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
Nov 8, 2015, 4:55 pm
#17
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: TLH
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, IHG Gold
Posts: 109
Would make sense to merge your threat with the same from the folks on AA & UA who say the same thing.
I believe that DL sees SM as a secondary program now. HVC's come from international J / paid domestic F and large corporate accounts where substantial discounts make DL good value.
DL believes that it can compete on convenience / product / price and doesn't need to sweeten the pot the way it did back during the financial crisis.
I believe that DL sees SM as a secondary program now. HVC's come from international J / paid domestic F and large corporate accounts where substantial discounts make DL good value.
DL believes that it can compete on convenience / product / price and doesn't need to sweeten the pot the way it did back during the financial crisis.
Nov 8, 2015, 4:55 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,334
That may well become my thought. I buy a lot of GAP fares for personal travel but I buy those on DL to get and keep status for the times when I can't buy FC outright. I value the status to get C+ when I can't get FC (either because it's out of my price range or because I'm traveling DL for work and can't buy FC). But if I can't even get C+ when I'm stuck in Y, I have no incentive to stick with DL. I may go ahead and hit DM this year to get the GUCs and then starting in 2017 (or even next year) will just start doing FCM on OAL when they offer cheaper/better alternatives.
Nov 8, 2015, 5:44 pm
#20
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
Programs: Delta SkySponge ExtraAbsorbent, SPG Gold
Posts: 29,988
Nov 8, 2015, 5:55 pm
#21
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,408
You hafto feel bad for GAs. It must be incredible pressure when they're trying to get a flight out on time, trying to figure out who is entitled to what - and who isn't! . . . . And this change adds yet another level of madness!
Nov 8, 2015, 6:02 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: DL DM, HHonors Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 170
I'm a new frequent flyer - hit GM this year in August and I'll be PM by the end of the year.
If PM's don't get consistent complimentary access to Comfort+ seats, I really doubt I'll bother to keep status with DL.
I fly out of DCA and have decent access to American, United, DL and Southwest flights.
I just can't see myself continuing to care if the chance for first class upgrades go away and it becomes a chore to get Comfort+ seating.
If PM's don't get consistent complimentary access to Comfort+ seats, I really doubt I'll bother to keep status with DL.
I fly out of DCA and have decent access to American, United, DL and Southwest flights.
I just can't see myself continuing to care if the chance for first class upgrades go away and it becomes a chore to get Comfort+ seating.
Nov 8, 2015, 7:07 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: RDU (formerly CVG, DAY)
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 89
I called the medallion line and asked about this... A supervisor told me most of the changes:
Delta Comfort + will become a new fare. It will become W class. Passengers will have to pay a fare difference to upgrade.
The medallion program will remain the same. At booking, DM and PM tickets will be reissued to "WU" fare class immediately. GM will be reissued to WU 72 hours prior, and FO will be reissued to WU 24 hours prior. Medallions can still have 8 companions in W (C+) within the same PNR. Outside of the PNR, you can have 1 companion.
The supervisor also told me that the FC free upgrade will stay the same, but the reason they are changing comfort plus to W is because they can "better control inventory". She told me that comfort plus fares are subject to change, and will require a reissue and fare difference.
FO and GM members will get comfort plus upgrade certificates in addition to their complimentary upgrade at 72 and 24 hours. GM will get 4 certificates and FO will get 2 certificates annually. They will be using the fare class "WP".
Delta Comfort + will become a new fare. It will become W class. Passengers will have to pay a fare difference to upgrade.
The medallion program will remain the same. At booking, DM and PM tickets will be reissued to "WU" fare class immediately. GM will be reissued to WU 72 hours prior, and FO will be reissued to WU 24 hours prior. Medallions can still have 8 companions in W (C+) within the same PNR. Outside of the PNR, you can have 1 companion.
The supervisor also told me that the FC free upgrade will stay the same, but the reason they are changing comfort plus to W is because they can "better control inventory". She told me that comfort plus fares are subject to change, and will require a reissue and fare difference.
FO and GM members will get comfort plus upgrade certificates in addition to their complimentary upgrade at 72 and 24 hours. GM will get 4 certificates and FO will get 2 certificates annually. They will be using the fare class "WP".
Nov 8, 2015, 7:11 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SLC, UT
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 16
I doubt they would make another change to the cabin structure right on the heels of their basic economy change. It's obvious that many of the changes they're making do not directly benefit the customers, apart from DL having more cash to run more routes with.
Nov 8, 2015, 7:16 pm
#25
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PIT
Programs: DM life is over 2MM PM now & NW MillionAir Wyndham Rewards Plat -Hotels.com Silver -Accor Silver
Posts: 15,408
So, if what's mentioned above, that the tickets have to be reissued, does that mean a change fee also?
