Possible Downgrade from equipment change
#31
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,991
That said, there is a lot more nuance to it than that. On a per-segment / cents per mile basis (and often outright), I generally pay more for my Y ticket than the majority of the people sitting in first class.
From a pure margin protection perspective, Delta is far more interested in keeping my business. I pay more for a seat that costs only 57% as much for Delta to serve.
I think a lot of people flying in F would be surprised that if fares were rank-ordered on a segment-cost basis and Delta seated people that way, they wouldn't make the "front of the cabin" cut.
On the flip side, the reason this is true is because I am a hub-captive and book late tickets (which incurs its own inventory spoilage costs). So Delta has less interest to protect my revenue.
#32
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: DTW
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Posts: 1,334
#33
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,492
So priority in this situation is based on proximity to the gate agent? I've never been involuntarily downgraded, but I would hope there is some sort of order of priority based on type of fare and elite status, rather than who can reach the podium fastest.
#34
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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It can be a squeaky wheel situation, with some GAs giving the upgrade to the person who's obviously aware that a FC seat is available or the person facing them.
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,616
I've had some good friendships from it. Don't use it too often though.
I did not ask. Like others here I just assume it's a hierarchy based on Status, Fare class, date purchased. My main gripe, is there was no notification at all. Either for the downgrade or the gate change. The gate change one came after I had already arrived at the new gate lol. Delta could really learn from UA here, where my phone blows up with every minor change.
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,616
Just a update on this; I checked my email today to found out Delta had gotten back to me.
The agent exact words were "As a gesture of goodwill, I will refund you the fare difference". How does she consider that goodwill, when I didn't get what I had dished out extra money for
Her reply bothered me more than the lousy 3000 miles she threw in. I didn't contact Delta expecting anything guaranteed, except the refund in fare difference, which I feel is justified when downgraded. It's almost like she was saying well I don't want to refund you anything, since you still flew and got there.
The agent exact words were "As a gesture of goodwill, I will refund you the fare difference". How does she consider that goodwill, when I didn't get what I had dished out extra money for
Her reply bothered me more than the lousy 3000 miles she threw in. I didn't contact Delta expecting anything guaranteed, except the refund in fare difference, which I feel is justified when downgraded. It's almost like she was saying well I don't want to refund you anything, since you still flew and got there.
#38
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,577
Just a update on this; I checked my email today to found out Delta had gotten back to me.
The agent exact words were "As a gesture of goodwill, I will refund you the fare difference". How does she consider that goodwill, when I didn't get what I had dished out extra money for
Her reply bothered me more than the lousy 3000 miles she threw in. I didn't contact Delta expecting anything guaranteed, except the refund in fare difference, which I feel is justified when downgraded. It's almost like she was saying well I don't want to refund you anything, since you still flew and got there.
The agent exact words were "As a gesture of goodwill, I will refund you the fare difference". How does she consider that goodwill, when I didn't get what I had dished out extra money for
Her reply bothered me more than the lousy 3000 miles she threw in. I didn't contact Delta expecting anything guaranteed, except the refund in fare difference, which I feel is justified when downgraded. It's almost like she was saying well I don't want to refund you anything, since you still flew and got there.
Good luck.
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,616
It's a average social app. Probably 2 steps below Facebook, Insta and Snapchat.
#42
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: LHR / BHX / MAN / ATL
Programs: DL DM 2MM - IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,051
So OP got the fare difference + 3000SM (= $30.00 if used for PWM)? That is just plain insulting. Sorta like giving a valet at the hotel $.25 for a tip, except in this case the insult is to the customer. I am pretty agreeable in most instances, but I would be livid over a "resolution" like that.
If any staff at DL is monitoring FT, DL needs to step up and make this one right.
If any staff at DL is monitoring FT, DL needs to step up and make this one right.
#43
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DCA
Programs: DL DM, AA EXP, various hotel
Posts: 2,227
Just a update on this; I checked my email today to found out Delta had gotten back to me.
The agent exact words were "As a gesture of goodwill, I will refund you the fare difference". How does she consider that goodwill, when I didn't get what I had dished out extra money for
Her reply bothered me more than the lousy 3000 miles she threw in. I didn't contact Delta expecting anything guaranteed, except the refund in fare difference, which I feel is justified when downgraded. It's almost like she was saying well I don't want to refund you anything, since you still flew and got there.
The agent exact words were "As a gesture of goodwill, I will refund you the fare difference". How does she consider that goodwill, when I didn't get what I had dished out extra money for
Her reply bothered me more than the lousy 3000 miles she threw in. I didn't contact Delta expecting anything guaranteed, except the refund in fare difference, which I feel is justified when downgraded. It's almost like she was saying well I don't want to refund you anything, since you still flew and got there.
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,616
The agent on my case never bothered contacting me, so I got it sorted in 3 minutes via twitter this morning. Every airline has their bad apples, so I can't fault Delta. I do wonder how many other downgraded persons she's gotten away with making them think, their DOT mandated refund is Delta offering them a goodwill gesture.
Her feedback rating was not positive, on the survey I filled out.
Her feedback rating was not positive, on the survey I filled out.
#45
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: LHR / BHX / MAN / ATL
Programs: DL DM 2MM - IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,051
By and large, DL has pretty good agents. It is my perception that they have improved overall substantially since DL started doing the one question survey. So when I get an agent that provides 5* service, I rate accordingly. And on those rare occasions that I get a dud, I rate accordingly.
PS - 5* service doesn't mean that I necessarily got what I wanted, but rather that the agent did all in his/her power to address my problem/concern.
PS - 5* service doesn't mean that I necessarily got what I wanted, but rather that the agent did all in his/her power to address my problem/concern.