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Archive for May, 2011


Habitat for Humanity: China Build 2011

Ni hao from China! We completed our three day build in Pinghu, China last week and I must say that it has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life! It was both an honor and privilege to meet and work together with Delta employees from around the globe as well as with employees from Habitat for Humanity/China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines on this project.

This was my first time working on a Habitat project and also my visit to China. The SkyMiles auction gave me a unique opportunity to experience China in a way few people have or ever will, and I feel fortunate to have been able to do it.

I am currently in Beijing and have seen the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, and my adventures in China continue with a trip to Xi’An to see the Terra Cotta Warriors later this week before I fly home to New Orleans via Hong Kong. Thanks again to Delta and HFH for the memories of a lifetime!

Be sure to check out the ways you can participate and give back through Delta’s Force for Global Good!

Ron H.

Delta Diamond Medallion 

Ron Hernandez is a Training Consultant for CareFusion Neurocare. He lives in New Orleans, LA and has been a frequent flier with Delta since 2003. He recently achieved Million Miler status and currently is a Diamond Medallion member.

Recycle Runway Lands in Atlanta

Last month, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport began hosting couture fashion pieces designed from recycled material, the work of nationally acclaimed environmental educator Nancy Judd.

One of the 18 pieces on display at the Recycle Runway exhibit is the Delta-commissioned “Environmental Steward-ess,” located near gate E12.  This fashionable flight attendant outfit, purse, and cape are made exclusively from recycled materials used on Delta flights, created from old seat covers, safety cards, Sky magazines, plane tickets, pretzel wrappers, a worn-out Delta blanket, and used aluminum cans.

We’re one of a few airlines to participate in “upcycling,” where cabin fixtures and in-flight items destined for the trash are refashioned into stylish clothing and accessories.  This is not our first time engaging in upcycling. In 2010 Delta partnered with Tierra Ideas, donating aircraft seat covers to be converted into bags and accessories. Tierra Ideas also supported this exhibit by creating its purse.

Ms. Judd’s Recycle Runway fashion creations are designed to capture the public’s attention and inspire individuals to consider the environmental impacts of their daily activities. Each piece takes between 50 and 400 hours to create. The exhibit will be on display on Concourse E through April 2012.

Have you visited the exhibit recently? Let us know what you think.

Jennifer O.

Program Coordinator, Environment

Calling All Expert Travelers: Tell Us How You Stay Cool On The Fly

Ah yes, it’s finally summertime. Time to sit back and unwind. And for many of you, that means jetting off to a sunny locale.  

It’s one of our busiest times of year, so we’re buzzing behind the scenes to ensure your travel experience is as seamless as possible. We’re increasing employee training and resources and also providing you with travel tips to help make your trip through the airport a breeze.

But we realized during last year’s busy holiday travel season that you – our savviest of travelers – hold some of the best tips around. So we’re turning to you again to provide tips that make your journey a day at the beach.

Tell us how you stay cool at the airport (and be sure to include the #DeltaTips hashtag) via Twitter, Facebook or by commenting here on the blog. We’ll select the best of the best (there’s always tough competition) and post them back on our blog on June 6. Plus, we’ll retweet our favorite (or just downright hilarious) tips throughout the week.

So tell us–what helps you fly through the airport during your summer getaway?

Liz G.

Delta Social Media

Commemorating 25 Years Flying to Shannon, Ireland

In light of our recent 25 year anniversary of flying to Shannon, I want to take a moment to share with you my special relationship with the city, and the experiences I’ve had these many years at Delta.

I applied as soon as I heard Delta was starting flying into Shannon Ireland from Atlanta in 1986 – I was 19 years old. I remember at the end of my interview I leaned forward in my chair put my hands up in front of me and said “look I REALLY REALLY REALLY want this job” The interviewer leaned back in his chair, laughed and said “that’s the first time I’ve finished an interview like that!”

Audrey (right) at the Shannon Ribbon Cutting, May 9 1986

I got the job and spent three weeks at Gatwick training. I had such great fun and learned all about the position, including how to print a boarding pass which was a recent invention around that time. Before that all the boarding passes were handwritten.

So many things have changed in the world and in our industry since then…

I have worn a number of uniforms through the years. My favorite is still my first one; navy, white blouse and a navy, red and striped tie that clipped onto the blouse. My least favorite was the grey uniform. I was lucky as I had three navy maternity uniforms during my time, but I can’t lie, the grey maternity uniform was not flattering!

When I started there were only two ways of communicating with other stations, the telephone and the ultra-modern (at the time) TTY (telex’s) .The ideas of mobile phones and email were still way off with the idea of someone instantly communicating (like something from Star Trek!). As for blackberries….you ate those. Most things were done manually, even bag tags at check in…and there were even smoking zones on the aircraft.

What hasn’t changed is that our business is all about the passenger. It was back then and is today. The passenger may now be able to book online and check-in on their phones, but the customer service element remains the same.

What I love about working for Delta is the friendships I have formed, working with some of the same wonderful girls for the last twenty five years. I love the fact that when you enter the “office” each day you never know what is ahead of you. To know that customers I have assisted have been happy with the service they have received is what I call job satisfaction. And I hope to continue doing that for many years to come.

Here’s to Shannon!

Audrey Murray

Senior Airport Services Agent – SNN

Meet Yankee Centerfielder Curtis Granderson As #DeltaDugout 2011 Ramps Up!

The weather in NY and the baseball season are just heating up. And it’s time to celebrate being the official airline of the New York Mets and the New York Yankees with our baseball extravaganza in NYC—Delta Dugout.

The one-of-a-kind event kicks off this Friday, so if you’ve already caught baseball fever, great. If you haven’t, our amazing trips and giveaways will get you there!

Were you following last week’s contest? Mets fans posted tons of photos of themselves showing team loyalty and flair and it was tough to pick the best. But choose a winner we must, so we’re proud to announce that Joseph Sarnoski (@sarnoski) and a guest are going to the Mets away game of their choice!

YANKEES DELTA SKY360 PACKAGE

This week, we’re giving away another fantastic prize—2 Yankees Delta Sky360 Suite tickets to the June 25th game vs. the Colorado Rockies. Is that it? No way, because the winners will get to meet star Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson! Entering is easy on delta.com.

And…there’s more. Over the next week, Delta will be offering our fans and flyers the opportunity to win even more prize packages.  For more information, stay tuned right here on the blog, follow us on Twitter at @Delta, “Like” Delta on Facebook and be sure to RSVP to the Delta Dugout event on Facebook.

Delta Dugout Event Information

Delta Dugout is the ultimate 3-day baseball experience, taking place at Madison Square Park in NYC, May 20-22. Come down to meet Mets and Yankees players, test your skills in the batting and pitching cages and watch the games live on a JumboTron. We’ll have tons of giveaways, like tickets to games and travel on Delta. RSVP to the Facebook Event page for updates, schedule of events and more giveaways.

Annika S.

New York Sponsorships