Is it causing a decline in Delta ticket sales?

[Skymeg]

I (along with my family) have almost always flown on Delta for travels. I now make all my reservations via the internet. However, occassionaly, I need to call Delta instead...for changes and answers to specific questions. I have called Delta to make changes a few times this year. Each time, I called expecting to engage in a friendly, professional, and clearly-spoken conversation with the ticket agent...as I have always experienced in the past. But instead, each time, I got a voice on the other end that made me think I had dialed the wrong number. Is this Delta Airlines?, I asked. And something (sounding mumbled) was said back to me. I thought I heard 'Delta' someplace in their words, but I wasn't sure. I just kept talking, giving them my confirmation number and politely stating that I needed to find out if the date on my ticket could be changed to another date. Something, again, was said back to me...I think I heard a 'yes' in there somewhere...so I kept talking. Eventually, I picked up on the person's accent some more and thought it might be someone of East Indian (politically correct phrase? If not, I apologize) descent. So, being the extremely patient and culturally accepting person that I am , I just kept my calm, patient-toned voice and took the extra 15 minutes or so it took to change my reservation and confirm that what the ticket agent was saying and what I was agreeing to were the same thing. Every time I call now it is the same way. And I will continue to fly Delta, despite the frustration that can occur when I call Delta. However, I have to wonder...is the use of employees with strong foreign accents as ticket agents hurting the success of Delta? And if Delta is hiring directly from places like India to save money, is it really going to save them money in the long run? I can imagine all of the not-so-patient people who have given up on trying to make a reservation because it takes too long...and very plainly, it is often times impossible to understand the ticket agents. The first time I experienced this, I thought the person on the other end was someone I had called in error and was playing a joke on me. It didn't sound like the professional Delta company I had always known. I can just imagine what it must be like for those who are elderly or otherwise somewhat hearing impaired. I am guessing that they give up and don't buy a Delta ticket. I realize that Delta is a worldwide carrier and what I am about to ask is fairly bold, but aren't there enough people in the States who speak English and need jobs who ould fill these positions? Please help me understand this. One more thing...you know how there are so many computer-voiced prompts on company voice message systems now...i.e. credit card phone lines...can't Delta make use of a system like that? For example, a computer voice says "if you need to change your reservation, please enter the date and time on the numeric keypad."

 

[flyboy06]

I heard last week that they may not be able to take Visa or Mastercard in the near future. What a great airline. Hmmmm I guess I'll have to use my Amex Delta gold card to buy tix.

 

[lifeguard]

I am pretty sure they have outsourced their call centers to India...along with lots of other companies. Sad, huh? lots of lost jobs here in the good old USA.

 

[Stealthh21]

I (along with my family) have almost always flown on Delta for travels.

Why would you do such a thing? Being a frequent flyer wont get you a job there. It has been a VERY long time since I had a good expierence with Delta. And, they don't very much care. If they did care, they would clean those airplanes sometimes, and paint them the same colors (what is with that?). And a treat their customers with some degree of respect. Oh well, the other legacy carriers are the same way.

whatever.

 

[TonyC]

If they did care, they would ... paint them the same colors (what is with that?).

...

whatever.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Before I board an airplane as a passenger, I always take the time to find a window so I can examine the paint job. I've found there is no better barometer of the quality of experience I'm about to have than the paint job. Every time I see a nice paint job, I make a point of complimenting everyone I see from the gate agent to the flight attendant. I'm always greeted with smiles, if not puzzled looks, and I'm treated well.

When I see a lousy paint job, I let everyone along the way know how disappointed I am to be riding on such a rotten-looking piece of aluminum. I get the same puzzled looks, but hardly ever a smile. Talk about grumpy people.


You should try this sometime. It's amazing how good of a predictor it is. Start off with a crummy paint job, and you'll get crummy service.

I think they fly slower, too.



whatever

 

[semperfido]

You should try this sometime. It's amazing how good of a predictor it is. Start off with a crummy paint job, and you'll get crummy service.

I think they fly slower, too.



whatever

does it work with box haulers as well?

 

[stonewall]

You usually have good posts, TonyC, but you're missing the point on this one (intentionally, I think). You're military...pride starts with how you look in many cases. I'm not arguing that it's better to look pretty than kill people (the dirtiest, ugliest airplanes I always see are Navy fighters!), but when you're providing customer service, looks and appearances matter. Whatever a civilian company can do to set the "pro" tone, they should do it. If that's a paint job, then paint it.

