Dec 4, 2015, 7:08 am
Last edit by: Bowgie
Delta Comfort+ FAQs
Delta Comfort+ - A New Domestic Branded Fare Product
Summary (effective November 14, 2015, for travel on or after May 16, 2016, in the U.S.50 and Canada):
No selecting C+ seats at time of booking. Eligible pax must request a C+ upgrade by checking the box in the UPGRADE REQUEST section or calling Delta. If upgrade inventory is available, DM and PM may clear after booking. If upgrade inventory is not available, you will remain in your C- seat until such time that DL either releases inventory, or it goes to the airport for gate upgrade.
GM and FO window remains the same at T-72 and T-24 hrs respectively.
Upgrades may automatically place you in any C+ seat, including middle.
F and C+ are separate checkboxes, so you can request an F upgrade without requesting a C+ upgrade. "Double upgrades" from Y to C+ followed by C+ to F are possible.
In your My Delta Preferences page there is a new box where you can choose the default setting for 1st class upgrades and C+ upgrade preferences.
Pax with a companion will be ranked for a C+ upgrade according to the highest level... ie a DM + general member companion in the same PNR will clear after booking..
Maximum of 1 companion may request a C+ upgrade. Per DL FAQ: "If you have three or more passengers in your reservation, all passengers in the reservation must have Medallion status in order for any passengers to be eligible for Delta Comfort+."
Amex Companion Cert flyers are eligible for C+ upgrades.
To "downgrade" to C- seats (exit, other preferred seats) you must call Delta.
Complimentary upgrades to C+, once on board the aircraft, are not allowed regardless of status.
C+ currently not available with corporate discounts, because C+ currently uses ticket designator /WCOM and corporate discounts also use ticket designators. A fare code can only have one ticket designator. This limitation is apparently temporary.
So far Delta is saying this does not impact upgrades to F.
Delta Comfort+ - A New Domestic Branded Fare Product
Summary (effective November 14, 2015, for travel on or after May 16, 2016, in the U.S.50 and Canada):
No selecting C+ seats at time of booking. Eligible pax must request a C+ upgrade by checking the box in the UPGRADE REQUEST section or calling Delta. If upgrade inventory is available, DM and PM may clear after booking. If upgrade inventory is not available, you will remain in your C- seat until such time that DL either releases inventory, or it goes to the airport for gate upgrade.
GM and FO window remains the same at T-72 and T-24 hrs respectively.
Upgrades may automatically place you in any C+ seat, including middle.
F and C+ are separate checkboxes, so you can request an F upgrade without requesting a C+ upgrade. "Double upgrades" from Y to C+ followed by C+ to F are possible.
In your My Delta Preferences page there is a new box where you can choose the default setting for 1st class upgrades and C+ upgrade preferences.
Pax with a companion will be ranked for a C+ upgrade according to the highest level... ie a DM + general member companion in the same PNR will clear after booking..
Maximum of 1 companion may request a C+ upgrade. Per DL FAQ: "If you have three or more passengers in your reservation, all passengers in the reservation must have Medallion status in order for any passengers to be eligible for Delta Comfort+."
Amex Companion Cert flyers are eligible for C+ upgrades.
To "downgrade" to C- seats (exit, other preferred seats) you must call Delta.
Complimentary upgrades to C+, once on board the aircraft, are not allowed regardless of status.
C+ currently not available with corporate discounts, because C+ currently uses ticket designator /WCOM and corporate discounts also use ticket designators. A fare code can only have one ticket designator. This limitation is apparently temporary.
So far Delta is saying this does not impact upgrades to F.
I have two separate flights on May 16, on two separate itineraries. As a PL, I was able to choose C+ seats shortly after booking months ago, by going through the new rigamarole... Today I was notified of upgrades to F on both itineraries, at the upgrade window. So for those who were wondering if a "double upgrade" can happen, yes, it can.
Delta Comfort for flights on/after May 16, 2016
May 19, 2016, 10:10 am
#1996
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
So am I correct in saying that now the already harried GAs will have to process two upgrade lists, the normal F list which will undoubtedly open up C+ seats, then the C+ list, which has the potential to be more disruptive if folks are upgraded to a crappy C+ seat from a preferred exit row?
