First Class Monetization, or FCM: The Definitive Thread
Jan 18, 2016, 9:08 pm
#2911
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Yeah, thanks. I always look at both, but usually choose ORD because of the club. I haven't noticed a difference when booking recently, but I'm shopping for a ticket to MSP and SDF x2 so we'll see.
As to FCM offers, ORD seems to have a little more aggressive FCM for my dates.
As to FCM offers, ORD seems to have a little more aggressive FCM for my dates.
Jan 26, 2016, 3:51 pm
#2912
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL DM/MM, and major hotels
Posts: 501
I'm traveling on an identical itinerary as someone else with a separate PNR. His delta.com itinerary shows the banner with an offer to upgrade for exactly the fare difference between paid and FC being sold now. Mine - no offer.
Why would Delta not extend this same offer to everyone? What business sense could they possibly have for not doing so?
Why would Delta not extend this same offer to everyone? What business sense could they possibly have for not doing so?
Jan 26, 2016, 4:01 pm
#2913
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
I'm traveling on an identical itinerary as someone else with a separate PNR. His delta.com itinerary shows the banner with an offer to upgrade for exactly the fare difference between paid and FC being sold now. Mine - no offer.
Why would Delta not extend this same offer to everyone? What business sense could they possibly have for not doing so?
Why would Delta not extend this same offer to everyone? What business sense could they possibly have for not doing so?
Jan 26, 2016, 11:34 pm
#2914
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: MIA
Programs: Retired :)
Posts: 10,940
I just booked JFK to MIA for May 6 to May 8. The coach fare came to $222.00.
At the trip summary page a pop up asked if I wanted to switch to first/business for another $355.00.
Actually not a bad price for an A fare ticket ($567.00).
I'm thinking about it but as a DM I'm fairly confident JFK to MIA to JFK will get me the UG on a sLUT fare.
At the trip summary page a pop up asked if I wanted to switch to first/business for another $355.00.
Actually not a bad price for an A fare ticket ($567.00).
I'm thinking about it but as a DM I'm fairly confident JFK to MIA to JFK will get me the UG on a sLUT fare.
Jan 27, 2016, 12:39 am
#2915
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'm traveling on an identical itinerary as someone else with a separate PNR. His delta.com itinerary shows the banner with an offer to upgrade for exactly the fare difference between paid and FC being sold now. Mine - no offer.
Why would Delta not extend this same offer to everyone? What business sense could they possibly have for not doing so?
Why would Delta not extend this same offer to everyone? What business sense could they possibly have for not doing so?
Jan 27, 2016, 6:21 am
#2916
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PBI/FLL/MIA
Programs: DL DM/2MM, MR Ambassador, National EE
Posts: 1,614
I'm traveling on an identical itinerary as someone else with a separate PNR. His delta.com itinerary shows the banner with an offer to upgrade for exactly the fare difference between paid and FC being sold now. Mine - no offer.
Why would Delta not extend this same offer to everyone? What business sense could they possibly have for not doing so?
Why would Delta not extend this same offer to everyone? What business sense could they possibly have for not doing so?
Jan 27, 2016, 6:50 am
#2917
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: VA
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 154
(I've never once been offered FCM, so I'm well familiar with this. I don't even know what the FCM banner looks like)
Keith
Jan 28, 2016, 8:40 am
#2918
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: US-Europe
Programs: DL DM Charter/2.5MM, AA EXP, Marriott AMB, LT Titanium, HH Diamond, Avis PP, National Exec-E
Posts: 529
This year my company changed to AMEX travel and the last two weeks was the first time that I saw the FCM at check-in. I was not UGd at the window for ATL-RDU last week (nor for this week's flight), but I got the "Upgrade to FC for $129." I declined as it is only a 50 min flight, besides $129 is very steep for that flight. Prior to the flight, I got the BFUG for $0. Today I checked in and again I was greeted with the "Upgrade to FC for $129" and again choose to decline. After check in I was 1 of 19 with 6 seats. I just looked and I am 2 of 21 with 4. Good for DL that a sucker is born every minute. If I get the BFUG good, but if not, it isn't going to ruin the day.
Jan 28, 2016, 2:17 pm
#2919
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Virginia
Programs: Delta PM, AA Gold, United Silver, SW A List, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 33
I don't typically get FCM offers (corporate travel agency), so my personal trips paid with cash where I do get them fascinate me. My offer for a trip a couple of weeks from now just jumped from $338 to $495 for ORF>ATL>BNA>ATL>ORF. With what I paid for the ticket plus the upgrade cost, it would be well above the current price for a flex first-class ticket. First class on all segments is open with the exception of BNA-ATL on the return being roughly half full.
As someone who normally books 2-3 days out, I am just happy enough with confirmed seats in C+. An upgrade would be gravy, but I am certainly am not going to shell out an extra $495 for roughly 2 hours of flying time each way.
As someone who normally books 2-3 days out, I am just happy enough with confirmed seats in C+. An upgrade would be gravy, but I am certainly am not going to shell out an extra $495 for roughly 2 hours of flying time each way.
Jan 28, 2016, 4:19 pm
#2920
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,775
I get a FCM offer with almost every trip I book. It shows up right next to the fare total before checkout. About 50% of the time it gives me a miles option as well. I used 19k miles today to UG RT DCA-ATL-MCO-ATL-DCA. It's not a major UG, but I have so many miles 19k was worth it to me.
I may get the offers due to how often I take advantage of them. I really like them because of the MQM boost.
I may get the offers due to how often I take advantage of them. I really like them because of the MQM boost.
Jan 29, 2016, 5:02 pm
#2921
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: BOS
Programs: DL SILVER AMEX MRHH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 186
First Class Monetization, or FCM: The Definitive Thread
What is the thought on this. BOS-JFK-LAS. On an L fare for 170.00. FCM offer of 300 to upgrade and the JFK-LAS leg is a 757 with new lie flats.
Jan 29, 2016, 5:05 pm
#2922
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,220
Jan 29, 2016, 5:20 pm
#2924
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I paid $200 to fly ATL-PHX on a 757 with lie-flats, I'd pay $300 for BOS-JFK-LAS.
Jan 29, 2016, 5:47 pm
#2925
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
The bad news is that the JFK nonstop transcon routes other than LAX and SFO (which are done as D1) no longer give lounge access.