MVPG 75k on Delta now can't select good seats in coach
Jul 18, 2012, 9:51 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, HH Diamond
Posts: 144
MVPG 75k on Delta now can't select good seats in coach
With Delta's new economy comfort coach seating, as an MVPG 75k, I am no longer able to book the bulkhead row for any red-eye flights to the east coast. I just got off the phone with Delta customer service and they acknowledge that I a a Gold medallion level flyer but don't get the "free" upgrade to sit in the bulkhead like I use to be able to without paying a fee.
Does AA allow MVPG members to book the bulkhead on flights east out of the Bay Area? I may have to move away from Delta and onto AA now with this wonderful change.
Does AA allow MVPG members to book the bulkhead on flights east out of the Bay Area? I may have to move away from Delta and onto AA now with this wonderful change.
Jul 18, 2012, 10:19 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, HH Diamond
Posts: 144
Jul 18, 2012, 10:34 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, AS Board Room, Marriott Rwds Platinum, Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 3
Just noticed this today myself... I'd avoid DL altogether if I could but they're my only option for SEA-SLC.
Continued disappointment with the DL-AS relationship; seems like every time AS makes a concession for DL GM/PM/DM elites, AS MVPG/75K elites lose something new on DL. The marketing of the relationship and reality don't match up.
Continued disappointment with the DL-AS relationship; seems like every time AS makes a concession for DL GM/PM/DM elites, AS MVPG/75K elites lose something new on DL. The marketing of the relationship and reality don't match up.
Jul 18, 2012, 11:38 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Can you identify any asymmetries between AS elite benefits when flying DL and DL elites flying AS? AS doesn't offer Economy Comfort (or E+, or Main Cabin Extra) seats, while Delta has EC seats on about 950 aircraft.
Jul 18, 2012, 12:21 pm
#6
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,391
DL does not give me bulkhead seats anymore. They are either EC or blocked. So, I will NEVER have any additional legroom when flying on DL.
DL also reduced MVPs' ability to check two bags for free to one, when they reduced FOs' ability to check two bags for free to one. AS had to reciprocate and do the same for DL FOs flying on AS.
Jul 18, 2012, 12:47 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 328
Wow, that's really a downer. I have been flying DL quite a bit for work whenever I'm taking transcons, as there are a ton more options into JFK (or BWI) when I need to get out there, at sometimes 1/2 to 1/4 of what the AS flights have been. Not looking forward to not having any extra legroom. A pretty weak change, IMO.
Guess earning 75K the hard way isn't going to be all its cracked up to be w/ DL benefits. Maybe AA will start offering something other than early boarding and decent seat options. /sarcasm
Guess earning 75K the hard way isn't going to be all its cracked up to be w/ DL benefits. Maybe AA will start offering something other than early boarding and decent seat options. /sarcasm
Jul 18, 2012, 1:25 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Portland, Or USA
Posts: 1,801
AS may not have Economy Comfort, but they certainly do have plenty of standard seats in the back of the plane. If that's what AS Elite get flying Delta, then that's certainly what Delta Elite should get when flying AS.
Jul 18, 2012, 2:12 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
AS elites can still get exit rows, plus the other standard "elite" seats for free.
Jul 18, 2012, 2:32 pm
#10
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,391
Exit rows does not mean anything in my case, unfortunately. So, this is a real shot in the foot for me.
Jul 18, 2012, 5:19 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,461
And since exit row is EC on DL, I think locking them out of there would be fine too. Play nice or lose out.
Jul 18, 2012, 5:33 pm
#12
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,391
I can't sit in the exit row due to my deafness
That is why this is a real shot in the foot for me... Yes, I know my situation is unique and is not a good representation of the bigger picture. But, if I want to murk things up, is it fair for me to be subject to less legroom or pay for more legroom because of my disability?
So, I agree with your last comment
Last edited by golfingboy; Jul 18, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Jul 19, 2012, 4:17 pm
#14
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,391
DL definitely missed the boat here with EC and I'd bet Diamonds/Platinums are finding themselves in regular Y often.
Jul 19, 2012, 4:33 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, HH Diamond
Posts: 144
My business now goes to AA. I flew over 90k miles last year on DL metal. I've done over 50k already this year on DL.