4 minutes cost me 400 dollars. Help
Jan 29, 2008, 11:30 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: dl gold
Posts: 57
4 minutes cost me 400 dollars. Help
This is the letter I wrote. I did get 150 dollar vouchers from the corp. office but belive I should get the full 400. What do you think. Have you ever seen this before? Thanks in advance for your opinions!!!!!!!
Email Pertaining to: Flight_Delay_Cancellation
Email about Other topic:
Comments:
To whom it may concern:
I am a Silver Medallion with Delta. On January 11, 2008,
I and three friends: had flown from North
Eleuthera to Nassau Bahamas, and then loaded on a plane in Nassau headed
to Atlanta. We loaded on the plane in Nassau on time, which was
scheduled to leave at 2:11 pm. Unfortunately we waited on the plane for
1 passenger for 30 minutes after the scheduled take off time, who had
been held up at Customs. Interesting enough, the wait was in vain as the
passenger never did get on board.
So, we were over fifteen minutes late to our Atlanta destination as they
made up some time in the air. Then when we arrived in Atlanta, to the
dismay of everyone, they did not have an attendant waiting at the gate
for several minutes, as an attendant has to be present to pick up paper
work from an International flight. Even the stewardesses were very
frustrated by that.
After this additional wait, by running through several terminals in the
Atlanta airport, we arrived at our gate in record time, at exactly 5pm,
and our flight was scheduled to leave for Nashville at 5:11pm. To our
dismay, the attendant closed the door to the jet-way despite us wanting
to get on. I noticed on the screens that the flight was oversold and
they were asking for volunteers to be bumped and were giving $400 a
piece in vouchers. I waited until she came back up from the jet -way,
and asked her if the plane was completely full and if people were
sitting in our seats, to which she said yes. She also explained if we
had been four minutes earlier they would have boarded us. She could not
explain however how us boarding could possibly have happened since our
seats were already taken 4 minutes earlier. I am sure that the flight
had even other people that obviously were compensated with $400 in
vouchers. She then referred me to a Delta Help Desk.
I went to the Help Desk fully expecting to get the $400 vouchers since
Delta had oversold our seats. The supervisor ultimately
admitted if our plane had not been so late and had been there 4 minutes
earlier, Delta would be forced to give us our vouchers. My argument is
we were 11 minutes early, and they did not let us on the plane, and he
said they never let people on after the 15 minute cutoff prior to
takeoff. I told him that it’s amazing that the reason we were late is
that Delta waited for a passenger in Nassau for a full 30 minutes after
the scheduled take-off time, which he said Delta doesn’t do. But of
course, as you can tell by the records, they did. He would not give us
any compensation, but said his only obligation was to get us on the next
flight, which was 8:12pm. We went straight to the gate, and the gate
agent said come back at 7:15pm and when we did they were only able to
get 1 of the 4 of us on the plane, which did us no good since we all
needed to be together for a 2 hour drive home once we reached our
Nashville destination. They could also not get any of us on the 10:40pm
flight later that same night as it was oversold!
In the end, Delta did get us a hotel room, and a seven dollar meal
voucher for each member of my party, which was suppose to cover our
dinner and breakfast (we ate like kings J). We did get on the 8am flight
the next morning and I just happened to notice that they let seven
people on the plane after the 15 minute cutoff prior to takeoff which the Help Desk supervisor, said never happens.
I contend the real problem was that there were no seats available on the
airplane headed to Nashville at 5:11pm when we arrived, as the attendant
confirmed. So there was no way to let us on the airplane even if we had
been there 4 minutes earlier, which would have put us there before the
15 minute cutoff time. I called my Silver Medallion phone number and the
two supervisors I talked to, unlike the Help Desk supervisor were very apologetic, sympathetic, and willing to give us $100
vouchers for our troubles to each member of my party . But, both Silver
Medallion supervisors said if I took the $100 vouchers, I would not be
able to get more from the corporate office, and they even agreed that in
this case I should get more. I strongly believe we are entitled to the
$400 vouchers that we would’ve gotten for being bumped, had we
technically been to our gate 4 minutes earlier.
