I was blind...but now I see!
Apr 4, 2013, 7:54 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,368
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...-forecast.html
... AS is also a good program for DL Hub captives. Capture on AA and DL flights and use on AA for better award options. ...
... AS is also a good program for DL Hub captives. Capture on AA and DL flights and use on AA for better award options. ...
Apr 4, 2013, 7:56 am
#32
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: SPG Gold, Delta Platinum
Posts: 528
OP, did you check the Delta fares just one time? It's been my experience that Delta's fares very widely day to day and even intra-day. For example, a few weeks ago I bought two first-class (or whatever Delta calls it) tickets SYR-MAD for just over $2,400 each. The previous day the identical ticket was priced at $4,600. Later in the day that I bought the tickets the fare was $3,600. I've seen this crazy fluctuation occur many times. I've learned from experience what the best fare that I can expect is and check multiple times a day until it pops up. Then I grab it. It's time consuming but works for me.
Apr 4, 2013, 8:03 am
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: DTW, LAX, MBJ
Programs: AA, Delta Kryptonium (DM) Hyatt Diamond IHG Fake Plat (Ambassador), HH Gold
Posts: 832
Yes the fluctuations are crazy. We use Kayak and will often rely on the wait or buy advice they list. Is there an app that can check in real time for changes?
Apr 4, 2013, 8:15 am
#34
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SRQ
Posts: 2,168
Apr 4, 2013, 10:02 am
#37
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: OMA
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott. Hilton Diamond, Hertz something...
Posts: 1,265
Maps - sounds like you are making sound business decisions and making your point with your wallet. That is so much better than whining about it as you continue to fly.....
I think you are doing the right thing... you benefit, you are allowing your employee's to benefit and hopefully JUST hopefully DL will take note. If enough people do what you are doing they will.
I think you are doing the right thing... you benefit, you are allowing your employee's to benefit and hopefully JUST hopefully DL will take note. If enough people do what you are doing they will.
Apr 4, 2013, 11:07 am
#38
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SRQ
Posts: 2,168
Hi Bubba. Glad you have such an interest in a Michigan business!
To answer your question...
When we have a critical customer meeting or presenting for new business I always want the team in the day before. Anything can happen. MX WX on any airline. We factor that in.
We do same day turns on less critical meetings still allowing as much time as possible for the things that happen in the air and on the ground. We things go well and we finish early we SDC .....er "game" the system and use one the the described benefits and head back.
To answer your question...
When we have a critical customer meeting or presenting for new business I always want the team in the day before. Anything can happen. MX WX on any airline. We factor that in.
We do same day turns on less critical meetings still allowing as much time as possible for the things that happen in the air and on the ground. We things go well and we finish early we SDC .....er "game" the system and use one the the described benefits and head back.
Apr 4, 2013, 11:15 am
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
I suspect you left a word off the end of your sentence (perhaps, "airline"), but the construction "his precious" served to remind this Lord of the Rings fan that it is time to dig out my paperbacks and start re-reading... I do this about once per decade. Always a fun read.
Last edited by StayingHomeIsBetter; Apr 4, 2013 at 3:25 pm Reason: clarify
Apr 4, 2013, 1:15 pm
#40
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVPG, DL GM, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,266
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...-forecast.html
mapsgl it looks like yours, mine and others decisions have started to have a material effect on Delta's financials.
I have been using Spirit from ATL-DFW with no issues the past 6 months.
AS is also a good program for DL Hub captives. Capture on AA and DL flights and use on AA for better award options.
DL needs to realize that not every flyer is a whale or 1%er and as long as there are options, most will seek the optimal financial solution.
mapsgl it looks like yours, mine and others decisions have started to have a material effect on Delta's financials.
I have been using Spirit from ATL-DFW with no issues the past 6 months.
AS is also a good program for DL Hub captives. Capture on AA and DL flights and use on AA for better award options.
DL needs to realize that not every flyer is a whale or 1%er and as long as there are options, most will seek the optimal financial solution.
Until DL starts losing money and lagging other legacy carriers, I don't think any relief will come. Once things turn in that direction, just like the other airlines have been doing recently- DL will come back knocking at people's doors begging for their business back. That's probably a little ways down the road though.
Apr 4, 2013, 2:35 pm
#41
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,858
I suspect you left a word of the end of your sentence, but the construction "his precious" served to remind this Lord of the Rings fan of this:
My Precious
Time to dig out my paperbacks and start re-reading.
My Precious
Time to dig out my paperbacks and start re-reading.
WPBP.
David
Apr 4, 2013, 3:22 pm
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
Apr 5, 2013, 8:13 am
#43
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, CDG, NCE
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 2,633
What I love about FT in general and this board in particular is the wide variety of thoughts, opinions and perspectives well beyond what I may come up with on my own.
Even if I may disagree at times, or see something differently, I genuinely value the broad spectrum of very experienced, helpful, constructive people who contribute their thoughts.
I have now concluded that Bubbashow is not one of them.
