First Class Monetization, or FCM: The Definitive Thread
Sep 13, 2017, 8:38 pm
#3662
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
Sep 14, 2017, 3:49 pm
#3663
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
I priced a ticket in coach: $419 RT
I then checked FC, same routing: $812 RT (for a P fare)
Difference: $393
I selected the coach fare and clicked forward to the reservation confirmation page. I was offered an UG to "Flex First Class" for $434... each way. For a total RT cost of $1287.
There were no links associated with the offer that provided any description of what "Flex First Class" is.
A search on Delta.com did not yield any hits.
A search on google indicated that others have sought to find the answer, but was no help.
I assumed that "Flex First Class" meant a full-fare F fare that might be refundable. But, no, an F fare for that itinerary was $2275.
So, what is there between a P fare and an F fare, and what flexibility does it provide?
Why leave this up to customer speculation?
I then checked FC, same routing: $812 RT (for a P fare)
Difference: $393
I selected the coach fare and clicked forward to the reservation confirmation page. I was offered an UG to "Flex First Class" for $434... each way. For a total RT cost of $1287.
There were no links associated with the offer that provided any description of what "Flex First Class" is.
A search on Delta.com did not yield any hits.
A search on google indicated that others have sought to find the answer, but was no help.
I assumed that "Flex First Class" meant a full-fare F fare that might be refundable. But, no, an F fare for that itinerary was $2275.
So, what is there between a P fare and an F fare, and what flexibility does it provide?
Why leave this up to customer speculation?
Sep 17, 2017, 4:11 pm
#3665
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DTW
Programs: Alaska, Delta, Southwest
Posts: 1,663
Sep 17, 2017, 4:49 pm
#3666
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,619
Smf-STL one way via SLC. Fare diff at purchase was $175 main cabin to F. After purchase FCM offered for $235. Now dropped to $175. I'd like to see it at $150 before I feel tempted.
Sep 17, 2017, 5:03 pm
#3667
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ EWR/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,209
Sep 18, 2017, 2:43 pm
#3669
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Interesting C+ buy-up comparison for upcoming travel (different PNRs)
JFK - SFO: $145 (base ticket ~$600)
ATL - BRU/BRU - ATL: $99 (base ticket $550)
I know it's because TATL is not a separate fare class but still interesting since ATL - BRU is ~65-70% longer. No F offer on either yet though ATL - BRU is the only one I'd even consider biting on since the other two are daytime.
JFK - SFO: $145 (base ticket ~$600)
ATL - BRU/BRU - ATL: $99 (base ticket $550)
I know it's because TATL is not a separate fare class but still interesting since ATL - BRU is ~65-70% longer. No F offer on either yet though ATL - BRU is the only one I'd even consider biting on since the other two are daytime.
Sep 18, 2017, 3:11 pm
#3670
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
I'm wondering if this threat is appropriate or if another one should be started, but I just received an email from DL saying that miles can now be used to 'move up'. So, I'm wondering if the option for FCM will now be: "Upgrade for $xxx or using xxx,xxx SkyMiles"...
Yes, I intentionally used that number of x's for upgrading with miles
Yes, I intentionally used that number of x's for upgrading with miles
Sep 19, 2017, 8:30 am
#3671
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA EXP 4M
Posts: 222
To be more brutally honest (this has nothing to do with DYKWIA), if DL doesn't offer me F upgrades on a regular basis, I have NO reason to fly DL. UA offers domestic E+, more easily usable miles, a more comprehensive global network with better (*A) partners, usable international SWUs, and far more flight options out of SFO.
I don't need F, but if I'm no longer going to get it for free, I have better options. I'm guessing there are plenty others like me. Could be wrong.
I don't need F, but if I'm no longer going to get it for free, I have better options. I'm guessing there are plenty others like me. Could be wrong.
Delta offers an amazing product. I'd like to see how you enjoy United as compared to Delta. I think the only issue is - Delta is selling out what should be a perk for FF. But, people are paying it. So can you blame them?
BTW - Super confused - How are they also selling JFK->LAX Delta First seats for $650. I thought I had hit the lottery.
Sep 19, 2017, 8:32 am
#3672
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA EXP 4M
Posts: 222
Interesting C+ buy-up comparison for upcoming travel (different PNRs)
JFK - SFO: $145 (base ticket ~$600)
ATL - BRU/BRU - ATL: $99 (base ticket $550)
I know it's because TATL is not a separate fare class but still interesting since ATL - BRU is ~65-70% longer. No F offer on either yet though ATL - BRU is the only one I'd even consider biting on since the other two are daytime.
JFK - SFO: $145 (base ticket ~$600)
ATL - BRU/BRU - ATL: $99 (base ticket $550)
I know it's because TATL is not a separate fare class but still interesting since ATL - BRU is ~65-70% longer. No F offer on either yet though ATL - BRU is the only one I'd even consider biting on since the other two are daytime.
I've used it 6 or 7 times in the last 60 days.. Love it..
Sep 20, 2017, 7:19 am
#3674
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SE USA
Programs: DL DM/MM , IHG Plat, MR Titanium, HH Gold, EK Frequent Kettle, UA Silver, AA Hater
Posts: 2,020
I used to get buy-up offers, but right now the only thing I am getting is c+ offers......even where my itinerary is already upgraded. And I get it for free, why would I pay?
I have only done the buy-up to F twice, both times it was a good deal. Possibly at this point DL has determined I'm not a good candidate since I never bite on the high ones?
I have only done the buy-up to F twice, both times it was a good deal. Possibly at this point DL has determined I'm not a good candidate since I never bite on the high ones?
Sep 20, 2017, 9:43 am
#3675
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA EXP 4M
Posts: 222
I used to get buy-up offers, but right now the only thing I am getting is c+ offers......even where my itinerary is already upgraded. And I get it for free, why would I pay?
I have only done the buy-up to F twice, both times it was a good deal. Possibly at this point DL has determined I'm not a good candidate since I never bite on the high ones?
I have only done the buy-up to F twice, both times it was a good deal. Possibly at this point DL has determined I'm not a good candidate since I never bite on the high ones?
