Once-mighty Delta Air Lines has gone from the envy of the airline world to a company whose credit rating was just downgraded to junk status. S&P Global Ratings has lowered Delta’s long-term rating from BBB- to BB. Translation: it’s...
How Delta Air Lines Will Combat Falling Demand
In a note to employees, Delta CEO Ed Bastian outlines the aggressive steps Delta is taking to address growing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Bastian notes “it is safe to travel, but always make sure you are taking the...
Ironic: Delta Asks For Government Aid (But This Is Different…)
In a sobering note to employees, Delta CEO Ed Bastian shared about the sudden and rapid collapse in demand that is posing the greatest threat ever to face Delta Air Lines. Now Delta wants a handout from Uncle Sam....
American and United Match Delta’s More Flexible Change Fee Waiver
American and United quickly matched Delta’s decision to further loosen its change fee waiver, a move that was long overdue, but nevertheless better late than never. Up until this point, the “Big 3” U.S. airlines have used change fee...
Why Delta CEO Skipped White House Meeting…Again
Delta CEO Ed Bastian ruffled feathers by missing a White House meeting with President Donald Trump last July. Yesterday, airline CEOs again convened at the White House. Yesterday, Bastian was again missing. This time, though, no one is questioning...
“Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better…” (Delta’s Response To American In Seattle)
American Airlines announces a build-up in Seattle. Delta Air Lines announces a build-up in Seattle. American announces new service from Seattle to London. Delta announces new service from Seattle to London. It reminds me of a song… Delta Responds...
Should Delta Compensate For Broken Laptop Due To Reclining Seatmate?
Fresh off the last salvo in the perpetual seat recline debate comes a new twist. Should an airline compensate when your seatmate breaks your laptop? First, the facts. Pat Cassidy was flying Delta in economy class and working on...
Why United Won’t Sponsor USA Olympic Team Beyond 2020 (While Delta Drops $400MN)
For decades, United Airlines has sponsored the USA Olympic and Paralympic teams. But after the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, United will no longer be an official sponsor. Instead, Delta will. The Los Angeles Times reports that the 2028...
Can JetBlue Withstand American + Delta In Boston?
Can JetBlue withstand the simultaneous build-up of American Airlines and Delta Air Lines in Boston? JetBlue Airways Chief Financial Officer Steve Priest bristled at the question, telling a conference in Miami this week: “Commentators talk about Boston, they talk...
The Odd Reason Why Delta CEO NEVER Reclines His Seat
Delta CEO Ed Bastian was asked for his opinion on the great seat recline debate. His answer was a bit inconsistent, especially when explaining why he chooses not to recline when he flies. Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Bastian...
Delta Should Think Twice Before Dancing On Air Italy’s Grave
You can bet that there was euphoria in the C-Suites of Delta Air Lines over the news of Air Italy’s collapse. But the untimely demise of Air Italy does not excuse Delta of hypocrisy nor validate its longstanding protest...
NBC News Reporter Blames Trump For Losing Delta Elite Status
Can we steer clear of name-calling in the comments, please? I am writing this more because I am amused and appreciate the link to airline status. Breaking News: NBC News Reporter Loses Delta Elite Status With the strike of...
Airlines Use Coronavirus As Excuse To Reduce Losses, Save Face
The airline business is tricky, but some carriers see opportunity in the Coronavirus to reduce their losses and save face when routes haven’t gone as planned. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please...
I’m Skeptical About Delta’s New A321neo First Class Seat
I’ve been quite charitable to Delta lately on Live and Let’s Fly, but the new first class seat on the A321neo does not leave me excited. Yesterday, paxex.aero broke news of a new first class seat coming to Delta’s Airbus...
Delta Fined $50,000 For Removing “Suspicious” Muslim Passengers
The U.S. Department of Transportation has fined Delta $50,000 for two incidents of profiling that adversely impacted Muslim passengers. Delta maintains it did nothing wrong. Incident #1: Delta Flight Attendant “Uncomfortable” With Passenger Who Did Not Smile A Muslim...
Editorial: Delta Is Living In The Future
Delta has become the airline to beat in many respects among US carriers. From pet carriers to closed-door business class suites, Delta is absolutely living in the future. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
Will Delta Usher In A Post-Change Fee Era?
Lately, Delta has been dropping hints that it will “approach flexibility differently than this industry has in the past”. Could we soon see the end to change fee? If so, will other legacy airlines follow? Delta May Eliminate Change...
Two Passengers Ejected From Delta Flight For Mobile Phone Joke
A couple of general travel tips. First, put your phones in airplane mode when asked by a flight attendant. Second, don’t scare people by naming your phone or wi-fi network something sinister. Nerves are easily rattled onboard a plane…as...
Wow: Delta Gifts HUGE Bonus To Employees
Delta is splitting $1.6 billion in 2019 profit with its 90,000 employees, amounting to about two months of extra pay. Talk about a great year! The bonus amounts to about 16.6% of employee base pay, approximately two month’s salary....
California Teachers Sue Delta For Fuel Dump
Four elementary school teachers are suing Delta Air Lines for a fuel dump that showered them with jet fuel. California Teachers Sue Delta Claiming “emotional and physical distress” because the pilots did not follow protocol, four female elementary school...