In many cases, it's clearly losing them money. When F is $500 and Y is $800, that's obvious. When FCM costs $40 and the passenger checks 2 bags, Delta is losing money even if they claim they got paid $40 for the seats.

I had to bite about an hour ago....the total ticket price from DEN-MSP-SFO was $144. DEN-MSP = 680 miles...MSP-SFO= 1,589 miles. Just purchased the Upgrade for an extra $110 putting me in First for both flights. Not $110 per flight...a grand total of $110.

Technically they would only "lose money" if the cost of providing the F seat is greater than the extra $$$ they charge for it. I would bet that the actual incremental cost of providing that F seat is relatively low, particularly if it might otherwise go out empty. And although it's somewhat rare I have been on a few flights in the last 2-3 weeks that I have been flying on DL that have had an empty F seat or 2...

That would a "no-brainer" for me too... score!:D

I had to bite just a few minutes ago. Flying to Dc soon and Dulles fcm fare is $30 less than Reagan coach fare. Hoping I can sdc into the ca flights I really wanted on and the flights I wanted on to and from da were almost $100 more

I fly out of SoFla and am fine at MIA, FLL, or PBI... it's amazing the differences I find in fares down here... many times I find FCM fares that are less than Y fares on other carriers. I found a FCM fare to DAL that was over $300 less than the direct Y fare to DFW a couple of weeks back. I'm good to connect in ATL w/ guaranteed F seats r/t and saving a nice little pile of $$$.

I agree about such Florida. There have been a couple times where Fll was cheaper in first than coach and I just bought the Fll fare and every time but twice I was able to sdc onto Miami. If I couldn't I just got a ride from lauderdale and e price difference was well worth the added travels time. I love the coterminous benefit.

FCM works great for me. I usually fly first class and plan well in advance so I have been able to take advantage of some great first class fares. I don't worry about "status" or playing the upgrade game. Now that Delta is monetizing a greater number of first class seats I just wish they would improve the meal options.

When F is $500 and Y is $800, it's hard to see how the cost of providing F is under -$300.

Similarly, when FCM is $40 and Delta forgoes $60 in baggage fees in return, it's hard to see how the cost of providing F is under $-20.

DCA-ATL-MCO booked into T class for $150. C+ is showing $35 per segment, F upgrade is $80 for both. Pretty easy decision.

Now that I've checked though, the same flight I booked yesterday dropped to $130 today. I'm within the 24 hour risk-free cancellation window, so I'm thinking of canceling and rebooking to save the $20.

Did you upgrade? If you did, there is no guarantee as to whether you will get an upgrade offer if you rebook (could be a higher total price also).

if so, I'd be curious to know what the FCM offer is ... I'm inclined to guess $100 (if not more)

Did not upgrade yet. I specifically held back on upgrading until after the 24-hour window expired with a situation like this in mind.

Update:

Went ahead with the risk-free cancellation just to see what would happen. Re-booked into X this time instead of T on the first reservation, the initial upgrade offer (prior to purchase) was $100 or 10,000 miles. I went ahead and purchased before upgrading and sure enough, dropped to $80 again for an upgrade on both flights. It may be useful for some to note that the mileage option was not offered after purchasing, only the $80 cash option.

Not a great FCM but

I've been offered $208 to upgrade SFO - LAX - RDU since I booked it (on a V fare). At booking it amounted to the fare difference between my fare and the cheapest available F.

However now, roughly 25 hours before departure it's cheaper than the cheapest bookable F fare with 5 empty F seats on the DL seat map right now on the LAX-RDU.

I have no interest bc I have an exit row seat via AS MVP and it's a redeye.

FWIW C+ is a combined $104 for both legs so it's a pretty inexpensive premium that I would jump on the F upgrade if it was a daytime flight and I was checking bags (and didn't have an exit row with no one in the middle seat for free)

Booking a trip... coach was $687 and FC was $942. $255 difference, which was beyond what I would be willing to pay for the FCM.

Selected the itinerary, and got the message that the fare was now $572 in coach. Figured that removed all consideration of the FCM.

Clicked through to the purchase screen, and was offered the FCM for $255 anyway. Declined.

Went to the seat selection page and the FCM was now $193 RT.

Logged out of my account and searched the same itinerary. DL.dumb was back to $687 and $942. So I am in FC for $177 less than the published FC fare.

Just like haggling over the price of a trinket in a 3rd world bazaar.


And, BTW, when I opted for the FCM, I received some message like "Welcome to Business Class"

Looks like one of my MD88 segments has the same flight number as a TATL flight. So, the computer thinks I am in Business Class.

What an example of porcine make-up application. :D:rolleyes::D