Kinglobjaw's Blog

Is Delta:

a) D+?  b) Disgusting? c) Delayed? d) Dumpy? e) ALL OF THE ABOVE?

How about F- All of the above and more?

This past weekend I was practically forced to fly Delta Airlines. It’s a city that only offers Delta service. I won’t complain, I was able to book the ticket just 8 hours prior to the actual flight. Throughout my travel “career”, I have never bought a ticket this close to departure, so the experience was interesting, a little chaotic, but I was very enthusiastic. At the end of the day, flying is flying and techinally, I should tell myself that I am excited regardless of the airline, right? Wrong! I will keep reminding you readers, the airline is key to flying experince. Flying is more with a certain airline!

Friday morning started out with the usual. Go to the airport, print boarding passes at the kiosk and clear security. The Grand Forks airport is tiny, so it’s foolish to arrive more then 15 minutes prior to boarding if you are flying without bags. Interestingly enough, Delta offers Breezeway boarding, which is the equivalent of a United red boarding carpet for elite members. Not that many elites on the 5:10AM Pinnacle CRJ-200. A few minutes later, mechanical! Off the plane, rebook myself on Delta.com website since the Delta reservation number is temporarily disconnected. Next attempt at flying: a DC-9 to Minneapolis. Flight full, very full. Sold out full. Last row on the DC-9. I’ve never been on a DC-9, but I know Northwest has 3 versions- this was the 2 flight attedant version of the DC-9. Missed my connection to O’Hare. Minneapolis airport? Nice, very nice. Except- not a single  Delta Red Coat all the way from C to G. For those who ask what is Delta Red Coat? It’s one of Delta’s iniatives at better customer service. It’s a portable gate agent. He or she can rebook you, print boarding passes and vouchers. Still, as nice as it sounds, it’s absolutely irritating to walk throughout the aiport and not be able to find a single one.

 The only thing in red was a Delta Amex credit card hawker who told me Delta does not offer special services counters. I think to myself- “and people actually complain about US Airways in Philly”?! What I do like about Delta is their computer rebook system. You scan your boarding pass at this kiosk type device and it lists the flights you have been rebooked on. Of course, I managed to learn about one of these machines, because the gate agent would not assist me until he saw me play around with the machine for a “decent’ amount of time. Made it to Chicago about 5 hours late.

Return was interesting. Chicago to Minny was an A319. I got exit row and ”flew into” FlyerTalker td_in_training. He was one of the nicest FlyerTalkers I’ve met so far. Delta actually did good on this flight. Aside from it being over an hour late, coach cabin was provided a full beverage service and even tiny bags of peanuts. I do miss peanuts on US Airways flights. I had enought time to make the connection back to Grand Forks, ND, although G to C is a bit of a schlepp, but the people movers are a nice touch. The Grand Forks flight didn’t even beging boarding, so I was thrilled about the prospect of not missing class the next morning. Had myself an exit row on this CRJ-200. Only about 60% full. Quick taxi to de-icing pad and then something unexpected,  yet something probably expected from Delta. While rolling down the runway, at about 40-50 knots, the plane comes halting to a complete stop and exists the runway utilizing the closest taxiway. Apparently, a warning light lit up in the cockpit indicated a problem with the apu/engine generator. Taxi back to gate, but not let off the plane, the mechanics end up fixing the problem. A few more minutes of paperwork and we’re on our way. The flight attendant, Athena was excellent. While in the air, she provided a full service on this rather short flight and even comped alcoholic beverages. I just had water. No ice, no lime.

Overall, I found Delta very poor, and I’m excited to say I’m only stuck with them for a few more months. I’m in the process of matching my US status to Delta, which should make me Delta Gold Medallion, so we’ll see if my experiences improve for the few remaining months. Flight attendants are much, much better at US Airways. I cannot wait to fly with US Airways again next month. Only have to deal with Delta on Grand Forks to Denver via Minneapolis!

Three positives about the trip: 1) FlyerTalker 2) F/A Athena on Minny to Grand Forks 3) Delta’s rebooking machines are pretty cool

Proudly flying with US,

-Kinglobjaw

Very neat and unique offer. Self explanatory: You get a 25%, 50%, 75% of 100% bonus (depending on what elite level you hold with US Airways). Details here: http://www2.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/preferred_shopping.html

Proudly flying with US,

-Kinglobjaw

Here’s the US Airways Fax number I promised. 480-693-8024. The receiving end is located in Tempe, Arizona.

Proud to fly with US.

