If it’s good enough for the CEO….
I think I experienced the best service ever on Delta recently while flying from LHR-MSP on board the new Delta One. This is Delta’s business class product with lay flat seats on the 767 with a 1-2-1 configuration. I settled into seat 7 and immediately recognized the man in row 9. Who wouldn’t? It was the CEO of Delta Airlines Richard Anderson. Why did he look so familiar? Well he is on the intro of every Delta in flight safety video and as a Diamond member who clocks over 125,000 miles a year, I have seen the video once or twice.
Mr Anderson was not quite doing the PR thing Sir Richard Branson does. I hear Sir Richard Branson gets down and dirty and hands out economy class meals. Brilliant PR. This Richard was quietly unnoticed, gave a little hug to some of the crew, but you could see he that was not looking for any extra attention.
Since we had the Boss on board, I have never seen such gleaming teeth from all the crew. I say this with humor as I really have had only had good experiences with Delta and their crews. However, it was fun to see how polished the announcements and service was during this flight. So much so that upon arrival in MSP when the gate was not yet free, we were quickly rerouted to alternate gate. I am not sure this would have been then case if he was not on board.
Delta also seems to be making a renewed effort on food and wine. They have upgraded their wines on both domestic and international flights. The lunch served started with smoked salmon, which is always good as it does not change flavor in the air. I wish more airlines understood this and offered cold seafood. Then there was a choice of beef, a chicken dish and a cold meze plate, followed by cheese. There was also a pre-landing snack which was the most impressive. It was a meze plate of babaganoush, humus and rice wrapped vine leaves. Very tasty and innovative for a US carrier.
Delta seats are comparable to most business class products today offering a full flat reclining pod that has plenty of room for sleeping. Wrapped in a Westin Heavenly bed duvet and pillow with a new Tumi amenity kit, it was quite cozy to sleep in.
Well done Delta and it was nice to see the boss on board.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
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