Buying first class is great until something goes wrong...
#16
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
Programs: Delta SkySponge ExtraAbsorbent, SPG Gold
Posts: 29,988
IDB laws need to be changed to include class of service. If Delta bumps me out of a ticketed and confirmed F seat then that should qualify as an IDB. I paid for first class, not coach.
#17
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: DL Silver, Avis President's Club, Hertz President's Circle, Global Entry (Former AA Plt/Gold)
Posts: 4,417
Great post, OP, because I have suffered this problem too (AA, it isn't a Delta unique problem). It's a great example of how a law like EU261 would really help premium passengers in the USA, since on EU carriers (and ex-EU flights) a downgrade in class of service is worth 75% the price paid as cash (not a price difference/refund or comp certificate). And keep in mind, inside the EU "business class" is just an economy seat with a blocked middle, so it isn't even as big a downgrade as it is to F passengers here in the States.
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Programs: UA: 1K 1.5MM, DL: LTDM 3.5MM, JB: Mosaic4, LH: exSEN 1MM, Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite, Hertz PresC
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#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale
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Posts: 266
That was my point. Delta's policy states that they will process the UG list of confirmed passengers BEFORE taking on first class standbys. Therefore you will never get into FC on IRROP since I can't remember having ever seen a flight with an empty UG list for first.
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Programs: UA: 1K 1.5MM, DL: LTDM 3.5MM, JB: Mosaic4, LH: exSEN 1MM, Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite, Hertz PresC
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We can't be certain that the customers upgraded were not also F pax who also had IRROPS.
I believe that one purpose of the advanced upgrade program is so that DL can open up more coach inventory to sell, especially when Y tickets are the most expensive. I actually think that this is probably their #1 reason for offering advanced upgrades. I don't think they care where you sit as long as you buy a ticket.
I believe that one purpose of the advanced upgrade program is so that DL can open up more coach inventory to sell, especially when Y tickets are the most expensive. I actually think that this is probably their #1 reason for offering advanced upgrades. I don't think they care where you sit as long as you buy a ticket.
#21
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, Marriott Plat, Hertz Pres
Posts: 3,649
Had this happen once before to me. On a paid F ticket, original flight went MX, so was put on a later flight, and they cleared 4 people on the UG list into F and i rode in the last row next to the bathroom even tho i was on a paid F ticket. Ended up having to refund me all the difference plus compensation.
#22
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
This is simply not true. If you are a paid F pax, you can voluntarily downgrade on the next flight and be confirmed on the flight. This is very different than being standby on the flight at all, where the UG list is processed before folks who aren't even confirmed on the flight yet.
However, on the upgrade list (not standby list) you should have been above comp UGs. If you werent, ask for a Red Coat.
They can make sure you are properly coded on the UG list as an inconvenienced, F ticketed pax waiting for an F seat/the upgrade.
I had this exact same scenario happen to me and the Red Coat who came said any customer, but especially DM can always ask for Red Coat for this type of technical assistance (as he said most purple agents just rebook without properly recoding you).
#23
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: CMH
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat, NK $9 fare club
Posts: 666
The "problem" is that...upgrades are processed too far out.
Solution to this would be to leave more upgrades to be processed just at time of boarding, thus leaving more FC seats open for irrops, mis-connects, last minute full F/J purchase, etc. That should keep the higher paying customers happy and bring more revenue, so frankly I am not sure why DL (and others) don't do that.
Solution to this would be to leave more upgrades to be processed just at time of boarding, thus leaving more FC seats open for irrops, mis-connects, last minute full F/J purchase, etc. That should keep the higher paying customers happy and bring more revenue, so frankly I am not sure why DL (and others) don't do that.
OP I feel for you. Better luck next time.
#24
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Ann Arbor, MI USA
Posts: 8
I have a medical condition that makes it almost impossible to sit in an economy seat so I need a business or first class seat. I've never had a cancelled flight as yet but obviously if it were to happen I'd have to insist on a business/first seat on next available flight and if because of upgrading someone with status caused me to not get said seat there would be h*ll to pay.
#25
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 1,077
I have a medical condition that makes it almost impossible to sit in an economy seat so I need a business or first class seat. I've never had a cancelled flight as yet but obviously if it were to happen I'd have to insist on a business/first seat on next available flight and if because of upgrading someone with status caused me to not get said seat there would be h*ll to pay.
