TPAC itinerary buy-up offers
May 2, 2019, 5:02 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TPE/SFO
Programs: DL Gold
Posts: 53
TPAC itinerary buy-up offers
My trips to Asia now require intra-Asia segments on either CI or KE since DL axed TPE. With that, I cannot find a consistent pattern on availability of TPAC segment buy-up offers (to either D1 or PS), and I don't know if that's due to aircraft or fare class. For example, I have seen buy-up offers when traveling on 4-class 777 but not on 359 even on both flights the lowest fare class (G/Z) is available. Another trip I have seen buy-up offer when the lowest PS fare class G is available but not on the other flight when the lowest PS fare class is A.
I assume buy-up offers shall be always available when all segments of trip are DL-coded, but not when partner flights are involved. Any thoughts?
I assume buy-up offers shall be always available when all segments of trip are DL-coded, but not when partner flights are involved. Any thoughts?
May 2, 2019, 5:16 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,059
Assume you are talking about the FCM offers? While they are consistently offered domestic flights these days (although I've seen them go away on flights when FC starts getting close to full), I don't believe there is yet any consistency in offering them on international routes and there is really no way to predict whether they will be offered or not. I'm pretty certain that, as you noted, flights must be both DL marketed and operated to qualify for FCM offers.
May 2, 2019, 8:25 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
In reality, the only pattern is the buy up is offered at a discount when DL's algorithms think they otherwise won't sell the seat on that particular flight for a higher fare.
May 2, 2019, 10:49 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
May 2, 2019, 11:28 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
That's the whole point - it's supposed to seem "random." They don't want to dilute the pricing for their premium cabins by allowing people to always expect a discounted buy up or by establishing any pattern.
In reality, the only pattern is the buy up is offered at a discount when DL's algorithms think they otherwise won't sell the seat on that particular flight for a higher fare.
In reality, the only pattern is the buy up is offered at a discount when DL's algorithms think they otherwise won't sell the seat on that particular flight for a higher fare.
Hmm, I'm not sure this is true anymore. The domestic "offers" are not really anything special anymore and are often more expensive than paying the fare difference to F. And they are now almost always available. Perhaps this is still somewhat true for international, but it seems like DL is quickly moving in the direction of making buy-ups available online. Upgrade offers during check in would be a different story and more akin to what you describe here.
May 2, 2019, 12:04 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
Hmm, I'm not sure this is true anymore. The domestic "offers" are not really anything special anymore and are often more expensive than paying the fare difference to F. And they are now almost always available. Perhaps this is still somewhat true for international, but it seems like DL is quickly moving in the direction of making buy-ups available online. Upgrade offers during check in would be a different story and more akin to what you describe here.
The F offers you're talking about are always around the fare difference, and aren't usually anything special. If they program the same for transpac, it would be more readily available and likely increase prices.
I think the OP is talking about $299 PS buy ups and $699 Delta One buy ups that are only when it works in Delta's (anticipated) favor.
May 2, 2019, 2:55 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 195
I saw this in the current (May) SkyMiles Magazine. I was intrigued because this seemed inconsistent with the principal discussed on this thread and others about Delta protecting its international D1 price points. Does anyone have experience using miles to upgrade on TPAC flights? Is there value to be had here?
May 2, 2019, 3:25 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL
Posts: 466
I saw this in the current (May) SkyMiles Magazine. I was intrigued because this seemed inconsistent with the principal discussed on this thread and others about Delta protecting its international D1 price points. Does anyone have experience using miles to upgrade on TPAC flights? Is there value to be had here?
May 2, 2019, 3:26 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
I saw this in the current (May) SkyMiles Magazine. I was intrigued because this seemed inconsistent with the principal discussed on this thread and others about Delta protecting its international D1 price points. Does anyone have experience using miles to upgrade on TPAC flights? Is there value to be had here?
There can be some value on upgrading with miles, but each person's perspective on the relative value is varied. Generally, these offers start at 45,000 miles one way, if mileage upgrade availability exists, and this price is usually for high main cabin fares or any Premium Select fare.
May 2, 2019, 3:54 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,365
I stopped playing the miles upgrade game years ago when DL made it almost impossible. But always interested in whatever works.
May 2, 2019, 5:22 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL
Posts: 466
I paid $700 for a RT premium select fare on this route, so would suggest looking out for good deals there. You cannot clear at booking but you can immediately after — and you can exercise your 24hr cancellation period if something goes wrong. I would suggest working through dates with a rep before you book to find availability.
May 2, 2019, 5:27 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
This. Since you can't search for upgrade inventory online (for these type of upgrades) it's best to just call to try to book the flight so the one agent can do it all at once. I suggest looking online to get a sense of the routing and time options that are available, and make sure that the agent checks all of them to see if there is availability.
May 2, 2019, 5:54 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,365
Thanks dl and jd.
I had no idea the DL PS fares were that cheap. Even at the easily found $1200 or so, that plus 90K miles is a good price. Plus, I could survive PS on the return (eastbbond) if I had to.
I had no idea the DL PS fares were that cheap. Even at the easily found $1200 or so, that plus 90K miles is a good price. Plus, I could survive PS on the return (eastbbond) if I had to.