With the Olympics happening in Paris in around a month, athletes from around the world will be making their way to the games. That brings me to an interesting post I saw on social media, which is getting mixed responses…
In this post:
Olympians ask Delta for business class upgrades
Someone who has qualified for the US Olympic Team has taken to social media to make an interesting plea to Delta. The post includes a picture of three athletes who made the US Olympic Team in the decathlon, and he asks for them to get business class tickets to Europe for the games. As he explains, all three athletes are 6’5″, “and need those spacious lay-flat seats so we’re ready to compete.”
It’s interesting to see the responses to this, which seem to fall into one of three main categories.
The most common response is support for this idea, saying that it would be a nice thing for Delta to do, given how these athletes are representing the United States.
But not everyone is so supportive. Some people suggest that a private company shouldn’t have to upgrade athletes to business class so that they’re comfortable, but rather that the US should be paying for those business class seats.
Then you have others who suggest that there are plenty of people who work hard and contribute a lot to the United States, so why should Olympians be prioritized for upgrades?
My take on this Delta upgrade request
I’m conflicted on this public request. The request is almost phrased like an order at a fast food drive thru — “can we please get 3 business class tickets for the games?” To me, it comes across a bit demanding, but I also recognize that we all communicate differently, especially in writing.
Delta is Team USA’s official airline, so Delta is indeed managing travel for all US Olympic athletes for this summer. As far as I know, generally Olympic athletes fly in economy, but the airlines do sometimes upgrade Olympic athletes, especially on the way back, and in particular if they win medals.
Keep in mind that there are almost 600 US Olympic athletes for the upcoming games, and that doesn’t include all the support staff and others who will be traveling for this.
So, should Delta upgrade these athletes just for asking? I can see both sides here. On the one hand, I suppose the optics are good, and it comes across as patriotic. At the same time, if Olympic athletes are going to be upgraded, should priority go to those who somewhat brazenly ask on social media, rather than by some other merit-based system?
These guys are tall, and I can imagine they’d be extremely uncomfortable in regular economy. At the same time, their request is specifically for business class, and not an exit row, or an extra legroom economy seat, or premium economy.
Bottom line
With the upcoming Olympics, lots of athletes will shortly be traveling, and Delta is Team USA’s official airline. While it’s standard for players to fly in economy, we do sometimes see airlines upgrade athletes to business class.
We’ve now seen our first public ask for a complimentary upgrade on Delta from a US athlete. Specifically, a 6’5″ athlete asked for upgrades for him and two others. I’m not surprised by the public response to this, which is all over the place, as you’d expect.
What do you think — should Delta upgrade these Olympic athletes to business class?
I understand they are tall. I don't see why they should get free upgrades, If they want business class seats then they can pay for the upgrades themselves. That being said the US Olympic organization should be paying for additional seat room like exit rows or something when it comes to taller than average athletes. It is in Team USA's interest that athletes not arrive in Paris with cramps whatever from being crammed into a...
I understand they are tall. I don't see why they should get free upgrades, If they want business class seats then they can pay for the upgrades themselves. That being said the US Olympic organization should be paying for additional seat room like exit rows or something when it comes to taller than average athletes. It is in Team USA's interest that athletes not arrive in Paris with cramps whatever from being crammed into a tiny seat. I can see upgrades for athletes on the way back when they win medals or set world records etc. That type of thing would be in the airline's interest for good publicity. I'm sure all these flights are going to be packed so its not like they are flying with empty business seats. If for some reason there was an empty business seat then upgrading a tall olympic athlete is not unreasonable. Just giving away business class seats for the asking however is unreasonable on an in demand route.
What about those “short Olympians”??? Everyone should be upgraded. Let’s see.
There are so many flights to Paris that I think they can probably fill any empty business class seat with a US olympian.
With all the attention this is getting, I think the Olympian can open a gofundme and easily raise $5000 to just buy a roundtrip business class ticket on any airline to Paris. I know Dylan Beard (hurder who is a Walmart employee was able to raise $50k for his olympic program through a gofundme.)
Seems pretty cheeky to come out on social media and try to shame Delta into giving free upgrades to these athletes.
I know some Olympians. From what I understand you are on your own unless you get on one of the flights USOC charters to get you there...
I'd give them premium economy.
The major problem is it is not just about the three athletes. There are many athletes that will be attending so they will find it unfair. Others that worked as service people for our country, elite members, and paying customers that find it unfair. The article and comments mention that various organizations involved have the budgets to pay, and so do most of the athletes especially if they are successful...
