Strange upgrade process
 

Last week I booked IAD-ATL-LAX-ICN as Q class on 12/4 departure. The aircraft they are using is 777-LR for ATL-LAX as it connects to Sydney. 2 days ago I noticed that there were still 11 FC seats left. Today I logged in delta.com to check if I cleared for the upgrade for IAD-ATL and ATL-LAX segments as it is 5-day upgrade window and strange things happened.

1. It did say that it upgrade was available and the check box was unchecked and I had to check it manually. Then, it changed to request only as if I didn't requested. (I know it would normally request for upgrade automatically when you book it though.)

2. For the ATL-LAX, my seat number has been changed from 34D to 50A and I called SMS and talked to a representative and I was told that it was due to an equipment changed. She also said it is no longer lie-flat aircraft. and I noticed 9 FC seats are gone and there are only 2 FC seats left on that flight. I doubt 9 FC seats were sold in last 2 days however, what I want to find out is if there is a way for me to see if other PMs already cleared for upgrade on this ATL-LAX flight as I had to check on request check box manually again.

(I know DL can change equipment without an notice however, shouldn't I get the same seat I selected)

Later I called again and talked to another SMS but she didn't say about equipment change and it was still lie-flat aircraft as if it hasn't changed at all.

are there any fellow flytalkers upgraded for this ATL-LAX segment on 12/4?

On seatcounter.com, the equipment column is blank. I'm guessing the 777 will not be the equipment. It does show 9 FC seats available.

When DL changes equipment (and sometimes with just a sched change) they do not retain comparable seating like other airlines. You have to watch for changes and then manually go in and select a different seat if anything is still available.

I only see 1 J seat available now.

Another example of horrible schedule and equipment changes with DL. See:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...booting-5.html