Originally Posted by
DMinDC
I'm about to make my 4th year in a row as a Delta DM. I'm approaching 1,000,000 flown miles and for that reason alone, I have stuck with Delta.
My problem is their international upgrade policy. I travel about 250K a year, all internationally, and have never received an upgrade due just to my status with Delta or any of their partners, even though I always buy Y/B/M class full fare refundable tickets. I always have to use my miles or SWU's to get bumped up, and based on availability that is touch and go.
When I was global services (even 1K) with United, I would regularly get bumped up from Y/B/M to Business and from Business to First on international flights on United metal. Even their alliance partners (Copa in particular) upgraded me several times from Y to Business just because of my status (no miles or Regional's used)
Since I only have experience with UA and DL, My question is this: Is Delta particularly stingy with international upgrades from Y/B/M to business based on status alone, or are most airlines like this too? My status with UA was four years ago, so things might have changed. In your experiences, which airline most frequently gives free upgrades to business from Y/B/M based solely on your top tier status?
I'm somewhat in your seat - I do a lot of international travel likewise. I also do a fair share of US domestic. It would be nice if Intl upgrades came much easier. The one thing that really keeps me with Delta is their mainline operations and reliability at SDF when compared to the competition.
United: Maybe I haven't had the best luck, but it's all United Express ERJ/CR2 here. UAx SDF-ORD delays are common. UAx to EWR isn't the most reliable because of NYC airspace, but DL nonstops to LGA/JFK face the same problems. EWR along with DEN/IAH are all decent RJ hauls. The one IAD flight can be hit/miss and while CLE runs on time, it's not quite an international connecting point.
AA: They've really reigned in their schedule here. They're a bit more reliable once outside of the 4 x ORD ERJ's, but that only leaves DFW (mainline/E145 mix) and 1 or 2 E145 to MIA.
US Airways: Also an all RJ operation, but have sufficient E175's to DCA and CR7 / CR9's running to CLT/PHL. One big problem - US doesn't have the international reach I need. I use them as a secondary US carrier along with WN. WN can be highly efficient if you're looking to hop point to point - it's no frills and you know what you're getting.
At the end of the day, this typically puts me on DL out of necessity because of scheduling and reliability. When it comes to the FF programs, they've been devalued so much, especially Delta, I almost don't really care about loyalty like I used to. It is what it is and with industry consolidation, they know it.
If I was at a station where UA offered mainline or a more reliable RJ operation with E175's or AA had a more significant operation, I'd likely be giving them a go.
For now, it's Delta and I must say they're doing something right with their international product (trans-Pac). My trans-Pac flights have been good whether I use NRT or bypass NRT on one of the DTW 'overfly' routes like PVG.
As you know, meals aren't anything to write home about, but sufficient and little touches like menus and hot (disposable) towels do make a difference. The IFE system on the 747 and 777 (both ER & LR) are good plus there's either USB power or 110 AC for me to power electric devices. Hopefully the level of service will continue as I head across the pond again next week.
As to other carriers, I'll just say this - NW was good with Intl upgrades and op-up's but their book has closed. If it says anything, I've had better luck with upgrades, including last minute op-up's on Qantas than Delta.
For better or worse, the industry has changed.
SDF