Of course, Delta does have more pressing concerns than paint....

 

[TonyC]

You usually have good posts, TonyC, but you're missing the point on this one (intentionally, I think). You're military...pride starts with how you look in many cases.

Maybe I missed your point. Maybe you missed my point. Unless you're the guy doing the external preflight, you'll enter the airplane through the jetway and you won't even SEE the paint.




.

 

[TonyC]

does it work with box haulers as well?

I've never traveled in a box, I wouldn't know.




.

 

[usav8r]

I've never traveled in a box, I wouldn't know.


.

That can be arranged........Just kidding but I couldn't resist! : )

 

[P3 Tweek]

USAF vs. USN/USMC

Delta! Well let's see. I've had so much fun through the years riding their wake turbulence while 2 dots above the GS on ILS approaches - more times than I can count. One time nearly inverted at 1000 AGL over ALTUR on the ILS26L at the old Stapleton Airport. My past aerobatic training in T-34B's has been very productive when flying behind DAL hardware. Love their attitude also. They're generally so nice and respectful to the former Western Airlines people and other pilots and crews.

I did ride on a `new' Delta 767-400 that was one of the most beautiful aircraft I've flown on. That was several years ago. I wonder if that same 767-400 has aged gracefully?

MAGNUM!, AF buddy. My hat is off, a gracious bow, and snappy salute goes to you guys flying the F-16's and F-15's over there...BUT you know those Navy/Marine FA-18's and F-14's take a hell of a beating out there in the salt spray and getting a `crud crew' corrosion control work over every 56 days.

Semper Fi!
P3 `Orion' Tweeker

 

[General Lee]

Why would you do such a thing? Being a frequent flyer wont get you a job there. It has been a VERY long time since I had a good expierence with Delta. And, they don't very much care. If they did care, they would clean those airplanes sometimes, and paint them the same colors (what is with that?). And a treat their customers with some degree of respect. Oh well, the other legacy carriers are the same way.

whatever.

Thanks jacka$$. We carry more people than most airlines, even though it isn't for a profit apparently. We have added new interiors and new bathrooms to many aircraft, (MD88s and 757s currently) and paint the planes as they come through maintenance. I bet you love dumping your Lear 60 lav-----do you do it with a smile? Our planes are very clean---because I watch the army of people coming on when I say goodbye to the passengers and they help turn the plane in 45-55 minutes. Not bad. But you could do it faster on your Lear 60.......Make sure you stock up on Cokes...


Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[General Lee]

I heard last week that they may not be able to take Visa or Mastercard in the near future. What a great airline. Hmmmm I guess I'll have to use my Amex Delta gold card to buy tix.

I think they are trying to work that out. Some of that ASA money may go to them, and some cash on hand. Also, I like that you have my joke as your quote at the bottom. Take care.


Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[flyboy06]

I think they are trying to work that out. Some of that ASA money may go to them, and some cash on hand. Also, I like that you have my joke as your quote at the bottom. Take care.


Bye Bye--General Lee

I hope so!! That should not have even made the news. What was Delta planning on doing if it wasn't fixed; pay at the door like a city bus? Whatever the case, they will find the money, an airline can't run (at least not for long) without the ability to take M/C or Visa.


Your joke was the best I've seen on this site.

 

[Stealthh21]

Thanks jacka$$. We carry more people than most airlines, even though it isn't for a profit apparently. We have added new interiors and new bathrooms to many aircraft, (MD88s and 757s currently) and paint the planes as they come through maintenance. I bet you love dumping your Lear 60 lav-----do you do it with a smile? Our planes are very clean---because I watch the army of people coming on when I say goodbye to the passengers and they help turn the plane in 45-55 minutes. Not bad. But you could do it faster on your Lear 60.......Make sure you stock up on Cokes...


Bye Bye--General Lee

I guess I wasn't referring to the interiors. And yes I do do it with a smile, cause 9 times out of 10 after I say good by to MY passengers, they slip a couple hundred bucks in my pocket. Anyway, sorry if I offended you. good for you guys having the newest bathrooms in the sky. Does an army every show up to wash the outside of the airplanes? and while we are dogging each other's position. you know what nevermind that. I will be the bigger man here. Sorry to offend you.

safe flying, we're not worthy!

