The questions I'm posing to membership that may have travelled recently are:
#1. Are First Class meals (on eligible flights) the same type of meal that we had before April 2?
#2. Are eligible First Class snack services (like on Red-eyes) similar offerings to as well?
#3. The list of food from the website clearly describes what will be offerred, but I'm seeing on flights in the flight status listing it as "Refreshments" in coach which makes sense, but some shorter flights, I'm seeing "none", is the snack basket service available on flights all flights over 1 hour?
Why I ask is because I overheard a DL MIA flight crew discussing that they had a choice on a dinner service flight (ATL-DEN I think) in F/C. Haven't seen that since 2002 IIRC. This was in ATL on March 30. Not sure why that would be.
We all know the company needs to improve the financial situation, so I hope pax understand and that the use of the, really, attractive items will bolster the customer opinion and experience of the airline. So, hopefully, A) the airline can cost target these service items to the adjusted business environment and B) the pax like them.
If anyone can comment on sizes/volumes as well as passenger reaction that would be great as well. B4REAL
OttoPylit From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 1, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 2445 times:
Well, I for one can say that I am not pleased with the current situation. By eliminating meals altogether, all your doing is eroding any reason for someone to choose Delta over any other.
I have sent a VERY long letter to the company via the employee suggestion website detailing what Delta should do, something in line with Northwest's new food to order service when you buy the ticket. That way you already purchase your meal(they can even put that month's menu on the airline website) and the cost of overcatering to the airline would be nil, except to make sure FC is catered for the upgrades that see no reason to purchase a coach meal when the upgrade will go through. With Delta being so technilogically advanced, I see no reason why we have not already done something like this.
Normally, you hear nothing back until it is addressed on the suggestion website(normally, its people asking about possible new services/routes), but since, I have recieved 2 responses saying that the idea has been passed on up to higher and higher up the food chain. So who knows, maybe someone will take the idea and run with it. Will I get any credit? No, probably not. But I don't need it, I just want to know that when I get on a flight, there will most likely be a meal for me.
Just yesterday, I experienced the new snack service in coach, a chocoloate chip granola bar. Ok, its better than the pretzels, but to be honest, if they just gave me the spicy snack that they used to have, or better yet, the granola snacks, I was completely happy with that.
Sorry that I don't have an answer to...well, basically anything that you asked about, but just thought I would let you know that hopefully something will change. Being that Jetblue has now announced they may start selling food because Delta ditched theirs, maybe that will light a fire under Delta's ass to do something worthwhile. lol
B4real From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 2595 posts, RR: 6 Reply 2, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 2424 times:
Don't worry about no specifics on the new services, OttoPylit, I value your input from the DL side as we've discussed before.
I am not sure what the right formula is, the best model, IMHO, would be CO's. They seem to have it right, at least in my experiences. It, however, is an 'expensive' operational model I'm sure.
727Stretch From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 65 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 2365 times:
On Monday I flew LAS-CVG in coach and had a snack pack consisting of crackers/cheese, raisins, oreo cookies, and a wet nap. It was nice, although it was a 7:24am flight, so something more along the lines of breakfast snacks would have been nice. Still, I'd rather have a snack pack for free than a mediocre $8.00 caesar salad.
On CVG-BOS (about 1.5 hour flight), a selection of snack items was on top of a cart they rolled down the aislie, including Sun Chips, granola bars, candy bars, cheese/crackers, etc. Much nicer than a bag of pretzels.
I think the new service on DL boosts the value proposition for passengers. After all most folks like anything that is "free" , included with your ticket price.
