ExpertFlyer and Delta Air Lines: The Definitive Thread
Nov 26, 2013, 9:28 am
#1651
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
Precisely, and even more so since I am paying for this service and it is a major reason I signed up for EF in the first place. Well, my renewal is coming up in a couple weeks so will be dropping that based on the evidence at hand.
Nov 26, 2013, 10:15 am
#1652
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Shanwick
Posts: 3,117
EF support are now confirming that Delta has removed the relevant inventory from the GDS.
What a pain.....
What a pain.....
Delta has unfortunately chosen to remove all of their upgrade inventory from the GDS reservation systems, and as such it is no longer available in ExpertFlyer at this time. This is after previously being told by Delta over the course of many years that upgrade inventory would continue to be made available. We believe that this applies to all those who use a GDS, such as travel agents, and is not unique to ExpertFlyer. As such all Flight Alerts for the affected upgrade classes will be set to Expired as to not count against your active alert limit.
We agree with the sentiments of our customers that ultimately this does more harm than good to their best customers and suggest that you contact Delta and express to them how you feel about the ability to see, evaluate, and use these various upgrade inventories and the value it adds to your elite status with Delta.
http://www.delta.com/contactus/pages...aint/index.jsp
Please note that all other Delta information in ExpertFlyer is unaffected by this change.
Thank you,
The ExpertFlyer.com Team
We agree with the sentiments of our customers that ultimately this does more harm than good to their best customers and suggest that you contact Delta and express to them how you feel about the ability to see, evaluate, and use these various upgrade inventories and the value it adds to your elite status with Delta.
http://www.delta.com/contactus/pages...aint/index.jsp
Please note that all other Delta information in ExpertFlyer is unaffected by this change.
Thank you,
The ExpertFlyer.com Team
Nov 26, 2013, 10:25 am
#1653
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM HH Gold, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 1,298
Not to argue with you, but in this post in another thread you posted a reply from EF support to an email you sent them:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21832058-post36.html
I interpret the absence of any further word from EFV here as that nothing has changed from that email to you. I am sure we will hear something from EFV when the time comes.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21832058-post36.html
I interpret the absence of any further word from EFV here as that nothing has changed from that email to you. I am sure we will hear something from EFV when the time comes.
Perhaps EF Voice has set the bar too high over the months and years by maintaining a fairly healthy presence here, but that is part of what I expected when I signed up for the service.
Nov 26, 2013, 10:28 am
#1654
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
Just sent a nastygram to DL... will be following up with a letter. This is beyond unacceptable. They can take their SWUs and shove it as far as I'm concerned.
If you try to run a search for RP/OP on expertflyer, the following message comes up in red
If you try to run a search for RP/OP on expertflyer, the following message comes up in red
Delta has unfortunately chosen to remove all of their upgrade inventory from the GDS reservation systems and as such it is no longer available in ExpertFlyer at this time. More information about the change and how to send feedback to Delta about it can be found here. Thank you for your understanding.
Nov 26, 2013, 10:32 am
#1655
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM HH Gold, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 1,298
Last edited by timmy83; Nov 26, 2013 at 10:38 am
Nov 26, 2013, 10:42 am
#1656
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
Wow I received a BS canned response from DL already... guess they had this prepared and ready for the backlash.
Dear Rylan,
Thank you for your email to Delta Air Lines.
We do not have a business relationship with ExpertFlyer and the
organization used unauthorized information to provide Upgrade
availability to their subscribers.
At this time, we do not provide the number of seats available for
Upgrades. We appreciate your feedback and will take it into
consideration as we continue to update our technology tools and
services.
For additional questions regarding ExpertFlyer’s Upgrade service, please
contact ExpertFlyer directly.
When you are needing assistance to verify if a flight is available using
your Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, we will be happy to assist you.
Please contact your Diamond Medallion Desk and any representative will
help you.
We know this is disappointing, and sincerely appreciate the opportunity
to explain our position. We appreciate your Diamond Medallion loyalty
and we hope you will continue to make Delta your airline of choice.
Sincerely,
Diamond Desk
Thank you for your email to Delta Air Lines.
We do not have a business relationship with ExpertFlyer and the
organization used unauthorized information to provide Upgrade
availability to their subscribers.
At this time, we do not provide the number of seats available for
Upgrades. We appreciate your feedback and will take it into
consideration as we continue to update our technology tools and
services.
For additional questions regarding ExpertFlyer’s Upgrade service, please
contact ExpertFlyer directly.
When you are needing assistance to verify if a flight is available using
your Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, we will be happy to assist you.
Please contact your Diamond Medallion Desk and any representative will
help you.
We know this is disappointing, and sincerely appreciate the opportunity
to explain our position. We appreciate your Diamond Medallion loyalty
and we hope you will continue to make Delta your airline of choice.
Sincerely,
Diamond Desk
Nov 26, 2013, 10:45 am
#1657
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, AA EXP, UA Silver, former DL DM
Posts: 2,001
This move away from transparency is outrageous. I have sent the following complaint to Delta and encourage everyone here to do the same. If we make enough noise, perhaps they will realize their mistake and reverse the change (a la SDC).
-----
To Whom It May Concern,
Delta has recently changed its longstanding policy of allowing access to OP/RP upgrade inventory through its global distribution systems (GDS).
Without access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer, it is extremely difficult for Delta flyers to plan travel using Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. Access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer is extremely important for Delta's frequent flyers, especially Diamond and Platinum Medallions (such as myself) who plan to use Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, because Delta phone agents are often unwilling to perform the comprehensive searches needed to find OP/RP inventory when planning travel.
The removal of access to OP/RP inventory represents a serious impediment to the use of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. In particular, it adversely affects Delta's most loyal customers. This change has prompted me and many others to question the value of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, and thereby the value of Diamond and Platinum Medallion status. Please reverse this change and re-enable access to OP/RP inventory.
Yours sincerely,
lamont2718
-----
To Whom It May Concern,
Delta has recently changed its longstanding policy of allowing access to OP/RP upgrade inventory through its global distribution systems (GDS).
Without access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer, it is extremely difficult for Delta flyers to plan travel using Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. Access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer is extremely important for Delta's frequent flyers, especially Diamond and Platinum Medallions (such as myself) who plan to use Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, because Delta phone agents are often unwilling to perform the comprehensive searches needed to find OP/RP inventory when planning travel.
The removal of access to OP/RP inventory represents a serious impediment to the use of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. In particular, it adversely affects Delta's most loyal customers. This change has prompted me and many others to question the value of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, and thereby the value of Diamond and Platinum Medallion status. Please reverse this change and re-enable access to OP/RP inventory.
Yours sincerely,
lamont2718
Nov 26, 2013, 11:02 am
#1658
Left Expert Flyer 4/23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,741
Just so there is no confusion, not only was the data legitimately purchased via our GDS contracts, but executives at Delta were aware that ExpertFlyer was showing DL upgrade inventory and we were allowed to continue doing so until their recent policy change. Any statement to the contrary is misleading.
Nov 26, 2013, 11:22 am
#1659
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
Just so there is no confusion, not only was the data legitimately purchased via our GDS contracts, but executives at Delta were aware that ExpertFlyer was showing DL upgrade inventory and we were allowed to continue doing so until their recent policy change. Any statement to the contrary is misleading.
Nov 26, 2013, 11:24 am
#1660
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
Just so there is no confusion, not only was the data legitimately purchased via our GDS contracts, but executives at Delta were aware that ExpertFlyer was showing DL upgrade inventory and we were allowed to continue doing so until their recent policy change. Any statement to the contrary is misleading.
Nov 26, 2013, 11:50 am
#1661
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: missing YX more every day
Programs: Delta KM/PM/MM, Nexus, CLEAR, Sharriott Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,105
DL not accusing EF?
Just so there is no confusion, not only was the data legitimately purchased via our GDS contracts, but executives at Delta were aware that ExpertFlyer was showing DL upgrade inventory and we were allowed to continue doing so until their recent policy change. Any statement to the contrary is misleading.
I'm not sure DL is accusing EF of anything. A plausible reading would be that the "organization" from which EF purchased DL's data became "unauthorized," possibly by declining a price increase or a functionality decrease.
It wouldn't be the first time DL writers were less than crystal-clear. It would be good for DL to clarify that they aren't accusing EF of anything, if they aren't.
Nov 26, 2013, 12:24 pm
#1662
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,752
This move away from transparency is outrageous. I have sent the following complaint to Delta and encourage everyone here to do the same. If we make enough noise, perhaps they will realize their mistake and reverse the change (a la SDC).
-----
To Whom It May Concern,
Delta has recently changed its longstanding policy of allowing access to OP/RP upgrade inventory through its global distribution systems (GDS).
Without access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer, it is extremely difficult for Delta flyers to plan travel using Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. Access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer is extremely important for Delta's frequent flyers, especially Diamond and Platinum Medallions (such as myself) who plan to use Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, because Delta phone agents are often unwilling to perform the comprehensive searches needed to find OP/RP inventory when planning travel.