 

[General Lee]

I guess I wasn't referring to the interiors. And yes I do do it with a smile, cause 9 times out of 10 after I say good by to MY passengers, they slip a couple hundred bucks in my pocket. Anyway, sorry if I offended you. good for you guys having the newest bathrooms in the sky. Does an army every show up to wash the outside of the airplanes? and while we are dogging each other's position. you know what nevermind that. I will be the bigger man here. Sorry to offend you.

safe flying, we're not worthy!

You were pretty agressive in slammimng my airline first, and we have been trying to get better. It's tough when we watch our airline continue to falter even after giving up large pay cuts while trying to do a good job at the same time. Most of our airplanes are getting the "new" paint job as they go through regular maintenance, and we have a chart that gives us regular updates. With all of the current rain storms in ATL lately, I am sure most of them have been washed quite a bit.

So, quit cutting me down and I will quit cutting you down. Both of our jobs have interesting points, and I hope you get many $100 bills stuffed in your pants. I can't even get a Coke from most of our old stews. They are too busy reading magazines on the jumpseat.


Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[Stifler's Mom]

Does an army every show up to wash the outside of the airplanes?

No need for that, it has rained every friggin' day this summer in ATL.

 

[Stealthh21]

You were pretty agressive in slammimng my airline first, and we have been trying to get better. It's tough when we watch our airline continue to falter even after giving up large pay cuts while trying to do a good job at the same time. Most of our airplanes are getting the "new" paint job as they go through regular maintenance, and we have a chart that gives us regular updates. With all of the current rain storms in ATL lately, I am sure most of them have been washed quite a bit.

So, quit cutting me down and I will quit cutting you down. Both of our jobs have interesting points, and I hope you get many $100 bills stuffed in your pants. I can't even get a Coke from most of our old stews. They are too busy reading magazines on the jumpseat.


Bye Bye--General Lee

I, as a full fare paying consumer/passenger, am entitled to my opinion about Delta and any other carrier!! I would never cut your job down, since I would really like to have it! And I know how hard it can be. As for the stews. Tell'em to get off their a$$e$ and get ya Coke!!!! Or just grab one on your way into the cockpit.

Fly safe~~

 

[General Lee]

I, as a full fare paying consumer/passenger, am entitled to my opinion about Delta and any other carrier!! I would never cut your job down, since I would really like to have it! And I know how hard it can be. As for the stews. Tell'em to get off their a$$e$ and get ya Coke!!!! Or just grab one on your way into the cockpit.

Fly safe~~

I do, before the flight. But during a 6 hour transcon, good luck. I know you are entitled, and we still have alot of work to do, but to slam the whole airline is wrong. Give a specific example and I bet I would agree with you. But, as a whole, it is not like you described. There are some things I would love to change, but I try to fly safe and grease on the landings. That is all I can do, and I have said things to people who I thought should do something in a better way. I also wish they hadn't sold our fuel hedges, but I can't control a lot of things....


Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[Stealthh21]

I do, before the flight. But during a 6 hour transcon, good luck. I know you are entitled, and we still have alot of work to do, but to slam the whole airline is wrong. Give a specific example and I bet I would agree with you. But, as a whole, it is not like you described. There are some things I would love to change, but I try to fly safe and grease on the landings. That is all I can do, and I have said things to people who I thought should do something in a better way. I also wish they hadn't sold our fuel hedges, but I can't control a lot of things....


Bye Bye---General Lee

I was just commenting that as a whole, the exterior appearance of Delta, and ASA, and Comair have been grungy for the past couple of years. Overall! It is nice to hear that work is in order to try and fix that. Anyway! Enjoy it!!

Fly safe!!

 

[Spooky 1]

I think they are trying to work that out. Some of that ASA money may go to them, and some cash on hand. Also, I like that you have my joke as your quote at the bottom. Take care.


Bye Bye--General Lee

Hey General, you seem to be getting more tempermental by the post. Part of getting a grip on "your" life is realizing that you really, in spite of your best efforts have little control over the product Delta delivers. That is a sad fact of life. Your no different that all the others out there and I whish there was an answer for it but by the time you have boarded the airplane, most if not all the damge has been done already. Short of some unbelieveable airmanship, your not likely to change the experience. The guy who is flying the Lear 60 can make all the difference in the world to his principal. If you need to have someone explain the difference between corporate and airline travel you are, (I am trying to think of some words here that don't really offend you),but...but... but your just so f*^#ing dumb that you cannot see the problem even in the mirror. The problem at Delta is jerks like you!

