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Last Minute Booking as Diamond - Only middle seats left!

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Last Minute Booking as Diamond - Only middle seats left!

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Old Mar 2, 2024, 4:49 am
  #1  
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Last Minute Booking as Diamond - Only middle seats left!

Hi all,

A question I have thought about but never had reason to ask!

I just booked a last minute flight for Tues 5 March DL1669 LGA-MSP - there was no F left, nor C+ (other than the two blocked seats). In Main cabin, there are blocked seats too but only middle seats to select.

Right now, I have selected no seat

What is the best strategy for a Diamond here? I really do not wish to be in a middle while some Basic Economy type gets one of the window or aisle blocked seats at the gate.

Advise please!
Brooklyn-LGA-Flyer is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 5:09 am
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
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Check the 2 upgrade boxes and you will likely clear into 1 of the 2 C+ seats at the gate. Between now and Tuesday check the seat map frequently for an open aisle or window.
sydneyracquelle is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 5:39 am
  #3  
 
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Diamonds are allowed to put the basic economy types into the overhead bin and take their seat.
jetsfan92588 is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 7:23 am
  #4  
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Originally Posted by jetsfan92588
Diamonds are allowed to put the basic economy types into the overhead bin and take their seat.
But then where would our carry-on bag go?
Brooklyn-LGA-Flyer is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 7:44 am
  #5  
 
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This happened to me once before - I actually went up to the GA and asked if that if she cleared anyone for a C+ upgrade from a window or aisle, could she move me to that seat. She didn't hesitate and said sure thing.

Sure enough, my BP changed on the app right before boarding to a (regular Y) aisle seat. Other than something opening up before departure, that's probably the best you can do.
bloc0102 and busdriver11 like this.
Cory6188 is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 8:05 am
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Another thought - DL generally reserves the last ~2 rows or so for GA assignment, but I’ve called and had success asking a res agent to assign me one of the blocked seats. It may be in the back, but better than a middle!
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Old Mar 2, 2024, 8:28 am
  #7  
 
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Originally Posted by Cory6188
Another thought - DL generally reserves the last ~2 rows or so for GA assignment, but I’ve called and had success asking a res agent to assign me one of the blocked seats. It may be in the back, but better than a middle!
I'd ask for 10D or 10E which are also blocked for airport control on A319.
hockeystl is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 8:30 am
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
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between now and when you fly a better seat will probably open up, you can set an alert on expertflyer or just keep checking the seat map, you can also call but in my experience a better seat almost always appears
busdriver11 and MasterPengs like this.
tennessetom is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 8:32 am
  #9  
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If you call, an agent might be able to assign you to a blocked seat, although there's a risk that you could be booted from it for a service dog, etc.
MSPeconomist is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 8:48 am
  #10  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
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I wouldn't select a seat at this time, but do it at the airport through a Delta agent. Typically the front counter will print out a "seat request" card which gets you through TSA.
As noted above, check the upgrade boxes for both F and C+. When the Diamond level was created circa 2010, I was in your position, going on short notice someplace with the first segment BWI-ATL, I had a confirmed reservation but no seat, and the fine GA I dealt with cleared me straight into F.
Good Luck!!!
ND76 is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 9:10 am
  #11  
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Call DL and see if the agent can assign you to 13C (one of the blocked seats). I've had success with this when the seat map either shows only middle seats or sometimes even no seats to select.
ATOBTTR is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 9:29 am
  #12  
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You're not really trying. 3 days in advance is hardly "last minute."
DenverBrian is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 9:34 am
  #13  
 
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Originally Posted by Brooklyn-LGA-Flyer
But then where would our carry-on bag go?
In your originally assigned middle seat.
bennos is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 9:40 am
  #14  
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Originally Posted by Brooklyn-LGA-Flyer
What is the best strategy for a Diamond here?
A middle seat is tolerable if you’re under 350,000 carats and flawless.
Brooklyn-LGA-Flyer likes this.
kale73 is offline  
Old Mar 2, 2024, 10:06 am
  #15  
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Originally Posted by kale73
A middle seat is tolerable if you’re under 350,000 carats and flawless.
John Portland likes this.
Brooklyn-LGA-Flyer is offline  


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