed to demonstrating any real “loyalty” or even generating profit for the airline and hotel. As such, adjust expectations regarding “benefits” you feel “entitled” to. Understand that humans are involved, it is difficult to run a travel company today, and that things like suite upgrades or pre departure beverages aren’t guaranteed. Importantly, expect/insist on the services that you actually PAY for, not the ones you expect to be upgraded to.
– “Elite” traveler in many programs
@Anthony – Selling miles to credit card programs are MASSIVE money makers (see quarterly reports) for the airlines. I would argue, and the airlines seem to agree, you are more loyal earning via their card programs than buying a ticket and flying.
You are absolutely correct, Rene. I pay a large annual fee for a Delta Platinum Am-Ex and could never have reach Medallion status without it. I don’t fly often enough, but with the Am-Ex acceleration benefit, we made enough purchases on the card to qualify.
Can’t believe there is all this drama over a sub par product like Delta one? I used to be a Delta loyalist, and then years back I made the “mistake” of flying Qatar J internationally. Have never looked back. Since then I have experienced Turkish, the ME3 and several Asian airlines. The customer service and hard product quite frankly embarrass Delta.
70% of the time with Delta on international D1 were geriatric, surly flight attendants that acted as if you should be happy they speak to you, bring you a beverage(and holy cow do not push the call button).
You guys continue fighting over D1 upgrades. I will take the Qsuites thank you.
You are what the world doesn’t need. Another complaining, self righteous, entitled person that just doesn’t get it. Go fly a government funded airline. Who cares?
First, you need to look up the definitions for self righteous and entitled, since clearly you do not have a firm grasp on their meanings. Second, do a little research on how much money the US airlines have taken from Uncle Sam. Once you have completed these tasks, you may return here and apologize.
You sound exactly like those surly flight attendants I was speaking about.
Elite flyers have earned their status according to the airlines rules which are set to recognize those who bring value. Airlines place value on their premium seats, particularly on international routes and would rather fly them empty than dilute the product, price and service of the premium cabin.
The same airlines who value their employees will place those employees in premium seats that would otherwise go empty because not enough people are willing to pay for them. Employees are mostly told to be not seen or heard, so as not to interfere with with service for the paid customers.
Having been able to fly in premium cabins as both an “elite” flyer and a non revenue standby passenger, I can appreciate both sides.
I like my perks earned trough loyalty and my non revenue benefits, but also would never deny an opportunity for someone else to occupy the better seat if everyone is playing according to the same rules for each group. I dislike “shena” as much as anyone else.
The same jerks who would loud their “elite” status and demand recognition and benefits beyond what they have earned, do so in life. Jerks are jerks, doesn’t matter how they are dressed or titled.
Just came back from a RT 2 weeks from LA to Amsterdam. I’m a longtime Silver (once Gold when I was working and yes, much of that came from company miles when any medallion meant something) and my partner is a legit Platinum. No upgrades despite empty seats in Delta One. We flew “Business” “Comfort/Select/Plus or whatever they chose to call it. Horrible. The meals at the fast food in the airport were better! And on the return we got a late night “prison sandwich” (in the words of the attendant!) that was dry bread with no taste cheddar cheese on 1/2 on the bread. And this just after leaving Amsterdam where good cheese is abundant! The wine came from huge 2-3 liter bottles. Also on the return, I asked for bubbly wine and was rudely and disdainfully informed by the no-personality at all attendant that in Business “class” bubbly wine is not served. No biscotti’s or any cookies were ever offered on either flight and when I asked about nuts on the return I was also informed by the so rude, “who are you to ask?” attendant that nuts are “simply not available” to my cabin. I do have to say that on the return a veteran attendant (I recognize seniority) overheard my request and kindly slipped me a bottle of Delta One bubbly. I actually got more snack offers on the domestic return from DTW to LAX in Delta Comfort than on the “Business,” whatever they now call it, on both flights! Why even care about medallion? You get nothing for it.
An awful lot of complaints here by both sides…
Those who have status: check your privilege. It may not be specifically you, but understand that whatever “deservedness” one may sense from loyalty doesn’t truly exist – you’re still held to the same standards of respect, civility, and limitations of ability and kindness of the flight attendants. Say “please”, “thank you”, and be thankful you have the ability to fly in the first place.
Those who don’t have status: same as above. While you have either chosen to not obtain status or cannot afford status, you still are able to fly and are afforded the same respect and civility as those who have. And you are also held to the same standard of respect and civility – don’t try to take seats that aren’t yours or ask for more than what is provided simply because other appear to have more than you.
Again, those reading this may not be the true problem, but the feeling of a sense of deservedness, the feeling of needing to squeeze out as many extras as possible, and/or an overall sense of self-importance are likely the causes of stress and frustration amongst flight attendants as well as passengers, especially as many of us return to social settings after a terrible couple of years.
Everyone just wants an easy, safe flight – flight attendants are there to ensure that so long as everyone listens to them, including you. So, please do so.
Where is my pre-takeoff cocktail!?!?!?
Delta, why have you not restored the pre-takeoff drinks yet!? It’s long overdue.
A lot of salty people that have no status telling off the “elites”. Yes, my company pays for my flights. But they are PAID for. And a paying customer should get the priority of an upgrade over a non paying flier. I don’t spend 200 nights a year away from my family to be treated like someone that paid $50 for basic economy. There’s a reason why airlines have loyalty programs and they should be honored. That being said, I pretty much only fly Delta and 95% of the time, the crew is fantastic. If you treat them with courtesy, they’ll do the same for you.
These past few years have been tough for all of us. You saw, heard, or experienced the difficulty flight attendants and customer service agents had to deal with in regards to wearing masks. The anger, disrespect, and even violence was totally outrageous. Employees have to abide by state and federal rules and regulations whether we like or agree to it individually. We are dealing with hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers daily…all flying for different reasons and with different biasses, cultures, etc. We truly want you to have a great experience from start to finish. Do a little research and plan ahead. Factor in weather, time of day, summer and holidays as these are heavy times. Note that the traffic in some cities will be a lot different than in others. Please
know that we are doing our jobs to the best of our ability, often under stress and deress. We also have lost friends, family, and coworkers, in addition to getting sick ourselves. We all should be respectful, considerate, and understanding as we move through these unprecedented times.
Yesterday in D1 my seat mate asked about getting a PDB!! Told layer when in the air??!He turned to me and said when are they bringing it back ! I said was supposed to be back. But have not seen it recently !
It’s hit or miss.