Delta, Air France and KLM Announce Final Steps toward Fare Class Alignment
Jan 23, 2013, 10:31 am
#47
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: DL Medialia Platina
Posts: 770
Even though there's been an official DL followup post on Page 2 or 3 about some of the implementation and how there will be 2-letter internal R and O codes, why does the Jeremy Clarkson catchphrase of "What could POSSIBLY go wrong?" keep running through my mind as I read this thread?
Jan 23, 2013, 11:14 am
#48
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Likely being followed...
Programs: DYKWIA Extraordinaire. TrollSlayer Mega Diamond. [insert esoteric sounding status level(s) here]
Posts: 5,240
Jan 23, 2013, 11:14 am
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
1. Will upgrades using miles or SWUs come from these same upgrade inventory classes, RU and OU, or will have different two-letter codes (Rsomething and Osomething) for upgrades using instruments? In other words, will the current distinction between V and G or X and Z be maintained?
Though we don’t publish these fare classes externally, many of you know that we use V/X classes for Medallion Complimentary Upgrades. R and O classes are used for Award Tickets today but we already use dual character classes internally to further differentiate Award Ticket inventory. This is how we provide enhanced availability for Medallion members. When you redeem for an Award Ticket, Delta sees a dual character class while our customers may see R, O, or N class. The new fare classes for complimentary upgrades RU/OU will not impact your availability to clear for Medallion Complimentary Upgrades or your access to Award Ticket inventory because Complimentary Upgrades will not be tied to the same internal dual character classes that are used for Award tickets.
Jan 23, 2013, 11:19 am
#50
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Jan 23, 2013, 11:28 am
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
Jan 23, 2013, 11:34 am
#52
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 212
Jan 23, 2013, 11:47 am
#53
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Likely being followed...
Programs: DYKWIA Extraordinaire. TrollSlayer Mega Diamond. [insert esoteric sounding status level(s) here]
Posts: 5,240
Jan 23, 2013, 12:29 pm
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,206
Ugh, talk about making it more complicated... I guess that goes along with the new medallion earning system with MQDs. Now there are what, like 2 dozen fare letters? 4 classes of F service now?
I'm very concerned about not being able to see upgrade inventory on EF... and especially when G/Z gets changed to pull from O/R. Does this mean the only way we're going to be able to check for SWU usage is to keep calling and have an agent on the phone for an hour?
I'm very concerned about not being able to see upgrade inventory on EF... and especially when G/Z gets changed to pull from O/R. Does this mean the only way we're going to be able to check for SWU usage is to keep calling and have an agent on the phone for an hour?
Last edited by rylan; Jan 23, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Jan 23, 2013, 12:56 pm
#56
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,621
I have a few S fares booked for travel in March and beyond. Will the change in late February automatically map these existing reservations into Z inventory, or will they stay in S?
Since I credit my travel to partner programs, which have tendencies to be very slow in updating their earning tables, I'm hoping that I won't need to jump through hoops in order to receive proper mileage after the realignment of fare classes.
Since I credit my travel to partner programs, which have tendencies to be very slow in updating their earning tables, I'm hoping that I won't need to jump through hoops in order to receive proper mileage after the realignment of fare classes.
Jan 23, 2013, 1:12 pm
#57
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: Whatever's Cheapest, Accruing Miles, Redeeming for Premium Cabins, Not Chasing Status Unnecessarily
Posts: 2,264
Phase 5
a new fare class will be offered to former medallions and kettles alike. This fare class will be priced at $35-$735 more than the lowest available coach class depending on the current zodiac sign, and whether Spirit had a sale going on.
It will usher in a 4 letter era:
The WFBF class will be designed for your motherinlaw that just has to be put in the F cabin even on a 90 minute flight and also for last minute honeymooners flying on our ratty 757's to Mexico. Planes with VHS will also offer $20 off vs planes with Lincoln ads in your face.
a new fare class will be offered to former medallions and kettles alike. This fare class will be priced at $35-$735 more than the lowest available coach class depending on the current zodiac sign, and whether Spirit had a sale going on.
It will usher in a 4 letter era:
The WFBF class will be designed for your motherinlaw that just has to be put in the F cabin even on a 90 minute flight and also for last minute honeymooners flying on our ratty 757's to Mexico. Planes with VHS will also offer $20 off vs planes with Lincoln ads in your face.
Jan 23, 2013, 2:10 pm
#58
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, AA EXP, UA Silver, former DL DM
Posts: 2,001
Instead, he explained that upgrade inventories (V/G and X/Z) will not be merged with award flight inventory (R and O, respectively). To be honest, I doubt this was a pressing question to anyone, since the possibility seemed outlandish.
Ultimately, it is still very important for Delta to explain: Will complimentary medallion upgrade inventory (V and X) merge with mileage upgrade award / SWU inventory (G and Z)? If so, will mileage upgrade awards finally trump complimentary medallion upgrades?
Jan 23, 2013, 2:27 pm
#60
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM/2MM Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond,
Posts: 8,907
Makes you wonder why DL doesn't simply charge us for the same access!