Originally Posted by remedy

I just called to check on a flight from PHX to AMS in October. The M
fare that could potentially be upgraded using a SWU certificate is $1000
higher than a business class ticket on Continental that does not require
miles or a certificate. On top of that, even if I bought the DL ticket,
there were no seats available for an upgrade on the flight back to PHX.
Brand loyalty programs like SkyMiles are supposed to create brand
loyalty. This kind of pricing and lack of award availability does
exactly the opposite - it selects your most loyal customers (in my case,
Diamond Medallion) and drives them away to another carrier. I simply do
not understand this approach to doing business.

DL response:

Thank you for your e-mail.

We regret you were disappointed with a recent fare quote and the upgrade
process. Many factors can impact the airfare amount; to obtain the
lowest possible fare, you may want to explore booking alternate dates
and times for your trip. Also, all fare types are subject to
availability and some fares must be purchased a specific number of days
in advance.

For tips on getting the lowest possible fare visit our website at the
following link:

http://www.delta.com/planning_reserv...tips/index.jsp

Our goal is to provide the highest possible standard of service in all
areas of our operation, and we regret that we did not meet your
expectations on this occasion. We monitor performance throughout our
company, and your comments will be very helpful.
Phillip, as a Medallion member, you are an integral part of our customer
base and we are always interested in your feedback. Thank you for
taking the time to write. We deeply value your business.

Sincerely,

Medallion Desk
www.delta.com

My response: This is a very weak response and does not change my intent to begin using Continental airlines for my travel.

I know it has been said many times on this thread that DL is not the airline for international travelers. This has certainly been the case for me. So, over and out....

Remedy

Originally Posted by vgmmcfly

If you know you are going 30 or 50 days out Delta has the same international BE fares that CO has. I have not used SWU in over five years. I just pay the discounted BE fare & dont have to worry about waitlists.

Originally Posted by globecircler

Last week I was on a quick turnaround from SAN to MSP in order to accompany my 90 year old mother. I used 40,000 miles for a coach seat. As a diamond I was a little surprised to see 2 empty first class seats and no upgrade for me. I asked flight attendant who responded that she thought it was against rules and besides they no longer had permission to move anyone...it was the GA responsibility. I was very surprised then to get a first class seat later that afternoon on an oversold flight as I returned. What's up? Rule, exceptions, lucky???

Originally Posted by asnovici

There is no issue. DM's in the back didnt pay for the BE seats nor used their SWUs or miles. Therefore they are not eligible to sit in BE. If DL (or any other airline) was giving premium BE seats on their transatlantic and tranpacific flights for free to their top elites, those seats would never be paid for. There is something called revenue protection, fare rules and SkyMiles rules. I don't understand what is this thread about.

Originally Posted by froimo

Other carries, like LanChile, do give unlimited BE upgrades to their top tier FF in long-haul flights. And their BE is awesome! But, I know it is not the practice of Us carriers in general. Still DL has one of the most generous domestic upgrade policy of any US based carrier, no?

Originally Posted by DTW-LHRallthetime

I am new to frequent international travel, but since the first of the year have been going from DTW to LHR at least once a month. I am racking up lots of mileage, but how do I use it to upgrade.

I've called Delta, asked the GA and everything inbetween, but never got a straight answer.

How do I do it?

Originally Posted by Spiff

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

Delta is very generous domestically. However, they are among the worst internationally. It all depends on your needs. Me, I fly DL enough to make PM but I do it all on domestic fares or rock-bottom international fares.

Meanwhile, AA gets 50% more business from me, plus almost all of my full fare economy and paid business/first fares simply because of their much better international upgrade policy.

Originally Posted by Juanefny

I wish DL execs realized how their actions drive money away!

Originally Posted by powerplantop

I am curretly on the waitlist to use miles for ATL to SCL in 3 days. Should I keep calling or hope the system works?

Originally Posted by 3Cforme

persistence ignorance