First Class Monetization, or FCM: The Definitive Thread
#2536
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: HKY
Programs: DL-DM MM & RW, UAL- PS, Marriott Lifetime PLT, SPG-PLT, Hilton-Gold
Posts: 4,468
When I fly Delta despite another airline being cheaper and/or more convenient, I'm paying with money and time for the extra miles/status I earn [see that word?] on Delta.
When I intentionally use a longer routing to get more MQM, I'm paying in time and convenience.
You might choose to consider that your time is worth nothing, or that any extra money you might spend doesn't count, but many of us believe that our time and money have value.
When I intentionally use a longer routing to get more MQM, I'm paying in time and convenience.
You might choose to consider that your time is worth nothing, or that any extra money you might spend doesn't count, but many of us believe that our time and money have value.
Everything you mentioned.....you choose....and they flew you from point A to point B, just like every one that was the flights you were on. If you want to play the game.....and game the system that is great, but in the end you paid ZERO for RUC.
Suggest you read the T&C of the program as well.......
Last edited by longing4piedmont; Jul 7, 2015 at 5:07 pm
#2538
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
All I can say is that as a non-status with DL now, the airline offers zero incentive for me to consider gaining status again. With FCM, I can often fly DL up front cheaper than Y would cost me on AA. Furthermore, since Y+ is very often more than half the cost of just buying up to F, it's really a no-brainer for me. At this point, I'm pretty much just using AA, DL, and UA as a means to position to other airlines anyway, so by spreading business and avoiding being sucked into loyalty schemes, I have the freedom to choose the best product and equipment at the best price, each time.
It basically means I end up spending far less money with domestic carriers, and far less money overall, as I find better intercontinental J fares with foreign airlines typically. All in all, I'm enjoying FCM, it does nothing to help the slew of crappy F products across the board at AA, DL, and UA, but as long as what I'm paying is marginally more expensive than a discount Y fare, the product at least matches the pricing.
It basically means I end up spending far less money with domestic carriers, and far less money overall, as I find better intercontinental J fares with foreign airlines typically. All in all, I'm enjoying FCM, it does nothing to help the slew of crappy F products across the board at AA, DL, and UA, but as long as what I'm paying is marginally more expensive than a discount Y fare, the product at least matches the pricing.
#2539
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,454
All I can say is that as a non-status with DL now, the airline offers zero incentive for me to consider gaining status again. With FCM, I can often fly DL up front cheaper than Y would cost me on AA. Furthermore, since Y+ is very often more than half the cost of just buying up to F, it's really a no-brainer for me. At this point, I'm pretty much just using AA, DL, and UA as a means to position to other airlines anyway, so by spreading business and avoiding being sucked into loyalty schemes, I have the freedom to choose the best product and equipment at the best price, each time.
It basically means I end up spending far less money with domestic carriers, and far less money overall, as I find better intercontinental J fares with foreign airlines typically. All in all, I'm enjoying FCM, it does nothing to help the slew of crappy F products across the board at AA, DL, and UA, but as long as what I'm paying is marginally more expensive than a discount Y fare, the product at least matches the pricing.
It basically means I end up spending far less money with domestic carriers, and far less money overall, as I find better intercontinental J fares with foreign airlines typically. All in all, I'm enjoying FCM, it does nothing to help the slew of crappy F products across the board at AA, DL, and UA, but as long as what I'm paying is marginally more expensive than a discount Y fare, the product at least matches the pricing.
I think this is a pretty important point. The majors are getting much better at monetization, and much better at making it important to stick with one carrier to get miles. But as they dilute the value of those miles, and continue to narrow the benefits/value of loyalty, they are going to miss out on otherwise captive traffic that now buys exactly what they want a la carte -- and where the dollars really count, that often means with superior foreign carriers.
#2540
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: PVU, SLC
Programs: DL Pork Medallion, PP, GE
Posts: 1,657
All I can say is that as a non-status with DL now, the airline offers zero incentive for me to consider gaining status again. With FCM, I can often fly DL up front cheaper than Y would cost me on AA. Furthermore, since Y+ is very often more than half the cost of just buying up to F, it's really a no-brainer for me. At this point, I'm pretty much just using AA, DL, and UA as a means to position to other airlines anyway, so by spreading business and avoiding being sucked into loyalty schemes, I have the freedom to choose the best product and equipment at the best price, each time.
It basically means I end up spending far less money with domestic carriers, and far less money overall, as I find better intercontinental J fares with foreign airlines typically. All in all, I'm enjoying FCM, it does nothing to help the slew of crappy F products across the board at AA, DL, and UA, but as long as what I'm paying is marginally more expensive than a discount Y fare, the product at least matches the pricing.
It basically means I end up spending far less money with domestic carriers, and far less money overall, as I find better intercontinental J fares with foreign airlines typically. All in all, I'm enjoying FCM, it does nothing to help the slew of crappy F products across the board at AA, DL, and UA, but as long as what I'm paying is marginally more expensive than a discount Y fare, the product at least matches the pricing.
#2541
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
When I fly Delta despite another airline being cheaper and/or more convenient, I'm paying with money and time for the extra miles/status I earn [see that word?] on Delta.
