Delta DL200 September 21, 2024

[Graham Hunter]

Can't figure out why Airfares keep going up but quality and service keep going down!

 

[Hunt anything]

Can't figure out why Airfares keep going up but quality and service keep going down!

No one gives a crap anymore! They just want a pay check.

 

[Rickmt]

I have in this shitstorm travel story encountered delta employees who were experienced and helpful. My son’s Blaser rifles have been lost in baggage land in Atlanta for 3 days. They were first sent to Brazil and returned to Atlanta 3 days ago.
We have been calling 2x everyday for three days and finally they are supposed to go to Minneapolis tonight and on to Bozeman tomorrow.
The why is this bad service happening is directly related to the degree of automation in the system . There is not enough quality personnel to deal with the problems when they arise.
Everything works until it doesn’t and then it’s hopelessly tangled.
Why did Delta at its main hub in the world not have an extra jet in reserve Saturday night?

 

[Hornyman]

Most of the DL fleet can't make the ATL - JNB route.

 

[Rickmt]

It is now Thursday afternoon (5 days later)and my sons Blaser R8 375 HH and 300 win mag rifle set are still in Delta World. We think they are in oversized bag room f but nobody seems to be able to actually go there and get them on a plane to Bozeman. Call three times a day and DID get a call from a supervisor who said they are busy with cancelled flights due to the hurricane. f#%k the hurricane! I have learned a lot of Africa travel lessons.

 

[Rellik]

This whole string sounds just wonderful. I travel a fair bit domestically on Delta and have had few issues that weren't weather related. I just booked on Delta from Montana through ATL to Joberg for a hunt in April of next year. Overnight in Joberg, then on to port Elizabeth via Airlink the next day.
This will be my first international flight on Delta and first trip to Africa, so I hope I don't experience the same issues. I will be taking my own rifle and booked everything through Gracy. Other than the trip insurance, any other suggestions?

 

[npm352]

What a nightmare

 

[Spearhead]

No one gives a crap anymore! They just want a pay check.

Lack of quality people and work ethic. It's a gimme gimme world now and it sucks!

 

[TheGrayRider]

No one gives a crap anymore! They just want a pay check.

+1

 

[Rickmt]

This whole string sounds just wonderful. I travel a fair bit domestically on Delta and have had few issues that weren't weather related. I just booked on Delta from Montana through ATL to Joberg for a hunt in April of next year. Overnight in Joberg, then on to port Elizabeth via Airlink the next day.
This will be my first international flight on Delta and first trip to Africa, so I hope I don't experience the same issues. I will be taking my own rifle and booked everything through Gracy. Other than the trip insurance, any other suggestions?

Apple AirTags !
Your itinerary is exactly the itinerary we had- watch the layover in Atlanta, ours was two hours - Bozeman to Atlanta was 1 1/2 hour late - did not matter because DL 200 to joberg was late then cancelled-

 

[Rellik]

Apple AirTags !
Your itinerary is exactly the itinerary we had- watch the layover in Atlanta, ours was two hours - Bozeman to Atlanta was 1 1/2 hour late - did not matter because DL 200 to joberg was late then cancelled-

great suggestion. thanks !

 

[Rickmt]

It has been 10 days and Delta has not returned my son’s Blaser set back to Bozeman. A supervisor that has no call back number and a local Bozeman airport worker (also no call back number ) are my only hope. They have both been off from work so I have been waiting for them to get back. Apparently the guns are in a customs restricted area and there is paperwork necessary to get them out.
I spent the weekend with a friend on Yellowstone lake fishing for cutthroat trout.

Only boat on the lake fishing these beautiful fish. These fish are catch and release only.
I almost forgot about Delta and our guns. Note Garry Kelly Safari hat that is a long way from Africa

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Bummer and sorry to hear this. This is why I flew Emirates on my recent September safari. Delta was a disaster 2 years ago. Flights kept getting cancelled and delayed. I also couldn't find a Delta flight that would get me to Joberg in the morning. I much rather get to camp early, put my gear away, and sight in my rifles same day, vs spending the extra day at a safe house/guest house in Joberg. My Emirates experience from SFO through Dubai to Joberg was great! I got treated as priority because I had rifles and ammo- front of the line. I had to fill out one form for the rifles and ammo; that was done online a month in advance. That form also was with each ticketing agent when I got to the airport and they were well aware I was checking in and they immediately called for escorts to and from the requisite check in on both ends. Rifles and ammo checked all the way threw to Joberg and back to San Francisco. No recheck in at Atlanta or wherever your first US hub/port of entry may be. Emirates was amazingly easy and nice... I'll fly Emirates again.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I also put AirTags in my rifle case and ammo/gear case… Very helpful.

I have anxiety for you! Nightmare…

 

[Oldwavy]

I'm sorry you had such a horrible encounter.

 

[Ed Lally]

After SAA went down, we flew Qatar exclusively. They are fussy about firearms paperwork and some forms can only be filled out at the ticket/checkin desk but otherwise, no worries. And they coordinate smoothly with local African airlines.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

This whole string sounds just wonderful. I travel a fair bit domestically on Delta and have had few issues that weren't weather related. I just booked on Delta from Montana through ATL to Joberg for a hunt in April of next year. Overnight in Joberg, then on to port Elizabeth via Airlink the next day.
This will be my first international flight on Delta and first trip to Africa, so I hope I don't experience the same issues. I will be taking my own rifle and booked everything through Gracy. Other than the trip insurance, any other suggestions?

when are you leaving next April? I am flying the same route leaving on April 4th

 

[Rickmt]

After Delta delayed the flight for 3 plus hours and it was 1 in the morning they cancelled the flight and told us to get to our hotels because shuttles were ending,Delta also told us we would be automatically rebooked to reach Johannesburg. This was true but only for the first class customers. We were paying $4800.00 per seat for premium select and they sent our luggage to San Paulo Airport in Brazil but failed to tell us or notify us via text or email.
I will immediately call them as soon as I hear cancelled in the future and I will consider a travel agent even to Joberg in the future. I will require the travel agent be available 24/7 to assist .

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Just fly Emirates or Qatar…

And:
Complete Trip Protection — For travel mishaps, medical emergencies, 24/7 assistance & more.

Trip Cancellation Travel Insurance

If you enjoy traveling often—or you book expensive vacations—you may have considered purchasing a travel insurance policy in case you have to cancel your trip. While trip cancellation insurance can help reimburse you if you have to cancel your trip, it won’t cover every possible problem. Before y

www.forbes.com

 

[Rellik]

when are you leaving next April? I am flying the same route leaving on April 4th

I actually leave on March 30, overnight in Joberg on March 31, and start my hunt on April 1 . Returning April 10