This seems to be a common misunderstanding due to the similar cost of the A (discounted first class fare) versus the Y (full fare coach fare). Also adding to the confusion is that the Y fare purchasers could also benefit from an unofficial upgrade program ("Y-Ups", now more official in the latest medallion enhancencements).

Joe, do you have any more info on how you came to this understanding? Seems like DL is opening themselves up to lawsuits if they are selling faux-first class fares and considering them to be full coach plus automatic upgrades. When you use the delta.com resv pages to buy tickets for certain markets and select the Preferred Cabin as First, it will deliver First (A). I don't see any disclaimers such that since this is a special category of coach and the first class cabin may not be available at all times - holders of this fare are only entitled to a coach seat. This seems like a really big liability during irregular ops if DL is hiding the true nature of this fare. (Note that the A fares will only exist during promos or where DL has to compete against a low-cost airline with two classes like FL).

I don't think what is actually paid for the A fare versus a Y fare on the same flight is relevant to the question of which class this fare really is. But, apparently some DL employees now have similar disdain for the travelers buying A fares to those buying LUTs. I guess the propaganda on which customers are valuable sinks in sometimes. To the employees, I would submit that ALL customers are valuable.

I wonder if DL has any official guidance on this (Y vs A vs F).

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Having said all this, I think indufan is very correct.
Whether you are on a F fare or an A fare.

[This message has been edited by traveling_again (edited 10-26-2003).]