When I intentionally use a longer routing to get more MQM, I'm paying in time and convenience.
You might choose to consider that your time is worth nothing, or that any extra money you might spend doesn't count, but many of us believe that our time and money have value.
When I intentionally use a longer routing to get more MQM, I'm paying in time and convenience.
You might choose to consider that your time is worth nothing, or that any extra money you might spend doesn't count, but many of us believe that our time and money have value.
All things being equal, I will certainly choose DL. But if it's a direct flight on UA for $300 vs. a connection on DL for $400, DL is going to lose every time.
#2542
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
lol....how much did you actually pay for that RUC? From your post you make it very clear that you DO NOT value your time or money. But DL loves ya for it.....all the way to the bank. I am going to trump you (and every other DM who is using a RUC) on every flight unless you buy up with FCM if I am also using a RUC. Almost a fools game isn't it?
Everything you mentioned.....you choose....and they flew you from point A to point B, just like every one that was the flights you were on. If you want to play the game.....and game the system that is great, but in the end you paid ZERO for RUC.
Everything you mentioned.....you choose....and they flew you from point A to point B, just like every one that was the flights you were on. If you want to play the game.....and game the system that is great, but in the end you paid ZERO for RUC.
Being "loyal" to Delta is becoming more and more of a fool's game, yes. When enough people realize that and act on it, Delta will find out it isn't necessarily all that profitable long-term to drive customers away for small immediate profits.
#2543
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Michigan
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 855
However, a lot of you are talking about getting offers after booking economy tickets and later checking on my trips. Do you just check every day? Is it only shown when you check "My Trips" on the website? Is there any sort of consensus on when or why they may be offered?
The couple times I've bought the upgrade, my ticket was reissued in G or A class (with 50% MQM bonus, etc).
Others have mentioned here on FT of getting upgrade offers at check in. I've never seen one, but from what I've gathered (and I could be wrong) these are more like an RP type upgrade with no MQM bonus.
#2544
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,415
The couple times I've bought the upgrade, my ticket was reissued in G or A class (with 50% MQM bonus, etc).
Others have mentioned here on FT of getting upgrade offers at check in. I've never seen one, but from what I've gathered (and I could be wrong) these are more like an RP type upgrade with no MQM bonus.
Others have mentioned here on FT of getting upgrade offers at check in. I've never seen one, but from what I've gathered (and I could be wrong) these are more like an RP type upgrade with no MQM bonus.
I've searched this thread (but, it's really long and totally possible my search terms are inadequate) as well as the Delta website - is there any way to know which offers will get you that G or A ticket (with appropriate MQDs) vs treating the money you pay to upgrade as a "fee" that doesn't count as MQD (which I've seen mentioned in a few places here, mainly in response to the upgrade at OLCI)?
#2545
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Here
Posts: 224
Um...I value my time and money very highly, which is why I will happily fly UA or AA when they offer a better route and schedule at a cheaper price.
All things being equal, I will certainly choose DL. But if it's a direct flight on UA for $300 vs. a connection on DL for $400, DL is going to lose every time.
All things being equal, I will certainly choose DL. But if it's a direct flight on UA for $300 vs. a connection on DL for $400, DL is going to lose every time.
#2546
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Big Muddy Mile Marker 332
Programs: Delta-PM, HHonors-Diamond, Hyatt-Explorist, Hertz - Presidents
Posts: 335
been watching an upcoming trip from STL>AUS and it's been all over on the FCM offers. Started out @ $213, yesterday it was @ $354, now this AM it's @ $254. I've done this same trip, same routing the last 3 years and have been UG on all 4 legs every time......no way I'm paying, but I do find it interesting how the dollar amount jumps all over the map.
#2547
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: RDU
Programs: DL PM; SPG Plat 100; Marriott Gold; IHG Gold
Posts: 109
I've been reading as much as I can (what I need right now are extra MQD) My past couple trips I've had offers in MyTrips and haven't taken advantage (usually they aren't that appealing but a couple have been...)
I've searched this thread (but, it's really long and totally possible my search terms are inadequate) as well as the Delta website - is there any way to know which offers will get you that G or A ticket (with appropriate MQDs) vs treating the money you pay to upgrade as a "fee" that doesn't count as MQD (which I've seen mentioned in a few places here, mainly in response to the upgrade at OLCI)?
I've searched this thread (but, it's really long and totally possible my search terms are inadequate) as well as the Delta website - is there any way to know which offers will get you that G or A ticket (with appropriate MQDs) vs treating the money you pay to upgrade as a "fee" that doesn't count as MQD (which I've seen mentioned in a few places here, mainly in response to the upgrade at OLCI)?
#2548
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,415
I guess I'll just have to pick a price I'd be happy with for a future flight and just do it. (not today, though. T-24 and I'm happy with C+ for free and being on the upgrade list - not holding my breath though, I don't think we've ever been upgraded on this itin to MKE)
#2549
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
#2550
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
And UA has left me stuck at Ohare for just as long and the CO part of UA left me stuck at Newark overnight and told me they couldn't fly me out until late the next day when I was able to buy a ticket for the morning of the next day on them. So what?