xliioper

I would think it would depend on circumstances. If it's an oversale situation (where DOT rules could be invoked), or due to mechanical issues or other DL caused issues, I could see them doing that. But for Force Majeure IRROPs as in this case, they might not go that far.

Duke787

The problem is from all accounts this was voluntary even though it was partially due to an ATL CSR who provided inaccurate information (that they would be reimbursed for voluntarily accepting a downgrade to Y on the next flight).

That's why I would expect DL to throw some miles OP if they complain but I wouldn't expect anything beyond that. Once it becomes a voluntary downgrade, DL doesn't owe you anything.

The unfortunate lesson here is that in a similar situation you need to demand the compensation from the CSR on the spot if you are accepting a downgrade of this nature or you are at risk of this exact scenario (being considered a voluntary downgrade with no comp owed) or you have to wait until the next flight with confirmed F availability.

MSPeconomist

It sounds like the GA didn't offer the OP the choice of FC on a later flight. Does the customer need to know to demand this?

jrl767

c'mon, people, the appropriate term is "request" ... you don't want to end up a statistic

flyerCO

This has to do with schedule changes where they can no longer accommodate you in F. Not DoD IRROPS

ezefllying

I'm glad to hear they got rid of those. Y-UP fares were, in my opinion, even more abusive and deceptive than "resort fees."

ezefllying

I agree. People on these boards have been conditioned to accept airline narratives that don't jive with reality.

"Voluntary," in normal human terms when referring to a transaction, means a decision that you make without coercion or deception, at least from the other party. In this case, if Delta claims that no downgrade compensation is due, then the CSR who said otherwise misled the passenger. Intentionally? Almost certainly not. It would have likely been an honest mistake. But it was false information nonetheless. So I don't think Delta can disclaim that promise.

I don't know how a court would view this. But I wouldn't be so quick to assume that a court would automatically side with Delta, just because Delta is a big corporation with a legal department. This is not legal advice � so don't rely on any of this post as such � but it's my sense that even a big corporation is liable for its verbal agreements. And when an airline, or it's apparently authorized employee, promises compensation in exchange for accepting a seat in coach, I'd think that we have a deal.

But again: I'm not an expert on this area of law, and none of this post should be taken as legal advice.

MSPeconomist

I could easily envision a CSR telling someone that they'll get a refund for a downgrade just to get rid of the person. It would take more time to find flights to rebook the customer in FC.