VDB Options
 

Booked a mileage run to HKG from SEA and decided to turn it into a 5 day trip for fall 2014. With the new direct route starting, I'm really hoping the Delta system won't have an effective baseline with respect to overbooking and so I'm hoping for wild bump VDB opportunities.

I've only ever heard of vouchers being offered as part of an international VDB. Has anyone been able to negotiate anything other than vouchers, like SkyMiles or class of service upgrade?

For example, instead of a $600 voucher I'd have to get at least 60,000 to be indifferent between the two options (actually, I'd probably want more miles since Skymiles do not earn MQMs unless I pay with miles to FC)

I have received a voucher and an upgrade on at least two occasions, the latest one being two years ago. Negotiation (and persistence) is key, as well as knowing what you are wiling to forgo in voucher $$ for a possible UG.

I've never gotten SM as a result of an international VDB. I've only done it a couple of times. One time was offered voucher plus hotel and upgrade on the next day's flight. The other time I was only offered hotel plus voucher.

As with anything, YMMV. Depends on how badly they need to open seats and what folks standing around are willing to accept to give up their seat.

I'm curious as to whether the OP ever actually pays for flights without VDB certs.

Well I'm sure he had to pay for his first flight...

IME, no SM for VDBs, but I have negotiated a credit and upgrade.

Several years back I was offered either a voucher or an upgrade (the delayed arrival was within 4 hours). I said I'd thnk about it. A few minutes later called back up and got both.

VDB is a reverse auction in which the dealer knows what everybody has and the dealer is DL. In theory, DL should be thrilled to pay in miles rather than a voucher because the miles simply devalue redemptions and ultimately lead to increased redemption amounts to get them off the books, but it doesn't work that way.

If the GA offers a voucher + room + food vouchers and you want something different and there is someone else standing there who takes what the GA offered, you are SOL. If you are the only taker, it's then time to talk.