Originally Posted by
mnredfox
So I realized today that DL has NO standby policy, only SDC. Because of this, it appears it's up to the GA's to do as they please with this. For example:
- Yesterday two pax showed up to the gate with seats available on an earlier flight, the GA gladly put them on, no charge.
- Today, I land early at the connection airport and ask to go "standby". I was rudely told by the GA that DL has no "standby" and to get on an earlier flight that has plenty of seats it will be $50. I ask her about elites, and she see's my BP and puts me on in F.
Is there a general consensus for what GA's do? Do they charge? Do they not? What elite level goes free? Is it up to the mood of the GA?
Bigger question, is this really a revenue generating move on DL's part, or just another example of fleecing the customer?
The CONFIRMED aspect of it is what I like. Instead of sitting at the gate and staring at the GIDS, you either have a confirmed seat or not. Free for Gold Medallions and above (so all Elites but Silver). Many non-Elites and Silvers hate that a fee must be paid to catch an earlier flight. But as a former PM that just dropped to FO, I happily paid the $50 last week to be ensured a seat on a later flight.
Gate Agents have discretion as to whether you can get on an earlier flight and pay the SDC fee or not. I've seen it go both ways.
Also in your case, SDC should only apply to the class of service that you paid. If you were in Y and the GA gave you an F seat, he/she was doing you a favor. Only after you have a confirmed seat, are you eligible for an upgrade.