Frequency of 757 gauge change on lax-jfk?
Feb 24, 2013, 11:42 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 664
Frequency of 757 gauge change on lax-jfk?
Does anyone know how often there is a change in gauge on the 757 that does the lax-jfk route? I have several upcoming flights on that route and would welcome some info and advice on seat selection. I'm thinking 18 (only 2 seats in exit row) but if there is a gauge change I could end up in the back of the bus in the middle. EC would be OK but it is on the side in a group of three. Do I take the chance or go for the sure EC seat?
Feb 24, 2013, 12:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: PVD
Programs: Delta PM, HHonors Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 294
I have a JFK-SFO coming up and was actually wondering the same thing. Given how many different 757 configurations Delta has, I am a little worried that 18DE for myself and my companion won't stick, but if an equipment change happens then neither might the E/C seats.
Feb 24, 2013, 12:24 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: DL; AA; UA; CO; LHLX; NZ; QR; EK; BA
Posts: 7,404
JFK-LAX is such an important route now for Delta that it almost never gets changed to an inferior 757 configuration. Gauge change usually goes the other way actually and they put the 767 on instead. I recall many instances of changes to the 763ER or even the 764ER...of course if it gets changed to the old config 763ER, the y product could be worse (no PTVs) but more EC seats, and a lot more BE seats, so many Medallions invariably score upgrades. Also, there is slack in the 75E fleet utilization now anyway, so they have some room....
Feb 24, 2013, 3:07 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: ATL
Posts: 406
JFK-LAX is such an important route now for Delta that it almost never gets changed to an inferior 757 configuration. Gauge change usually goes the other way actually and they put the 767 on instead. I recall many instances of changes to the 763ER or even the 764ER...of course if it gets changed to the old config 763ER, the y product could be worse (no PTVs) but more EC seats, and a lot more BE seats, so many Medallions invariably score upgrades. Also, there is slack in the 75E fleet utilization now anyway, so they have some room....
Feb 24, 2013, 3:10 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 664
JFK-LAX is such an important route now for Delta that it almost never gets changed to an inferior 757 configuration. Gauge change usually goes the other way actually and they put the 767 on instead. I recall many instances of changes to the 763ER or even the 764ER...of course if it gets changed to the old config 763ER, the y product could be worse (no PTVs) but more EC seats, and a lot more BE seats, so many Medallions invariably score upgrades. Also, there is slack in the 75E fleet utilization now anyway, so they have some room....
Thankfully, it is a short flight but I certainy don't want this to occur on a transcon. Richard Anderson most certainly did not have my valued PM back in either instance.
Feb 24, 2013, 3:29 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: JFK/LGA
Posts: 1,423
It is rare that something happens to cause a gauge change because if a 75E goes tech Delta may use a spare 763ER on a route like JFK-DUB and then use that 75E on JFK-LAX. When it does happen the usual switch in LAX is that one of the Hawaii 757's (ex-ATA/Singapore birds) will operate the flight. I can only think of once or twice in the last year where something like that happened
Feb 24, 2013, 3:42 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,264
JFK-LAX is such an important route now for Delta that it almost never gets changed to an inferior 757 configuration. Gauge change usually goes the other way actually and they put the 767 on instead. I recall many instances of changes to the 763ER or even the 764ER...of course if it gets changed to the old config 763ER, the y product could be worse (no PTVs) but more EC seats, and a lot more BE seats, so many Medallions invariably score upgrades. Also, there is slack in the 75E fleet utilization now anyway, so they have some room....
Feb 24, 2013, 8:22 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Agreed. They seem to sell a good amount of BusinessElite seats on this route...if they were to downgrade the plane they would probably have to offer at least partial refunds to PAX who paid for the internationally configured aircraft, potentially adding up to thousands of dollars.