When an active member of the military prepared to board a Delta flight, there was one customer in front of her. But then this customer did something shocking.
Of all the things one might wish to know before joining the military, one important lesson is that it requires a thick skin. When it comes to certain pros of joining the military, like discounts, not everyone is understanding.
Makala (@makalaham), an active serving member of the military, discovered this firsthand when boarding began for military fliers. As she posted a TikTok sharing the experience, it amassed 337,200 views.
The video began with the back of a woman wearing a green khaki dress walking. It was accompanied by on-screen text that read: “This lady on my Delta flight had the nerve to say…”
What Did The Customer Do?
Makala then explained what happened.
A Delta worker announced that military members could start boarding. There was a woman in front of her. When the man scanned her boarding pass and asked if she was in the military, she said she wasn’t.
In turn, he said that they’re only boarding military right now.
She responded, “I’m wearing green.”
As she recounts this, Makala mocked the woman’s laugh and said, “No, ’cause, I don’t see anything funny.”
She said that if the woman wants the uniform, she can have it. The TikToker explained that she has a year left before retirement, but she can have it since she clearly wants to be in the military so badly.
Makala also noted that the Delta worker should have asked for her ID before scanning her boarding pass. Because of this, he let her through.
“Like I’m almost done with this and my patience is so short after 20 years, like I almost snapped, but I want my honourable discharge and word of advice to civilians don’t joke like that because you never know whose around like don’t do that,” she said. “If you didn’t make the sacrifice, if you didn’t put in the time, don’t joke like that; it wasn’t cute. So if you know her, if this your mama, you need to check her.”
BroBible reached out to Makala by email and Delta via contact form.
What Did Commenters Think?
Most commenters were on Makala’s side. “I feel you,” one wrote. “Retired Navy here.”
“Never disrespect the military,” a second added.
While a third said, “Ma’am, you have more patience than me. I probably would have said something. Thank you for your service.”
In response to this comment, Makala said, “One of those situations where it was early, the flight was already delayed 30 min, so had i actually said something someone wouldve pulled out their phone and started recording me and i dont need those problems this close to retirement. And I was actually traveling on orders, so she was spared…this time.”
While a fourth commenter wrote, “Being allowed to board first is not enough to compensate for you putting your life on the line for us. Thank you for your service.”
And a fifth said, “I can’t stand it when people lie about that.”
What Military Benefits Are There At Delta?
On its website, Delta offers a number of flight benefits for active-duty members of the U.S. military. One advantage, as highlighted by Makala, is early boarding. Another is increased baggage allowances. On military orders, members of the military can have bags up to 80 linear inches or 203cm. For other types of travel while being a member of the military, your bag can be up to 62 linear inches, which translates to 157cm.
Moreover, active members of the military can also check in their pets as baggage for a fee. They must be booked as checked baggage at least 48 hours before arrival. It’s also worth noting that pets aren’t accepted on longer flights or flights with more than one connection. Animals accepted include dogs (except pugs/snub-nosed ones), cats (except snub-nosed ones), birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits.
@makalaham I mispoke-“Boarding Pass” not Badge, but yall knew what i meant! @delta Its time to review the boarding process because I actually am Offended! #military #servicemember #deltaairlines
Additionally, war-injured immediate family members or domestic partners can apply for the Delta Medical Emergency policy, which includes discounted medical emergency flights.
There are also special U.S. military policies on Delta Vacations.