Basic Economy Hack (international)
Oct 25, 2019 | 10:55 pm
#16
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I don't think DL 3665 is a DL operated TATL flight. They tend to have a two or three digit flight number, while DL 3XXX would generally be a codeshare operated by a carrier other than DL. Could this be a DL operated codeshare sold under an AF or KLM flight number?
Oct 25, 2019 | 10:56 pm
#17
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I think we're talking past one another. Yes, if all flights are AF/KL marketed, then obviously DoD is the only shot at C+/F on the DL operated segments. However, you can get an underlying basic/'light' AF/KL fare that books into non-BE on DL-marketed segments.
For example, I have an upcoming flight (actually, on 006 stock) that uses AF/KL fares with a B designator (second to last place in the fare basis) indicating it's a basic/light/hand baggage only fare. BUT, here are the flights:
KL1822 TXL-AMS L
AF3667 AMS-ATL V (operated by DL)
DL806 ATL-PHL V (as a PM, I've already cleared into C+)
another example is
DL1992 LGA-ATL L (C+ upgrade to SU)
DL3665 ATL-AMS N (operated by DL)
KL xxxx AMS-FCO N
My point was that you can book flights such that DL domestic connections don't book into E, even if its a 'light/basic' fare. In my experience, this has only worked where the transatlantic segments are AF/KL marketed. It takes some playing to get these to price out.
I hope this clarifies things and isn't too hard to follow! It still means you have to deal with no C+ upgrade on the long-haul segment, but softens the blow a bit (and saves at least $100 in most cases).
For example, I have an upcoming flight (actually, on 006 stock) that uses AF/KL fares with a B designator (second to last place in the fare basis) indicating it's a basic/light/hand baggage only fare. BUT, here are the flights:
KL1822 TXL-AMS L
AF3667 AMS-ATL V (operated by DL)
DL806 ATL-PHL V (as a PM, I've already cleared into C+)
another example is
DL1992 LGA-ATL L (C+ upgrade to SU)
DL3665 ATL-AMS N (operated by DL)
KL xxxx AMS-FCO N
My point was that you can book flights such that DL domestic connections don't book into E, even if its a 'light/basic' fare. In my experience, this has only worked where the transatlantic segments are AF/KL marketed. It takes some playing to get these to price out.
I hope this clarifies things and isn't too hard to follow! It still means you have to deal with no C+ upgrade on the long-haul segment, but softens the blow a bit (and saves at least $100 in most cases).
Oct 25, 2019 | 11:01 pm
#18
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probably not relevant here, but there are a number of domestic DL 3xxx mainline flights appearing in recent schedules
Oct 26, 2019 | 11:03 am
#20
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I found a good fare from JFK to Europe $600 (basic economy) on Delta metal... that same ticket is bookable on AirFrance (about $12 more, obviously wayyyy less than the approximately $150 "main cabin" upgrade on delta). If I book through Air France I can select seats right away - and DM Line stated I would be eligible for C+ at checkin.
Is there a downside I'm missing?
Is there a downside I'm missing?
Also, if you can get to BOS, you can find fares under $300. Recently, I flew VS to LHR (stop), KL to AMS (connection), and back to BOS on DL for $255 on KL ticket. Transportation from NYC to BOS (and return) $39 each way on Amtrak NEC (flash sale - common). Got DL miles in the process too (hush hush)
Nov 12, 2019 | 2:28 am
#22
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Location: LGA
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this was the worst hack ever - NO one, not even people in the US (let alone the Swiss Air people) - seemed to believe me when I showed them that these flights were eligible for C+ on day of travel. The people in the SkyClub looked at me as though I was an alien from another planet. I finally got C+ both ways, cleared at gate - but first guy (in the U.S.) made it seem as though he was doing me a favor (????). Next time I'll just pay a bit more and book on DL directly.
Nov 12, 2019 | 5:40 am
#23
Join Date: Mar 2017
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Posts: 742
this was the worst hack ever - NO one, not even people in the US (let alone the Swiss Air people) - seemed to believe me when I showed them that these flights were eligible for C+ on day of travel. The people in the SkyClub looked at me as though I was an alien from another planet. I finally got C+ both ways, cleared at gate - but first guy (in the U.S.) made it seem as though he was doing me a favor (????). Next time I'll just pay a bit more and book on DL directly.