In summary, on January 11, 2008:
Delta was 30 minutes late taking off from Nassau to Atlanta (DL 4229).
This caused us to arrive at our gate in Atlanta 11 minutes prior to
take-off (DL 1986).
We were not allowed to board the plane as it was oversold.
The Delta Help Desk Supervisor, refused to give us any
vouchers and was very unapologetic.
He said we would be on the next flight which was 8:12pm, but it was
oversold. The last flight to Nashville that night was 10:40pm, and it
was oversold too.
We did not get to leave Atlanta until the next morning, having never
received vouchers for our 15 hour delay.
Would you like a reply to your e-mail?:yes
FLIGHT 1:
Flight Number : DL4229
Date : 1/11/08
Departure City : Atlanta
Ticket Number :
FLIGHT 2:
Flight Number :
Date :
Departure City :
Ticket Number :
BAGGAGE:
Baggage concern category:
Baggage Ref. # :
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Street Address :Jan 29, 2008 8:43 AM, Customer Care <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Mr. Randall,
Thank you for your correspondence describing your recent experience with
Delta and ASA, our Delta Connection partner. We apologize and
appreciate your taking the time to share the details.
We are sorry to learn about the difficulties you and your traveling
companion? experienced with the handling of your flight irregularity and
rescheduling. Our goal is to make your travel experience as smooth and
enjoyable as possible, and we regret you didn?t receive the high level
of service we strive to provide. Our airport representatives are
expected to always be responsive, and offer precise, complete
information. It sounds like that didn?t happen in this case, and we
will continue to make efforts to improve in this area.
Your time is valuable, and operating on schedule is equally important to
us. In the process of providing air service over many different routes
each day, we sometimes encounter mechanical problems, adverse weather,
and other unavoidable interruptions. These are situations faced by all
airlines and no carrier can guarantee that all flights will depart and
arrive as planned. We?re sorry you were inconvenienced.
Also, we regret you missed your flight connection. Delaying a flight
for a confirmed passenger is a difficult situation for the airlines.
Once our gate personnel relinquish control of the airplane to the crew
and operations team, it is considered dispatched even though the
aircraft may still be at the gate. To stop our processes after the crew
is given a takeoff priority may result in a lengthy delay. We are
trying to achieve a balance between reliability and good customer
service.
Additionally, all customers traveling domestically must be checked in at
the gate at least 15 minutes before departure (45 minutes before in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Our information indicates you
did not meet the check-in requirements and your seats were released as a
result. When this happens, an administrative service charge and/or
additional airfare may be required to reissue the ticket. Federal
regulations require an airline to give compensation to a passenger who
is denied boarding on a flight due to an oversold situation. This
particular rule is not applicable in the event of a flight irregularity
such as a mechanical or weather delay. We regret any misunderstanding.
As a goodwill gesture, we have issued four electronic Transportation
Credits for $150.00 which may be used toward future Delta travel. eTCVs
are valid for one year from the date of issue. They may be redeemed at
delta.com, Delta Reservations or at any Delta city or airport ticket
office. Redemptions at delta.com will not incur a transaction fee.
Fees will apply if voucher is redeemed through any other Delta location.
Please refer to the enclosed terms and conditions of the e-credit for
additional information.
Again, thank you for writing. Your comments have been sent to our Delta
Connection partner for internal review. Please accept our apology for
the poor impression you received and give Delta and our partner an early
opportunity to regain your confidence. Should you need to contact us in
the future, or find information about our service or operations, please
visit us at delta.com.
