Downward Status Change Mid-Itinerary
Jan 18, 2013, 10:28 am
#1
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Downward Status Change Mid-Itinerary
Did a search and couldn't find anything on downgrading status. Due to a drastic change in travel in 2012, I will be dropping from DM to FO.
The change will occur during an itinerary that has me departing LAX on 2/17 and returning on March 1. Short of returning a day early and getting that last window of opportunity, what can I expect to have happen on my return trip? Will I lose SP and free EC seat? Just curious if anyone here has ever experienced such a severe fall in status.
The change will occur during an itinerary that has me departing LAX on 2/17 and returning on March 1. Short of returning a day early and getting that last window of opportunity, what can I expect to have happen on my return trip? Will I lose SP and free EC seat? Just curious if anyone here has ever experienced such a severe fall in status.
Jan 18, 2013, 10:35 am
#2
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As you'll be an FO on the return trip, I would not expect SP. As far as your seat, your EC seat should hold unless there is an a/c change. There have been reports of those who've downgraded in status being able to get an EC seat back (for free I believe) by going through @DeltaAssist on twitter.
Jan 18, 2013, 10:36 am
#3
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As you'll be an FO on the return trip, I would not expect SP. As far as your seat, your EC seat should hold unless there is an a/c change. There have been reports of those who've downgraded in status being able to get an EC seat back (for free I believe) by going through @DeltaAssist on twitter.
Jan 18, 2013, 10:41 am
#4
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Check in and print your BP 24 hours in advance, and you should still have your old elite status right? That would give you SP, but the upgrade list might put you back down to your new level. Who knows though, maybe you'll get lucky and it won't update your status after check in?
Once you check in and print your BP, even if the system updates or you make changes, they can't change the BP you printed already. And that's all the matters when you go through the Sky Priority security line.
Once you check in and print your BP, even if the system updates or you make changes, they can't change the BP you printed already. And that's all the matters when you go through the Sky Priority security line.
Jan 18, 2013, 11:22 am
#5
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You might want to consider unchecking the upgrade requested box. iIRC there were reports last year of people in this situation being upgraded then downgraded and losing their good coach seat. The thread title might have been something like "is this the way to treat an elite?"
Jan 18, 2013, 12:47 pm
#6
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Considering that Delta's IT always seems to take most of a day to cycle and post MQMs, if you do get an upgrade, pretend to be asleep...they may realize it half way through the flight and escort you back to the FO cabin 
Jan 18, 2013, 4:20 pm
#8
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As long as you book your EC seat before the witching hour on February 28, you'll get it complimentary.
I had an analogous situation last year--I was going to be a "double class dropper" from DM to GM as of March 1. I had an itinerary DCA-MEM-LAX on 6 March and return on 10 March. Since I was still DM as of 6 pm on February 29, I got upgraded at the DM window for both legs on the outbound trip. My upgrades were not taken away when I was relegated to GM a few hours later, and my seat assignments were honored (I had a great trip).
I had an analogous situation last year--I was going to be a "double class dropper" from DM to GM as of March 1. I had an itinerary DCA-MEM-LAX on 6 March and return on 10 March. Since I was still DM as of 6 pm on February 29, I got upgraded at the DM window for both legs on the outbound trip. My upgrades were not taken away when I was relegated to GM a few hours later, and my seat assignments were honored (I had a great trip).
Feb 18, 2014, 2:37 pm
#11
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In a similar situation. Departing 2/28 on a red-eye LAX-ATL-BWI itinerary and returning 3/3.
1. While I'll be a GM on my red-eye departure, I'll arrive in ATL a lowly FO. Doesn't this mean if I get upgraded for the ATL-BWI, I might get dumped back to Y (in perhaps a lousy seat)?
2. I too have booked all EC seats with no charge. It seems by the above comments the EC seats will hold, but that was a year ago. Would I still expect to have my EC seats on 3/1 and 3/3?
1. While I'll be a GM on my red-eye departure, I'll arrive in ATL a lowly FO. Doesn't this mean if I get upgraded for the ATL-BWI, I might get dumped back to Y (in perhaps a lousy seat)?
2. I too have booked all EC seats with no charge. It seems by the above comments the EC seats will hold, but that was a year ago. Would I still expect to have my EC seats on 3/1 and 3/3?
Feb 18, 2014, 2:40 pm
#12
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In a similar situation. Departing 2/28 on a red-eye LAX-ATL-BWI itinerary and returning 3/3.
1. While I'll be a GM on my red-eye departure, I'll arrive in ATL a lowly FO. Doesn't this mean if I get upgraded for the ATL-BWI, I might get dumped back to Y (in perhaps a lousy seat)?
2. I too have booked all EC seats with no charge. It seems by the above comments the EC seats will hold, but that was a year ago. Would I still expect to have my EC seats on 3/1 and 3/3?
1. While I'll be a GM on my red-eye departure, I'll arrive in ATL a lowly FO. Doesn't this mean if I get upgraded for the ATL-BWI, I might get dumped back to Y (in perhaps a lousy seat)?
2. I too have booked all EC seats with no charge. It seems by the above comments the EC seats will hold, but that was a year ago. Would I still expect to have my EC seats on 3/1 and 3/3?
You'd likely only lose your EC seats if there's an aircraft change.
Feb 18, 2014, 2:42 pm
#13
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DL could zero out upgrade space shortly before March 1 to avoid the possibility of elites who are losing status clearing upgrades (on less than full Y fares).
Feb 18, 2014, 2:48 pm
#14
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Feb 18, 2014, 2:52 pm
#15
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Yes and no. Sadly DL will upgrade an IROPed kettle over an elite who was originally confirmed on the flight, but DL has increasingly been concerned about giving too many FF benefits to unprofitable customers.