Would you give up your 1st class seat for an Olympic gold medalist?
There are a LOT of legitimate reasons that airlines (including Delta) catch a lot of shade on social media but, after this weekend, Delta Airlines is, perhaps unfairly, catching some Olympic-sized shade for something that was likely out of their control.
The New York Post reports that the US Men’s Curling team, after their “…
stunning surprise win against Sweden on Saturday, USA Curling sent out a tweet to Delta Airlines hoping that the athletes might get some VIP treatment – and a bit more leg room — while flying back stateside from Pyeongchang.
“@Delta our Olympic #curling champions are flying home on Monday. Upgrades?!?” the tweet said, accompanied by a happy face with a return hashtag that read #GoldMedalists@CoachPhill@TeamShuster.
Coach Phill Drobnick even seconded the request, tweeting, “Come on @Delta I think #DeltaOne is calling our name for the gold! 5 athletes and 2 coaches!”
People are criticizing Delta for their response –denying the athletes any special treatment– although, it would appear it may have been a lack of availability rather than a lack of support that was the issue…
“Delta told the team that this time, it was out of luck.
“Hi, there. Congratulations, gold medal champions! We are honored to be your ride back home! While we don’t have any upgrades to offer, we look forward to seeing you on board. Thanks for flying with us! *AJL,” the airline tweeted.”
Although the article paints Delta in a sketchy light…it is possible that their 1st class seats were already booked…and doesn’t everyone (justifiably) lose their minds over airlines bumping passengers from their bought and paid for seats, no matter what the reason? Even if the Internet is offended by their denial… The team members themselves seem to have taken it in stride… USA Curling tweeted the New York Post story about Delta’s, perceived, gaffe along with the following disclaimer, “They have treated us well! No surprise there! Thanks @Delta.”
I wonder… if you were offered compensation, would you be willing to give up your 1st class seat for an Olympic gold medalist (from your country or not)?