First Class Monetization, or FCM: The Definitive Thread
Jul 18, 2015, 1:39 pm
#2581
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: missing YX more every day
Programs: Delta KM/PM/MM, Nexus, CLEAR, Sharriott Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,105
a cent a second
What you've already paid is indeed a sunk cost, but I can see both points.
If you're billing a customer or sending it through the trolls in accounting, you might get some real pushback somewhere north of $1200 domestically.
OTOH, one rule of thumb seems to be a dollar a minute. I'm more in the a cent a second camp, but flexible when I'm so unwise as to book a late-afternoon ATL or anytime JFK cxn.
And for one last 747 UD, rational thought goes out the window, doesn't it?
If you're billing a customer or sending it through the trolls in accounting, you might get some real pushback somewhere north of $1200 domestically.
OTOH, one rule of thumb seems to be a dollar a minute. I'm more in the a cent a second camp, but flexible when I'm so unwise as to book a late-afternoon ATL or anytime JFK cxn.
And for one last 747 UD, rational thought goes out the window, doesn't it?
Jul 18, 2015, 8:31 pm
#2582
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If that matters, you need a higher quality of accounting troll. If they'll let a $1000 upgrade on a $150 fare pass, but challenge a $200 upgrade on a $1100 fare, they're doing it wrong. (I'm assuming the same city pairs.)
Jul 18, 2015, 8:35 pm
#2583
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
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Even if I don't get upgraded coming back (I should F still has a lot of seats) I'll be in a C+aisle
Jul 19, 2015, 6:19 am
#2584
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PBI/FLL/MIA
Programs: DL DM/2MM, MR Ambassador, National EE
Posts: 1,614
I agree. I really don't consider $1,300 to be a good deal for First class for DTW/SFO roundtrip even though that is probably the regular rate. If I can fly coach for $500 RT in a c+ aisle seat $800 sure isn't worth it for a slightly bigger seat and crappy meal and a couple extra drinks. I figure I can stay in the sky club and have another beverage if I really want a PDB and I can dine very nicely in SF on that $800 I am saving when I land
Now if it was a B fare that I was paying $1,200 for and the FCM different was $100 I would definitely bite.
Now if it was a B fare that I was paying $1,200 for and the FCM different was $100 I would definitely bite.
Jul 19, 2015, 6:43 am
#2585
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Jul 19, 2015, 7:44 am
#2586
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I cleared at the window for my flight on Friday, so I'm REALLY glad I didn't buy up now. Coming back Monday I'm in an aisle C+ seat as well, am not going to drink at all and will eat lunch with a friend before heading to the airport so I won't be enjoying the wonderful first class lunch even if I do get upgraded.
Jul 19, 2015, 12:29 pm
#2587
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I know we are in the minority on Flyertalk, but those of us who fly primarily on our own dime and can make reservations in advance are really enjoying FCM (and its not just Delta). I used to have to wait and pray that there would be space available for a First upgrade, now I reserve right into First on the flight that fits with the price without loyalty (I will give the caveat the that past 18 months I have been avoiding UAL like the plague and willing paying more to fly Delta/American on like routes). Sure its non-refundable, but I can deal with that, I have not been in coach in a long time.
Jul 21, 2015, 1:25 pm
#2589
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
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Just booked a Thanksgiving flight from SLC-SEA and at checkout was offered $138 RT to upgrade. Declined. Now when I go to my trips its at $116. Tempting at that price point considering the craziness of traveling that time, would be nice to have some extra room and overhead bin space dedicated.
Jul 21, 2015, 10:32 pm
#2590
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Just booked a Thanksgiving flight from SLC-SEA and at checkout was offered $138 RT to upgrade. Declined. Now when I go to my trips its at $116. Tempting at that price point considering the craziness of traveling that time, would be nice to have some extra room and overhead bin space dedicated.
Jul 22, 2015, 6:42 am
#2591
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Just booked a Thanksgiving flight from SLC-SEA and at checkout was offered $138 RT to upgrade. Declined. Now when I go to my trips its at $116. Tempting at that price point considering the craziness of traveling that time, would be nice to have some extra room and overhead bin space dedicated.
Jul 22, 2015, 8:50 am
#2592
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On some flights, those can be more worthwhile than the actual seat (esp. if you already have a nice C+ seat and there's no meal service).
Jul 22, 2015, 9:04 am
#2593
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CT
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Jul 22, 2015, 9:26 am
#2594
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
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Posts: 5,626
I've had pretty good pricing so far this year with FCM. But looked today for a ticket DCA-MSY in early October. The base ticket that met my time schedule was $303 -- FCM would have added $600+ each way. I'm holding off a while on my purchase.
Jul 22, 2015, 9:33 am
#2595
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How is "worth it" a decision that anyone but the purchaser should be making in this case? For all we know this could be someone's last flight of the year, and without the buy-up they'll end the year at 24.5k MQM.
I was merely pointing out that up-faring to the P/A/G fares also gives you the bonus MQMs, in addition to SDC flexibility.
Besides, FCM offer in question is now $116 for:
- A guaranteed FC seat both ways
- 680 extra MQMs
- SDC flexibility both ways
And while OP appears to be GM or PM, if he/she were not, that $116 would also provide:
- Extra checked bags both ways
- SkyPriority both ways
Personally, I think that's a solid deal, and I've certainly paid more than that just for the SDC flexibility when I've needed or wanted it.
I was merely pointing out that up-faring to the P/A/G fares also gives you the bonus MQMs, in addition to SDC flexibility.
Besides, FCM offer in question is now $116 for:
- A guaranteed FC seat both ways
- 680 extra MQMs
- SDC flexibility both ways
And while OP appears to be GM or PM, if he/she were not, that $116 would also provide:
- Extra checked bags both ways
- SkyPriority both ways
Personally, I think that's a solid deal, and I've certainly paid more than that just for the SDC flexibility when I've needed or wanted it.