Delta should have worked out how many and what kind of upgrades the athletes would receive as part of the sponsorship deal with the U.S. Olympic Committee.
They have. It's zero.
Perhaps, but priority should be behind all revenue and employees standing by prior to departure
Olympians should be downgraded to cargo! Their luggage can be strapped into economy seats.
Don't worry, while the athletes are in the back of the bus, the really important people like the IOC members and high ranking officials of the IOC will fly private jets or fly on airlines that offer first class. ;-)
The more important question is, would these athletes take away upgrades from regular and elite Delta flyers who want to upgrade or pay for a business-class seat. Flying to Europe in summer from the States is crowded already and doubt there are many seats, so in my opinion the USA Olympic commitee needs to step up and pay for the upgrades, or the teams and or individual athletes need to start a go fund me...
The more important question is, would these athletes take away upgrades from regular and elite Delta flyers who want to upgrade or pay for a business-class seat. Flying to Europe in summer from the States is crowded already and doubt there are many seats, so in my opinion the USA Olympic commitee needs to step up and pay for the upgrades, or the teams and or individual athletes need to start a go fund me page so they can get some help, and as a previous commenter posted, we are a very patriotic country and think go fund me or the treasure trove that the USA Olympic commitee has should step up to the plate.
How about the people who think Delta should do this pitch $50 from their own pocket? There will be enough to upgrade them and many other athletes.
Your story missed a critical factor. Most of the athletes are all travelling within a relatively narrow period of time and Delta has a finite number of US-CDG flights. The operational impact of upgrading all US athletes would effectively zero-out the entire business class cabin for non-revenue passengers over multiple days and across all US-CDG routes, delivering a major financial impact by the lost revenue but also disrupting the travel plans of revenue passengers in...
Your story missed a critical factor. Most of the athletes are all travelling within a relatively narrow period of time and Delta has a finite number of US-CDG flights. The operational impact of upgrading all US athletes would effectively zero-out the entire business class cabin for non-revenue passengers over multiple days and across all US-CDG routes, delivering a major financial impact by the lost revenue but also disrupting the travel plans of revenue passengers in paid business class and denying the airline's top elite members the ability to enjoy the loyalty benefits they've already earned. If you paid $10k for Delta business class a year out for your planned Olympics vacation and get bumped at the last minute in favour of someone who has never flown Delta but tweeted a demand at them, you're probably going to rethink your airline loyalty.
Someone who has bought a business class ticket shouldn't be bumped. I am less concerned about some delta loyalist missing out on their free upgrade however. To me the US olympians should get priority over other people seeking free upgrades. Its good publicity for Delta and its more in the interest of the country. I wouldn't be surprised if the business class cabin is sold out on many of these flights.
They can make noise and throw their ball at the back of the plane.
Business class seats are already sold out for the Olympics. There are no upgrades left.
Of course you can get 3 business class tickets. Just pay for them.
You can find a seat at the bulkhead. Or sit in the back with everyone else. I’ve flown 2,000,000 miles on this airline and I can’t even get an upgrade to first class when the flights empty because they’re too busy putting the pilot in first class because they need the room as well..
Here’s a thought.
Delta One for our Gold Medal Winners
Premium Select for Silver and
Delta Comfort Plus for Bronze!!!!
On the way back XD!!!
The IOC should pay for it, not Delta. The IOC is a multi billion dollar organization, and yet, they don't pay for a cent to the athletes that are competing in their games. The least they can do is pay for their travel in J.
The IOC is too busy arranging the private jets and limousines for their own needs to care about the athletes.
I am sure Thomas Bach (IOC president) is arranging a detour as private jet flight from Lausanne to Paris does not really give time to pamper him enough.
The IOC only cares about their own private jets, Russia and China's money and not the athletes...
Maybe AA and United can offer free J seats to athletes. Be more premium than Premium Airline sponsor.
You know what they say ... if you want the seat, pay for it. Given all of the training costs and the significance, sponsorship money, and future earnings potential if successful ... it's a drop in the bucket.
Either way, This should all be in a contract.
Imagine the outrage and jealousy from all the overweight middle aged consultants/salesmen and other corporate peons if a young athlete got upgraded!
Damn what a passionate group of commenters. Entertaining to read some comments.
Anyway, DL can't upgrade just 30 olympians and then stick the rest in chicken class. Delta will probably fly 3 or4 planes to CDG with all athletes, their trainers etc in the main cabin while selling the premium seats upfront to paying customers.