Nov 12, 2019 | 7:00 am
#24
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Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 569
I think the main advantage of this hack is that you can select seats (including exit row and seats in the first few rows of main cabin) at the time of booking.
If you happen to get an upgrade to C+ on the DoD, great. If not, you're paying the same price as DL Basic Economy but getting complimentary ASR by going the AF/KL codeshare route.
Nov 12, 2019 | 8:17 am
#26
Join Date: Feb 2016
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this was the worst hack ever - NO one, not even people in the US (let alone the Swiss Air people) - seemed to believe me when I showed them that these flights were eligible for C+ on day of travel. The people in the SkyClub looked at me as though I was an alien from another planet. I finally got C+ both ways, cleared at gate - but first guy (in the U.S.) made it seem as though he was doing me a favor (????). Next time I'll just pay a bit more and book on DL directly.
Ive used this hack multiple times and its been great every time. The worst I had was an intra-airport people mover delay that was significant enough that I missed a flight on the reservation.
At first AFKLM agents there saw it endorsed as no changeable and didnt want to touch it. Once I explained where the delay was exactly, a Supervisor was involved and he got me on the next flight no problem.
If they said my ticket was gone without value, arguably that would be one of the worst outcomes of this hack. Not getting a free upgrade but getting a look from an airport agent.
Nov 12, 2019 | 9:41 am
#28
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If you are interested in learning more
- For all Complimentary Upgrades on Delta-operated flights that are marketed by Air France/KLM or Virgin Atlantic, Medallion Members will clear on the day of departure, subject to upgrade availability.
Last edited by Tedgrrrr; Nov 12, 2019 at 10:03 am
Nov 12, 2019 | 9:44 am
#29
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Location: LGA
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Posts: 2,530
The way someone looked at you made this the worst ever? Wow.
Ive used this hack multiple times and its been great every time. The worst I had was an intra-airport people mover delay that was significant enough that I missed a flight on the reservation.
At first AFKLM agents there saw it endorsed as no changeable and didnt want to touch it. Once I explained where the delay was exactly, a Supervisor was involved and he got me on the next flight no problem.
If they said my ticket was gone without value, arguably that would be one of the worst outcomes of this hack. Not getting a free upgrade but getting a look from an airport agent.
Ive used this hack multiple times and its been great every time. The worst I had was an intra-airport people mover delay that was significant enough that I missed a flight on the reservation.
At first AFKLM agents there saw it endorsed as no changeable and didnt want to touch it. Once I explained where the delay was exactly, a Supervisor was involved and he got me on the next flight no problem.
If they said my ticket was gone without value, arguably that would be one of the worst outcomes of this hack. Not getting a free upgrade but getting a look from an airport agent.
Have your C+ upgrades been more automated?
Nov 12, 2019 | 10:01 am
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: LGA
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Marriott Plat Prem., Hilton Gold, National Exec Elite.
Posts: 2,530
I just do the OLCI as soon as it opens. The app asks you if you like to get on the list for C+ upgrades and whether you'll accept a middle seat or not.
I think the main advantage of this hack is that you can select seats (including exit row and seats in the first few rows of main cabin) at the time of booking.
If you happen to get an upgrade to C+ on the DoD, great. If not, you're paying the same price as DL Basic Economy but getting complimentary ASR by going the AF/KL codeshare route.
I think the main advantage of this hack is that you can select seats (including exit row and seats in the first few rows of main cabin) at the time of booking.
If you happen to get an upgrade to C+ on the DoD, great. If not, you're paying the same price as DL Basic Economy but getting complimentary ASR by going the AF/KL codeshare route.
The big issue here is that these were relatively empty flights, half dozen or more empty C+ seats each way... so it shouldn't be, "if you happen to get it great". It should be, "if it's available you should absolutely get it" - and you shouldn't be made to have to show the website to multitudes of people". you agree?