Shawnnyc From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 241 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 2279 times:
I just flew LAX to JFK and the snacks are not enough. There wasn't really anything in LAX I wanted to eat (it had to keep for a bit as my flight was an afternoon one, so I just had lunch and needed dinner on the flight). I ended up over eatting junk food when I couldn't bear the hunger. And the snackbox nor the snacks from the basket were not that good (stay away from the readymade cheese and crackers, but I guess the Sun chips are fine). On my UA flight to LAX, I paid $10 for an overpriced meal, but hey it was atleast an option. Delta needs to rethink the food thing on transcon flights. As of May, I would prefer flying their low cost Song between JFK and LAX (on their "low cost" flight I get my own tv, can buy food and the same ff miles). One could get confused between which is low cost and not (Delta vs Song).
CAL From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 497 posts, RR: 9 Reply 6, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 2122 times:
Quoting B4real (Reply 2): I am not sure what the right formula is, the best model, IMHO, would be CO's. They seem to have it right, at least in my experiences. It, however, is an 'expensive' operational model I'm sure.
Remeber that Continental owns and operates its own Catering company, CHELSEA with kitchens in EWR/CLE/IAH/DEN/LAX/HNL/GUM. The keep some cost down that way. I belive if we are going to be a "Full Service Airline" or a "Legacy Carrir" we need to act like it. Thats what the customers expect. Why fly CO when i can fly WN for the same price.. I think CO has the right Idea on the food service thing.
Skibum9 From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 1229 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 2067 times:
I was on a DL flight from MCO to CVG last week. I was sitting in first and we were given a snack which consisted of a Cobb salad with chicken and some breadsticks. So are some people under the impression that there is no food service in first at all? Or is this something they changed since just 5 days ago?
Sean-SAN- From United States of America, joined Aug 2002, 752 posts, RR: 1 Reply 8, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 2013 times:
Any wonder why CO is the only legacy airline growing these days? They've already started interviewing for new pilots while DL and UA have 1000's on furlough..
BNA From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 78 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 1824 times:
I remember years ago so much complaining about airline food and how air meals were the butt of so many jokes. Now look at us. We're complaining that they're gone.
FlyPNS1 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 6089 posts, RR: 25 Reply 11, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 1818 times:
Actually, Delta has no more pilots on furlough. They have all been brought back on line. FYI
DL still has about 700 pilots on furlough. DL had been recalling pilots for a while, but recalls have been stopped. It will probably be another 2 years before all pilots are back on the property.
As for the new snack service, it's ok for the short haul flights. But I think it is inadequate for longer haul flights. If DL wants to charge a premium over the LCC's, they've got to offer something that is premium in value.
Captaink From Mexico, joined May 2001, 5095 posts, RR: 13 Reply 12, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 1795 times:
Ok.. We used to complain about awful tasting airline food in times past. Ironically as mentioned we are complaining about the lack of food entirely.
I remember on flights between the Caribbean and US, on BWIA or AA, the food was not too bad. BWIA specifically on flights catered out of Trinidad, had some really tasty choices. You had your meat, sides and salad, rolls, dessert, small cup of orange juice, and your drink selection. You also got drinks during the flight and maybe a small snack closer to the end of the flight. This was in coach guys. Now that I think about it, this is almost what you get in First Class now, just with proper dishes and cutlery (some airlines). BW and JM still serve food, but the taste, and amount is not always the best..
But in all honesty, I don't need a hot entree, but a nice, tasty sandwich, some chips etc works just fine. As I fly more, I find it is becoming more difficult to starve on a flight that is 4.5 hours or more sometimes. I hate stone cold bagels and I am beginning to have a serious problem with pretzels.
I tend to fly US Airways these days, and their food options, or lack thereof is just terrible. I flew US three years ago, for the first time from BGI to PHL, and they actually had hot entrees. How delightful...!!!
Panamair From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 4595 posts, RR: 25 Reply 13, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 1779 times:
Quoting Orion737 (Reply 5): I cant believe that even if one goes first class on a flight of over 3 hours duration all one will get is a couple of snack items.
Is this for real? fly first class on a 3hour flight and receive no meal? not even a sandwich?
This new Snack service replaces the Food For Purchase program which was only available previously in Economy. First still gets the regular meal service if one is scheduled.