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

What is YOUR problem? He seems to be trying to keep a good attitude through out the current and past situation that Delta is in. I am sure your attitude and outlook is SO rosy as to be able to slam others in different situations. Unfortunately this forum has to let 'people' like yourself post. Sigh, too bad. As far a as the 'fcking jerk' quote, it seems to be a fitting self description of yourself.

 

[General Lee]

Hey General, you seem to be getting more tempermental by the post. Part of getting a grip on "your" life is realizing that you really, in spite of your best efforts have little control over the product Delta delivers. That is a sad fact of life. Your no different that all the others out there and I whish there was an answer for it but by the time you have boarded the airplane, most if not all the damge has been done already. Short of some unbelieveable airmanship, your not likely to change the experience. The guy who is flying the Lear 60 can make all the difference in the world to his principal. If you need to have someone explain the difference between corporate and airline travel you are, (I am trying to think of some words here that don't really offend you),but...but... but your just so f*^#ing dumb that you cannot see the problem even in the mirror. The problem at Delta is jerks like you!

Thanks Spooky. I like to debate (I have over 5140 posts), and I tell it like I see it. If that makes me a jerk, then so be it. I have come to the conclusion as of late that we may go into Chap 11, and I have said so on this forum. I know there is not much I can do about it, but I can use articles and other information to debate what is going on. As far as what is going on behind closed doors, that I cannot control, and I KNOW IT.

As far as the "Delta experience"---A lot has been done to try to better it--like Song. You have never flown on it I assume, but if you had, you would be extolling it. Even CMRFLYR just praised it, and he seems to hate mainline. Song was taken from mainline and made better, and hopefully that will continue. As far as the rest of the experience, you sometimes get what you pay for. The gate agents are either really old and bitter, or very new and don't know how to control a situation. That needs to change. Most of the mainline stews are old and bitter, and we have furloughed the best ones--the younger ones---that loved flying for an airline. The FAA needs to create a physical test to weed out the old bitter ones. Maybe lift an exit door by yourself and put it on a chair. Grandma aint going to be able to do that----and that is for safety reasons.

Corporate versus Airline travel--I am sure Corporate is better, as a passenger. But, most companies cannot afford to put middle managers in highly priced corporate jets. So, we have first class with Simplifares for walk ups. The First Class experience is not what it used to be (because a shortage of $$$), but it is better than coach, and sometimes you may actually get a warm meal! (Not us up front, I can't get a coke---and the stews devour everything that is left anyway) That is what is left of the glamorous First Class life-----better than coach and not as expensive as it used to be.


So, I am soo dumb, eh? You responded to my rants------you need to look in the mirror chief. And yes---we must all be jerks----unlike you.

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[Spooky 1]

Thanks Spooky. I like to debate (I have over 5140 posts), and I tell it like I see it. If that makes me a jerk, then so be it. I have come to the conclusion as of late that we may go into Chap 11, and I have said so on this forum. I know there is not much I can do about it, but I can use articles and other information to debate what is going on. As far as what is going on behind closed doors, that I cannot control, and I KNOW IT.

As far as the "Delta experience"---A lot has been done to try to better it--like Song. You have never flown on it I assume, but if you had, you would be extolling it. Even CMRFLYR just praised it, and he seems to hate mainline. Song was taken from mainline and made better, and hopefully that will continue. As far as the rest of the experience, you sometimes get what you pay for. The gate agents are either really old and bitter, or very new and don't know how to control a situation. That needs to change. Most of the mainline stews are old and bitter, and we have furloughed the best ones--the younger ones---that loved flying for an airline. The FAA needs to create a physical test to weed out the old bitter ones. Maybe lift an exit door by yourself and put it on a chair. Grandma aint going to be able to do that----and that is for safety reasons.

Corporate versus Airline travel--I am sure Corporate is better, as a passenger. But, most companies cannot afford to put middle managers in highly priced corporate jets. So, we have first class with Simplifares for walk ups. The First Class experience is not what it used to be (because a shortage of $$$), but it is better than coach, and sometimes you may actually get a warm meal! (Not us up front, I can't get a coke---and the stews devour everything that is left anyway) That is what is left of the glamorous First Class life-----better than coach and not as expensive as it used to be.


So, I am soo dumb, eh? You responded to my rants------you need to look in the mirror chief. And yes---we must all be jerks----unlike you.

