Downgraded from Paid F after Check-in ?!?
May 23, 2017, 10:12 am
#16
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Had this happen to me. I got the same old BS story that I paid for an economy fare that was instantly upgraded to F and since they needed my F seat I was first to be downgraded. Ridiculous BS if you ask me. When I book on Delta I request the F cabin and F pricing and I choose the fare code under the First Class column. Yet they keep claiming this is an economy fare. How is anybody supposed to know this and how does one buy an actual F fare then?
But, reports here from time to time indicate that not all telephone agents are up to speed on the new policy.
GAP fares are not UGs... they are legitimate (but discounted) FC fares.
May 23, 2017, 10:14 am
#17
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The OP had seats 1C and 1D. Could these bulkhead seats have been needed for some passenger in FC with special needs? Unfortunately when there must be downgrades, GAs don't always bother looking at details rather than just downgrading the person whose seat is needed.
May 23, 2017, 10:16 am
#18
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Admittedly, this is a semantic nitpick since I can't think of what practical difference it makes if they policy is to treat them as paid F.
May 23, 2017, 10:34 am
#19
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The OP had seats 1C and 1D. Could these bulkhead seats have been needed for some passenger in FC with special needs? Unfortunately when there must be downgrades, GAs don't always bother looking at details rather than just downgrading the person whose seat is needed.
May 23, 2017, 10:48 am
#20
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But a paid F PAX should be the last one downgraded.
Va Ave wants everyone buying FC, but are unwilling to provide a true first class product in return.
FC downgrades (especially paid) should be an extreme rarity, but the experiences posted on FT suggest otherwise.
Va Ave wants everyone buying FC, but are unwilling to provide a true first class product in return.
FC downgrades (especially paid) should be an extreme rarity, but the experiences posted on FT suggest otherwise.
Does OP have Medallion status?
May 23, 2017, 10:52 am
#21
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No status. Just a SM number.
May 23, 2017, 10:56 am
#22
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Booking 1CD will not cause an involuntary downgrade because you will ONLY be moved to accommodate another First Class passenger, not a Main cabin passenger. The worst that would happen is being moved to another First Class seat. Airlines have no legal responsibility to accommodate Main Cabin passengers with disabilities in First Class.
May 23, 2017, 10:59 am
#23
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May 23, 2017, 11:22 am
#24
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If you make a res over the phone now, the agents will warn you if you select a bulkhead seat that you may lose it if they need to accommodate someone with a disability, service animal or pet. I select bulkheads all the time and never had it happen. I am sure it is pretty rare, but it does happen from time to time and people that have not been warned have been none too pleased (and rightfully so). I wouldn't avoid those seat, just be aware that it could happen.
May 23, 2017, 11:38 am
#25
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My understanding is FAMs never sit at the bulkhead, as they travel with a bag that is always at their feet.
True - they are still UP fares. What has changed is how they are treated when SHTF.
I'm not actually sure that's the case. I seem to remember someone (in a position to know) posting that they are actually economy fares, what had changed was that they would not be treated as such and would instead be treated as actual paid (but discounted) F.
Admittedly, this is a semantic nitpick since I can't think of what practical difference it makes if they policy is to treat them as paid F.
Admittedly, this is a semantic nitpick since I can't think of what practical difference it makes if they policy is to treat them as paid F.
May 23, 2017, 12:35 pm
#26
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May 23, 2017, 12:43 pm
#27
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May 23, 2017, 1:51 pm
#29
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May 23, 2017, 2:30 pm
#30
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But mechanically, in terms of the way the fares are filed, and the way they behave with respect to availability, they are still UP fares.
Last edited by javabytes; May 23, 2017 at 2:42 pm