-Kinglobjaw

Just had my license frames “installed”. Looks great. US Airways 25 operated by Suburu Outback 2010. =)

Take a look,

Proud to fly with US. Proud to drive with US.

-Kinglobjaw

So my Mom’s miles didn’t post for a United flight she recently took. I haven’t had a mileage discrepancy for years- at least not regarding flight miles. South African Airways, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa flights posted very quickly. Whenever I have to “send” something in, I always use fax as a means of communications with US Airways. And since the merger, Winston Salem, NC is no longer the fax “center”, so it was about time to find out the new number anyway.

 I dial the Chairman’s number and press #3 so I don’t have to go through the machine process of entering my number. An agent picks up very quickly. No sooner that I mention my name, the agent responds “Ahh, Mr. Kinglobjaw, nice to hear from you again. How’s it going?” When I asked how he recognized me since I had not entered my DM # or provided him my phone, he responded “You travel alot. You’re known around here. Over the years, we have really learned so much from you”.

Sure, I’m flattered and yes, award bookings are much for fun, for the agent and myself since I’m know the rules of the game, but was this necessary? I’m just a loyal customer happy to deal with, speak with and most of all, fly with my favorite airline!

Still, at the end of the day, it’s nice to be known here and there!

About that fax number. I’ll post it later tonight since I don’t have access to my cabinet right now.

Proudly flying US Airways,

-Kinglobjaw

Here is something you probably have NEVER seen before! And it’s the definitely the last thing you would expect at an airport. TAP has a performance in store for you:

I love it! . That is one awesomely crazy way of getting in “tune” with your customers!

Still wait for ‘erm, Philly? Are there any cactus related songs we can play?

Proudly flying US,

-Kinglobjaw

So I log on to USAirways.com. I want to check my Dividend Miles account balance. What do I see on the bottom? Fly the Flag® to Rio de Janeiro from $631 roundtrip. Sure, the deal sounds decent enough, but for a true US Airways loyalist, it’s a flash back! A flash back to the “darker” days, and by darker I only mean the livery color!

Apparently, a version of ”Fly the Flag” was used by both USAir in the 1990’s and the re-named US Airways in the early 2000’s, before the merger with America West, of course.

Recalling my US Airways colectibles, I believe I still have a car sticker that says “Fly the Flag” and a shirt button that says “Fly the Flag” with a picture of the old US Airways tail in the very classy navy coloring.

I’ll try to post some pictures once I get my hand on these things again!

Speaking of collectibles and US Airways “gear”, I just purchased three items from the US Airways Company Store;

1. A US Airways license plate theme for my new car

2. A 2010 US Airways Calendar

3. A 2010 US Airways Pocket Calendar/Planner

You can follow the US Airways Company Store on Facebook!

Proudly flying with US,

-Kinglobjaw

US Airways’ newest promotion lets you earn up to a 250% bonus on select partner transactions! The way I understand it, if you do between 5-10 purchases from select partners, you will receive a 250% mileage bonus on ALL of your 5-10 purchases. 4 purchases will guarantee you a 200% bonus; 3 purchases a 150% bonus, 2 a 100% bonus and 1 at 50% bonus.

Definitely a neat promotion if you’re going to be doing lots of online holiday shopping! Not need to register for this offer, just start shopping from now until December 31, 2009.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

After about one year of membership, I’ve decided to cancel my SkyGuide Executive Privilege Club. Why? Because, getting these $50 refunds for airline lounge day passes has really become a nuissance. I just rather sit in the terminal next time and enjoy my Dell Mini. Honestly? I will kind of miss that lousy Delta SkyClub at Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 2.

Still, purchasing a $50 day pass and then having to mail receipts is easy enough! So why am I cancelling? Well, aside from having to wait 8-10 weeks for a reimbursement check, I now have to keep calling various customer service numbers which may or may not transfer me to the correct department. Plus, next year’s membership fee is $199. I’m done…

In the past, I would recommend this membership option for accessing additional lounges, but now I say- just skip it. Stick only to your Club membership or get another one. Besides, with my US Airways Club option now offering United and Continental lounges, I’m literally covered in a lot of places!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Upon deplaning US1 on Monday, I found out about Dividend Miles’ new award structure on US Airways operated flights. Needless to say, I wasn’t too happy about the change, but I am understanding and still grateful as the value is still better than other airline’s award structure! That said, I am now eagerly waiting for a chart that will include Star Alliance partner flights. I’ll be soon booking a First and/or Business class award to Thailand and am wondering if I should ticket before January 6, 2010 or after. Probably, the former…

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark