Last edit by: ryandc99
Link to open 2020 and beyond version of this thread:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delt...20-beyond.html
My (LoganFlyer's) guide to maximizing your bump chances on Delta:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30484249-post1713.html
(The concise version:
1. Use the App to see if more people are looking for seats than there are seats available. As part of the Customer Commitment, gate agents, phone res agents, and tickets agents must tell you if a flight is overbooked if you ask. (They don't need to say by how many seats.)
2. Do everything you can to get on the volunteer list through OLCI or a kiosk at the airport, since some GAs use that list.
3. Talk to the GA as soon as the gate opens up--don't wait for them to make an announcement.
4. Don't be afraid to negotiate with the GA.)
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delt...20-beyond.html
My (LoganFlyer's) guide to maximizing your bump chances on Delta:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30484249-post1713.html
(The concise version:
1. Use the App to see if more people are looking for seats than there are seats available. As part of the Customer Commitment, gate agents, phone res agents, and tickets agents must tell you if a flight is overbooked if you ask. (They don't need to say by how many seats.)
2. Do everything you can to get on the volunteer list through OLCI or a kiosk at the airport, since some GAs use that list.
3. Talk to the GA as soon as the gate opens up--don't wait for them to make an announcement.
4. Don't be afraid to negotiate with the GA.)
Compensation: “Bumps” — Voluntary and Involuntary Denied Boarding [2000-2019]
#1786
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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#1787
Join Date: Jul 2009
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#1788
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
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Very tough to say. Many times when they work proactively, as stated above, they will find close to the needed # of volunteers and at the gate, nobody may be needed. Seen this happen before on UA. Typically when I get the call, I will try to take it, as I know this is the best bet to get paid, and when in an upgrade seat, they will typically honor that and get me an upgrade seat on a protection flight when making the deal 24+ hours ahead. At the gate, it's much more of a gamble - higher risk / higher reward potentially.
#1789
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta DM, 2MM
Posts: 1,251
Flying JFK-ORF yesterday. CRJ-200 booked even.
After boarding, gate agent comes on board saying a seat is broken and they need one volunteer. $1000.
I immediately stand up. Chatting with her in the jetbridge, I ask for $1100. She says sure.
Rebooked on an E170 out of LGA two hours later in F. Taxi paid for by DL.
After boarding, gate agent comes on board saying a seat is broken and they need one volunteer. $1000.
I immediately stand up. Chatting with her in the jetbridge, I ask for $1100. She says sure.
Rebooked on an E170 out of LGA two hours later in F. Taxi paid for by DL.
#1790
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Diamond, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,340
Flying JFK-ORF yesterday. CRJ-200 booked even.
After boarding, gate agent comes on board saying a seat is broken and they need one volunteer. $1000.
I immediately stand up. Chatting with her in the jetbridge, I ask for $1100. She says sure.
Rebooked on an E170 out of LGA two hours later in F. Taxi paid for by DL.
After boarding, gate agent comes on board saying a seat is broken and they need one volunteer. $1000.
I immediately stand up. Chatting with her in the jetbridge, I ask for $1100. She says sure.
Rebooked on an E170 out of LGA two hours later in F. Taxi paid for by DL.
You volunteered at $1K, then reneged halfway down the jetbridge? I'd have been pretty mad if I was that agent. A deal's a deal.
She shoulda said "No, I'm sure there's another passenger who'll take $1K" and marched you right back onto the aircraft.
#1791
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL
Posts: 465
Generally, the agents are pretty disconnected from the financial consequences of this, so if they give out an extra $100, what’s it to them? I’m glad he was able to get more — might as well.
#1792
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 820
To me it seems pretty dishonest but for some ridiculous reason, people want to have the "last word" or whatever. They would rather negotiate it up to $1,005 then just accept what was originally offered. Still, if I was an agent I would walk back on to the plane and ask if anyone would be willing to accept the ORIGINAL offer.
#1793
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DCA
Programs: DL DM, AA EXP, various hotel
Posts: 2,227
To me it seems pretty dishonest but for some ridiculous reason, people want to have the "last word" or whatever. They would rather negotiate it up to $1,005 then just accept what was originally offered. Still, if I was an agent I would walk back on to the plane and ask if anyone would be willing to accept the ORIGINAL offer.
#1794
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
It's kind of shady, but kudos to the guy for finagling the extra comp.
#1795
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 820
So in thinking this over, I realize it would not make sense to potentially delay a flight even more to save money, etc. However the point I am trying to make (probably more in my head) is that it is kind of sneaky to change the offer once you stand up and walk off the plane. It goes both ways, its only $100. The gate agent could say no, and the passenger didn't even lose anything, or the agent could give in and the company only "lost" $100. To me it's more the principle of feeling like you need to get the last word that irritates me (probably completely invalid on my part). Its as though you would only do that to prove you can bargain although you have zero leverage. Again, my thoughts and feelings are probably completely invalid.
#1796
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta DM, 2MM
Posts: 1,251
So in thinking this over, I realize it would not make sense to potentially delay a flight even more to save money, etc. However the point I am trying to make (probably more in my head) is that it is kind of sneaky to change the offer once you stand up and walk off the plane. It goes both ways, its only $100. The gate agent could say no, and the passenger didn't even lose anything, or the agent could give in and the company only "lost" $100. To me it's more the principle of feeling like you need to get the last word that irritates me (probably completely invalid on my part). Its as though you would only do that to prove you can bargain although you have zero leverage. Again, my thoughts and feelings are probably completely invalid.
I also "changed the terms of the contract" when I told her that I would like to fly out of LGA instead of many hours later from JFK.
#1797
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#1799
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#1800
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: West of CLE
Programs: Delta DM/3 MM; Hertz PC; National EE; Amtrak GR; Bonvoy Silver; Via Rail Préférence
Posts: 5,337
My extra negotiation was done in a light-hearted and friendly matter. I fully expected her to say no. I was shocked that she came on the plane and started the announcement with a $1000 offer. I would have taken the two hour bump for $400.
I also "changed the terms of the contract" when I told her that I would like to fly out of LGA instead of many hours later from JFK.
I also "changed the terms of the contract" when I told her that I would like to fly out of LGA instead of many hours later from JFK.