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Delta joins the ranks of "cashless cabins"
I can't remember the last time I paid with cash for a drink on a domestic flight. Even on my last few international flights, I pulled out the plastic when it was time for a nerve-calming vodka-cran. So I was actually kind of surprised at the announcement that Delta Airlines would no longer be accepting cash on flights in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. I didn't even realize cash was still an option. But if you haven't yet joined the plastic revolution, or if you just prefer to pay with cash, be warned. As of December 1, you must use debit or credit cards only for all purchases made onboard Delta and Northwest flights, with the exception of trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific, and South American flights (where both options will be available). You'll also still be able to use cash (or your card) for onboard duty-free purchases.
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, Transportation, News, Central America, Caribbean
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tom F. Nov 16th 2009 8:14PM
I guess I'll be brown baggin' it. I don't have a credit card anymore and I don't like traveling with a debit card. Just put the mark of the beast on my right hand and I'll go that way........NOT. Legal Tender is the only way to fly!
Joe Shockney Nov 16th 2009 8:22PM
I don't understand how the airlines can refuse to accept american currency for all purchases on domestic flights since our currency clearly says that it is legal tender for all debts, public and private.
mark Nov 16th 2009 9:06PM
I wholeheartedly agree. I also feel that way about my native State of Florida's turnpike system turning more and more exits into cashless Sunpass only exits.
ptmuldoon Nov 17th 2009 8:03AM
Can't wait to see what happens when an airline denies an unaccompanied minor on a plane a can of coke or bottle of water when they have to cash to pay for it from mom and dad, but no credit card.
Steven R. Russell Nov 16th 2009 9:27PM
Good for Delta. Who needs a drink anyway?
No Jesus, No Peace.
Know Jesus, Know Peace!
tee Nov 16th 2009 11:59PM
Hey Steve: Are you stupid or what? It said CASHLESS for PURCHASES, not CASHLESS FOR ALCOHOL! Geez! How about juice or water or a soft drink or a snack or sandwich? Moron!
PackRat Nov 17th 2009 12:51AM
Maybe Jesus can cure your inability to correctly interpret information.
harude91 Nov 19th 2009 11:47AM
Maybe I am wrong and things have changed since the last time I flied, but I thought that soft drinks and the snack (peanuts or whatever) were free, and the only thing that needed extra money was the alcohol. Meaning you two would be wrong and Steven would be right.
Julie Nov 16th 2009 9:29PM
What's the reasoning or rationale? I'm genuinely just curious; I don't fly so never heard of this nor asked about it...
Scott Carmichael Nov 16th 2009 9:37PM
Money - handling cash is a complex administrative issue for the airlines. Now they don't need to handle any cash, and the entire process is automated. Transactions are wirelessly sent to the airline HQ, and nobody has to handle bags of cash, change and inventory sheets. This also rules out staff theft of other kinds of fraud.
The airlines will pay a couple of % in transaction fees, but they already get a good deal due to their massive amount of credit card transactions for tickets.
As with everything the airlines do - it all comes down to saving them more money, while calling the new procedure "streamlined" or "enhanced".
Jack Nov 16th 2009 9:41PM
This is just ridiculous. Who wants to pull a card out for a $8.00 charge?
Just reminds me of the people who use their cards for a coffee so we can all wait in line just a little longer. Hit the atm people and save all of us a little time.
Marshall Nov 16th 2009 9:45PM
The airline's move to go towards credit and debit cards is confusing and crazy.
I dont believe in plastic and rubber money. Its phony. In actual fact we borrow
money from a credit card and we have to pay the bill after we get it.
fred Nov 16th 2009 10:16PM
I quit using credit cards too. I don't care if the card companies go under, and hope they do.
Kimberly2 Nov 16th 2009 10:21PM
So, it will be just another thing to watch for credit card fraud. Hmmm...using plastic for $2.00 headphones? Glad, I don't fly that much and will have to remember to bring my headphones with me. I don't buy anything from the airlines if I can help it, paying for the ticket is enough and I remember when the icky food came free!
Ian Nov 16th 2009 10:36PM
Another reason not to fly Delta. They are the worst airline ever.
Harry Nov 16th 2009 11:31PM
Guess there worried about having cash and the possibility of a in flight robbery. I guess the holdup man make his escape by parachuting out of the plane.
JIM Nov 16th 2009 11:34PM
I just sent Delta an email that stated they could possibly be breaking a Federal law by not accepting a Federal Reserve note (US currency). As Federal Reserve notes are "This note is legal tender for all debts public or private". This also pertains to all you people that rent from apartment complexes that say they do not accept cash.
Tee Nov 17th 2009 12:02AM
I'm with you. Should be interesting. How about when a card is declined or something due to error? Not the brightest idea Delta or any other airline has had but it is a tracking mechanism for purchases and cuts down on employee theft. Delta will figure out a way to raise the ticket prices or tack on more fees for the "convenience" of going cashless!
Jack Nov 17th 2009 12:03AM
They should get rid of those rude and overweight flight attendants too. They could just put a drink and snack machines where the galleys are located and let everyone get their own refreshments. They could then hire real safety personnel armed with tazers, pepper spray and handcuffs. They should also install breathalizers in the cockpit and require all flight personnel including the safety personnel to log into a computer before the plane can power up. If anyone fails to login or fails the breathalizer the computer automatically delays the flight and only ground safety personnel can reset the computer after the violator has been removed from the plane.
dal Nov 17th 2009 12:28AM
just like florida is turning so many exits into "sunpass" only toll roads, the airlines are doing the same thing - forcing your every move to be tracked!
ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!