Delta’s seasonal Early Valet service is back and my friend and I just tried it for the first time. It was super convenient and removed most of the stress associated with the boarding process…especially when not flying up front. The service works like this, gate agents preload passengers carry-on luggage into the overhead bin above their seat prior to the start of the boarding process. For me, this meant that instead of running to board with the Sky Priority group, I waited until the very end of the boarding process to take my seat, knowing my carry-on bag was already secured above my seat.
For this flight in particular, a gate agent walked around the boarding area and asked who wanted to have their bag pre-loaded. She announced that the first five people to respond would receive the service. Hopefully this is not the norm (more of a test?) and the service is provided for more passengers going forward. Additionally, let’s hope that there’s some way to ensure that those in the SkyClub can also take advantage of Early Valet.
Delta says the service runs June – August 31st during the busy summer months on select flights and markets (this was JFK-SEA).
What has been your experience with Delta’s Early Valet?
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5 comments
Did you locate your bag once on board or did you not have access to it during the flight? How were these items distributed once arrived?
@George – yes, they place the bag in the bin right above your seat. Valet is only for boarding, so upon deplaning you grab your bag as normal
So, statistically speaking, your bag will be in front of (easy access) or behind (difficult access). And if it’s placed in front of you, that means someone else will be sitting by an occupied luggage bin, and will have to relocate theirs.
Early valet bags are the first to be put on the plane at least 30 mins before the boarding processes begins.
Here’s a few reasons why this is a GREAT service:
1.) Stress Reduction; customers need not worry about finding a place for their carry-ons, the bag is already loaded directly above their seat.
2.) Optimized Locker Space; staff know how bags should be loaded to better optimize overhead lockers, allowing for even more bags to fill the space instead of one or two poorly loaded bags preventing other customers from using the overheads
3.) On-Time Performance; less time waiting for customers to find their seat and locate available overheads allows for on-time departures.
4.) Customer Assistance; some customers just can’t get that over stuffed bag over their heads
5.) Less Waiting; instead of having their bag “gate checked” to their final destination and waiting in baggage claim for its arrival, the bag is strategically and conveniently placed above their seat/row and carried off by them on arrival. Even if the bag is slightly behind them and a little less accessible than desired, it will still take less time to retrieve than waiting for it to arrive in baggage claim.