Delta could also simply charter one of those all economy A330s or 777s with over 500 seats and voila! No one complains. haha
Delta is a US Olympic sponsor, only recently taking over from United. So yes, our Olympic athletes should be upgraded! I think upgrading the athlete's seat makes sense; not advocating for their spouse, manager, training staff, etc. Hopefully the US Olympic committee had the foresight to make this a contractual requirement!
Being a sponsor of something doesn't mean their financially liable to hand out their top of the line products to everyone involved. I'm sure they're already paying a fortune to put their brands marketing out there as a sponsor and at the very least is heavily subsidizing travel costs for all staff.
I think we should do a post over how so many people have such a strong opinion over something that doesn't affect them at all.
You seem to have a strong opinion on the matter? How does it affect you?
Only affected me by giving me some enjoyable reading on my train from the airport, and I'm here for it.
Do OMAAT users even fly on economy class? If not, then please just STHU.
Y'all acting like it's an easy task without having it done is just nonsense
I don't get it. If you want to fly in business class you just buy a business class ticket.
That's fair enough but that isn't exactly what I'm talking about...
What a strange comment. I'd say the majority of OMAAT readers probably fly transatlantic economy at times. And sometimes you don't exactly have a choice when on a highly restricted airline like Aer Lingus (no premium, overpriced/unavailable business).
Sure you can get three business class tickets, you just have to pay for the upgrade yourself. That's how things work in this planet...
He says while reading a blog that teaches people how to get things for free...
This blog doesn’t teach people how to get things for free. This blog teaches people how to use points, which are not free, and get the best value.
This blog thinks $30 on fries in a hotel in a 3rd world country is a good deal because "luxury" ... Hasnt been about getting things for free in a long long time
For free? Apart from SUB offers, you're literally dishing out thousands of dollars to get points...
If someone pays for biz class, then fine. Delta has a published priority for upgrade on international flights and passengers count on that for upgrade. To "shoe horn" in a group isn't fair to those who have paid through frequent flyer loyalty, biz class fare or employee loyalty to Delta. Maybe a better idea is to reconfigure a charter plane to all biz class seats the way professional sports teams do. Maybe Nike or Reebock...
If someone pays for biz class, then fine. Delta has a published priority for upgrade on international flights and passengers count on that for upgrade. To "shoe horn" in a group isn't fair to those who have paid through frequent flyer loyalty, biz class fare or employee loyalty to Delta. Maybe a better idea is to reconfigure a charter plane to all biz class seats the way professional sports teams do. Maybe Nike or Reebock could fund that, then use it as a marketing tool.
They're already getting a free ride to Paris, aren't they? If they want a more comfortable free ride, they can pay for the upgrade.
No. They pay for it.
It is quite common for Olympians of some countries to travel on premium cabins, although I believe the NOCs mostly pay for the flights.
So the USOC would be the most fitting party to pay for the upgrades, but given that Delta is the official airline for the Team USA, it wouldn't be that much of a nonsense for Delta to provide upgrades for free.
Seems a bit akin to virtual panhandling.
Did we just uncover Tim Dunn's true identity? Doug Murphy.
What's wrong with the people those days. Can't even accept anything good happening to others?
What a snowflake.
it would be hilarious if Delta only upgraded the medal winners on the return flight to lie-flat seats
I believe Qantas actually used to do this as part of its sponsorship of the Australian Olympic team.
Almost all US athletes will fly to the games via scheduled charter on Delta, with the exception of certain sport federations chartering their own flights ( like USA basketball). This upgrade point is a non issue for Delta and will be handled by the USOC. For reference- when going to London, Michael Phelps and USA swimming were all in coach on a United Charter with social media posts from the flight.
Need business class for 6 hour flight “because athletic competition” but will be sleeping on cardboard beds with no air conditioning at the actual Olympics. Ironic
Because they at least can fit without a problem on "cardboard beds" but hardly on economy class seats.
Delta better start upgrading everyone that cant fit in economy then?
@frrp I was just talking about why is his claim invalid. That's a totally different story.
Would be nice to see that happening though.
World best? NA best Yes, definitely not world best. Delta ranks at 21st in Skytrax this year.
not a DL apologist, but skytrax rankings are fairly meaningless.
I mean, according to Skytrax Lufthansa is a 5 star airline.
Exit rows or Premium economy would be a nice gesture, but I do not see why Delta should give them business class seats.
This is silly. Flying economy isn’t some horrific experience. It’s perfectly adequate and I highly doubt they start competing the very next day.
