FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Big change on Upgrade policy Ex-AMS ( maybe more EU)
Old Jan 18, 2019, 8:02 am
  #57  
jdrtravel
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Originally Posted by Hollandair
Basically we have a situation that if you hold a Y, B or M ticket you can upgrade if space available until Check-in opens. After that it is not possible anymore, I really dont get it. If is a revenue issue, then they also should not allow it prior check-in.

Again, D1 cabins are typically sold out, or very close to selling out days before departure Ex-AMS ( you can check expertflyer). So in my opinion an argument of people not booking J because they can easily upgrade in AMS doesnt hold up. It is a gamble, only to be taken if you would not mind flying .

Everybody here says it is a mess at AMS, but is it not pure incompentence of DL that it is not working. AMS is probably the biggest DL hub in Europe with dozens of flights leaving and arriving every day. There are DL-employees in AMS, so structure it. give guidlines. I do not believe KL would mess up if it is clear how it works. KL-agents are generally experienced and good in what they do. Instruct, monitor and adjust. Thisis what they can do:

- up till now upgrading could take place at a Transer desk, the lounge, and check-in desk. Why not agreeing that it can only be done at a central Transfer desk. People who work there will be clearly instructed.

1.GUC clears
2. after all GUC clear and there are still seats open, mileage, or paid upgrades go according to a set schedule ( say 40-60K miles).

This way DL can optimalize both DM statisfaction and extra income or mileage burn.

Finally, what are Skymiles worth to a european customer? only buying full roundtrips with miles? Thanks but no. From now on I am actively avoiding DL metal. Probably you will say they wont miss me, thats fine. But I am probably not the only one.


I presume that from DL's perspective, it does not make sense to have this one unique upgrade process that differs from every other station in the world. Also, DL does have a day of departure cash upgrade program that is selectively offered during online check in. Eliminating this outside process handled by another company allows DL to fully control upgrade inventory, and still, as you say "optimize both DM satisfaction and extra income or mileage burn." In fact, it probably helps them do a better job at this because they can fully manage the process, and account for things that a random agent at AMS won't.
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