Delta President Wants You To Skip Baggage Claim, Deliver Bags Directly To Hotels
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.
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.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 100,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $2,000
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, 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.
- Our best offer ever! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,250 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 100,000 points are worth $1,250 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.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
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.