Sneaking into Delta One on relatively empty DL transatlantic flight
Feb 1, 2016, 7:02 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Home Airport: PDX
Programs: Delta Skymiles 1M & DM ; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 116
Sneaking into Delta One on relatively empty DL transatlantic flight
So, today, I'm on AMS->PDX leg, Delta metal. Only about 75% of the coach seats were full and about half the Delta One seats.
I was so sleepy that I needed a nap and there were plenty of empty Delta One seats so I just went for it and took a 1.5 hr nap up there during the lull when the FAs were not coming through much. No one stopped me.
Have I started the harbinger that ends the world?
Anyone else done it? Success/failure stories?
I was so sleepy that I needed a nap and there were plenty of empty Delta One seats so I just went for it and took a 1.5 hr nap up there during the lull when the FAs were not coming through much. No one stopped me.
Have I started the harbinger that ends the world?
Anyone else done it? Success/failure stories?
Feb 1, 2016, 7:36 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 937
Glad it worked out for you. Of course, next time you may get sent back.
I'd feel mortified if I got caught so wouldn't try that myself, but if you can get up there with enough time for a good snooze, more power to you, presuming you apologize and go back to your assigned seat if caught.
I expect others here may not be as forgiving.
I'd feel mortified if I got caught so wouldn't try that myself, but if you can get up there with enough time for a good snooze, more power to you, presuming you apologize and go back to your assigned seat if caught.
I expect others here may not be as forgiving.
Feb 1, 2016, 7:45 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
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Posts: 3,455
I don't think this happens much anymore with relatively full front cabins, but perhaps more dire than being sent back is being held at your destination airport with DL demanding payment for the difference in fare. Know this used to be the approach for poachers.
Feb 1, 2016, 7:58 am
#4
In memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2005
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Thank goodness for GUCs - - and - - this would've been an ideal flight to use one!
PS - Yes, I know, the OP is a PM and doesn't get any GUCs.
PS - Yes, I know, the OP is a PM and doesn't get any GUCs.
Feb 1, 2016, 8:07 am
#6
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Feb 1, 2016, 8:11 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Our LHR-JFK flight the first week of January was virtually empty in D1. I noticed the flight attendants picking up the unused amenity kits very early on (perhaps even before take-off, though I wasn't paying close attention)
And, I'm sure you're joking about the loungewear - but that's only for certain China flights, right? We're flying to SIN in November (and back from HKG) and the press release I read only mentioned PEK & PVG as destinations that would get the jammies....
And, I'm sure you're joking about the loungewear - but that's only for certain China flights, right? We're flying to SIN in November (and back from HKG) and the press release I read only mentioned PEK & PVG as destinations that would get the jammies....
Feb 1, 2016, 8:17 am
#8
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Or they could ask for the person to be arrested and, depending upon jurisdiction, be charged with a felony.
Feb 1, 2016, 8:31 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,394
Feb 1, 2016, 9:46 am
#11
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Feb 1, 2016, 9:52 am
#12
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Join Date: Aug 2010
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Posts: 50,262
As it's a US carrier on an international flight, movement between cabins is prohibited. While that is a rule which is generally enforced in the breach, it's why the smart move is to always ask a FA before moving between cabins.
If caught, and despite OP's luck, the likelihood is that you are caught, one of the more likely results is that you are treated to a slightly Spartan "arrivals lounge" at PDX. DL would also likely collect the full J fare. It might actually want to demand payment and sue for non-payment (these aren't cheap tickets at walk-up prices) to send a message.
If caught, and despite OP's luck, the likelihood is that you are caught, one of the more likely results is that you are treated to a slightly Spartan "arrivals lounge" at PDX. DL would also likely collect the full J fare. It might actually want to demand payment and sue for non-payment (these aren't cheap tickets at walk-up prices) to send a message.
Feb 1, 2016, 9:59 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Columbia, SC
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I'm waiting for one of the usual suspects to demand you immediately surrender your lowly PM credentials and reimburse DL shareholders for theft of service.
Feb 1, 2016, 10:31 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,989
Does not matter if it is empty or not. Airlines are known to ask for difference in fares for "premium" economy seats. They certainly would not shy away from asking for D1 difference if they caught you. Worse, someone could already have captured you speaking in and about to post it online on video sites/forum/blog.
Feb 1, 2016, 10:37 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: AVL
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Posts: 706
Sneaking into Delta One on relatively empty DL transatlantic flight
While there might theoretically be a crime - little to no chance that any prosecutor would mess with it - assuming this isn't a pattern and there is nothing more to the story.
Would the airline sue - also highly unlikely
If caught and appropriately sheepish that would likely be the end of it. Caught doing this again might prove different. The airline can cancel your FF account and delete your accrued miles. They can also decide that they would prefer that you take your business elsewhere and blacklist you.
You got away with it - once. Some events in life are best treasured privately.
Would the airline sue - also highly unlikely
If caught and appropriately sheepish that would likely be the end of it. Caught doing this again might prove different. The airline can cancel your FF account and delete your accrued miles. They can also decide that they would prefer that you take your business elsewhere and blacklist you.
You got away with it - once. Some events in life are best treasured privately.