For me, one of the big perks about living in Atlanta is being able to fly non-stop to just about anywhere in the world. Both Delta and AirTran call Atlanta home, which keeps prices competitive, even as gas costs go up.

AirTran is relatively new to the travel industry, with its first flights in 1993.  On the other hand, Delta originally serviced the Mississippi delta region in the 1920s as a crop-dusting company, beginning passenger service in 1929.  Monroe, Louisiana was Delta's headquarters before moving to Atlanta in 1941.

Now, what I'd like to know, is how this long-standing company, a company originally from Louisiana, let slip through the cracks an e-mail I received today.  I'm signed up to receive weekly fare specials from Delta, so on Tuesdays I get e-mailed prices good for flights departing the upcoming Saturday, returning on Monday or Tuesday.  Great deal if you are willing to travel last minute.  I was happy to see a $120 round-trip flight to my hometown today and...sale flights to New Orleans?

Ummm, I think they just had a hurricane.  Not even all the residents have been allowed back into New Orleans after Gustav and Delta is offering flights there? Some of the homes may not have power for another three to four weeks. My first thought was that surely this was a mistake to offer a weekend deal to the city in post-hurricane clean up (including sewer repair - enough said).  But on second thought, I started thinking that volunteer clean-up crews could benefit from a cheap flight...or what about all those evacuees?  They could take a one-way flight back to New Orleans for only $69. 

But where was this sale last weekend?  If Delta is willing to offer weekend deals regardless, couldn't they assist with evacuation efforts by offering this sale price to people in New Orleans or other hurricane zones? Delta did offer three additional flights out of New Orleans before Gustav, but I wonder, at what price?  I don't know the financial requirements of Delta or other airlines, so I am not sure of the feasibility to provide airline tickets at a discount to those in evacuation situations, but it seems like the noble thing to do.  Why couldn't the government subsidize some of the cost if it came down to that?  Just a thought.

For now, if you want to volunteer or visit at your own risk, purchase Delta's weekend fare to New Orleans.  If you have already booked travel around New Orleans and were affected by Gustav, Delta is also offering ticket changes without charge through September 8th.  The same goes for select cities that may be affected by Tropical Storm Hanna, through September 12th.  So next time you get charged extra for a bag or snack, be thankful that at least in Atlanta you can get competitive flights and flexibility to hurricane and non-hurricane destinations.