Programs: DL PM, National Exec., Marriott, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 661
Quote:
Originally Posted by cottonpatch
It appears from my booking attempts that P fares are NOT eligible to be used with the certificates. Seems like Delta is sticking to the "A fare" only for certificate usage in first. Seems to me that DL could accomplish their goal of monetizing first class by allowing the usage of these certificates with these P fares. It seems like it'd be a "win-win" for most everybody. I'd certainly be motivated to help them "monetize" what I'd otherwise book in LUT and hope for a free upgrade (which I'd probably get).
Quote:
Originally Posted by danola
This happened to me in November, I booked "A" fair and used the companion Certificate but on the return only "L" was available, I took a chance and got upgraded anyway.
It appears from my booking attempts that P fares are NOT eligible to be used with the certificates. Seems like Delta is sticking to the "A fare" only for certificate usage in first. Seems to me that DL could accomplish their goal of monetizing first class by allowing the usage of these certificates with these P fares. It seems like it'd be a "win-win" for most everybody. I'd certainly be motivated to help them "monetize" what I'd otherwise book in LUT and hope for a free upgrade (which I'd probably get).
Yeah, looks like A-Fare is it for now. The frustrating thing here is that when the American Express Delta Reserve Card first came out it stated in the Terms and Conditions that the cert would only book into the F bucket for FC. This created a lot of complaints because F was almost always twice as much as an A-Fare (and what is the point of getting a companion certificate that won't accrue miles when you could just buy two of the A-Fares for the same price...and both people get miles). The argument was also made that since the Terms and Conditions state that an economy companion ticket must be booked into LUT (the "discount fares"), then why wouldn't the FC option book into a discounted fare bucket. In the end Delta changed the terms to allow A-Fare FC to work with the companion certificate and everything seemed OK for a little while. Well, it looks an awful lot like A is now the new F-Fare and P is the new A-Fare and that things are back to the way they were in the beginning. So, I am wondering if this is just a short term mix-up while Delta sorts out some new fare structures, or is it a sneaky way to move backwards and de-value one of the Delta Reserve perks?
Programs: Delta Plat, MM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 196
Quote:
Originally Posted by moo-cow
Well, it looks an awful lot like A is now the new F-Fare and P is the new A-Fare and that things are back to the way they were in the beginning. So, I am wondering if this is just a short term mix-up while Delta sorts out some new fare structures, or is it a sneaky way to move backwards and de-value one of the Delta Reserve perks?
Sounds to me like the latter - is another SkyMiles devaluation just around the corner ???
Programs: DL PM, WN, SC, various other programs of lowly status
Posts: 1,478
I too had no luck finding A fares, only P so I asked about it here's the reply:
Dear Ms. xxxx,
Thank you for contacting us.
Delta recently introduced P class as a booking option, but it did not
replace A class. You will still be able to use your American Express
Companion Certificate as specified. For assistance with these bookings
please contact our Online Service department at 888-750-3284.
Your support as a Medallion member is important to Delta, our Connection
Carriers, and SkyTeam partners. We look forward to your continued
patronage.
Programs: DL Silver, SPG Gold, Marriott Silver, National Exec, Global Entry
Posts: 170
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marylou
I too had no luck finding A fares, only P so I asked about it here's the reply:
From DL: ...Delta recently introduced P class as a booking option, but it did not replace A class. You will still be able to use your American Express
Companion Certificate as specified. For assistance with these bookings
please contact our Online Service department at 888-750-3284...
FWIW, I just tried calling the online service department to have some flights manually booked into P class for DCA-SEA over Memorial Day. I was transferred to a supervisor, who then conferred with her manager. Both of them agreed that it would not be possible to force a booking into 'P' class. She basically said that the divide between 'A' and 'P' was there for a reason and basically if 'P' fare is the only fare available, then the traveler is out of luck.
FWIW, I just tried calling the online service department to have some flights manually booked into P class for DCA-SEA over Memorial Day. I was transferred to a supervisor, who then conferred with her manager. Both of them agreed that it would not be possible to force a booking into 'P' class. She basically said that the divide between 'A' and 'P' was there for a reason and basically if 'P' fare is the only fare available, then the traveler is out of luck.
Same situation this morning trying to use the certificate. Oh well, they get $380 out of me instead of $1,000. Couldn't even use it on A fares (They all doubled when trying to book. SMS and online support were of no help.)
I also received a certificate and had problems with using it. I called to support and a woman explained me all rules several minutes. As for the process is complicated enough. Why do they invent so many difficulties?
Last edited by RSSrsvp; Jul 20, 11 at 4:35 am..
Reason: Removed link.
Programs: Delta Plat, MM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 196
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin821
I also received a certificate and had problems with using it. I called to support and a woman explained me all rules several minutes. As for the process is complicated enough. Why do they invent so many difficulties?
Since they already separated you from your money, the burden is now on you to get your money's worth - perseverence is the operating word.
