tfox

They are double the cost of other carriers....and this is not their direct flights. Much as I want to book DL, I cannot for this route.

jrkmsp

We actually discussed this at length last month: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...s-msp-bos.html

That said, short version, it's not just MSP-BOS, it's MSP to most of the key business markets on the east and west coast, like LGA, DCA, SFO, etc. Evidently they've negotiated sweetheart deals with several big corporations in both towns that give them access to much cheaper flights, which combined with connecting flows and people who stay over a Saturday (which drops the price tremendously) — they can still fill the plane.

It makes it tough for Delta-inclined travelers who work for small businesses where every dollar counts. Or for personal travelers not staying over a Saturday.

dd1612

There are many Medical Device businesses that have major divisional headquarters in MSP and Corporate offices in Boston/ suburbs, and now with the impending tax 'inversion' merger of two major device companies it will become worse.
The execs at these companies travel back and forth between BOS and MSP.
And price is not an issue.
Guess there must be significant corporate discounts offered?

kcmd

Not sure about MSP but DL prices are all above the others in flights I'm searching recently, ie JFK- FRA, DCA- SLC etc...hopefully they get their prices competitive or I'll be booking elsewhere.

Esltroy

I was having the same issue on flights to Gillette Wyoming and Hawaii. I ended up having to fly into out of the way airports and take crazy flights to make sure I could get a flight with delta. My goal is to get diamond this year and then do a status match so that I can get flights at a reasonable cost next year. We have a crazy rule that we can't take a flight if there is another flight 100.00 cheaper. It's getting harder and harder with Delta.

rylan

This. I work for a medical device company in BOS as well, and we have traffic to MSP, although not enough that we're getting any kind of contract discount rate. Kinda crazy when flights come back at 750+ for a couple day midweek trip.

RFDMinnesota

MSP is simply an overpriced market.

Someone's gotta subsidize those NYC and SEA fares...

bubbashow

With average system-wide load factors what they are, it looks like Revenue Management is doing their job (especially when factored with margin).

indufan

Then you are going to be screwed again next year when whoever you change to isn't within $100. If you have that policy, you aren't going to be able to loyal to anyone unless you fly the same route time and time again.

sectflyer

Last fall they were selling 400$ G fares on this route!

Esltroy

Not really. The other carriers as least have inventory within that price range. I can do the occasional delta flight that is cheaper, but let's face it. The highest tiers for aa and UA is still 100,000 miles. I would be at the top there already this year.

I can always find inventory within my company's policy if I switch. Doesn't mean I don't love delta and will miss them next year. I just need to keep an eye on my bottom line. Just like delta.

The last straw for me was when they changed the miles I would receive based on price of fare.

So far it looks like american will not follow.

When I sent a message to delta the response was that there would be "losers and winners under the new rules. You are a loser."

If delta wants to only go for the high priced market, that is their prerogative. I guess they are just not that into me.


The odd thing is that I have (in the last two years) always cleared spent dollars to get diamond status. I have not made it in mqm or mqs, but I guess I am not a HVF.

I am not trying to be snarky or rude. I just think that delta is not that into me anymore.

MSPeconomist

Are you saying that for the last two years, DL gave you DM despite the fact that you did not qualify for DM based on either MQMs or MQSs? I'm assuming here that you didn't get a status challenge/match two years in a row, right?

Esltroy

No I have just been platinum. I would have qualified for platinum if it was solely based on MQD. This will be the first year I will also make the MQS/MQM to actually make diamond.

FlyDeltaJets87

Unless there are other factors like better schedule or a nonstop available or bag fees or whatever, why is such a rule "crazy"?

MSP_Monopoly

I work for a very large company based in MSP and we have negotiated contracts with DL and the rates we pay are always exactly the same as what is the published public airfare, sometimes MAYBE like $2 less or so.