delta

Tag Archives for delta.

The CEOs of the 3 Biggest Airlines Wrote an Op-Ed and Every Paragraph is Misleading

by Gary Leff on July 13, 2019

Jul 13 2019

The U.S. airline industry was born in subsidy from the post office and American Airlines received a federal loan to pay for its first big aircraft order. The U.S. airline industry has more government involvement than most countries — the U.S. model where airports are owned and run by government agencies, and air traffic control is managed by the government is unusual.

Big U.S. airlines like Delta, American, and United have all benefited from major government subsidies, like moving pension obligations off their books and onto the federal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in bankruptcy while retaining tax loss carry forwards so that they wouldn’t have to pay taxes once they started earning profits.

US Customs and Border Protection Will No Longer Require Mandatory ID Checks Getting Off Domestic Flights

by Gary Leff on July 11, 2019

Jul 11 2019

On February 22, 2017 Delta flight DL1583 arrived at New York JFK from San Francisco and passengers were greeted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection demanding to see ID from everyone getting off the aircraft. Apparently they were looking for an individual who had been ordered to be deported.

Except that US CBP has no authority to do that.

Delta Taking Part Ownership of Alitalia is “Certainty” While Italy’s Government Will Kick in More Subsidies

by Gary Leff on July 10, 2019

Jul 10 2019

The latest from Italy is that the government is driving to close on a restructuring of the airline with the government continuing to pump in money and take a majority stake of the airline (35% of which would be through the state railway) while Delta takes 10% ownership though presumably exercises outsized influence.

What Happens to Your Credit Card Purchase Data After You Leave the Store

by Gary Leff on July 10, 2019

Jul 10 2019

A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

Mitt Romney’s Chief of Staff is Frustrated With Delta ‘Upgrades’

by Gary Leff on July 8, 2019

Jul 08 2019

Since Delta has been on a long-term path to end do.mestic first class upgrades they want you to think of extra legroom coach seats as an ‘upgrade’. They don’t let you just select these extra legroom ‘Comfort+’ seats if you have elite status.

Delta Passenger’s $500 Offer to Switch Seats on a 3 Hour Flight Fails

by Gary Leff on July 7, 2019

Jul 07 2019

It doesn’t appear this worked, and I think I know why. $500 on a domestic midcon flight should be enough, the premium over extra legroom coach to buy first class is usually much less than that, and there’s a good chance that someone up front didn’t pay anything at all. However if flight attendants are going to get into the middle of a transaction, they’re going to need to be afforded a cut.

There’s Nothing Wrong With Flying Economy, Just Choose Your Airline Wisely

by Gary Leff on July 6, 2019

Jul 06 2019

I recently spent a few hours in a Qantas coach seat onboard on of their Airbus A380s. I came away amazed by the experience. The seat itself was comfortable and well padded. I can’t say enough about the importance of padding, something that many modern ‘slimline’ seats designed to squeeze half an inch of space per row and make it possible to add more seats to the plane compromise on.

I fly Southwest Airlines all the time. Southwest has a motto ‘we do short better’ and Southwest coach is great for up to 3 hours or so. I wouldn’t love to fly them to Hawaii, but I’ll gladly jump on their Washington National – Austin flight since they’re the only one that can legally fly it and it saves me a connection.

Man Promises to End Terrorism, Save the World – Gets Arrested Breaking Into Delta Cockpit

by Gary Leff on July 3, 2019

Jul 03 2019

A man on board Delta flight DL579 from San Juan to New York JFK tried to break into the aircraft’s cockpit this morning. But he was doing it for San Juan’s own good, and for the good of all.

The 30 year old passenger yelled, “I am God. Tomorrow San Juan is going to disappear. I came to save the world, and I’m going to end terrorism.”

Delta Revamps Flying Economy with Hot Towels, Cocktails, and Flight Attendants Who Say Thank You

by Gary Leff on July 2, 2019

Jul 02 2019

It’s nice to see Delta continuing to invest in their economy product, which after all is where most passengers sit. It may even be that their Boeing 777s, which still feature 9-abreast seating rather than squeezing in 10-across, offers the best international economy among U.S. or European carriers.

European Union Warns that Delta, American and United are About to Start a Trade War

by Gary Leff on June 30, 2019

Jun 30 2019

The campaign by U.S. airlines for trade subsidies from the federal government could backfire, because if the U.S. violates its treaty obligations and Europe then sees the treaty as non-absolute, United, Delta, and American could face their own challenges with operating rights in Europe.