Bye Bye--General Lee

I did fly Song last month for the first time. JFK-SEA. There was nothing special about the flight attendants and as a matter of fact the stews on yesterdays Delta flight were better looking and did a better service than what I saw on Song. All the time I was on Song I felt like I was in some childrens play school. The colors inside and out are obscene they make we want to puke and if I were you I would hide behind that door after every landing just so I would not have be a "part' of this ruse on the traveling public. PS Seating in the mainline B757 is criminal. They should take JG and make the ash**le sit in the back of this airplane for 12 hours just so he can vizualize what his lowlife airline has become. General, get over it, Delta will never rise from the ashes. It is a sorry ecuse for an airline that those who came before you do not recognize today. You know, its not all about money, but rather just whether or not one would recognize quality if it hit them righy between the eyes. You obviously don't as you keep making excuses for an inferior product that even the most unsophisticated traveler knows better than to accept. General, the lights are growing dimmer and dimmer by the week. BK will not save Delta from the crap that it is foisting on the traveling public. The only comfort you have is that there is alot of company in your corner so maybe, just maybe you will, no no what am I thinking, its over, turn out the lights.

 

[General Lee]

I did fly Song last month for the first time. JFK-SEA. There was nothing special about the flight attendants and as a matter of fact the stews on yesterdays Delta flight were better looking and did a better service than what I saw on Song. All the time I was on Song I felt like I was in some childrens play school. The colors inside and out are obscene they make we want to puke and if I were you I would hide behind that door after every landing just so I would not have be a "part' of this ruse on the traveling public. PS Seating in the mainline B757 is criminal. They should take JG and make the ash**le sit in the back of this airplane for 12 hours just so he can vizualize what his lowlife airline has become. General, get over it, Delta will never rise from the ashes. It is a sorry ecuse for an airline that those who came before you do not recognize today. You know, its not all about money, but rather just whether or not one would recognize quality if it hit them righy between the eyes. You obviously don't as you keep making excuses for an inferior product that even the most unsophisticated traveler knows better than to accept. General, the lights are growing dimmer and dimmer by the week. BK will not save Delta from the crap that it is foisting on the traveling public. The only comfort you have is that there is alot of company in your corner so maybe, just maybe you will, no no what am I thinking, its over, turn out the lights.

Wow, that was wonderful. Academy Award for writing. Wow. Kleenex please. Thanks for flying Song, and you sound like you need to be in a play pen. What a goof. I can't really respond to your krap. Yeah, DL is throwing acid all over the millions of passengers who seem to fly on us. That is terrible. Run for your lives! Dumba$$.


Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

....and I hope you get many $100 bills stuffed in your pants...

That's a good idea. With just $1 per passenger and 7 legs a day I would be rolling in the dough.

I don't know about "stuffed in the pants" though. I don't have to do a table dance for that, do I??

 

[Tomct]

Wow...someone get Spooky a valium before he has a heart attack! Hope you don't have an EKG anytime soon, you will fail miserably!

 

[Tim47SIP]

Then Stop!

Spooky, it is time for you to stop flying on Delta, period!. And, don't let the door hit you in the A$$. Tool!

 

[Stealthh21]

What is YOUR problem? He seems to be trying to keep a good attitude through out the current and past situation that Delta is in. I am sure your attitude and outlook is SO rosy as to be able to slam others in different situations. Unfortunately this forum has to let 'people' like yourself post. Sigh, too bad. As far a as the 'fcking jerk' quote, it seems to be a fitting self description of yourself.

who are you talking to??

 

[Spooky 1]

Spooky, it is time for you to stop flying on Delta, period!. And, don't let the door hit you in the A$$. Tool!

Hey Timmy, I'll take your advice and although I don't have complete control over my airline selection, it is none the less is excess of $100,000 per year. I will try to avoid your airline when able, especially Song. How can you defend such a poor excuse of an airline? You almost have to sneak up on the airplane it's so ughly. You know it is really hard to make a B757 look like crap, but somehow Delta has managed to this. That's not your fault, it's the guys who are in marketing so don't take it so personal. Hope you guys make it through this period but if you are willing to accept that standard as acceptable, your in big trouble. I have to assume that you are a Delta pilot? Well these guys who are making all the decisions regarding how they market their product are killing your airline. Don't blame someone who knows crap when he see it. It's a joke! Come on tell us how many different jokes are running around Delta regarding Song. I have heard almost a dozen or more.