Delta Reserve Companion ticket NOT free if used in FC
Has anyone else had this problem? A couple of weeks ago I went to book 2 FC tix, using my companion certificate. One fare alone was ~$950 so I figured that's what I would be charged. NOT SO! When I booked, it was $1848!!
I made sure to read all the restrictions, and made sure I was in compliance. I was - I booked an A fare ticket and the fare was doubled! I called delta, called platinum desk, called web team, and was transferred round and round, then posted on Facebook. I received a response with an employees email address - I wrote to him and sent screen shots of the price of one RT ticket and then the exact same flights booked with a companion ticket. No response. I followed up twice. I was told to go to delta.com.
Meanwhile, fares have gone up $500. I've tweeted twice, and written again to delta.com and I got a reply that they were "looking into it." I called Platinum desk again and was transferred to benefits - I spoke to Jack Freedman who said that although it's not disclosed in any terms anywhere and customers would not be aware of it, when the Companion Certificate is used, the primary ticketholder's fare is actually calculated by averaging the high and low cost of a FC ticket for the specific market.
So, I pay $450 for a Reserve Card and this is one of the main perks - and this is "free"?
ETA - the new fares I see are ~$1320 for one ticket, and $1951 when using the companion ticket.
Last edited by savannahjaned; Aug 4, 11 at 5:48 pm..
Reason: updated fare cost for new higher rates
Programs: AA 2MM, DL DM, US CP, UA PP, Hilton DM, SPG G, Hyatt Plat, FT A (addict)
Posts: 3,243
Welcome to FT
On the other hand, I have used the same for an economy ticket from WAS to SFO and back for 200$ and both of us were upgraded to F!
YMMV.
I have had luck in calling and booking, but I remember that this issue has been posted here before with the A fare bucket.
I have used another set of companion vouchers with no problems in F
Has anyone else had this problem? A couple of weeks ago I went to book 2 FC tix, using my companion certificate. One fare alone was ~$950 so I figured that's what I would be charged. NOT SO! When I booked, it was $1848!!
I made sure to read all the restrictions, and made sure I was in compliance. I was - I booked an A fare ticket and the fare was doubled! I called delta, called platinum desk, called web team, and was transferred round and round, then posted on Facebook. I received a response with an employees email address - I wrote to him and sent screen shots of the price of one RT ticket and then the exact same flights booked with a companion ticket. No response. I followed up twice. I was told to go to delta.com.
Meanwhile, fares have gone up $500. I've tweeted twice, and written again to delta.com and I got a reply that they were "looking into it." I called Platinum desk again and was transferred to benefits - I spoke to Jack Freedman who said that although it's not disclosed in any terms anywhere and customers would not be aware of it, when the Companion Certificate is used, the primary ticketholder's fare is actually calculated by averaging the high and low cost of a FC ticket for the specific market.
So, I pay $450 for a Reserve Card and this is one of the main perks - and this is "free"?
ETA - the new fares I see are ~$1320 for one ticket, and $1951 when using the companion ticket.
I have had the Reserve card for 3 yrs and it has always been that way. It seems it is only narkets you don't want to fly to that the special A fare is not double. I have never been able to use this and consider it a "non" benefit
Programs: DL PM, National Exec., Marriott, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 661
Quote:
Originally Posted by savannahjaned
...
I spoke to Jack Freedman who said that although it's not disclosed in any terms anywhere and customers would not be aware of it, when the Companion Certificate is used, the primary ticketholder's fare is actually calculated by averaging the high and low cost of a FC ticket for the specific market.
This is incorrect information based on my experience. One possible explanation that I can think of is that the flight was showing A1, so that a reservation request for two results in one ticket priced higher than the other one. But I always thought that both passengers had to be booked in the same fare class, so maybe I'm wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BusTrav8yrs
I have had the Reserve card for 3 yrs and it has always been that way. It seems it is only narkets you don't want to fly to that the special A fare is not double. I have never been able to use this and consider it a "non" benefit
I disagree that the A fares are not "doubled" only in non-desirable or low-demand markets, as I'm able to find availability for these certificates all the time. For example, on my first search for a flight to SEA early next year, the price with or without the companion cert. is right where it should be (i.e., only taxes for the second passenger).
Programs: AA 2MM, DL DM, US CP, UA PP, Hilton DM, SPG G, Hyatt Plat, FT A (addict)
Posts: 3,243
Quote:
Originally Posted by trek87
This is incorrect information based on my experience. One possible explanation that I can think of is that the flight was showing A1, so that a reservation request for two results in one ticket priced higher than the other one. But I always thought that both passengers had to be booked in the same fare class, so maybe I'm wrong.
I disagree that the A fares are not "doubled" only in non-desirable or low-demand markets, as I'm able to find availability for these certificates all the time. For example, on my first search for a flight to SEA early next year, the price with or without the companion cert. is right where it should be (i.e., only taxes for the second passenger).
YMMV I guess.
Do not spoil FT DL forum with factual information where Amex is concerned.
(They all doubled when trying to book. SMS and online support were of no help.)