May 19, 2016, 10:15 am
#1997
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
the reverse to that is the premium transcons. Unless they are DM/PM heavy, C+ looks to be quite packed. In fact, for my JFK-LAX flight next Monday, C+ is sold out or close to selling out on just about every flight that day. I suppose the argument can be made that C+ had already been filled substantially before the new C+ rules were made but, I wouldn't really buy into that. The cost for C+ is $100..00 over and above the main cabin pricing. So much for people just booking the cheapest ticket possible.
Fortunately for me I had a GUC about to expire and the SOB cleared at booking!
Fortunately for me I had a GUC about to expire and the SOB cleared at booking!
May 19, 2016, 10:16 am
#1998
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
May 19, 2016, 11:14 am
#1999
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
Yet another datapoint in regards to upgrades to FC from purchased W fares.
Agent in SLC said that W fares would fall below M fares, but above S fares, so the order would be YBMWSHQ etc.
Two agents so far have told me that (one from SLC, the other from Chisholm), while another has said that it's based off of the underlying economy fare.
I purchased a W fare on an upcoming DAY-ATL-DCA trip, so I guess I'll know for sure then, particularly if I'm higher up the list than usual on the ATL-DCA flight.
Agent in SLC said that W fares would fall below M fares, but above S fares, so the order would be YBMWSHQ etc.
Two agents so far have told me that (one from SLC, the other from Chisholm), while another has said that it's based off of the underlying economy fare.
I purchased a W fare on an upcoming DAY-ATL-DCA trip, so I guess I'll know for sure then, particularly if I'm higher up the list than usual on the ATL-DCA flight.
Last edited by KDCAflyer; May 19, 2016 at 11:19 am
May 19, 2016, 1:17 pm
#2000
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,026
DL4707 today LAX-SJC. Coach is full (all seats assigned). 12 seats available in Comfort Plus and 2 in F. Upgrade list is 1 for F and 2 for Comfort Plus. The guy wait listed for C+ is also listed for F.
So this RJ can go out with 11 empty seat in C+ and 1 in Coach and 1 in F?
This seems like bad revenue management.
Usually on this flight it's full in coach and 6 or 7 waiting for F that maybe 2 get.
So this RJ can go out with 11 empty seat in C+ and 1 in Coach and 1 in F?
This seems like bad revenue management.
Usually on this flight it's full in coach and 6 or 7 waiting for F that maybe 2 get.
The 1 pax got his F upgrade and then the GA proceeded to "upgrade" 11 pax from coach into C+. They were never on the list.
I asked her the process and she said she was told to just go ahead and fill up the empty C+ seats.
Pretty sure given everything I have read here that is not the policy......
May 19, 2016, 1:36 pm
#2001
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: DL Diamond, SW A List, HHonors Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum United 1K
Posts: 202
One possible solution would be to 1) fill the desirable C+ seats (aisle/window) with willing medallions in order of priority 2)offer the middle c+ seats to the remaining medallions (most of whom will likely decline if their original seats are halfway decent 3) fill the c+ middle seats with solo travelers assigned C- middles...although in what order I wouldn't know.
Horribly cumbersome and time intensive, but otherwise C+ will be a better protected cabin than F.
In other news, today's MSP-LAX flight featured the most meagerly stocked snack basket and confused and slow service, so really not too sure what I should be getting all worked up for..
Horribly cumbersome and time intensive, but otherwise C+ will be a better protected cabin than F.
In other news, today's MSP-LAX flight featured the most meagerly stocked snack basket and confused and slow service, so really not too sure what I should be getting all worked up for..
May 19, 2016, 1:59 pm
#2002
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
One possible solution would be to 1) fill the desirable C+ seats (aisle/window) with willing medallions in order of priority 2)offer the middle c+ seats to the remaining medallions (most of whom will likely decline if their original seats are halfway decent 3) fill the c+ middle seats with solo travelers assigned C- middles...although in what order I wouldn't know.
