Travel Preparation Tips
As the unofficial start to summer approaches this weekend, airlines are preparing for a record-breaking number of travelers. For the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Delta Air Lines expects to fly 2.8 million passengers with 4,500 daily departures. In an interview, Delta’s SVP of Customer Experience, Ranjan Goswami, shared some tips to avoid any potential stress at its hubs.
Airport Arrival Suggestions
One key piece of advice from Goswami is to download the Fly Delta app and become a SkyMiles member. This app enables passengers to communicate how many bags they wish to check in advance. At the airport, self-tagging kiosks eliminate the need for long lines to tag luggage.
In the event of delays, cancellations, or missed connections, the app provides quick assistance with re-booking options, which is often faster than waiting in a line or calling customer service. If a passenger’s flight is delayed and a connection is missed, the app will offer alternative flights and may provide hotel and meal vouchers as well.
Moreover, Goswami advises arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight. Delta has invested significantly in its workforce, hiring over 25,000 new personnel in the past year. This effort aims to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
Personal Travel Insights
Goswami, who has been with the airline for over 15 years, has plans to travel to Barcelona this Memorial Day Weekend and then visit Costa Brava in Spain. He emphasizes the importance of traveling light, stating, “I often find I never use everything I pack so why strain my back? It’s also easier to find overhead bin space when I travel with less.”
Lastly, for passengers who check a bag, if their luggage does not arrive at baggage claim within 20 minutes of landing, they can receive 2,500 bonus Delta SkyMiles for future flights.
