Unauthorized passenger in premium seating?
Jul 23, 2017, 9:49 am
#17
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Is there something about Native Americans accessing C+ which OP knows and the rest of us don't know?
Seriously, rather than speculating about whether the individuals in question were authorized to sit in C+ or not, the fact is that OP had a C+ seat and the rest is up to DL. If it wants to sell, upgrade freebie, or just let people wander up, that's up to DL.
Seriously, rather than speculating about whether the individuals in question were authorized to sit in C+ or not, the fact is that OP had a C+ seat and the rest is up to DL. If it wants to sell, upgrade freebie, or just let people wander up, that's up to DL.
Jul 23, 2017, 10:34 am
#18
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Seriously, rather than speculating about whether the individuals in question were authorized to sit in C+ or not, the fact is that OP had a C+ seat and the rest is up to DL. If it wants to sell, upgrade freebie, or just let people wander up, that's up to DL.
Jul 23, 2017, 11:03 am
#19
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Jul 23, 2017, 11:07 am
#20
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Or, just perhaps, the OP observed an application of DL's new policy:
We've updated our policy so seat upgrades now clear earlier at the gate to give you more time to get the best available seat. If you've already boarded and an upgrade becomes available, our flight attendants and gate agents will help you get settled into that new seat before takeoff, when possible.
While this explanation is not as exciting as some would want, it is sufficient to address the details as we know them.
We've updated our policy so seat upgrades now clear earlier at the gate to give you more time to get the best available seat. If you've already boarded and an upgrade becomes available, our flight attendants and gate agents will help you get settled into that new seat before takeoff, when possible.
While this explanation is not as exciting as some would want, it is sufficient to address the details as we know them.
Jul 23, 2017, 11:31 am
#21
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Last edited by davetravels; Jul 23, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Jul 23, 2017, 12:08 pm
#22
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I anticipated that response but, in the spirit of brevity, did not lengthen my post to proactively defend against it. 
I agree with your correct interpretation of the literal wording.
However, nothing in the policy description prohibits the FA from attending to matters "shortly after take-off" if, for example, there was not time to do so previously.
Personally, I would hope that a conscientious FA would try to apply the spirit of the policy and not feel inhibited by the literal wording.
My speculation (as, indeed it is) is reinforced by the belief that it would be a rarity that a flight would not have another Medallion eligible for the C+ seat.
I would certainly expect such a Medallion to make inquiries after take-off, especially if there was an aisle seat available (OP calls it an "outer seat"). Perhaps watching others try to appropriate the available seats, and seeing them sent packing, attracted a Medallion's attention to its availability.
I agree with your correct interpretation of the literal wording.
However, nothing in the policy description prohibits the FA from attending to matters "shortly after take-off" if, for example, there was not time to do so previously.
Personally, I would hope that a conscientious FA would try to apply the spirit of the policy and not feel inhibited by the literal wording.
My speculation (as, indeed it is) is reinforced by the belief that it would be a rarity that a flight would not have another Medallion eligible for the C+ seat.
I would certainly expect such a Medallion to make inquiries after take-off, especially if there was an aisle seat available (OP calls it an "outer seat"). Perhaps watching others try to appropriate the available seats, and seeing them sent packing, attracted a Medallion's attention to its availability.
Jul 23, 2017, 12:13 pm
#23
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My personal travel experience, and having seen many other posts about it here tells me that, FAs who get questioned from Medallions onboard about UGs are shot down, being told that they don't have the official UG list, and only the the GA can do UGs.
Jul 23, 2017, 1:14 pm
#24
Join Date: Nov 2014
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1) When you're ready to lie down, simply rest your feet on the lap of the seat poacher.
2) Cough aggressively without covering your mouth directly towards the seat poacher, if possible, do this while holding eye contact.
3) If seat poacher has taken the aisle seat and you're left in the window, get up to use the lav constantly.
4) Engage in a lengthy conversation with the seat poacher about a very personal/awkward/controversial topic until they are so uncomfortable they must leave.
2) Cough aggressively without covering your mouth directly towards the seat poacher, if possible, do this while holding eye contact.
3) If seat poacher has taken the aisle seat and you're left in the window, get up to use the lav constantly.
4) Engage in a lengthy conversation with the seat poacher about a very personal/awkward/controversial topic until they are so uncomfortable they must leave.
Jul 23, 2017, 5:14 pm
#25
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There could be a whole bunch of reasons why someone moved after take off - COS next to them, problems with the seat they were in (malfunction), even re-seating to allow a family to sit together.
Jul 23, 2017, 6:52 pm
#26
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There IS a process! Delta typically gives upgrades to Medallion frequent flyers, usually starting from the top status tier down. This is done at the gate before boarding, mostly. I'm not sure why you feel that a senior would appreciate this more than someone else? I have certainly seen people with injuries, etc, getting onboard upgrades at times.
By process I mean that I think non Medallion non paid upgrade passengers should be upgraded too. It's more efficient to leave less comfortable seats (E) empty and fill premium seats imho. I'm much more comfortable with disabled passengers, seniors, vets, etc. -- to be upgraded. Seniors in particular because old people can be frail and some economy seats are just horrible for their hips and blood circulation. Not as comfortable with people just walking up.
All the responses make sense to me. I didn't do anything beyond telling the FA because it doesn't affect me. The said FA did say the guy wasn't supposed to move up, but she probably didn't want to confront him.
Guy did look kind of gangster.
Jul 23, 2017, 7:09 pm
#27
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I personally don't care about who occupies the seats beside me (unless if it's a crying small child -- then all bets are off 😂
.