CDKing

I know shocking.

BTW unless these indications were added in the last few days i'm not sure how much more obvious delta needs to be to show these are Extremely restricted. You cant miss it

ATL787

OP here, just checking in.

Surprised that this thread has survived this long. Thank you mods, thank you haters, thank you lurkers, and thank you few supporters.

I keep checking the route I booked, as my OCD compels me to do with every ticket that I have ever booked, and damned if that E fare won't go away!!! (Thank you DL employed lurks, particularly in the revenue management LOB)

What my simple mind just can't grasp, is, why in the world has the seat selection vs. non-seat selection fare value proposition dropped to a mere $11 rt? And why do you mock me with a view of the seating chart midway through the booking process without reminding me that I can't pick or buy one prior to check-in? (Take a look for yourself with a mock booking, if you care to see what I'm talking about)

This I understand is a pricing/rev management/competitive mkt response/business decision, but me thinks that it is one that will piss just a few more off than it gains with a 'cheap' sale matching fare (and as a longtime airline enthusiast in more ways than 12, I'm not just referring to the loyal and or FT base customer). Fine, go ahead and remove seat selection privileges from your cheapest fares, but make it damn clear in bold flashing highlighted letters in every step along the way.

Comments welcome....particularly from the official DL reps on FT...I know you must have an opinion as well?

HatAndJacket

As you can clearly see from the screen shot above, for a little more $, you can book V. If you want to save the 20 bucks, book E. The terms for doing so are VERY CLEARLY spelled out. Why is it insulting to you for them to give you this option? I personally wouldn't book an E fare, but why should people who need to save that extra 20 bucks not get the option?

puddinhead

I'm into FCM, E fare purchasers are the opposite. I paid $40 extra on my last flight for a refundable ticket. Getting the seat I want and being able to change has value to me.

Some people want the least expensive option. Something for everyone.

Just don't buy an E fare then squat in my seat but that's another topic.

HatAndJacket

THANK. YOU. ^^^^^

(bolding added)

bjohnsonmn

Can I ask, how does one even FIND an E fare!?!?!?

roknroll

People will take aisle and window seats towards the front if given the choice. This free up those seats for people who might be looking at 2-3 airlines with similar prices on a route. If DL has more desirable seats and/or more groups of seats together (for families) then they may book DL. With EC and preferred seats, half the plane is already off limits to non elites.

Also having a small chunk of the plane with unassigned seats gives GAs more flexibility to accommodate medallions in IRROPPS or families trying to sit together.

Pharaoh

It's not available on all routes but when it is, it comes up on the fare display as shown above. Do a search for wherever DL1604 goes and you will see it.

HatAndJacket

now this makes sense Thx

rylan

As mentioned, the E fares tend to be on certain leisure routes where there is competition from 'low cost' leisure type airlines such as Allegiant, Sun Country etc.

Dieuwer

Route?

sethb

Because they cost less.

What do airlines have to gain by restricting fares to people who stay over a Saturday night? They want to sell to people who are very price-sensitive without giving the lower prices to those who are willing to pay more.

They probably figure they're selling a ticket for a seat that would otherwise go empty.

Presumably because that's just enough of a discount to get just enough people to buy it.

Don't squat in my seat no matter what fare you bought. Unless, that is, you bought an F or J fare and my seat is in Y; then you're welcome to squat in my seat and let me have yours.

Often1

Presuming a purchase in the Y-cabin, it costs the same to fly one passenger from A-B. Yet, the fare discrimination for that seat between A-B can amount to 8-10x. Consumers, of course, want the cheapest seat which meets their need and the seller has a duty to maximize shareholder value.

It costs DL nothing to assign a seat in advance, but some people will pay for that privilege. Whether the V costs more or the E costs less is semantics.

Maybe there is a market out there for unassigned seats, no refunds, no changes, no miles, no segments and no carry-on other than a book to read. If there is and DL offers such a fare, why is it wrong? It may be wrong for you, but not wrong for others.

OP's essential complaint isn't that there are E fares, it is that he didn't pay sufficient attention.

monitor

That's the early morning DTW-FLL. There can't be much more of a tourist oriented route than that one and I believe it to be the response to NK encroaching on DL's turf.

HatAndJacket

I meant specifically why the back of the plane, not why would people buy them... the previous few posts answered my question