Schedule changes
Sep 11, 2014 | 5:05 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL DM, SPG Gold
Posts: 832
I understand, but generally they're not going to put you on the LAX-JFK nonstops unless you bought a ticket that way. I agree you have to connect coming from SMF. However I find it doubtful they'll route you SMF-LAX-JFK. SMF-MSP/SLC/DTW/ATL/Any other city-JFK no problem.
DL charges a premium for the LAX-JFK flights, even if it's a connection from another flight, it'll be more then a connection SLC/MSP/DTW/ATL-JFK. Agents I know have been told that it should only be done as a last resort option if nothing else works.
Also remember since it's an UP fare, you need BOTH U/H/Whatever the base class is and P class availability. Having just P doesn't cut it.
DL charges a premium for the LAX-JFK flights, even if it's a connection from another flight, it'll be more then a connection SLC/MSP/DTW/ATL-JFK. Agents I know have been told that it should only be done as a last resort option if nothing else works.
Also remember since it's an UP fare, you need BOTH U/H/Whatever the base class is and P class availability. Having just P doesn't cut it.
Sep 11, 2014 | 5:26 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,163
SDC just requires F/J availability. Schedule changes ought to require even less.
I know DL has been happy to re-route me from LGA-XXX-SFO onto JFK-SFO when the schedule changed (and my arrival was 2 hours later).
However, I'm DM (and KM) so they might or might not do that for someone with less (or no) status.
I know DL has been happy to re-route me from LGA-XXX-SFO onto JFK-SFO when the schedule changed (and my arrival was 2 hours later).
However, I'm DM (and KM) so they might or might not do that for someone with less (or no) status.
Sep 11, 2014 | 6:08 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BOS, BWI, DCA, IAD
Programs: American, Delta, JetBlue, United
Posts: 2,402
Ok, here is a recent one........I change my ticket and pay the fee and the difference in fare.
The following day, there is a schedule change and my connection is busted.
I look to see what I want before I call and notice an A fare that is a really good deal; it is not my first choice of flights but when I look at what I have in the ticket it looks like I can do it for maybe $10-$20. Sounds good!
So I call, and even though I am not changing the return, it reprices the entire itinerary, raises the price on the return (that was only purchased the day before) and now I have to pay $200. So I say forget it and take the flights I want for an even swap. This makes no sense - I did not change the schedule, they did.
The following day, there is a schedule change and my connection is busted.
I look to see what I want before I call and notice an A fare that is a really good deal; it is not my first choice of flights but when I look at what I have in the ticket it looks like I can do it for maybe $10-$20. Sounds good!
So I call, and even though I am not changing the return, it reprices the entire itinerary, raises the price on the return (that was only purchased the day before) and now I have to pay $200. So I say forget it and take the flights I want for an even swap. This makes no sense - I did not change the schedule, they did.
Sep 11, 2014 | 6:18 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
SDC just requires F/J availability. Schedule changes ought to require even less.
I know DL has been happy to re-route me from LGA-XXX-SFO onto JFK-SFO when the schedule changed (and my arrival was 2 hours later).
However, I'm DM (and KM) so they might or might not do that for someone with less (or no) status.
I know DL has been happy to re-route me from LGA-XXX-SFO onto JFK-SFO when the schedule changed (and my arrival was 2 hours later).
However, I'm DM (and KM) so they might or might not do that for someone with less (or no) status.
According to multiple agents I've talked with DL is pushing the agents to only allow switching to the non-stop when all other options fail. Of course as with anything YMMV. Your agent might not care, or might not even know of the change.
Sep 11, 2014 | 6:23 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
Still need the correct fare bucket, unless there's just no flights at all available with the correct fare bucket. Only time I've been allowed to change to flights without fare bucket availability is when there were no options at all in that fare bucket. Schedule change doesn't throw the fare rules out the window. Now sometimes they can force a fare bucket open to allow booking, but that's up to DL's discretion. As always they can fall back on the if you don't like what we give you we can refund the fare.
Sep 11, 2014 | 7:23 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Splitting time between small towns in NorCal and Wydaho
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 21,537
twitter team re-booked me into my desired flights SMF-MSP-EWR in P class without any question. i didn't even pitch the SMF-LAX-JFK routing because we would rather fly to EWR and have the shorter drive than the nicer flight.