Delta Velocity benefits

[flying_duck]

Forgot to follow up on this thread. Recently took 7 sectors with Delta in April, service was impeccable, Comfort+ upgrades every single time, even did a same day flight change (begrudgingly) over the phone to get us out of hicksville. Our bags were typically in the first 5 to come off the carousel and were 5/7 times there before we got to the carousel. SkyClub access easy peasy as was Sky Priority security lines. The separated check in at JFK is particularly nice.

We were actually treated better by Delta than Virgin, despite spending double the amount on this trip alone with Virgin and being VA Plat. Quite disappointing, but it's nice to know Delta get it right.

 

[Mattg]

Forgot to follow up on this thread. Recently took 7 sectors with Delta in April, service was impeccable, Comfort+ upgrades every single time, even did a same day flight change (begrudgingly) over the phone to get us out of hicksville. Our bags were typically in the first 5 to come off the carousel and were 5/7 times there before we got to the carousel. SkyClub access easy peasy as was Sky Priority security lines. The separated check in at JFK is particularly nice.

We were actually treated better by Delta than Virgin, despite spending double the amount on this trip alone with Virgin and being VA Plat. Quite disappointing, but it's nice to know Delta get it right.

Wow, Delta doesn't often get such positive praise but good to know they treated you well.

 

[flying_duck]

I thought we were just lucky but it was 7 sectors all of different lengths all across the USA across 2 weeks. I would think a reasonable subset of their service. Trying UA next. I think my VA allegiance is waning.

 

[ekys]

I thought we were just lucky but it was 7 sectors all of different lengths all across the USA across 2 weeks. I would think a reasonable subset of their service. Trying UA next. I think my VA allegiance is waning.

I also found that Delta perks were better than VA for velocity. I had a similar trip and reported here http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ia-velocity/flying-across-us-va-wp-67278.html

Delta really go the extra mile while VA were fairly indifferent throughout.

I was previously UA 1K and prem exec and I would recommend against UA, even at business class levels its way behind.

 

[Warks]

We've got a couple of DL flights coming up in June-July so I hope this is all sorted. I originally joined the DL loyalty program when booking but later changed my bookings to my Velocity number for the free checked baggage allowance saving a small fortune. I hadn't thought about boarding priority but I sure hope that works out. I flew VX last year and I've never seen a worse boarding method - about 6 classifications and as a VA SG I was second last! Yes VA has NO status with VX.

One thing I'll never understand with the US airline industry. Everything is cut to the bare minimum with schedules to the minute but I don't think I've been anywhere that boards and disembarks planes as slowly. Not helped by the stupid amount of hand luggage everyone has. You'd think they'd have worked that out by now.

 

[Denali]

Last month I few 2 Delta and 2 Virgin America flights, all first class.

Delta is a bit of a sit down, shut up, lets wait to go experience. No drinks were offered when first boarded, late drink/meal/snack offered and I think for some of their flights, their version of domestic "first class" earns an eye roll.

Virgin America, fantastic communication at the gate for a delay (SF weather), good to excellent FAs and seats and comfort wins with VX for me but both airlines I would happily fly.

Will say Delta points and SC came through almost overnight while VX took about a week.

Edit: VX lose points for their safety instruction video/soundtrack. I try my best to pay attention to them as its only polite to the professional serving the cabin but VX's totally turned me off even pretending to pay attention/listen.

 

[cssaus]

Last month

Will say Delta points and SC came through almost overnight while VX took about a week.

I would second the comments about how quickly Delta points & SC's are credited. I flew into Sydney this morning on VA after connecting from a DL flight from LAS to LAX and checking my account, the points and SC's for the LAS to LAX have already posted.

 

[Warks]

I've never flown Delta so I can't judge their service yet. I've found VX crews about the best of any in the USA (mind you the bar is set very low) but their boarding procedure is down there with the worst.

So we do get points and SCs on VX as VA flyers but no status whatsoever.

 

[Cult of one]

Just came back yesterday from the US and had LA to Atlanta to Miami and the same in reverse coming back, all with Delta and all ticketed with VA flight numbers on boarding pass. The comfort plus was requested as per instructions on all legs and each time they were actually quite rude about the "perk" that is on the VA site. In fact on 2 legs (Miami to Atalanta and Atlanta to LA) I was placed in the last row with seats that do not recline despite WP status. Seeing as we had very tight connecting flight times this seating (46th row from memory) really added to connection times in a HUGE airport like LA and Atlanta where we had to walk a mile with my older mother in law who does not enjoy the best of health or vigor.

In the lounges we were welcomed without issue. but beware unlike domestic lounges with VA not everything is included, there are beers (free) and Premium beers ($3) it is only 3 dollars but my money was in my carry on luggage 50 meters away.

On the LA to Brisbane leg (Virgin metal) I had requested upgrades using points at the correct times twice and was suprised to see that there were vacant seats in premium that I was happy to burn 45K of points on. However before take off a lady with a sheaf of passenger manifest came over to me and identified me as a WP and escorted me to the last bank of 3 vacant seats together. Very nice to get the recognition.

Once back in Australia and on virgin metal it was awesome to be at the pointy end of the plane with the happy Virgin crew along with the lounge access.

If you ever think VA or Qantas is bad try taking a Spirit flight domestically in the USA. It is no more than a bus with wings run by people who just don't care.

 

[serfty]

Oh - I guess by being on VA flight numbers that online seat allocation for Comfort+ was not available. I have only ever travelled on DL flights numbers. As a VA WP I can allocate these seats online within 3 days.

 

[newmarket]

I like Delta. Never been treated poorly as a VA Platinum.

It can be a little tricky to get comfort+ on busy routes, but I think they take better care of me than VA does!

 

[Cryptarcadian]

It can be a little tricky to get comfort+ on busy routes, but I think they take better care of me than VA does!

Just to try and uh, manage my expectations... whatdaya reckon my chances are on a JFK-LAX transcon, just after lunchtime on a Sunday?

At least I'll get to check out Delta's "flagship" lounge I guess!

 

[newmarket]

Just to try and uh, manage my expectations... whatdaya reckon my chances are on a JFK-LAX transcon, just after lunchtime on a Sunday?

Oh, probably not that great on that route. You'll be able to see what's available (generally just a middle seat or two which is not for me!) ahead of time. Just book an aisle or whatever you like. That's usually not a problem.

That said, I've gotten a few comfort+ seats and T-72 SYD to LAX so you never know!

 

[serfty]

The trick with C+ is to keep looking - as some Medallions get upgraded, any C+ seats they were in can become available.