Move along.
"Adequate" is a charitable description for modern economy. "Tolerable" is a much better descriptor. "Painful" is even more accurate if you're tall and not in an extended legroom seat.
For the price (at least relative to premium cabins) it's more than adequate. At the end of the day it's a seat in a metal tube to get you from A to B.
I bet AA or United will take advantage and offer them J seats to put one over DL
What lost my support was the athlete saying they 'need' the lie flat seats.
How about all the olympians who set records in the decades without such seats. Or simply flew economy.
It's one of the challenges of the olympics - foreign land and all that entails.
Poor attitude on behalf of the posting athlete.
In that case we should have them travel by ship and plane like they did in the early 20th century.
lol I meant train
I'd be a little surprised if they didn't use some of their pro sports 757 charter fleet. They fly almost every NBA team. While they do a lot of MLB as well, there surely isn't as much demand on that fleet right now as there is when NBA and MLB are both going.
I’d be surprised if those old 757s are still approved for ETOPs operations.
I'm calling shenanigans on this guy. He can do 10 events over two days, but doesn't think he can recover from an overnight flight when the decathlon starts 6 days after the opening ceremony, ok.
The Olympians should pay for J if they want to sit in J. IMO the most Delta should do is Premium Economy.
The first two types of responses are fair—I lean toward the USOC stepping up and paying for this, but Delta could do it too. Absolutely no patience for the third type "what about me me me me me" response. Olympians have achieved a rare feat which deserves special recognition. Everyone does not get a cookie.
That 3rd type of response is obviously sarcasm / reductio ad absurdum logic. No way it’s meant sincerely.
If you can't sit for 7 hours on a TATL with your knees bent, maybe you're not ready yet to compete in the Olympics.
Two things: 1. Many Olympians are professionals and earn beaucoup bucks from sponsorships (shoes, other clothing, supplements, etc.), appearance fees and the teams they play for. For instance, the basketball team is most if not all NBA players. 2. The track atheletes especially fly all over the world to compete. Maybe they should restrict their flying to one airline and use the miles to pay for their own business class seats. Atheletes are no more...
Two things: 1. Many Olympians are professionals and earn beaucoup bucks from sponsorships (shoes, other clothing, supplements, etc.), appearance fees and the teams they play for. For instance, the basketball team is most if not all NBA players. 2. The track atheletes especially fly all over the world to compete. Maybe they should restrict their flying to one airline and use the miles to pay for their own business class seats. Atheletes are no more deserving for ugrades than any other hard working folks.
Pretty sure Team USA basketball players could just pay for everyone’s upgrade with the $520M they collectively earned this year.
But honestly, I think the bigger issue is that there probably is not that much available capacity in business during the small window when Olympic athletes will be traveling.
No. They can pay for it. Can’t stand people who solicit for free upgrades because of abc. Why not health professionals or teachers who are more deserving?
Many airlines offer upgrades subject to space at reduced costs when checkin opens.
Seriously?
The way the athletes made the request was tacky, so I would decline it. That said, I think that as part of its support of the team and in recognition of the accomplishment, Delta should provide space-available upgrades to the best available seats at the gate for U.S. Olympic athletes.
They shot their shot. Slide into DM's and great things can happen.
Deserving is debatable but Delta is gonna do whatever they want. I'd upgrade the athletes on the flight back who receive Gold.
600 athletes. A 339 has 29 D1 suites. A 359 has 32 or 40, depending on the configuration. 34 on the 332 and 333. So that would entail clearing the D1 cabins of approx. 15-20 planes. During peak summer season. Seems unreasonable.
Plus Delta has paid for this sponsorship, and I'm sure it's negotiated as part of the deal where the athletes sit.
The USOC should pay more if they want their folks in beds.
Can't imagine there will be many spare Delta One seats flying to Paris over the next months regardless of who is asking for an upgrade....
What makes them more deserving than people traveling on military orders, government employees, underpaid public school teachers, first responders, etc?
What about loyal customers who spends $10,20,30,000+ per year waitlisting for an upgrade? Airline’s own employees who gets once in blue moon upgrade as part of their benefits package?
Where do you draw the line? I think Delta should add all Olympic athletes to the upgrade list after all non revs and upgrade them if...
What makes them more deserving than people traveling on military orders, government employees, underpaid public school teachers, first responders, etc?
What about loyal customers who spends $10,20,30,000+ per year waitlisting for an upgrade? Airline’s own employees who gets once in blue moon upgrade as part of their benefits package?
