DELTA.COM/CHANGE

Marking A 5 Year Milestone In Africa

Hi, my Name is Viki and I’ve been working at Delta in Accra for five years this month! My career at Delta all started because of a chance encounter with two Delta managers that knocked at the door of my Accra airport office wanting help sourcing phone cards. Shortly after, I found myself at an interview in London being offered the job of station manager for Delta’s operations in Accra, and I’ve been here ever since!

It was an exciting time from the get go. There was always so much to do, from finding offices and filing slots to preparing for the first flight. Even though this was my third start up for an airline, somehow with Delta it felt different, more special and exciting.

And so arrived the time for the inaugural flight. The arrival of Delta on our soil in Ghana five years ago has been the most memorable moment in my working life to date. On that day, all my months of hard work came to fruition and was recognized with a big celebration with many dignitaries in attendance. It signified the start of a huge growth in aviation in Africa, and Ghana in particular. Back then, we started with flights to New York (JFK), but today we have expanded and now fly to 3 more cities – Atlanta, Monrovia and recently Abuja, Nigeria.

There is a real buzz when working for Delta because there’s always something going on. In  Ghana with the new passenger gates, new lie-flat beds and an increasing route network, there’s never a dull moment! All of these aspects are providing a real boost for the region and the airline itself.

Even though there has been a lot of change over the years, I still have my original team from the beginning as well as two more additions from Dakar and Atlanta. We have created a wonderful and award winning team due to our hard work in safety and baggage.

Thanks Delta, let’s celebrate 5 years of success!

Viki Vaughan-Williams

Station Manager, Accra

2011 Thanksgiving Travel Tips

Most people think of the phrase “holiday travel” as being synonymous with “chaos”. Well, this doesn’t have to be the case thanks to a few simple tips to get you swiftly home just in time to fill yourselves with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings—yum!

First things first, before you leave for the airport, make sure you:

  • Measure your bag. Does it measure up to FAA guidelines? That’s 22″ x 14″ x 9″ with wheels and handles.
  • Review the checked bag requirements and pricing guidelines so there aren’t any surprises once you’re at the airport.
  • Put all of your 3 ounce liquid containers in a clear quart-size zip top bag in compliance with TSA rules. That way, you can breeze through the security checkpoint without being held up.
  • Check-in and submit any requests for special assistance (wheelchairs etc.) 24 hours in advance.

But remember, there’s only so much you can do to prepare during the holidays. The best thing you can give yourself is time! Be sure to be punctual for your flights—arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights. With ample time on your side, the stress and tension of getting through the airport will be a thing of the past.

We hope these simple and easy tips are helpful to you and your family this holiday season! Do you have any tips to add to the list? Be sure to drop a comment and share them!

From our Delta family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Laura M.

Delta Social Media

Say Hello To Mobile Baggage Tracking

Whether it’s a flight across the country or across the pond, we know how important it is that your bags travel where you do. You may remember in April when we announced lots of improvements to help you with checked baggage, which is why today we’re excited to tell you about another one!

Now when you download the latest update to the Delta app, you’ll be able to track your checked bag – just like you track a package.

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So how does it work? Just enter the number on your bag tag receipt – or iPhone® users can scan the barcode – and watch your bag’s journey from departure to arrival and all points in between. Plus you’ll even know which carousel they arrive on!

Ever been sitting on the plane and wondering whether your bags are too? With the new app feature you can even track your bags while in flight. That’s right – Gogo® Inflight Internet gives you free access to delta.com or the Delta app.

Plus enjoy other new features when you download the updated app, like the ability to pay for your bags during mobile check-in, accessing airport maps and aircraft information and viewing a complete list of Delta Sky Club® locations so you’re never left wondering where to go.

The latest update for the Fly Delta app is now available for iPhone®, Android™ and Windows® Phone users and is coming to Blackberry® in early 2012. So go ahead, download it for free. It’s just one more way you can “take off” with an easier, more convenient travel experience!

P.S. did we mention we’re the only U.S. airline gives you the tools to track your bags anytime, even while in flight? So be sure to try it out and tell us what you think!

Jonathan Mayfield

Delta Mobile Team

‘Away We Go’, Away You Go!

If you’re the hero who pulls everyone together for that ski trip each year or the family reunion you’ve been talking about for ages, we have an exciting new tool that will help you trade the incessant messages within Facebook to a private planning trip planning forum.

Introducing Delta Away We Go. With this revolutionary new Facebook app you can plan, discuss, and share details about your trip with the people you’ve invited along for the journey. All privately, and all within Facebook.

We know that whether you have 5 or 50 people in your group, details like who’s arriving when, who’s staying where, and who’s doing what are difficult to organize and confusing to communicate broadly. But with the new Delta Away We Go app those problems will become a distant memory!

Some of the features include:

  • Simple, private ways to share information. Use the tool to invite guestsfrom your existing Facebook friends list and privately share your trip information on Facebook.
  • Trip wizard. This feature gives you the ability to name your trip and give your friends the basic 411.
  • Maps & activity suggestions. This maps feature allows you to search for places to go and fun
  • things to do at your trip destination.
  • RSVP tracker. Keep up with who’s coming and who already booked their tickets. Now there’s no uncertainty whether you’re the only one who bought that plane ticket yet!
  • Countdown calendar. Lets you know just how many days before the fun begins!

With this new app, we’re out in front as the first airline to continue developing social tools to make your travels easier. From the Delta Ticket Counter and 24-7 customer service from @DeltaAssist to our Twitter and Facebook pages, this new app is another exciting step for our social sphere and we look forward to hearing about your trip!

Denise F.

eCommerce project leader

Groupon A Delta Sky Club Pass & Go!

This week we’ve partnered with Groupon to bring you big savings on Delta Sky Club passes!

Here’s the breakdown of today’s savings:

50% off one (1) 1-visit pass to any Delta Sky Club in NYC.

  • Cost: $25
  • Save: $25!

64% off five (5) 1-visit passes to any Club in NYC.

  • Cost: $89
  • Save: $161!

And don’t forget you still have another day to snag the same deals in Seattle.

Next week we’re announcing even more cities where you can find the same great deals so stay tuned for the unveiling.

Enjoy!

Joy Halperin

Delta Sky Clubs