The OP has considered the cost to his company, the ability to get where he has to go when he needs to get there, his and his staff's comfort and condition upon arrival (well... except for the Spirit thing, but I think he's gotten the board's opinion of that...
) and even for good measure the impact his choices will have on his staff's general happiness with their benefit earning potential, and you call him myopic for not looking at Delta's motivation for creating the situation he's finding?
I say ^ to the OP, not for flying DL or not flying DL, but for having the vision to see the entire travel game as broadly as he has.
Even if I may disagree at times, or see something differently, I genuinely value the broad spectrum of very experienced, helpful, constructive people who contribute their thoughts.
I have now concluded that Bubbashow is not one of them.
The OP has considered the cost to his company, the ability to get where he has to go when he needs to get there, his and his staff's comfort and condition upon arrival (well... except for the Spirit thing, but I think he's gotten the board's opinion of that...
) and even for good measure the impact his choices will have on his staff's general happiness with their benefit earning potential, and you call him myopic for not looking at Delta's motivation for creating the situation he's finding? I say ^ to the OP, not for flying DL or not flying DL, but for having the vision to see the entire travel game as broadly as he has.
DL has numerous corporate contracts in the DTW market. Automotive engineering between DTW and PVG is HUGE. I am one guy (not even in the automotive industry) and I know 3 that fly the route regularly for work....all in J....all on corporate contracts. DL is probably PURPOSELY pricing it high, because it already has its bets hedged on the contract side. Same with DTWICN, DTWNRT and DTW NGO. Look at the commercial traffic between the two. It goes well beyond some individual's myopic views.
Apr 5, 2013, 9:43 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
What I love about FT in general and this board in particular is the wide variety of thoughts, opinions and perspectives well beyond what I may come up with on my own.
Even if I may disagree at times, or see something differently, I genuinely value the broad spectrum of very experienced, helpful, constructive people who contribute their thoughts.
I have now concluded that Bubbashow is not one of them.
The OP has considered the cost to his company, the ability to get where he has to go when he needs to get there, his and his staff's comfort and condition upon arrival (well... except for the Spirit thing, but I think he's gotten the board's opinion of that... ) and even for good measure the impact his choices will have on his staff's general happiness with their benefit earning potential, and you call him myopic for not looking at Delta's motivation for creating the situation he's finding?
I say ^ to the OP, not for flying DL or not flying DL, but for having the vision to see the entire travel game as broadly as he has.
Even if I may disagree at times, or see something differently, I genuinely value the broad spectrum of very experienced, helpful, constructive people who contribute their thoughts.
I have now concluded that Bubbashow is not one of them.
The OP has considered the cost to his company, the ability to get where he has to go when he needs to get there, his and his staff's comfort and condition upon arrival (well... except for the Spirit thing, but I think he's gotten the board's opinion of that...
) and even for good measure the impact his choices will have on his staff's general happiness with their benefit earning potential, and you call him myopic for not looking at Delta's motivation for creating the situation he's finding? I say ^ to the OP, not for flying DL or not flying DL, but for having the vision to see the entire travel game as broadly as he has.
Apr 5, 2013, 10:15 am
#45
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 5,292
What I love about FT in general and this board in particular is the wide variety of thoughts, opinions and perspectives well beyond what I may come up with on my own.
Even if I may disagree at times, or see something differently, I genuinely value the broad spectrum of very experienced, helpful, constructive people who contribute their thoughts.
I have now concluded that Bubbashow is not one of them.
The OP has considered the cost to his company, the ability to get where he has to go when he needs to get there, his and his staff's comfort and condition upon arrival (well... except for the Spirit thing, but I think he's gotten the board's opinion of that... ) and even for good measure the impact his choices will have on his staff's general happiness with their benefit earning potential, and you call him myopic for not looking at Delta's motivation for creating the situation he's finding?
I say ^ to the OP, not for flying DL or not flying DL, but for having the vision to see the entire travel game as broadly as he has.
Even if I may disagree at times, or see something differently, I genuinely value the broad spectrum of very experienced, helpful, constructive people who contribute their thoughts.
I have now concluded that Bubbashow is not one of them.
The OP has considered the cost to his company, the ability to get where he has to go when he needs to get there, his and his staff's comfort and condition upon arrival (well... except for the Spirit thing, but I think he's gotten the board's opinion of that...
) and even for good measure the impact his choices will have on his staff's general happiness with their benefit earning potential, and you call him myopic for not looking at Delta's motivation for creating the situation he's finding? I say ^ to the OP, not for flying DL or not flying DL, but for having the vision to see the entire travel game as broadly as he has.
I'm sorry I don't buy into the myopic, anecdotal little world that many choose to live by....and yes, I guess what you need is what you need. However, to not realize that there are bigger things at play is ridiculous. There is a reason that hub-captive fares are high.
Get a better travel department. Deal with DL. They are wheeling and dealing right now on corporate contracts. You might be surprised what you can negotiate.