Delta President Wants You To Skip Baggage Claim, Deliver Bags Directly To Hotels
Traveling on Delta in 2025 is going to look and feel a lot different than it does today. According to Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein, Delta is aiming to become less airline and more transportation company, eventually absorbing parts of the travel journey that it currently leaves to outside vendors and to passengers.
In speaking with Ric Elias, CEO of TPG's parent company Red Ventures, for an upcoming 3 Things podcast episode, Hauenstein painted a picture of how the airline will morph during the next five or so years. "Right now, we still sell airline tickets," said Hauenstein. "What we really want to sell is the journey. You really don't want to go from Atlanta to Los Angeles or Charlotte to New York, for example. You want to go from your office or your house, and you want to wind up at a particular hotel or venue. That's what we need to integrate into the buying process."
Specifically, Hauenstein alluded to Delta playing a larger role in making sure your bags are less of a burden. "When you get to your destination," said Hauenstein, "[we want] your luggage to find its way to your mode of transportation, and show up at your hotel or place of residence, or whatever your destination is...If you use Lyft for ride-sharing, if you use Hilton or Marriott as your preferred hotel vendor, we need to know that. Then, we can provide you a curated experience from start to finish. That's where we're headed."
Delta CEO Ed Bastian has been quite vocal about his intention to make Wi-Fi free on Delta jets, and Hauenstein echoed that in comments made during the interview. "As for inflight connectivity — we're working towards free. We want full connectivity, and we're not going to take away inflight entertainment systems."
On the topic of perks, Hauenstein dropped a bit of news on the credit card front. On the heels of the airline's expanded partnership with American Express, he noted that, "For those of you who do have a Delta card — we'll be relaunching [it], and not diminishing the value, but increasing the value. So, if you don't have one... maybe you should think about it!" He didn't elaborate on what valuable additions are around the bend, but we'll certainly report on those once we find out.
Be sure to subscribe to '3 Things (with Ric Elias)' on Apple Podcasts or your podcast app of choice to hear the full episode.
RELATED VIDEO:
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
Featured image by Lisa Weatherbee/The Points Guy.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app