Originally Posted by
avidflyer
I like the DL method but I do worry that the focus on fare class could easily lead to reduction in upgradeable fares where NW took that out of the criteria (other than "Full fare" Y) and went with time of ticketing as well as check-in time which are fare class independent.
I'll have to say that I clearly prefer DL's method here. Especially since there is a strong inverse correlation between time of ticketing and fare class, i.e. the highest priced tickets are likely going to be the latest purchased.
And time of check-in would seem to punish those flying non-stop. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a pax can check-in for all segments of a multi-segment leg 24 hours prior the initial departure, right?
I wouldn't worry too much about DL eliminating upgrades on some fare classes. We had that many years ago (only K+ fares were upgradeable), I don't think they'll go back to that. Unless everybody else does, and then DL would probably follow suit.