Fare bucket difference between Delta.com and CSR
 

Wanted to change a flight, so looked at Delta.com for my new date. My current reservation is an "L" ticket and the website showed the lowest price as a "Q" with the famous "Only 1 ticket left at this price." Anyway, couldn't change it online, so I called. CSR says "we have that same class ticket available (L), so all you have to pay is the change fee."

Is this normal? I don't change a lot of tickets, but from now on I'll be sure to do it over the phone.

Did any time at all elapse between the time you saw only 1 Q ticket and the time L was available? If yes, there's your answer. If no, wait for another response.

Yes, I have had this happen quite often and I always call to change tickets. I always view the "Only one seat left at this price" as just an advertising come on since I have often purchased more than one ticket at a lower fare bucket over the phone.

Remember..."Q" class is what Delta was selling at the time on that flight for a new ticket. Anyone changing a ticket is eligible to rebook into the class they are originally booked in assuming: 1) that class is available; 2) you are changing the return flight. If you change your ticket before you start it then you are subject to the then-current selling fare classes.

-RM

this. not every route offers fares for every inventory bucket, especially as you get closer to departure.

just because L class inventory is available doesn't mean there is currently an L fare offered for sale for that flight. delta.com shows the lowest fare offered, not the lowest inventory bucket available.

Thanks, guys. It was the return leg. I always thought if they had the fare bucket available it would be for sale. Learned something! ^