VDB compensation not as expected
Dec 22, 2017, 1:03 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
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Dec 22, 2017, 1:36 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: DL Charter DM/DM/2MM, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,925
Dec 22, 2017, 1:39 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: DL DM, HHonors Diamond, Hertz PC
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I assume the confusion is that the gate agent probably said "Delta Dollars," which I hear frequently. To someone hearing that over the intercom, and who doesn't travel much, its not a crazy assumption to make that its money rather than a coupon for future travel.
Dec 22, 2017, 2:06 pm
#20
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SFO/TPA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 199
My question is, does he have a recourse. He wanted to complain to DOT, but I told him to hold his horses before we find out if it is even under DOT purview. I am sure if he complains to Delta, they will throw some miles at him which once again will be useless. Any advice how and if to proceed?
Dec 22, 2017, 2:23 pm
#21
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 998
He really never flies anywhere except home to visit you guys? $400 should get him a pretty decent domestic flight, especially during off peak dates. If it's west coast I would think he could do SEA to LA and back for that amount. Might be a fun weekend trip. OR, fly him in F class next time to visit you guys.
Dec 22, 2017, 2:27 pm
#22
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
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Until OP returns with the information about what his adult son signed, there really isn't that much to be said. VDB is by its nature what you and DL agree to. DL could agree to fly the adult son in F/D1 for the rest of his life if it wanted to or it could offer $0 and a middle seat in coach. Likely more takers for the former than the latter, but --- as the term implies --- it's voluntary.
Dec 22, 2017, 5:26 pm
#24
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All markets can do it. Basically the GA selects either travel voucher or gift card when entering amount. The system then generates a voucher that can be used to purchase airfare or a voucher that can be used to "purchase" gift cards (AMEX, DL, Tiffanys, etc) from the DL website. Basically the employee selects if the voucher is only good for airfare or can be used to purchase gift cards.
I've gotten both options at same locations. LAX, MSP, SAT, and JFK in last year.
I'm curious if OP son was clear what they were asking, or if employee was clear I'm what was being asked.
I've gotten both options at same locations. LAX, MSP, SAT, and JFK in last year.
I'm curious if OP son was clear what they were asking, or if employee was clear I'm what was being asked.
Dec 22, 2017, 5:56 pm
#25
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: none
Posts: 1,668
Wouldn't it be nice if somehow the transaction would have been put in writing.?
Dec 22, 2017, 6:57 pm
#26
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: California
Programs: DeltaSilver/MM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 494
The son thought the $400 gift card was worth the delay. He didn't think that saving his Daddy $400 on his next trip was worth it. This is the calculation each one of us face when there is a VDB offer.
Dec 22, 2017, 7:53 pm
#27
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 27
Dec 22, 2017, 9:25 pm
#28
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Join Date: Dec 2001
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Posts: 1,732
I had always understood that once travel was started with a boarding card that the compensation for inconvenience only belongs to the passenger incurring the inconvenience {the son in this case).
That's what my own experience has been when I buy or book FF tickets for family and friends
That's what my own experience has been when I buy or book FF tickets for family and friends
Dec 23, 2017, 8:14 am
#30
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 863
I assume the confusion is that the gate agent probably said "Delta Dollars," which I hear frequently. To someone hearing that over the intercom, and who doesn't travel much, its not a crazy assumption to make that its money rather than a coupon for future travel.