Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph is an obvious frequent flyer, and one major airline learned the hard way that good customer service is paramount to keeping business.
On Sunday, Ralph posted a video to Twitter detailing her not-so-pleasant experience with Delta Airlines after she missed her flight because an airline employee wouldn’t allow her to check her bags four minutes past the check-in time.
“Remember, Divas. Be as kind as you can for as long as you can! @Delta @AmericanAir,” she captioned the tweet.
Ralph’s gracious yet deliciously petty plea for kindness and being nice explained why she switched from Delta Airlines to American Airlines.
“Hey, everybody. A blessed Sunday to you. So listen, this just happened. I went to the airline; you know, the one that I’m a three-million miler on, to check my bags, and I was four minutes late– cause they need 45 minutes for you to check in,” the 65-year-old veteran entertainer sarcastically said through a dazzling smile.
“The woman said, ‘Oh, there is absolutely nothing we can do for you.’ I was like, ‘Um, it’s only four minutes; I’ve checked in on flights later than this.’”
Ralph continued, “‘Oh absolutely not!’ and I was just saying, you know what in these days and times, just be kinder, just be nicer, ’cause you just never ever know.”
Clearly unbothered, the Abbott Elementary star politely took her business to Delta’s competitor– American Airlines and ended her video with a word and a blessing.
“Anyway, I just bought my ticket on American Airlines, and we’ll be flying now. Thank you! God bless you, and be well.”
Remember Divas, be as kind as you can for as long as you can! @Delta @AmericanAir pic.twitter.com/DXRv6RKxnR
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) October 30, 2022
Like clockwork, Black Twitter swooped in with a range of responses.
Comedian Wanda Sykes commented, “I’ve said it before– Delta’s motto should be, ‘We will leave your ass.’”
I’ve said it before…Delta’s motto should be, “We will leave your ass.”
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) October 31, 2022
Everyone to @Delta right now: pic.twitter.com/wi7czArhG6
— Zach (@ZachGilyard) October 31, 2022
I L♥️VE the subtle shade! ??? It’s CLEAR this young lady at that other airline had no idea who you are (I have no idea how that is possible! Did she not see the Emmy’s or your roses from Oprah?) It cost $0 to be KIND to people! I prefer @AmericanAir. Enjoy your flight. ?
— Katreca Neale (@KNealeTeaches) October 30, 2022
who disrespected you? cause iont like det pic.twitter.com/9BMyI8mmAF
— Uncle Johnny’s Tether ✨ (@iamtycole) October 30, 2022
When I catch who ever tried you pic.twitter.com/xq7QxyIi08
— ໊ (@jasonsproblems) October 30, 2022
American Airlines entered the chat and told Ralph that it was a “joy” having her on the flight.
It’s always a joy to have you on board with us!
— americanair (@AmericanAir) October 30, 2022
I need a NAME Mothaa pic.twitter.com/1xLmHeD48z
— Mx B. Hawk Snipes (they/she) (@BHawkSnipes) October 30, 2022
A few Twitter users didn’t agree with what she did and suggested that she arrive at the airport earlier. They also said that her celebrity status shouldn’t matter.
If you were able to buy another ticket anyway & get where you need to be, what was the point of this video? It feels very nice-nasty, like you know exactly what you’re doing with this… you should be kind & stop trying to get ppl fired for doing their jobs.
& leave earlier.
— nebraska jones. (@smoochitworse) October 31, 2022
Nobody should be treated differently because they are a celebrity? That’s not how customer service should work. She should be thinking about the other people on her flight.
— JT (@JT81541625) October 31, 2022
Miss Sheryl, this is a Delta issue, not a kindness one. That person could lose their job being kind to you and breaking rules. Delta should ensure that there is flexibility in their rules for ppl who fly them very often so the representatives can avoid these situations.
— HOW DO IT FREE US? RIP Ethel Minor (@maracharese) October 31, 2022
“Kinder, nicer” doesn’t mean you get new rules. In this day and age who in the hell shows up at 45 minutes until push? Your flight is probably already in pre-boarding. Be kinder and nicer and put yourself in the employee’s shoes…
— Your Momma (@saltyspouse) October 31, 2022
You’re so passive aggressive and LATE. This is not cute honey. Your entitlement here makes you a ugly person. Do better.
— ????? ????? ???? (@GossipInformer) October 31, 2022
This reeks of entitlement. You got 3k miles you know the drill. It aint about being kind shes following the rules and your upset your celebrity status didnt work this time & thanks to this delta will now be investigating & the people who gave you favor may loose their jobs now. pic.twitter.com/RZV0V2pBdt
— b.g. (@juxxxtpeachy) October 31, 2022
