I have a personal rule. About 10 years ago I made a resolution to not make any resolutions. It worked really well for me and has continued to work every year since. It has provided me endless pleasure when the inevitable New Year’s conversation “What is your resolution?” comes up.

Lately, I’m beginning to wonder if I haven’t shorted myself all these years. What better way to gauge your accomplishments than to decide at the beginning what’s going to be your focus in the new year? I don’t mean the “lose 15 lbs” resolution, I mean the kind that makes you take stock of the year past and determine what you can do in the next to make it better. Maybe, just maybe, I need to rethink my resolution rule.

How does this relate to Delta and to you, our valued fliers?

1. Looking Back:We have had a fairly accomplished 2009, with the SkyMiles/WorldPerks integration and Medallion program benefits, launching our new Delta Sky Clubs, WiFi on 300 planes and counting, new uniform roll out across the NW/DL system and airport integration of both pre-merger Northwest and Delta locations to name a few.

2. Looking Ahead: The new year will start with entirely new chapter in Delta history. Today, we received our single operating certificate from the FAA. In the simplest terms, it means the path has been paved for us to fully integrate our operations as one airline in 2010. While this will not immediately present solutions to every challenge, it does mean that there are more than 70,000 employees worldwide focused on making your travel experience better, one day at a time. Quite a lofty goal, or dare I say it, resolution.

Thank you, our customers, for allowing us the privilege to serve you this year. We look forward to starting the new year together. Happy, safe travels and Happy New Year!

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Come on… you know you’ve made them! Share them in the comments below, or tweet them now to @deltablog.

Rachael R.
Manager, Delta Marketing

Being a part of the travel industry, I constantly have people asking me where is the best place to go, what are the best deals around, and of course, can I help them book it. It does not end there, we frequently have fans on facebook asking us the same questions and of course people calling our reservations for the same information.

When you think of our 224 destinations and thousands of hotels and many great specials, it could be a little overwhelming for someone to narrow down where they would like to go on vacation. While we have great destination information and deals on the site for people to browse, we decided to have our experts combine our lowest airfare with the best hotel values to our most popular destinations on a weekly basis. “Top Trips of the Week” are updated every Monday with new departure and destination cities. You will see destinations such as Las Vegas, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean and more with specific hotels and travel dates.

It is fun to see what is new each week and gets me dreaming about where I want to take my next vacation. Actually, Riviera Maya Mexico is the plan – all-inclusive with the family. I can’t wait.

Check out our Top Trips and let us plan your vacation for you.

What is your Top Trip?

Libby H., DL Vacations

Oh, the weather outside may be frightful. But try out these helpful holiday travel tips from our frequent flyers and employees to ensure your upcoming trip is delightful.

Beeline from Booking to Boarding:
• If you book a one- or multi-stop trip, make sure you allow time to make your connection, especially at major hubs. If you travel through LaGuardia with Delta Shuttle, remember that you will need to make a connection in a different terminal.

• Check in online at delta.com up to 24 hours before departure or from your cell phone/PDA at select cities. Checking in with your iPhone? Snap a screen capture so you can easily pull up your boarding pass at security checkpoints.
• Plan to get to the airport early. It’s better to be early than late! Use the extra time to catch your breath in the Delta Sky Club (Treat yourself – or someone else – to a One Day pass for $50).

• Use your camera or cell phone to snap a photo of your parking spot location. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll appreciate it when you return!
• Check flight status monitors and listen for announcements in case of gate changes.

Make Carrying-on a Cinch (Not a Grinch):
• Review what you can and can’t take through security checkpoints. Travel in shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Buy a bottle of water once you clear security to stay hydrated.
• Pack toiletries and “freshen up” items in your carry-on, just in case! Add toothpaste, a toothbrush, an extra pair of socks and trial-size Febreze so you can change and feel refreshed. Don’t forget to put liquids – less than 3.4 oz. – in a quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
• Drop your mp3 player in your carry-on. Don’t forget the headset and charger. They’ll come in handy onboard. Plus, download podcasts ahead of time to pass the time before boarding.
• Tote a book or magazine to read, especially for boarding, take-off, landing and when your row-mate won’t stop blabbering.
• Add a snack to your carry-on in case your stomach rumbles before the Biscoffs come around.

So, relax and enjoy the ride!

Rachael R., Marketing
Justin R., Technical Operations
Reynaldo, Marketing Finance
Frank W., Marketing

What do you think of these tips? Have other tricks of the travel trade? Leave us a comment below or send a tweet @DeltaBlog.