VgnAtl747 From United States of America, joined Apr 2001, 1492 posts, RR: 2 Reply 14, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 1775 times:
Quoting Captaink (Reply 12): I tend to fly US Airways these days, and their food options, or lack thereof is just terrible.
Captaink From Mexico, joined May 2001, 5095 posts, RR: 13 Reply 15, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 1755 times:
VgnAtl747, I rarely check bags. But hmm I hear the baggage problems is on occasion, usually peak periods but the food it sucks ALL THE TIME. Thankfully I like the airline for other reasons so I will stick with em. It is like a marriage... hehe
B4real From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 2595 posts, RR: 6 Reply 16, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 1711 times:
Quoting Sean-SAN- (Reply 8): was on a DL flight from MCO to CVG last week. I was sitting in first and we were given a snack which consisted of a Cobb salad with chicken and some breadsticks. So are some people under the impression that there is no food service in first at all? Or is this something they changed since just 5 days ago?
Yes, as of a few days ago, it has changed. Now, in first, there is nothing on a plate for this route.
OttoPylit From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 17, posted (8 years 2 months 2 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 1624 times:
Quoting FlyPNS1 (Reply 11): DL still has about 700 pilots on furlough. DL had been recalling pilots for a while, but recalls have been stopped. It will probably be another 2 years before all pilots are back on the property.
I can't find anything supporting that. Do you have a link, by chance? Thanks.
SongStar From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 132 posts, RR: 1 Reply 18, posted (8 years 2 months 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 1528 times:
Ah yes....the irony....as a f/a i have to say we have heard it for a while....at least when i was at mainline....no one liked the food when it was hot and free...then complained when it was gone...then complained when it was for purchase...and now complain that that is gone....I don't think there is a solution for legacy carriers...The snack service on regular delta is fine for something under 3 - 3 1/2 hours...after that....I would begin to feel like i was eating junk food also for 5 hrs....so ...I would probably pack a snack or sandwich...These of course are my thoughts....I actually like the food we have at song....it's healthy ( the fresh food ) and filling....and the passengers enjoy it also.......I like the idea that NWA has...pre-order ....and we have done that in the past at song....and it will be implemented again in the near future...as for mainline....sometimes I'm at a loss as to the reasoning behind their strategies and decisions...Voice your opinion to management....Maybe..just maybe there are some people in charge of projects that shouldn't be there ( I know that is shocking...hehe )
Malaysia From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 3191 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (8 years 2 months 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 1508 times:
I flew MIA-NAS on a AA Eagle ATR-72 and not even a beverage service oh! the horror! lack of drinks and sodas?
There Are Those Who Believe That There May Yet Be Other Airlines Who Even Now Fight To Survive Beyond The Heavens
Lincoln From United States of America, joined Nov 2004, 3887 posts, RR: 8 Reply 20, posted (8 years 2 months 1 week 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 1435 times:
Quoting B4real (Reply 2): I am not sure what the right formula is, the best model, IMHO, would be CO's. They seem to have it right, at least in my experiences. It, however, is an 'expensive' operational model I'm sure.
Yeah... The food from LAX to CLE was better than I was expecting...not wonderful, but certainly edible and well worth what I paid for it. That combined with IFE and attention in flight (it seemed like one long, never ending beverage service...no need to ask for the full can) would have bumped CO to the top of my list as far as airline preference goes. (Unf. the rude/inattentive agents at check-in bumped them back down...)
Lincoln
CO Is My Airline of Choice || Baggage Claim is an airline's last chance to disappoint a customer || Next flts in profile
September11 From United States of America, joined May 2004, 3623 posts, RR: 23 Reply 21, posted (8 years 2 months 1 week 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 1419 times:
Sponsor Message: 
From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 2595 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From Mexico, joined May 2001, 5095 posts, 
but the food it sucks ALL THE TIME. Thankfully I like the airline for other reasons so I will stick with em. It is like a marriage... hehe
( I know that is shocking...hehe ) 
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