The removal of access to OP/RP inventory represents a serious impediment to the use of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. In particular, it adversely affects Delta's most loyal customers. This change has prompted me and many others to question the value of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, and thereby the value of Diamond and Platinum Medallion status. Please reverse this change and re-enable access to OP/RP inventory.
Yours sincerely,
lamont2718
-----
To Whom It May Concern,
Delta has recently changed its longstanding policy of allowing access to OP/RP upgrade inventory through its global distribution systems (GDS).
Without access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer, it is extremely difficult for Delta flyers to plan travel using Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. Access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer is extremely important for Delta's frequent flyers, especially Diamond and Platinum Medallions (such as myself) who plan to use Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, because Delta phone agents are often unwilling to perform the comprehensive searches needed to find OP/RP inventory when planning travel.
The removal of access to OP/RP inventory represents a serious impediment to the use of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. In particular, it adversely affects Delta's most loyal customers. This change has prompted me and many others to question the value of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, and thereby the value of Diamond and Platinum Medallion status. Please reverse this change and re-enable access to OP/RP inventory.
Yours sincerely,
lamont2718
Nov 26, 2013, 12:37 pm
#1663
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,207
I emailed back requesting escalation of my concerns and questioning the reasoning of the initial reply to me and received the below...
Thank you for contacting us.
I apologize that you are not happy with this situation involving
Expertflyer and Delta. You have a valid concern and I regret that we
took something useful away from many of our High Value Passengers. I am
forwarding this up the corporate ladder to the appropriate Leadership
Team for review.
As always, we appreciate your Diamond Medallion business
and look forward to seeing you on your next Delta flight.
I apologize that you are not happy with this situation involving
Expertflyer and Delta. You have a valid concern and I regret that we
took something useful away from many of our High Value Passengers. I am
forwarding this up the corporate ladder to the appropriate Leadership
Team for review.
As always, we appreciate your Diamond Medallion business
and look forward to seeing you on your next Delta flight.
Nov 26, 2013, 1:03 pm
#1664
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: DL DM & 1MM
Posts: 618
Well, this is a kick in the nuts. Just used a SWU last week, and fortunately my SWU for this weekend has already cleared.
I, too, wrote a letter to Delta.
This, of all of the most recent Delta changes, has pushed me over the edge. If I can't use SWU certificates (not that they weren't already complicated to use), I have little reason to stay with Delta.
(I do have the ability to purchase paid BE when traveling internationally, so, I think this is a no brainer.)
I, too, wrote a letter to Delta.
This, of all of the most recent Delta changes, has pushed me over the edge. If I can't use SWU certificates (not that they weren't already complicated to use), I have little reason to stay with Delta.
(I do have the ability to purchase paid BE when traveling internationally, so, I think this is a no brainer.)
Nov 26, 2013, 1:08 pm
#1665
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM, AA GE, CP ED
Posts: 256
Very balanced and well-worded response. With very little change, I think this could be a good template for others to respond.
To Whom It May Concern,
Delta has recently changed its longstanding policy of allowing access to OP/RP upgrade inventory through its global distribution systems (GDS).
Without access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer, it is extremely difficult for Delta flyers to plan travel using Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. Access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer is extremely important for Delta's frequent flyers, especially Diamond and Platinum Medallions (such as myself) who plan to use Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, because Delta phone agents are often unwilling to perform the comprehensive searches needed to find OP/RP inventory when planning travel.
The removal of access to OP/RP inventory represents a serious impediment to the use of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. In particular, it adversely affects Delta's most loyal customers. This change has prompted me and many others to question the value of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, and thereby the value of Diamond and Platinum Medallion status. Please reverse this change and re-enable access to OP/RP inventory.
Yours sincerely,
lamont2718
Delta has recently changed its longstanding policy of allowing access to OP/RP upgrade inventory through its global distribution systems (GDS).
Without access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer, it is extremely difficult for Delta flyers to plan travel using Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. Access to OP/RP inventory through tools like ExpertFlyer is extremely important for Delta's frequent flyers, especially Diamond and Platinum Medallions (such as myself) who plan to use Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, because Delta phone agents are often unwilling to perform the comprehensive searches needed to find OP/RP inventory when planning travel.
The removal of access to OP/RP inventory represents a serious impediment to the use of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates and Mileage Upgrade Awards. In particular, it adversely affects Delta's most loyal customers. This change has prompted me and many others to question the value of Systemwide Upgrade Certificates, and thereby the value of Diamond and Platinum Medallion status. Please reverse this change and re-enable access to OP/RP inventory.
Yours sincerely,
lamont2718