LOL, so sad that FT-ers know better than DL agents how to use DL IT.

Continuing on the discussion about forcing a connection
I want to book DTW-PDX-NRT-PVG in D1 where DTW-PDX-NRT priced at 80k(saver) and NRT-PVG priced at 30k(saver as well?)
Called 3 times and the first two times the agent can only price it at 110k (additive), no matter how I mention the advanced option of searching NRT as a connection, third time the agent got the pricing team and priced it at 105k.
At that stage I basically gave up and went ahead with the booking, knowing I can change/refund later if needed (being a DM)
My question is, can the agent force 2 connection points? (in this case, PDX and NRT)
If not, what is the best way to "guide" agent into using the advanced tool?

Agents can force two connections, the same way they force one.

This sounds like married segment logic however.
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You need to ensure to only book awards that do not include ANY Delta flights. The moment you include a DL flight, you run into the 'married segment logic' and all logic, good sense and rules go out the window.

Remove any/all DL flights from your itinerary, then it should price fine.

Thank you. I wanted to fly DL to use my GUC (and therefore need find award space for my companion). Guess I'll have to bear that married segment logic.

No. Forcing a connection just means the agent is specifying which particular cities to display. Typically on a DTW-PVG routing, it may not show connections via PDX on the agent's system, as there are multiple options that are more logical (DTW-PVG direct, DTW-ICN-PVG, DTW-LAX-PVG, DTW-NRT-PVG)

By specifying the connecting points, the agent can filter to see the desired itinerary easier.

Plenty of airlines enforce married segment logic. I've seen it with KLM, Kenya, Air France, Korea, China Southern, etc.

On award flights? You are sure? Could be, but it is relatively new. Just as of 2018 or 2017?

May be that is the reason why XXX-PVG-YYY 2h and 17h connection will price out as through fare, but the exact same route and airlines 4h connection will price additive at double the cost. If so, then more logical and desirable connection times are priced at double of the more desirable ones, which would mirror what is done with revenue fares often, true.

Usually though most awards will involve 2 or 3, sometimes 4 airlines. How is the married segment logic done then? Is it really coordinated SkyTeam wide amongst all airlines for awards? I didn't think so, as SkyTeam is not that well coordinated after all.

I have verified this for revenue flights. I have VPN software that can get me different IP addresses both in and out of the US. I can also spoof my MAC address. Combined with private browsing I can find different rates for the same itinerary. Not every time certainly, but enough to make it worth actually using these methods to get the flights all set up and only then do I log in and actually make the purchase.

Thanks for confirming.

Another way to - likely - get the best rate available is to use ITA Matrix, then go to bookwithmatrix.com and book the rate on delta.com that DL does not want to let you book.

Hello fellow road warriors,

I haven't used this forum for several years as my days of back to back Platinum flying are apparently over. It's been sometime since I've redeemed miles, and I want to book Atlanta - Bergen Norway RT in Business Class for mid-May 2019. This is for a 35th wedding anniversary, so I'd like to figure out the best way to book this trip with to maximize the comfort, minimize # of stops and amount of mileage (so is everyone, eh?).

Looking at several threads there appear to be several places to try and find advice.

Is this thread the best thread to read through for hints, or is there another thread?

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

Anyone else seeing a glitch when trying to search for awards on delta.com...I am searching for 2019 awards but when I try to hit on the actual mileage awards it gives me an error and takes me back to 2018 dates...using an apple and safari.