Service suspended to SKB, 4/11 - 5/30, 2015
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: Delta, Hertz, Air Tran, Starwood
Posts: 16
Service suspended to SKB, 4/11 - 5/30, 2015
I got a call today from Delta. It seems that they are suspending service to St. Kitts (SKB) in 2015 from 4/11 - 5/30. It would have been nice to have made these dates unavailable to be booked a bit sooner, as I booked the trip back in May, using 45K SkyMiles points per person for my family of 5 to go there from 4/4 to 4/11.
I already have a deposit on a rental house for those dates, and will have to spend over $4,000 in cash to get there via another airline!
So, just a heads-up to those with a trip booked to St Kitts on DL next spring...your bad-news call from Delta is coming next. AARRGGHH!
I already have a deposit on a rental house for those dates, and will have to spend over $4,000 in cash to get there via another airline!
So, just a heads-up to those with a trip booked to St Kitts on DL next spring...your bad-news call from Delta is coming next. AARRGGHH!
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: Delta, Hertz, Air Tran, Starwood
Posts: 16
No, they did not offer that while on the call that I received earlier today, even though I asked to be placed on another airline for my same dates.
All they offered was to move MY travel dates, to which I replied "sorry, I can't move my kids' school district's Spring Break". When I called the Diamond service line a few moments ago, the rep had to search for the info... and that's how I learned of the service suspension dates. I am going to request that they put me on another airline, but I'll do it in writing, via email.
All they offered was to move MY travel dates, to which I replied "sorry, I can't move my kids' school district's Spring Break". When I called the Diamond service line a few moments ago, the rep had to search for the info... and that's how I learned of the service suspension dates. I am going to request that they put me on another airline, but I'll do it in writing, via email.
#4
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Isn't this just a matter of returning one day earlier? Is losing a day of spring break vacation worth saving $4000 to you? Everyone would be nice and ready for school to resume, although I guess you would lose a day's worth of the house rental but OTOH no worries about check out times.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: Delta, Hertz, Air Tran, Starwood
Posts: 16
As I recall, service only is scheduled for 1 day a week, on Saturdays. This seemed to be common for many of the Caribbean destinations that DL flies to.
The only option would be to move my whole trip back 1 week... but that would cause the kids to miss a week of school. They'd be fine with that, but it's not an option as far as my wife and I are concerned.
The only option would be to move my whole trip back 1 week... but that would cause the kids to miss a week of school. They'd be fine with that, but it's not an option as far as my wife and I are concerned.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA Plat 2MM/UA G MM/DL MM DM 2015/BA Silver/Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 3,103
No, they did not offer that while on the call that I received earlier today, even though I asked to be placed on another airline for my same dates.
All they offered was to move MY travel dates, to which I replied "sorry, I can't move my kids' school district's Spring Break". When I called the Diamond service line a few moments ago, the rep had to search for the info... and that's how I learned of the service suspension dates. I am going to request that they put me on another airline, but I'll do it in writing, via email.
All they offered was to move MY travel dates, to which I replied "sorry, I can't move my kids' school district's Spring Break". When I called the Diamond service line a few moments ago, the rep had to search for the info... and that's how I learned of the service suspension dates. I am going to request that they put me on another airline, but I'll do it in writing, via email.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: Delta, Hertz, Air Tran, Starwood
Posts: 16
I just submitted an email via the DL site, requesting return tix on AA on 4/11/15. I provided the flight #'s, and was respectful in my words and demeanor. We'll see what that gets me.
I do like your idea, though, and will explore nearby options such as SXM.
I do like your idea, though, and will explore nearby options such as SXM.
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA Plat 2MM/UA G MM/DL MM DM 2015/BA Silver/Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 3,103
Also, if you do go to SXM, a layover with a visit to Maho Beach is a must do if any of the kids are into watching airplanes up close.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: Delta, Hertz, Air Tran, Starwood
Posts: 16
Great suggestions! Thank you. I see that the LIAT flight is only 30 minutes. The cost for the 5 of us to jump over to St Maarten (SXM) in order to return on DL is $2,026 in total. I'd do that on Friday 4/10, just to be safe. What's the chances of DL making this "customer service adjustment"?
#10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA Plat 2MM/UA G MM/DL MM DM 2015/BA Silver/Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 3,103
Great suggestions! Thank you. I see that the LIAT flight is only 30 minutes. The cost for the 5 of us to jump over to St Maarten (SXM) in order to return on DL is $2,026 in total. I'd do that on Friday 4/10, just to be safe. What's the chances of DL making this "customer service adjustment"?
Note of caution with Liat - they are VERY particular about baggage allowances.
#11
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 100,413
What's your status with DL? I wouldn't expect DL to cover over two thousand dollars of tickets on another carrier, but they should be pretty cooperative about changing your return to SXM, even within a day in either direction from your original tickets and even if they need to open inventory in the right class to do so.
#12
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Kingdom of the Sun
Programs: DL GM/MM
Posts: 3,708
Great suggestions! Thank you. I see that the LIAT flight is only 30 minutes. The cost for the 5 of us to jump over to St Maarten (SXM) in order to return on DL is $2,026 in total. I'd do that on Friday 4/10, just to be safe. What's the chances of DL making this "customer service adjustment"?
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: Delta, Hertz, Air Tran, Starwood
Posts: 16
I am Diamond thru Feb 2015, but will be lucky to achieve any status, moving forward. I've spent the majority of 2014 working from home in ATL on a project, versus the heavy travel I "enjoyed" last year.
All great ideas, everyone- I REALLY appreciate the suggestions and insights!
All great ideas, everyone- I REALLY appreciate the suggestions and insights!
#14
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Nobody likes to spend a lot of time on the phone for reservations but, IMHO, email isn't the way to get this done. Phone. Ask for a supervisor if needed.
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: Delta, Hertz, Air Tran, Starwood
Posts: 16
Thanks, 3Cforme... I hear ya. Lots of options...I'll get them all lined up before I call again. The CSR I spoke to earlier on the Diamond line was of little assistance, but everyone here has added some great insights that I can present as options when I do go ahead, and make that call...