Originally Posted by
DLPhoenix
1) I assume you meant you prefer the Z fare.
2) One last minute change / IROPS that will cause you to spend a long flight in a very expensive Y seat may change your mind (it did in my case).
3) Delta makes Z utilization a huge hassle, I is straight forward and bookable on-line.
All the above support your opening statement that Z pricing is a joke.
Happy Travels
DLP
I agree with I trumping a Z providing that you book 50 days early, can spend a full week, and can find a good value in I. Last year, I found really great I's, some better than the M - go figure.
The upgrade books into Z but the fare basis is still the original M, B or Y. For example, last spring, I wanted to book an M fare to the UK but because I was flying out on a Sunday, returning Friday, instead of an M, I got a B fare class. This worked out great because I was able to completely cancel the ticket without penalty when DL announced one of those 2x/3x MQM promos ex-NY (which I did qualify for). Had I booked out on Saturday, the M fare (about $100 less) would have been noted with a $300 change penalty.
As for IROPs or unusual circumstances, had that happen once (my own fault - passport had less than 6 months going in/out of AMS). DL agents took pity on me when they rerouted me to BRU (no 6 months clause there) in that they still gave me a BE seat. Mind you, the change of my outbound to BRU took place in JFK at check in and as such, was "day of departure" and we all know the pain of using a PMU on this special day. They forced it through saving the day.