The problem is when they get you into the roster on a standby basis. Then, as noted above, youll end up in coach due to procedure that Delta use.
From a practical perspective, I get into the FC seat as long as you call prior to the gate taking control. Once the gate takes control of the flight, all you can do is go the standby route.
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,190
Had this happen once before to me. On a paid F ticket, original flight went MX, so was put on a later flight, and they cleared 4 people on the UG list into F and i rode in the last row next to the bathroom even tho i was on a paid F ticket. Ended up having to refund me all the difference plus compensation.
Anyone involuntarily standing by for a flight with a first class ticket should absolutely clear into first class before any elite upgrades.
I can understand a more valid debate about voluntary standbys, although personally I think those should confirm into F first as well.
#27
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
The key is to understand the rules. If there first class seats open, youll be given that seat. If there arent any open, your choice - get on the next flight with a first class available seat or take the coach seat in the earlier flight.
The problem is when they get you into the roster on a standby basis. Then, as noted above, youll end up in coach due to procedure that Delta use.
From a practical perspective, I get into the FC seat as long as you call prior to the gate taking control. Once the gate takes control of the flight, all you can do is go the standby route.
On a paid FC ticket (cash or coupon-paid), if there is a FC seat available, my experience has been that the telephone agents will confirm it for you.
#28
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 1,077
The key is to understand the rules. If there first class seats open, you’ll be given that seat. If there aren’t any open, your choice - get on the next flight with a first class available seat or take the coach seat in the earlier flight.
The problem is when they get you into the roster on a standby basis. Then, as noted above, you’ll end up in coach due to procedure that Delta use.
From a practical perspective, I get into the FC seat as long as you call prior to the gate taking control. Once the gate takes control of the flight, all you can do is go the standby route.
That is why I call, as soon as there is any credible indication that my scheduled flight will likely not go out, or that I will miss a connection, and ask to be protected on the next available flight.
On a paid FC ticket (cash or coupon-paid), if there is a FC seat available, my experience has been that the telephone agents will confirm it for you.
On a paid FC ticket (cash or coupon-paid), if there is a FC seat available, my experience has been that the telephone agents will confirm it for you.
#29
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: DL PM/1MM, BW DE (lifetime), HH DE, Marriott PE (lifetime), National Emerald Executive
Posts: 7,195
So IME in case of an F/J pax needing to get on at the last minute (<24 hours out), unless the flight is less than full, the first passenger to get on the list may be able to get on, but not more than one, not unless some F/J pax are no shows. Meaning one will confirm into the blocked seat, but not more than one.
Saying this based on several experiences where it's proven to be case, and having it been so confirmed by the GAs as well.
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Programs: UA: 1K 1.5MM, DL: LTDM 3.5MM, JB: Mosaic4, LH: exSEN 1MM, Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite, Hertz PresC
Posts: 266
What policy are you referring to?
This is simply not true. If you are a paid F pax, you can voluntarily downgrade on the next flight and be confirmed on the flight. This is very different than being standby on the flight at all, where the UG list is processed before folks who aren't even confirmed on the flight yet.
However, on the upgrade list (not standby list) you should have been above comp UGs. If you werent, ask for a Red Coat.
They can make sure you are properly coded on the UG list as an inconvenienced, F ticketed pax waiting for an F seat/the upgrade.
I had this exact same scenario happen to me and the Red Coat who came said any customer, but especially DM can always ask for Red Coat for this type of technical assistance (as he said most purple agents just rebook without properly recoding you).
This is simply not true. If you are a paid F pax, you can voluntarily downgrade on the next flight and be confirmed on the flight. This is very different than being standby on the flight at all, where the UG list is processed before folks who aren't even confirmed on the flight yet.
However, on the upgrade list (not standby list) you should have been above comp UGs. If you werent, ask for a Red Coat.
They can make sure you are properly coded on the UG list as an inconvenienced, F ticketed pax waiting for an F seat/the upgrade.
I had this exact same scenario happen to me and the Red Coat who came said any customer, but especially DM can always ask for Red Coat for this type of technical assistance (as he said most purple agents just rebook without properly recoding you).