Penalty for SDC when same fare class isn't available?
Jan 19, 2017, 5:15 pm
#16
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The website did it last time I used it. The fee to do confirm (since DM no $50 fee applies) was the difference between fare class booked and lowest fare class available. No change fee included. Phone agents have always when doing SDC not charged change fee to purchase higher fare to SDC.
Jan 19, 2017, 5:16 pm
#17
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Jan 19, 2017, 5:17 pm
#18
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The website did it last time I used it. The fee to do confirm (since DM no $50 fee applies) was the difference between fare class booked and lowest fare class available. No change fee included. Phone agents have always when doing SDC not charged change fee to purchase higher fare to SDC.
Jan 19, 2017, 6:18 pm
#19
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But, I would expect that it would have to have a corresponding fare that has a zero day advance purchase requirement.
If your ticket is in V class, and V isn't available for SDC, and X class is available - - BUT - - the lowest fare available for purchase today is B, I don't see how they can upfare your ticket to X that isn't for sale today, if the X fare requires a 14 day advance purchase.
If your ticket is in V class, and V isn't available for SDC, and X class is available - - BUT - - the lowest fare available for purchase today is B, I don't see how they can upfare your ticket to X that isn't for sale today, if the X fare requires a 14 day advance purchase.
Jan 19, 2017, 6:37 pm
#20
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So, how do they determine what the new fare is if an L fare isn't for sale "today"?
Jan 19, 2017, 6:42 pm
#21
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Jan 19, 2017, 7:00 pm
#22
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Seems to me that, this is a similar gripe of the Delta apologists who post here about the SDC policy for all F fare buckets, in that, you can buy the cheapest fare available on any old flight that day, then, 24 hours in advance of travel, just choose ANY flight you want!
Jan 19, 2017, 7:02 pm
#23
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I have, as I am sure any number of Diamonds, most times had reps wave fees and allow SDC for just the fare difference. Not as good as the 1st class any open seat for SDC but workable under SDC 4.0 current rules.
SDS works but like SDC more for certainty and btw yes I know the rules on Delta.dumb very well!
Jan 19, 2017, 7:13 pm
#24
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I don't know about "in many cases." The difference between an advanced purchase v fare and a same day first class fare could be steep.
Jan 19, 2017, 7:34 pm
#25
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Now you sound Delta-like ;-)
I have, as I am sure any number of Diamonds, most times had reps wave fees and allow SDC for just the fare difference. Not as good as the 1st class any open seat for SDC but workable under SDC 4.0 current rules.
SDS works but like SDC more for certainty and btw yes I know the rules on Delta.dumb very well!
I have, as I am sure any number of Diamonds, most times had reps wave fees and allow SDC for just the fare difference. Not as good as the 1st class any open seat for SDC but workable under SDC 4.0 current rules.
SDS works but like SDC more for certainty and btw yes I know the rules on Delta.dumb very well!
Jan 19, 2017, 8:39 pm
#26
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Coach nonstops ATL-MSP:
First nonstops ATL-MSP:
Granted other markets may be different / ymmv, but I think it's a fair (pun intended) assumption fare difference between first and coach is often less than $230.
Jan 19, 2017, 10:09 pm
#27
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No. Since DL no longer is willing to have a real input on FT "we" were looking for inside confirmation that no official change to SDC has happened. I now know nothing has changed from my sources so this thread can closed as FT does not support rumors! ^
Jan 19, 2017, 10:59 pm
#28
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Using ITA, I looked at a calendar of coach vs. first fares over a one month period for nonstop flights from ATL to MSP. On average, the lowest first fare was $123 more than the lowest coach fare on then same day. The min difference was $89 more for first and the max difference was $195 more for first.
Granted other markets may be different / ymmv, but I think it's a fair (pun intended) assumption fare difference between first and coach is often less than $230.
Granted other markets may be different / ymmv, but I think it's a fair (pun intended) assumption fare difference between first and coach is often less than $230.
Lowest price for same day one-way first class ticket: $486
Lowest price for one month advance purchase coach: $173 (or $153 for an E fare)
Difference is $313 Could be significantly more or less depending on the flight (there were one way same day F fares for as much as $1k and one way advanced Y fares for as high as $550)
Jan 20, 2017, 12:01 am
#29
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I've done this between two coach fares and also from coach to domestic first without change fees numerous times without even any mention of change fee. Not saying that it is a policy, but it sure felt like it.
Jan 20, 2017, 2:00 am
#30
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However it's not been a "waiver" it's been policy. I've never tried at the airport, but I know reservations has never charged me or anyone else (including no status) a change fee to upfare to the next available fare class in order to SDC.