Why does FlightStats shows Y/2, B/1 availability but Delta says it's Y/-1?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: SkyMiles, MileagePlus
Posts: 188
Why does FlightStats shows Y/2, B/1 availability but Delta says it's Y/-1?
I'm trying to SDC onto an earlier flight today, and Delta is telling me the flight is oversold (Y/-1). FlightStats puts it at Y/2 B/1, so I'm a little confused what's going on. Obviously I trust Delta, but I mainly want to know why FlightStats is wrong?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,198
It might be oversold even though there is still Y available. DL often oversells flights, so when its down to almost Y0 those last couple seats are likely to be oversells.
However, since there is still Y for sale, you should be able to SDC. If you try to do a dummy booking, can you purchase a ticket on the flight? If so, then call back and try to SDC.
However, since there is still Y for sale, you should be able to SDC. If you try to do a dummy booking, can you purchase a ticket on the flight? If so, then call back and try to SDC.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: SkyMiles, MileagePlus
Posts: 188
Can't SDC online, as my itinerary was booked through my corporate travel service. When I try to make changes online, it tells me to call.
I just called again and the agent said they are seeing Y/-1 so they can't do it. Apparently, if it's oversold but there are seats available, it's possible. If there are no seats available, then they can't? Is FlightStats ever off?
I just called again and the agent said they are seeing Y/-1 so they can't do it. Apparently, if it's oversold but there are seats available, it's possible. If there are no seats available, then they can't? Is FlightStats ever off?
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
What do you mean that there are available seats? If you're looking at the seat map, be aware that these are notoriously bad indicators of flight loads.
Try to do a dummy booking on delta.dumb. If they're willing to sell a coach ticket, even at the full Y fare, you should be able to SDC so call again.
Try to do a dummy booking on delta.dumb. If they're willing to sell a coach ticket, even at the full Y fare, you should be able to SDC so call again.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
You could also subscribe to Expert Flyer to track availability.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,198
Also if you post the flight info I'm sure one of us with EF can do a quick check to confirm... but if DL isn't selling the flight then thats a pretty good indication that you're not going to be able to SDC.
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,949
That flight is zeroed-out:
[KVS Availability Tool 7.1.8/Diamond - Sabre: Availability/FS/US]
[KVS Availability Tool 7.1.8/Diamond - Sabre: Availability/FS/US]
Code:
MSP Minneapolis St Paul Intl MN US [KMSP] LNK Lincoln Muni NE US [KLNK] MON 08 Apr 2013 Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Availability --------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- -------------------------------------- DL/## 4808 MSP 15:10 LNK 16:30 CRJ Y0 B0 M0 S0 H0 Q0 K0 L0 U0 T0 X0 V0 E0 DL/## 4708 MSP 19:40 LNK 21:00 CRJ Y2 B1 M0 S0 H0 Q0 K0 L0 U0 T0 X0 V0 E0
#12
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SAV
Programs: Atlanta's hometown airline. A bunch of hotel programs. PetSmart PetPerks.
Posts: 2,531
Will EF/KVS show a negative number if a flight is oversold or just 0 availability, i.e. can you judge how oversold it is? For example, -1 might be worth the risk to go to the airport early & try to standby vs. -5.
#13
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 2,235
No, airline availability will not show a negative number. 0 or greater.
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,198
You'd need access to DL's system to know how negative/oversold they actually are. The bucket inventory just shows what they are willing to sell, not true actual available (or lack thereof) space on the plane.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423