Horribly cumbersome and time intensive, but otherwise C+ will be a better protected cabin than F.
In other news, today's MSP-LAX flight featured the most meagerly stocked snack basket and confused and slow service, so really not too sure what I should be getting all worked up for..
Horribly cumbersome and time intensive, but otherwise C+ will be a better protected cabin than F.
In other news, today's MSP-LAX flight featured the most meagerly stocked snack basket and confused and slow service, so really not too sure what I should be getting all worked up for..
May 19, 2016, 2:04 pm
#2003
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, National Exec
Posts: 1,357
One possible solution would be to 1) fill the desirable C+ seats (aisle/window) with willing medallions in order of priority 2)offer the middle c+ seats to the remaining medallions (most of whom will likely decline if their original seats are halfway decent 3) fill the c+ middle seats with solo travelers assigned C- middles...although in what order I wouldn't know.
Horribly cumbersome and time intensive, but otherwise C+ will be a better protected cabin than F.
In other news, today's MSP-LAX flight featured the most meagerly stocked snack basket and confused and slow service, so really not too sure what I should be getting all worked up for..
Horribly cumbersome and time intensive, but otherwise C+ will be a better protected cabin than F.
In other news, today's MSP-LAX flight featured the most meagerly stocked snack basket and confused and slow service, so really not too sure what I should be getting all worked up for..
May 19, 2016, 2:09 pm
#2004
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
And what makes it even more cumbersome is that what defines a desirable seat will vary on person and situation - for example if I'm in an exit row aisle then no C+ seat is an "upgrade" except an aisle. I don't like window seats in Y. But at the same time if I'm in a middle seat in the last row then even a middle in C+ is preferable.
May 19, 2016, 2:19 pm
#2005
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Columbia, SC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG/Marriot Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Expl
Posts: 2,363
One possible solution would be to 1) fill the desirable C+ seats (aisle/window) with willing medallions in order of priority 2)offer the middle c+ seats to the remaining medallions (most of whom will likely decline if their original seats are halfway decent 3) fill the c+ middle seats with solo travelers assigned C- middles...although in what order I wouldn't know.
Horribly cumbersome and time intensive, but otherwise C+ will be a better protected cabin than F.
In other news, today's MSP-LAX flight featured the most meagerly stocked snack basket and confused and slow service, so really not too sure what I should be getting all worked up for..
Horribly cumbersome and time intensive, but otherwise C+ will be a better protected cabin than F.
In other news, today's MSP-LAX flight featured the most meagerly stocked snack basket and confused and slow service, so really not too sure what I should be getting all worked up for..
May 19, 2016, 2:29 pm
#2007
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: DL PM, 1MM, DL SC, Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 2,416
I'd treat this like VDB and make an offer for what it would take for me to trade my exit row aisle for a C+ middle. I'm certain GAs will love this and reward me accordingly.
May 19, 2016, 3:03 pm
#2008
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
So before boarding the GA begins calling out names...
The 1 pax got his F upgrade and then the GA proceeded to "upgrade" 11 pax from coach into C+. They were never on the list.
I asked her the process and she said she was told to just go ahead and fill up the empty C+ seats.
Pretty sure given everything I have read here that is not the policy......
The 1 pax got his F upgrade and then the GA proceeded to "upgrade" 11 pax from coach into C+. They were never on the list.
I asked her the process and she said she was told to just go ahead and fill up the empty C+ seats.
Pretty sure given everything I have read here that is not the policy......
May 19, 2016, 3:51 pm
#2009
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: New York, Ohio, & Fayetteville NC
Programs: Delta Platinum, SW (former) A-list
Posts: 71
I don't think this is true, actually. I have window checked for my flight preferences and every time they upgrade me they put me in an aisle seat, even when the window seats are all open.
May 19, 2016, 5:36 pm
#2010
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: DL DM PM
Posts: 2,035
I checked "Window" and have never since been put in an aisle, either at booking or upgrade. Prior to that, I was always put in an aisle at booking, and typically in an aisle at UG if one was available. Their code has the assumption that people prefer aisles, unless explicitly told not.