Diamond

Let’s face it, air travel can take its toll on you.  I’m pretty sure no one actually likes it.  However, having status with an airline certainly improves the experience.

As I’ve mentioned before, Delta is my airline.  And, this year, I managed to squeak by with Diamond status.  For those of you who don’t stalk Delta, this is the highest advertised status they offer.  And, only takes 140 flight segments to earn.  Yay for far too many weeks in hotels and on airplanes!

This status does come with some rather awesome perks.  I probably get upgraded about 75% of the time, and get free sky club access.  Plus, a much shorter hold time whenever I call Delta and in general awesome customer service.

Recently, I got to experience what I’m pretty sure  is the epitome of their customer service.  A coworker and I were delayed in Austin, leaving us with just 10 minutes to make a connection from B6 to E1 in Atlanta (see map)... so we expected to just spend the night there. However, as soon as we stepped off the plane, a Delta agent was standing by with our names on a sign and shouting for us.  I quickly approached him as he assured me he’d help me make my connection. Next thing I know, the back door or the jet bridge is opened, and I’m following the agent downstairs and being lead to a PORSCHE.    And, not just and Porsche: a fully Delta-customized Porsche Panamera.  The driver raced along the tarmac- giving us a behind the scenes view of ATL- rushed us up the back stairs of our next jet bridge, and successfully helped us make our 10 minute layover – with 5 minutes to spare.

So, there are certainly times travel can wear on me.  But, this once in a lifetime experience definitely brightens my travel up along the way