Originally Posted by
Ben Lipsey
Because fares/schedules are loaded on a O&D basis, not by cabin. So unless you specifically select P (which DL doesn't offer) you will see DL* irrespective of cabin. And given the NATL JV, it doesn't really matter in the backend (obviously the customer experience, UXP, etc. is different - this is the tradeoff, unfortunately).
Thank you Ben. As you say, this doesn’t change anything for AFKL with the JV rules in term of revenue sharing. But for some customers, that makes a difference :
- Ultimate or Platinum looking for UXP to reach Ultilmate cannot book flights under AFKL code with AFKL sites and booking centers.
- Miles earning rules for FB members is different if booked under AFKL code (based on price paid) or under DL code (combination of distance/fare). Depending on the situation, one can be more advantageous for the FB member.
- Some DL booking class are not eligible for FB miles/XP earning while all AFKL fares are eligible.
At the end, AFKL do not sell the DL flights under AFKL code,
while DL is selling the AFKL non stop US services under DL code exclusively (see screenshots below for examples on CDG-MIA or ORD - dummy bookings in J in April).
As an AFKL customer, I expect to be able to book AFKL-coded flights on AFKL sites/apps/call centers if this is my choice; and if I want to book DL-coded tickets, I can go to DL site.
I don’t believe it’s normal to rely solely on OTA or other channels to book such AFKL-coded flights. And that was not the case before.
If an OTA can sell these tickets, why the concerned airline can’t do it goes beyond any logic to me.
