Award flight - Delta changed itinerary; Can I switch flights without $150 fee?
Delta changed my award flight around a little bit. Now the plans are not drastically changed, but there is a en exception on my confirmation page now that says I can change flights.
Is there a way to do this and avoid the $150 change fee?
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If you're allowed to make changes to your itinerary because of the schedule change (what is it? we can't help without some details), there will be no $150 fee. It's easiest to call DL because trying to do the change through delta.dumb can risk cancellation of segments you want to keep.
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Trying to search for my flights on Delta.com and I can't even find it now with the confirmation # and my information. I called Delta before I made my post here - but alas I am still on the phone with them.
I was online last night scoping out the options but did not commit to any changes. Give me a moment to get the details.
The largest change in the flight is 31 minutes. They are manually "retrieving" my reservation because I was attempting to make changes but did not commit to them last night (and it "lost" my reservation as a result)
Even if the arrival/departure times only change by an hour you will likely get a helpfull agent to take care of the issue.
If the change causes a connection that is shorter than the MCT they will let you change for free. EDIT: If they shorten a connection to short but still legal, you can play the "I can't move that fast" argument.
Changes of just a few minutes or connecting airports will not get any sympathy (even if the web site spits the change warning).
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Posts: 19,588
Also, if they have moved you from a mainline flight to a RJ, you should be able to change for free if you can find something. If it's a change of connecting airport, YMMV, especially if you have a reason for not wanting that connection, such as weather risks of delays and cancellations.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by factory81
She retrieved my reservation and I am still on hold - but she gave me Y class. Full unrestricted coach fare right?
They typically use Y as a placeholder when doing things like this. I've seen things show up in Y and then be re-coded in the original booking class before the ticket was reissued.
No, an award flight is still an award ticket. You will not earn miles. Are you elite (what level) or why do you care about full Y?
I figured it is "the best" for a domestic ticket, right? So maybe she gave me this Y ticket because she was going to give me lenience with changing my flight for free. She did not though, so that is that. $150 to change it + any miles.
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 19,588
Quote:
Originally Posted by factory81
I figured it is "the best" for a domestic ticket, right? So maybe she gave me this Y ticket because she was going to give me lenience with changing my flight for free. She did not though, so that is that. $150 to change it + any miles.
It should not cost $150 nor more miles to change following a significant schedule change. However, if you want help, you need to reveal details. Exactly what was the original schedule, what was the change, and what changes to that do you want to make? Do you have status with DL?
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Even a 30 minute change can give you the opportunity to change if the change results in a significant change in connecting time such as 75 minutes going to 45 minutes. Just say you're not comfortable with the reduced connection time.
1. The policy is a change of 90+ minutes or a connection which drops below the MCT.
2. That said, DL is good about these things, but you need to make a specific proposal including date, flight numbers and times. You are more likely to get what you ask for if it's reasonable and you make it a pleasant ask.
3. As to fare basis, doesn't really matter as earning is based on fare paid (or not in the case of award, low/non status).