Nov 8, 2015, 7:23 pm
#26
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 35
Nov 8, 2015, 7:25 pm
#27
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, SPG Platinum 100, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,687
I called the medallion line and asked about this... A supervisor told me most of the changes:
Delta Comfort + will become a new fare. It will become W class. Passengers will have to pay a fare difference to upgrade.
The medallion program will remain the same. At booking, DM and PM tickets will be reissued to "WU" fare class immediately. GM will be reissued to WU 72 hours prior, and FO will be reissued to WU 24 hours prior. Medallions can still have 8 companions in W (C+) within the same PNR. Outside of the PNR, you can have 1 companion.
The supervisor also told me that the FC free upgrade will stay the same, but the reason they are changing comfort plus to W is because they can "better control inventory". She told me that comfort plus fares are subject to change, and will require a reissue and fare difference.
FO and GM members will get comfort plus upgrade certificates in addition to their complimentary upgrade at 72 and 24 hours. GM will get 4 certificates and FO will get 2 certificates annually. They will be using the fare class "WP".
Delta Comfort + will become a new fare. It will become W class. Passengers will have to pay a fare difference to upgrade.
The medallion program will remain the same. At booking, DM and PM tickets will be reissued to "WU" fare class immediately. GM will be reissued to WU 72 hours prior, and FO will be reissued to WU 24 hours prior. Medallions can still have 8 companions in W (C+) within the same PNR. Outside of the PNR, you can have 1 companion.
The supervisor also told me that the FC free upgrade will stay the same, but the reason they are changing comfort plus to W is because they can "better control inventory". She told me that comfort plus fares are subject to change, and will require a reissue and fare difference.
FO and GM members will get comfort plus upgrade certificates in addition to their complimentary upgrade at 72 and 24 hours. GM will get 4 certificates and FO will get 2 certificates annually. They will be using the fare class "WP".
Nov 8, 2015, 7:27 pm
#28
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: SPG, DL
Posts: 307
If the above changes are correct, I actually think it's a good thing. As GM I almost always get C+ but it requires hourly seat map checking. Would be nice to "guarantee" C+ 4 times when I know I'll want it.
Nov 8, 2015, 7:30 pm
#29
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,303
I called the medallion line and asked about this... A supervisor told me most of the changes:
Delta Comfort + will become a new fare. It will become W class. Passengers will have to pay a fare difference to upgrade.
The medallion program will remain the same. At booking, DM and PM tickets will be reissued to "WU" fare class immediately. GM will be reissued to WU 72 hours prior, and FO will be reissued to WU 24 hours prior. Medallions can still have 8 companions in W (C+) within the same PNR. Outside of the PNR, you can have 1 companion.
The supervisor also told me that the FC free upgrade will stay the same, but the reason they are changing comfort plus to W is because they can "better control inventory". She told me that comfort plus fares are subject to change, and will require a reissue and fare difference.
FO and GM members will get comfort plus upgrade certificates in addition to their complimentary upgrade at 72 and 24 hours. GM will get 4 certificates and FO will get 2 certificates annually. They will be using the fare class "WP".
Delta Comfort + will become a new fare. It will become W class. Passengers will have to pay a fare difference to upgrade.
The medallion program will remain the same. At booking, DM and PM tickets will be reissued to "WU" fare class immediately. GM will be reissued to WU 72 hours prior, and FO will be reissued to WU 24 hours prior. Medallions can still have 8 companions in W (C+) within the same PNR. Outside of the PNR, you can have 1 companion.
The supervisor also told me that the FC free upgrade will stay the same, but the reason they are changing comfort plus to W is because they can "better control inventory". She told me that comfort plus fares are subject to change, and will require a reissue and fare difference.
FO and GM members will get comfort plus upgrade certificates in addition to their complimentary upgrade at 72 and 24 hours. GM will get 4 certificates and FO will get 2 certificates annually. They will be using the fare class "WP".
Nov 8, 2015, 7:32 pm
#30
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: RDU (formerly CVG, DAY)
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 89
Here is the bad part for FO and GM:
Say I purchase a ticket from LGA to MSP for $482.20 in Main Cabin, and the comfort plus fare is $532.20. A week later, I decide to purchase comfort plus. The new fares are $660.20 for Main Cabin, and $702.20 for C+. I will have to pay the difference in fare which is $220.00!
This is the negative for non-elites and FO/GM. It's a positive for PM/DM because now there will be less people who will pay for it, and more open seats to choose from.
Just like the FC upgrade, when you get upgraded at the 24/72 hour C+ upgrade window, if you don't like your seat, you will have to call CS to go back into your original fare.