New Member-Delta to Madrid

Good morning everyone, I am a pilot for SWA and am new to this forum. Non reving is not new to me, SWA is my fourth company, and I am most familiar with how it is done. There is always something to learn no matter how long one has been doing this.

I purchased economy tickets on Delta for our trip to Madrid, Spain. We usually non rev on SWA but for this trip obviously OAL was in order. Also, we figured non-reving to Europe in July is asking for troube, especially with two young children. There are some questions i do have for employees for any airline really.

1. Paid for economy tickets but still would like to bring chocolates, cookies, etc., for the crew. Anyone still doing that?
2. No, I'm not expecting an upgrade just because of the above but maybe a little extra care by the crew?
3. I see Delta has preferred seating that I cannot access with my fare of ticket. These open up on the travel day and if so how much does that cost? As an OAL employee would it be possible to move up to the preferred seats?
4. We do have a Delta Gold AMEX, is priority boarding better with the card? How about the Skyclub use for the day at a reduced rate?

I these questions are more geared toward Delta employees but I would love to hear any experiences.

Again, I do plan to bring goodies for the crew and introduce myself and family. Does anyone do that if they paid for a regular ticket?

Thanks and any input is appreciated.

Welcome. The best deal is AA FLT#94 @ $95 going and $135 return. Once you get to MAD and clear customs go down the hall and get the metro to the city. I stayed in Arguelles which is kind of mid-town about 4 stops from Sol which is the heart of the city. Lots of shopping and walking. El Corte' Ingles (a la Macys) is across the street. MAD is huge 3 mil people so with any big city..

I can't speak too much on the specific questions, but I can say that I'm sure the F/As will be happy with a bag of chocolates to share among the crew. I've done it within the past few years for the gate agents when I flew rev on BA. Turns out they already had a new seat assignment for me in E+, since my seat had a place for a bassinet which was needed for someone else. Just make sure that it's sealed, whatever you get. Ultimately, the best you can really do is ask nicely and hope for the best. Maybe a quick badge flash or something, but don't try to make it seem like you're expecting anything. Ultimately, a gate/check in agent will do what they can to get a family sitting together.

DL folks are asked not to display ID at any time in the gate/on board when nonreving.
Sealed treats might be appreciated by the crew. Something simple, like M&Ms or mini candy bars? I would do after being seated, maybe stopping by the galley before they get really busy. I don't recommend it, personally.
Economy Comfort is seldom available unless purchased in advance. Did you check the website yet? It should be available for all classes of coach tkts. I believe it's less than $100 each way/pax.
DL Amex Skymiles Gold has priority boarding, along w/free bag.
Hope that helps. Have a great time--doing a cruise? And welcome to nonrev.net--stick around! Most of us don't bite.
PS--Forgot to add: The medallions get the E Comfort and preferred seat upgrades free or reduced 50%, based on fare paid in coach, so I doubt you'll get to move unless prepaid. The MAD and BCN flts are all so full, I wouldn't count on much.

Thanks everyone for the responses, very much appreciated. Growing up I spent my summers in Madrid so I am somewhat familiar. It has been too long since I have gone back and am ecstatic about the trip. Hopefully my children will gain much from seeing outside of the states and meeting family abroad.

This seems to be a great forum and look forward to reading and learning from all.


Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

DL folks are asked not to display ID at any time in the gate/on board when nonreving.

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This is true. However, I do see employees wearing their delta badge on their front shirt pocket all the time. It seems to happen most frequently when traveling with a large party.:huh:

I have never seen an ID on a pocket. Only on a lanyard, sometimes tucked into a shirt between button but usually just hanging. Uniformed emps need to have it out.