When Delta Air Lines Was One Of The Family

Before I retired, I was one of those business types that flew a great deal. In fact, even though I have been retired for more than a decade now, I still have a wad of Delta frequent flyer credits. You will notice I said Delta frequent flyer points, for I was a member of Delta's loyal legion in the era when they took good care of their business flyers. Remember those little elastic strings they used for luggage tags? I let them build up till they were readily visible, and I wouldn't get a new suitcase, because I learned that was one of the clues Delta agents used to identify you as one of their regulars. Delta was part of my family, and sort of like Jimmy Wood's service station, I knew they would take care of me. I would change flights, or even take a later flight home, just to fly Delta. And I proudly told anyone who would listen that the best airline in the world was headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

I know what you are thinking; Delta changed. It's management changed, and its people lost that warm and wonderful Southern charm. But it is still headquartered in Atlanta, and is an important part of Georgia's economy. I remember when the pilots took Eastern Airlines down. It hurt.

So, I am highly concerned to see Delta Air Lines in financial trouble, and I sincerely hope they make it through. They may not treat flyers like family any more, but they are still a big chunk of our economy ... and they got there because once upon a time they WERE family ... and some of us have high hopes they will be again.

This is Gordon Sawyer, from a window on historic Green Street.