It’s all hands on deck as Delta asks ‘volunteers’ to clean Sky Clubs
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Last month, in an interview with TPG, Delta CEO Ed Bastian committed to reopening all Sky Club airport lounges by this summer.
While a handful of locations remain temporarily closed, many have already reopened, including a whopping eight at Delta’s Atlanta (ATL) hub.
Unfortunately, the airline hasn’t been able to restore staffing levels quickly enough — particularly in Atlanta. As referenced on FlyerTalk, and first reported by Twitter user “JonNYC”, Delta is now calling on salaried employees to “volunteer” to help out with Sky Club shifts.
In a memo to employees, the airline stated that it’s currently “severely understaffed in the ATL Sky Club” — apparently to the tune of 115 contractors. ATL-area employees are being asked to lend a hand: “Just come to the ATL airport for a few hours to help with cleaning, wiping tables, running food, restocking food buffets, etc.,” the memo reads.
A spokesperson confirmed the move, explaining:
“Just as we’ve done for years with Peach Corps employee volunteers during our busiest travel seasons, we have asked Atlanta-based, salaried employees to volunteer in our Atlanta Delta Sky Clubs to help meet the rapid, recent increases in customer volumes and ensure that our teams continuously deliver the elevated Club experiences our customers have come to expect. No matter where a Delta employee works – whether in the operation or at headquarters – one thing consistent among all Delta people is their willingness to lend a hand. It is part of Delta’s culture and is the Delta Difference.”
This particular request applies to salaried employees currently working in Delta’s Atlanta headquarters — aside from designated staff, I wouldn’t expect to find flight attendants, pilots and other non-HQ employees working in the lounge.
Delta is currently working with contractors to hire and onboard new Sky Club employees — since these particular jobs are on the “secure” side of the airport, extra security screening and training is involved, further complicating the process.
For now, “volunteers” can wear black slacks and a white shirt, according to the memo — if you encounter anyone who matches that description in an ATL Sky Club, I’d be extra gracious, given the unusual ask.
Featured photo by Darren Murph/The Points Guy
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 80,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,600
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 3X points on dining and 2x points on travel, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.