hockeyinsider

So, I was totally unaware of Book With Matrix until I saw a post in this thead: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28552127-post20.html.

Talk about cool.

I've spent some time playing around with options, including multi-stops involving 'weird' airline combinations. By 'weird' I mean non-Delta partner airlines and non-Sky Team member airlines. In each instance I was able to book through Delta.com.

I've seen this before on United.com, which has presented me with connection possibilities on Delta. But I don't think I could otherwise book a ticket on Delta.com involving a non-Delta partner airline or non-Sky Team member airline without the hack from Book With Matrix.

This raises a lot of questions, in my mind anyways.

I realize Delta has lots of interline agreements, including with many competing airlines.

Has anyone done this before? Have you experienced problems at all? I could imagine issues with baggage allowance or fees. And what about seat assignments?

Book with Matrix via Delta.com could really, really open up a lot of possibilities. Like flying through LHR, AMS and CDG to get to KUL, BKK or SIN.

3Cforme

With a U.S. origin or destination, purchased from a web site directed to U.S. consumers (and delta.com certainly is) U.S. DOT single-allowance rules apply. That doesn't standardize elite allowances or credit card waivers but it doesn't leave one at the whim of operating carrier, either.

TTT

I booked a flight using the Matrix tool on Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). It issued on 006 stock, bags were checked without issues; flight was GYD-LHR-MSP and LHR-MSP was able to be upgraded with a GUC after purchase. I did get SSSS in LHR. AZAL doesn't have the best website so I couldn't get seats but it didn't matter - the 787 had about 40 people on it.

Have also booked multiple flights on AS using the Matrix tool to connect to DL options. Seats are easy, you just need to AS PNR which can be obtained from either DL or AS.

As long as Delta has a ticketing agreement you shouldn't have an issue.

hockeyinsider

What's SSSS?

I presume there's zero chance Delta mistakenly awards miles because it's 006 stock?

flyerCO

SSSS is the code printed on your BP when you're a selectee for additional screening.

No on miles. It goes by the operating carrier code. The ticket stock only matters for if its fare based or revenue based. A DL flight on UA stock still earns DL miles for example.

CarmenOM

You already can do this on delta.com for flights from the midwest or east coast to SE Asia. I haven't tried KUL but definitely you can get options via Europe for, say, MSP-SIN. BKK also but quite expensive.

Zorak

There's also the ITA powertools userscript:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...-lh-lx-tk.html

which I believe bookwithmatrix is just a web UI wrapper around it?

I've used it to book a DL flight plated on 014 (though I ended up canceling it during the risk-free period)

ecaarch

It's the TSA equivalent of your doctor putting on a glove and reaching for the vasoline...

hockeyinsider

Is there an advantage to using the script as opposed to Book with Matrix? Book with Matrix seems easy.

I did a search on Google for 014. It's Air Canada, right? Is there a reason why you'd want a Delta flight on an Air Canada ticket?

hockeyinsider

I've seen it a couple of times on Google Flights, but there are certainly more options. Like flying to London or Amsterdam and connecting to Sky Team member Jakarta Garuda Indonesia en route to Bangkok. I've never found that option on Delta.com or Google Flights.

Granted, some of this is irrelevant because the price is ridiculous or mileage earning is reduced or squat, but still. It's neat -- and practical in some cases.

Zorak

I have a vague recollection that someone had an itinerary that BwM didn't handle but the userscript did, but my mind could just be fabricating that memory.

I booked the DL itin through AC because I couldn't get it to ticket through any other method

hockeyinsider

And you received Delta miles, upgrade eligibility, etc.?

Zorak

As I said, I cancelled it during the risk-free period so didn't end up finding out for sure.

bpe

I've booked SFO-MSP-HND-BKK and vv. with HND-BKK on JAL and BKK-HND on TG using bookwithmatrix. I tried to get on Delta and it priced but errored out on purchase. Got normal miles for DL flights and credited JL to BA and TG to UA no problem.

fpmurphy

I do it on one regular TPAC route I fly. No DL mileage or segments for the non-DL segment but I typically save $600 or more, and have a shorter layover in NRT or HND.