Summary
- Kids can help Delta with airport tasks in San Juan, keeping them entertained and engaged while waiting for their flight.
- SJU is a key hub for Delta, connecting major cities and providing crucial pathways for travelers to reach their destinations.
- Delta’s initiative of letting kids join the turnaround team offers a fun and educational experience, enhancing travel for families.
Traveling with children can feel like a marathon, especially when long airport waits lead to bored and restless little ones. But Delta Air Lines has come up with a clever way to keep young travelers entertained in San Juan. They’re letting kids pitch in with some of the tasks that happen when a plane turns around, helping to keep them occupied.
This hands-on experience not only distracts kids from the boredom of waiting but also gives them a behind-the-scenes peek at what happens between flights. Imagine the excitement of helping with small tasks, like tidying up or checking supplies, and feeling like a mini member of the crew. It’s a win-win: kids stay engaged, and parents get some downtime.
San Juan is an important destination for Delta
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a key stop on Delta Air Lines’ network. This bustling airport is more than just a tropical gateway — it’s a vital connection point for several of Delta’s major hubs. Flights regularly arrive from Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), and New York JFK, making SJU a busy hub of activity within the Delta network.
Whether passengers are returning home, heading out for business, or off on a Caribbean getaway, this airport plays a crucial role in keeping the airline’s routes running smoothly.
Given Delta Air Lines’ strong foothold in San Juan, the carrier is well-attuned to the needs of its passengers, especially the younger ones. The airline understands that children can quickly grow restless while waiting for their flight at gate B11.
To address this, the airline has come up with a creative solution: inviting children to become honorary members of their turnaround team for a few hours. This initiative isn’t just about keeping children occupied — it’s a thoughtful way to enhance the travel experience for families, blending fun with a unique learning opportunity.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
As seen in the picture above, these young volunteers are outfitted with their very own hi-vis jackets, making them feel like real members of the Delta turnaround team. This offers a hands-on way for children to get a feel of what goes on behind the scenes, all while having a bit of fun.
According to Delta Air Lines, here are some of the tasks children can get to take on during their time as part of Delta’s turnaround team:
- Children help organize and manage the different boarding groups, guiding passengers as they get ready to board the plane.
- Under supervision, children get the chance to marshall in planes as they arrive at the gate, using handheld signals to guide the pilots.
- Some children enjoy greeting passengers as they board, adding a friendly and cheerful touch to the boarding process.
Rewarding for everyone involved
When time permits, these young helpers are treated to an extra special reward — a visit to the cockpit to meet the Captain. This thrilling experience isn’t just a highlight for Delta’s young passengers; children flying with other airlines can join in the fun too. The excitement is contagious, bringing joy not only to the youngsters but also to the regular airport staff in San Juan.
Photo: Delta Air Lines
This initiative was born from a moment of inspiration by Alexis Garcia, Delta Air Lines’ Station Manager in San Juan. It all started when Garcia noticed a young passenger enthusiastically waving at a pilot through a big window during a trip to Jamaica. The scene reminded him of the view from gate B11 in San Juan, and that’s when the idea took flight. What began as a spontaneous observation has since evolved into a program that Delta proudly embraces today.
“Their faces light up when I encourage them that they are more than capable of doing the job I do one day,” said Martinez in a statement on Delta News Hub.
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The shortest hop to make the list is just 40 miles to the island of Vieques, known for its black sand beaches.
This initiative at San Juan is just one example of Delta’s exceptional service. The airline understands that flying can sometimes be an overwhelming experience for families with children, and it pays special attention to the needs of its young passengers.
70 years of service
Last year, Delta Air Lines marked a significant milestone in its long-standing relationship with Puerto Rico, celebrating 70 years of service to the island. Reflecting on the milestone, the Atlanta-based carrier has come a long way since its inaugural flight to San Juan in July 1953. Back then, Delta was flying the iconic Lockheed Constellation, a sleek and powerful aircraft that symbolized the golden age of aviation.
Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock.com
Over the decades, Delta has evolved from those early days of propeller-driven planes to becoming a major player in connecting Puerto Rico with the mainland.
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Delta Air Lines Celebrates 70 Years of Flights to Puerto Rico
Delta Air Lines celebrates 70 years of commitment to the US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
This anniversary more than just about looking back at history. Instead, it’s a testament to the strong bond between the airline and the island. It highlights Delta’s commitment to serving the people of Puerto Rico and continuing to build on a partnership that has been seven decades in the making. And this fun touch of allowing children to experience what it’s like working for the airline truly embodies the Delta Difference.