In the airline business, many different areas of the travel experience are focused on for reward and recognition. Frequent flyer programs and airport lounges generally come to mind, but I wanted to take a moment to talk about a less tangible attribute that an airline can exude.
Delta was recently approached by PlanetOut to tell us that Gay.com readers nominated Delta as one of the top five airlines for 2009!
I’m writing this blog entry today to ask for your support (and hopefully your vote) to help Delta win the “Favorite Airline” category. While you’re there, be sure to cast your ballot for the other 8 categories, including favorite hotel chain and favorite international destination (btw-did you know Delta currently serves all 5 of those wonderful destinations?).
It is very gratifying to know that my employer of 10+ years encompasses a culture of global inclusion. Delta does more than just putting it on paper; Delta truly believes that global diversity should be a core company value. It can be seen in a number of ways, for example through sponsorships, HR policy, and community involvement.
In 2002, Delta was the largest employer in Georgia to extend domestic partner benefits to its employees. Throughout the years, Delta has also created advertisements specifically marketed towards the LGBT community; I found a few examples to share: “The Colors of Hawaii” from 2003, “Being The Jetsetter You’ve Always Claimed To Be” from 2007 (above - which refers to our then, newly launched delta.com/gaytravel website).
Delta even partnered with American Express and actually filmed a special edition of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” while flying on a B767-400 from Los Angeles to New York. Talk about thinking outside the box!
On an important note, last year Delta updated the company’s non-discrimination policy to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity (in addition to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, citizen status, and marital status). Adding two words to a manual may seem like a small accomplishment, but it’s actually a huge achievement towards equality for all. The change will allow us to increase our current Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index rating of 85% to a perfect 100% rating on the next report.
Again, thanks for stopping by to read my first blog entry. I do hope Delta is already your favorite airline (in the context of this award) as well as your overall preferred carrier! Don’t forget to submit your vote by May 4, 2009 - vote now!
Happy travels!
Russ Hawkins
Sr. Analyst - Europe / JV International Pricing
April 30th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Good to see that Delta is fair minded, and frankly smart because it’s good business. My partner and I fly Delta a couple of times a year. I don’t fly enough to get upgrades, so we actually pay for and fly first class. I love the service on Delta and appreciate the Crown Room Club.
April 30th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
My partner and I will be flying with Delta in November from Los Angeles (LAX) to London (LGW). I have always used Delta and have been very satisfied. I have flown other airlines because the people I traveled with booked their tickets first and I have always been disappointed. I’m hoping that the route via Cincinnati will have individual TV flight entertainment at each seat. I have confirmed that LAX to LGW via JFK has this but I have not be found info on flights via Cincinnati.
May 1st, 2009 at 12:40 am
When voting on Gay.com, they list Delta as Delta Airlines instead of Delta Air Lines . . .
.
May 1st, 2009 at 12:40 am
For clarification, Delta Air Lines is 3 words, not Two . . .
.
June 25th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
No gay man would ever travel with that set of luggage!