For years I've defended Delta Air Lines and my extreme loyalty to them. They have now pushed me over the edge and I'm searching for a new airline to love and adore! The winner will receive my undying love and devotion, and I'll transfer my Platinum Delta American Express account to them.
I'm a classic loyalist. When I find something I enjoy and that works for me, I will never change until I'm forced...and you will never get me back again. I want products and services that make my life simple so that I can spend my attention and energy on living life.
Delta began to make my life more difficult several years ago. Sadly, my patience and loyalty to them far exceeded their loyalty to me...
My relationship with Delta began about 24 years ago. Living and working in Cincinnati, where Delta was a hub, they were the preferred airline of the company I worked for. Whenever flights didn't match my schedule, I'd defer to American, United or US Air. But I loved the service I received from Delta and the others always failed me.
Over the years, I heard more and more complaints about Delta being "the worst airline." I would quickly defend them and share stories of the exceptional service I always received. Stories of Delta going above and beyond for me. My friends had never heard of such service from Delta and were amazed. Post 9/11, the level of service I received started to slip. But I dismissed any issues as the industry was struggling. I was willing to accept lesser service for the great good of keeping Delta and the industry alive. (Seriously, I would actually say that. I was even waiting for the first post 9/11 Delta international flight to be announced ... I would be on that plane refusing to let the bad guys win.)
Three years ago I moved to New York City, and Delta's service slipped even more. I realized I wasn't in Cincinnati anymore. With each encounter, my patience and opinion of Delta Air Lines has lessened. A few months ago, I took a trip home to Cincinnati. It was a nightmare. Issues with online booking led to customer service telling me they were having issues with their software system and I would have to go to the airport to book my ticket. When I asked if it made sense for me to spend 2-3 hours of my time plus $75 in cab fares to do that, they simply said that was the only way they could help me. Instead, I called back the next day and the customer service representative was able to book the ticket...with a fee double what the online reservation had quoted, plus a baggage fee. When I questioned the baggage fee as I had medallion status, I was told to work it out at the airport. When I arrived at the airport on the day of my flight, I was surprised to learn I had lost my medallion status which was the reason I had been charged for baggage. I asked why I hadn't been notified. In the past, if I came even remotely close to losing my medallion status, I would receive an email advising me well in advance allowing me time to book flights (and yes, I'll take additional trips just to stay medallion). Then, to top it off, they couldn't see in their system that I had already paid the baggage fee so they charged me again instructing me to work it out when it showed up on my Platinum Delta American Express statement.
It gets better. My Sunday night return flight was delayed...and delayed...and delayed. I'm quite surprised to say that my text alerts came through so I didn't have to wait around at the airport but was able to have 2 more hours with my parents. When I checked my bags at the airport, for yet another $40, I knew something was up when the woman at the counter got on her walkie-talkie to advise someone that there were "2 more bags." I wasn't late for the flight, so I knew I was in for some additional Delta-Drama. When I arrived at the gate, there was my entire flight...seats were full, people were pacing, others were sitting or sleeping all over the floor. This did not look good. I spent the next 2 hours sitting on the floor. I was 99% certain this was it for my relationship with Delta. When I arrived in NY, at 1:30am, I realized there must have been a 'software issue' with that walkie-talkie. Yep. My bags did not arrive. 99.5% certain now.
The letter I received from Delta began each paragraph with "We apologize for any inconvenience...", "I am sorry for your disappointment...", "Please accept my apology..." But hey, they gave me a $75 ecredit voucher! Wow.
The Final Straw:
Earlier this week, I booked a Delta frequent flyer ticket for my niece to visit me this summer. As she is under 15 years old and will be traveling unaccompanied, there is a $100 fee per flight leg. (This is standard on all airlines.) This is an airport fee so I was told to pay the person at the Delta counter at each airport. I wanted to pay it now so that her parents wouldn't have to pay it. No problem, Ms. Burke, there will be an additional $100 fee in order for you to do that.
You have got to be kidding me.
100%!!
DELTA IS THE WORST AIRLINE!
Now accepting recommendations for a new airline partner...
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