Originally Posted by ILovetheReds

If Delta starts offering upgrades for $100 on T fares on long hauls at check in, why even bother with status?

Originally Posted by gooselee

The vocal pet-in-cabin opponents always come across to me as people who don't realize they are still on a form of public transportation where other people have concerns/preferences/needs as well.

My story - I'm allergic to cats, but just to the point of where my eyes get itchy and I start sneezing a lot. For a flight of 2 hours or less, I just deal with it. Maybe I'll mention it to the owner and IME they are always polite enough to keep the cat tucked away or whatever for the short flight.

The only time I asked to move, I was in paid F on a longer flight (ATL-LAS). After the cat boarded, I just told the FA I was allergic and asked what my options were. She was great in asking others if they'd be willing to switch, and the owner was very understanding. She ended up moving the cat up to row 2 and putting me in bulkhead EC where I unexpectedly still got a meal and drinks from F (and the guy from EC got a seat/drinks in F). In all, I feel like me, EC guy, and cat/owner all had a pleasant/better flight than otherwise - it really just takes a bit of flexibility and understanding. I knew I was inconveniencing others, but I also knew I didn't want to be miserable for 3/4 of that flight and would have taken a seat in the way back if I had to.

Originally Posted by gooselee

The vocal pet-in-cabin opponents always come across to me as people who don't realize they are still on a form of public transportation where other people have concerns/preferences/needs as well..

Originally Posted by readywhenyouare

Would it not be a better policy for all animals to fly underneath? I'm allergic to cats and if I saw one brought onto the plane I would not throw a fit but I would ask DL to put me on the next available flight in my class of service.

I think Delta is being a hypocrite with the pet situation. Delta caters to people with nut allergies and requests that people do not bring nuts onboard. Maybe if I paid Delta a fee for bringing a big bag of peanuts onboard then it would be ok? That is essentially the answer DL is giving to those who are allergic to cats... "They paid us to bring the animal onboard so you'll just have to deal with it". And like I said, I would not pull a DYKWIA but request to be put on the next flight. I think that's reasonable.

Originally Posted by tampa2euro

Oh yea, especially since each of us checked 3 bags each and the other guys were about to pay for economy comfort, I think it came out to be about the same amount as the F upgrade which allowed all of us 3 bags each for free and not to mention free booze.

Originally Posted by sethb

Checking 3 bags costs a lot more than $100.

So selling upgrades out from under medallion members costs Delta money. Just what I'd expect from the airline that invented FCAM.

Originally Posted by gooselee

I don't want to get into the pets in cabin vs. hold debate, but I will say that your request to be put on the next flight is perfectly reasonable and I'd hope that any airline would make that happen. However, I'm curious as to what you'd do if you don't have the travel flexibility to take the next flight, which might even be the next day?

The point I go back to is that this is a shared transportation vehicle. Perhaps I don't have my dog with me, but my jacket might be covered in her fur. Perhaps I don't have a bag of peanuts, but I just came from a baseball game and have peanut dust on me. Should I be prevented from boarding?

I'm not saying this is an excuse for people to be jerks to others, but if you know you're allergic to something, it's on you to be prepared to adjust or make do in a shared space with others.

Originally Posted by readywhenyouare

Would it not be a better policy for all animals to fly underneath? I'm allergic to cats and if I saw one brought onto the plane I would not throw a fit but I would ask DL to put me on the next available flight in my class of service.

I think Delta is being a hypocrite with the pet situation. Delta caters to people with nut allergies and requests that people do not bring nuts onboard. Maybe if I paid Delta a fee for bringing a big bag of peanuts onboard then it would be ok? That is essentially the answer DL is giving to those who are allergic to cats... "They paid us to bring the animal onboard so you'll just have to deal with it". And like I said, I would not pull a DYKWIA but request to be put on the next flight. I think that's reasonable.

Originally Posted by met19

But then where do you draw the line re: pets? How about a service animal? Will you deny boarding to the flier with seizures, blind or the triple amp with severe ptsd? Its much easier to regulate peanuts with less of a public relation disaster. Peanut allergies can also be quite severe- e.g. death.

Either way, I'd like to focus on more of the DYKWIA behavior I saw- complaint to FA including the "do you know how much I fly etc" followed by giving of miles. Thats why I posted the story.

Originally Posted by readywhenyouare

Fine, but what do have against my reasonable request to be put on another flight? I have no problems with dogs but there are plenty of us who are allergic to cats and I have yet to see a cat as a service animal.

Originally Posted by met19

But then where do you draw the line re: pets? How about a service animal? Will you deny boarding to the flier with seizures, blind or the triple amp with severe ptsd? Its much easier to regulate peanuts with less of a public relation disaster. Peanut allergies can also be quite severe- e.g. death.

Either way, I'd like to focus on more of the DYKWIA behavior I saw- complaint to FA including the "do you know how much I fly etc" followed by giving of miles. Thats why I posted the story.

Originally Posted by gooselee

We're excited to announce our new Feline Elite* product. Purchase with your Delta American Express to get double miles and a 20% discount.

*Actually just Whiskas slopped onto a cold woodgrain tray.