First Class Monetization, or FCM: The Definitive Thread
#2611
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
I don't think it will lose them money - just not make as much as the markets were hoping for. In my case with the above cited example, it could be argued on routes of relatively low popularity at weekend, as a DM I would have got the UGs anyway. DL thus gain some extra bucks and I don't have to play the lottery. I still think a win all round. IMHO
It could be argued the MSP-DTW on a Sunday evening may have been more difficult and I could have been 2/15 with 1 seat remaining.
It could be argued the MSP-DTW on a Sunday evening may have been more difficult and I could have been 2/15 with 1 seat remaining.
#2612
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX, SFO
Programs: Delta GM, Lifetime Marriott Platinum, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,634
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.
#2613
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PBI/FLL/MIA
Programs: DL DM/2MM, MR Ambassador, National EE
Posts: 1,614
Technically they would only "lose money" if the cost of providing the F seat is greater than the extra $$$ they charge for it. I would bet that the actual incremental cost of providing that F seat is relatively low, particularly if it might otherwise go out empty. And although it's somewhat rare I have been on a few flights in the last 2-3 weeks that I have been flying on DL that have had an empty F seat or 2...
#2614
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PBI/FLL/MIA
Programs: DL DM/2MM, MR Ambassador, National EE
Posts: 1,614
That would a "no-brainer" for me too... score!
#2615
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
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I had to bite just a few minutes ago. Flying to Dc soon and Dulles fcm fare is $30 less than Reagan coach fare. Hoping I can sdc into the ca flights I really wanted on and the flights I wanted on to and from da were almost $100 more
#2616
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PBI/FLL/MIA
Programs: DL DM/2MM, MR Ambassador, National EE
Posts: 1,614
I fly out of SoFla and am fine at MIA, FLL, or PBI... it's amazing the differences I find in fares down here... many times I find FCM fares that are less than Y fares on other carriers. I found a FCM fare to DAL that was over $300 less than the direct Y fare to DFW a couple of weeks back. I'm good to connect in ATL w/ guaranteed F seats r/t and saving a nice little pile of $$$.
#2617
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
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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 $$$.
#2618
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: PNS
Programs: Delta Platinum
Posts: 72
FCM works great for me. I usually fly first class and plan well in advance so I have been able to take advantage of some great first class fares. I don't worry about "status" or playing the upgrade game. Now that Delta is monetizing a greater number of first class seats I just wish they would improve the meal options.
#2619
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
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Technically they would only "lose money" if the cost of providing the F seat is greater than the extra $$$ 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...
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.
#2620
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
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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.
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.
#2621
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MCO
Programs: Delta - PM, HH - Gold, SPG - Gold, Marriott - Plat
Posts: 1,060
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.
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.
#2622
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Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
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if so, I'd be curious to know what the FCM offer is ... I'm inclined to guess $100 (if not more)
#2623
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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.
Last edited by cmd320; Jul 27, 2015 at 2:34 pm
#2624
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
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)
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)
#2625
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
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.
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.