mtkeller

It definitely shouldn't be this difficult. Ideally, the computer systems would all play nicely together and there would be no issues. I'd even settle for people reporting consistent answers from phone agents, however.

Burj

Just called the DL Platinum line who sent me to Delta on-line support who then sent me to KLM reservations who have told me that I have to wait until 8 am EST to call the KLM service center...

Ironically those are the people who told me I had to do this through the Delta platinum line...

eyestrain

Another thread that was in the KLM section. Hopefully, this adds to the discussion:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/klm-f...trouble-2.html

mnredfox

DL should clarify this issue with KL and publish some guidelines, as in we should call the DM, call KL, etc.

KLflyerRalph

KLM Economy Comfort is indeed free for DL DM/PM. Not the 50% discount as stated on KLM.com for other ST Elite+. There has been contact with KLM and they said they'll change it on their website.
That said, EC seating is one of the things which goes wrong over and over. Seat assignments made at DL.com rarely/don't work so you need to do it via KLM.com or by calling KL/DL AND AFTER THAT check it on KL's website.

GYEWorldTraveler

This is pretty good advice. These are the three important things a DM/PM must do:

A) Call DM/PM line and ask them to assign a KLM EC seat for you (If they don't know how to do it, tell them to check with their help desk or supervisor because it IS a benefit and with a knowledgeable agent this will be done in <1 min)

B) Ask for the KLM Booking Code

C) Go to KLM.com and put in booking code and verify that you are in EC seats. Delta.com DOES NOT matter, only KLM.com since they are the operating carrier.


The only trouble I could see the OP having might be if the departure flight is more than 90 days from now. KLM EC is only able to be assigned WITHIN 90 days of departure. This differs from Delta EC which can be assigned 331 days in advance.

Burj

Everytime I've called I've eventually been told that because it is NOT a code share flight nobody at Delta can do anything about seat assignments...

itsaboutthejourney

Ask for Chisholm, they understand what KLM is and how to see their inventory.

Burj

The post below is a bit long but hopefully this will help someone else save time... The summary of the post is the following:

Do not bother with Delta or KLM reservations but call KLM online/web support at: 866-434-0320

Be POLITE and when the agent says that Delta plats don't get Economy Comfort on KLM ask them to check with a supervisor as it is a NEW reciprocal benefit now that Delta has economy comfort also.



In any case I am now all set...this is what I had to do:

Call KLM online support at: 866-494-0320
On the automated menu option 1 is for people who did NOT purchase their ticket from klm.com...if you select that you get a recording ask you to call normal reservations...then CLICK...

So I called back and this time selected "2" which is for people who DID purchase through klm.com

After a wait I got an agent and I explained I was a Delta Plat who was flying KLM transatlantic and I would like to get a seat assignment in economy comfort.

She told me to go through klm.com

I explained that when I did that it tried to charge me despite being a Delta Plat.

She claimed that was correct.

I POLITELY explained that now that Delta had Economy Comfort that it is reciprocal benefit. She said I would have to show her WHERE on the Klm website it says that.

I POLITELY pointed out that this is a new agreement and if there were someone she could check with who knows.

She seemed hesitant but agree...I really think the POLITE tone is what got her to be willing to look into it.

She then asked for my record locator. However that did not work for you. I pointed out that it was the exact same number I used to access my reservation via klm.com

She said that her system wasn't taking it...we then tried searching by flight and last name and then by ticket number and she was NOT able to find me in her system....she put me on hold and eventually came back sounding a little flustered and relieved saying she had found it.

Finally she put me on hold again and said she would check with a supervisor....

After another few minutes she came back and FINALLY said "Yes you are able to get an economy comfort seat for free as a Delta Plat...which one would you like"

After getting off the phone with her I logged into klm.com and found I was no assigned the seat I had requested in economy comfort!!!

BigFlyer

I think the problem with calling is that it is set up to be done on the web only. The Delta link posted earlier in the thread says that up to 48 hours before flight it must be done at klm.com - no option to do it on delta.com or to call reservations.

The KLM website also does not mention the possibility of calling reservations: http://bit.ly/sMbbSa

It makes sense that they are aiming for reciprocity on this one as both the KLM and Delta product have the same name. However, having the goal and implementing it are obviously two different things.

This is consistent with the experience of the post above of BURJ who got it done through KLM web support - presumably they have access to the services which are available by web.

Burj

Can you request specific call centers? I thought you get connected to who ever the computer connects you to...

MR_MAMA

I think KL first, then was able to maintain them up until 24 hrs prior on DL. However,they never changed on either site, always stayed at what I originally chose.

MR_MAMA

My free upgrade was yesterday not Thanksgiving. They pulled a few of us from EC to BE, right before takeoff when there were 3 to a row. They also came to some of us in EC prior to takeoff on the YUL-WAW and told us personally we could move to our own row.

baccarat0809

Don't you mean

Het is niet mogelijk

thexfactor

I was on a JFK-AMS KLM flight last week and was offered BE for 25K. No cash required.