Where do you draw the line? I think Delta should add all Olympic athletes to the upgrade list after all non revs and upgrade them if there are still open seats.
If they want the seat they are more than welcome to pay for the fare difference or ask their sponsors/IOC to cover. If they have miles they can waitlist as well.
Totally agree with this. In all likelihood DL already has a plan in place to accommodate some of the larger athletes be it exit row or full upgrade etc. To be called out like this places them in an awkward position. The US Olympic committee should remind this athlete of his responsibilities as an athlete representing his country.
A school teacher who works 9 months of the year? Has an amazing govt job with a pension? Yah right cry me a river
The USOC has a huge budget (which comes from sponsors like Delta). The USOC should pony up for biz class for its athletes.
Clearly, these athletes should have been reading your blog so that they could upgrade themselves... ;-)
Whatever Delta does is the right thing
Delta's obligation is to its shareholders, not the US Olympic team. The team should compensate Delta for those upgrades, otherwise the athlete's should be in economy or whatever class they're willing to pay for.
Congratulations & Best of luck to the athlete's!! Go USA.
You're not wrong. That's why Delta should hand out some upgrades here and there to Olympians - the free good-will press it would generate could do wonders for the company. Don't underestimate how much people in this country value patriotism.
As for the "they should pay for it themselves" take - I highly recommend watching an old HBO "Real Sports" article about the US Olympic Committee and the US Olympians. It's an absurd system,...
You're not wrong. That's why Delta should hand out some upgrades here and there to Olympians - the free good-will press it would generate could do wonders for the company. Don't underestimate how much people in this country value patriotism.
As for the "they should pay for it themselves" take - I highly recommend watching an old HBO "Real Sports" article about the US Olympic Committee and the US Olympians. It's an absurd system, especially for those in more "obscure" sports. Really worth a watch to understand how it all works and how it absolutely screws these athletes.
I haven't seen that doc but you're right. The US is the only country in the world whose national teams get no state-sponsored funding. While members of a sport's "A" team may have all expenses paid for their "regular" season, those on the B/C/Development-level teams must do fund raising to cover some of their own training/competition expenses, which takes away from their training time.
You should also learn how to spell athletes. English isn't even my first language, and here I am correcting you. Embarrassing...
it would be good business sense given that it's easy to call Delta out as unpatriotic given their close relationship with Airbus (having bought the A220, A320, A330, and A350, without buying the 787 or 777).
Tbh, the 787 fits better than the A330neo for the missions Delta uses it on anyway. For 10h+ flights like MSP-HND the added width in a 787 does make a difference. And it's more of a consistent product if you use all-787 than the A330/A350 setup
And yes, the few hundred tickets are not huge. Business aside it's the right thing to do for them to upgrade
This isn’t an Airbus v Boeing argument. Just stop.
What the hell is the point of sponsoring Team USA if you can’t even hand out a few upgrades to olympians once every four years?
Yeah it’s a little pathetic to see people beg like this on social media but 600 tickets is a drop in the bucket
It's not a drop in the bucket. The flights are likely full anyway.
It's June 26th I can't help but wonder how many business class seats does Delta still have available to Paris during the time frame where all 600 of these athletes will be arriving. Delta does not appear to be adding a ton of extra flights to Paris during this timeframe and it isn't like Delta One is completely empty. So how do you suggest Delta go about upgrading 600 athletes into Delta One?
Should Delta...
It's June 26th I can't help but wonder how many business class seats does Delta still have available to Paris during the time frame where all 600 of these athletes will be arriving. Delta does not appear to be adding a ton of extra flights to Paris during this timeframe and it isn't like Delta One is completely empty. So how do you suggest Delta go about upgrading 600 athletes into Delta One?
Should Delta kick actual paying customers out of Delta One seats putting them in DPS and kick customers out of DPS into Comfort+ then kick Comfort+ customers into main cabin seats just so 600 athletes can all get Delta One seats? How does Delta at this late stage of the game this close to the olympics accommodate 600 athletes in Delta One while not pissing off passengers who already purchased tickets in Delta One?
If you want a Delta One seat then buy a Delta One seat or use your miles to upgrade into a Delta One seat, or have the USOC pay for the upgrade. At this point if I was flying to Paris in July and Delta removed me from Delta One so 600 athletes could sit up there I would be extremely upset.
The issue is how planes would be needed to send 600 people there in business since as someone else pointed out, you'd need 15-20 planes to send them over...how would DL schedule that over the span of a few days?