Sincerely,
Richard Similton
http://www.delta.com
Original Message Follows:
------------------------
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
COMMENT DETAILS:
Email about Past/Future travel: Past
Nature of Comment: Complaint Concern
Email Pertaining to: Flight_Delay_Cancellation
Email about Other topic:
Email Pertaining to: Flight_Delay_Cancellation
Email about Other topic:
Comments:
To whom it may concern:
I am a Silver Medallion with Delta. On January 11, 2008,
I and three friends: had flown from North
Eleuthera to Nassau Bahamas, and then loaded on a plane in Nassau headed
to Atlanta. We loaded on the plane in Nassau on time, which was
scheduled to leave at 2:11 pm. Unfortunately we waited on the plane for
1 passenger for 30 minutes after the scheduled take off time, who had
been held up at Customs. Interesting enough, the wait was in vain as the
passenger never did get on board.
So, we were over fifteen minutes late to our Atlanta destination as they
made up some time in the air. Then when we arrived in Atlanta, to the
dismay of everyone, they did not have an attendant waiting at the gate
for several minutes, as an attendant has to be present to pick up paper
work from an International flight. Even the stewardesses were very
frustrated by that.
After this additional wait, by running through several terminals in the
Atlanta airport, we arrived at our gate in record time, at exactly 5pm,
and our flight was scheduled to leave for Nashville at 5:11pm. To our
dismay, the attendant closed the door to the jet-way despite us wanting
to get on. I noticed on the screens that the flight was oversold and
they were asking for volunteers to be bumped and were giving $400 a
piece in vouchers. I waited until she came back up from the jet -way,
and asked her if the plane was completely full and if people were
sitting in our seats, to which she said yes. She also explained if we
had been four minutes earlier they would have boarded us. She could not
explain however how us boarding could possibly have happened since our
seats were already taken 4 minutes earlier. I am sure that the flight
had even other people that obviously were compensated with $400 in
vouchers. She then referred me to a Delta Help Desk.
I went to the Help Desk fully expecting to get the $400 vouchers since
Delta had oversold our seats. The supervisor ultimately
admitted if our plane had not been so late and had been there 4 minutes
earlier, Delta would be forced to give us our vouchers. My argument is
we were 11 minutes early, and they did not let us on the plane, and he
said they never let people on after the 15 minute cutoff prior to
takeoff. I told him that it’s amazing that the reason we were late is
that Delta waited for a passenger in Nassau for a full 30 minutes after
the scheduled take-off time, which he said Delta doesn’t do. But of
course, as you can tell by the records, they did. He would not give us
any compensation, but said his only obligation was to get us on the next
flight, which was 8:12pm. We went straight to the gate, and the gate
agent said come back at 7:15pm and when we did they were only able to
get 1 of the 4 of us on the plane, which did us no good since we all
needed to be together for a 2 hour drive home once we reached our
Nashville destination. They could also not get any of us on the 10:40pm
flight later that same night as it was oversold!
In the end, Delta did get us a hotel room, and a seven dollar meal
voucher for each member of my party, which was suppose to cover our
dinner and breakfast (we ate like kings J). We did get on the 8am flight
the next morning and I just happened to notice that they let seven
people on the plane after the 15 minute cutoff prior to takeoff which the Help Desk supervisor, said never happens.
I contend the real problem was that there were no seats available on the
airplane headed to Nashville at 5:11pm when we arrived, as the attendant
confirmed. So there was no way to let us on the airplane even if we had
been there 4 minutes earlier, which would have put us there before the
15 minute cutoff time. I called my Silver Medallion phone number and the
two supervisors I talked to, unlike the Help Desk supervisor were very apologetic, sympathetic, and willing to give us $100
vouchers for our troubles to each member of my party . But, both Silver
Medallion supervisors said if I took the $100 vouchers, I would not be
able to get more from the corporate office, and they even agreed that in
this case I should get more. I strongly believe we are entitled to the
$400 vouchers that we would’ve gotten for being bumped, had we
technically been to our gate 4 minutes earlier.
In summary, on January 11, 2008:
Delta was 30 minutes late taking off from Nassau to Atlanta (DL 4229).
This caused us to arrive at our gate in Atlanta 11 minutes prior to
take-off (DL 1986).
We were not allowed to board the plane as it was oversold.
The Delta Help Desk Supervisor, refused to give us any
vouchers and was very unapologetic.
He said we would be on the next flight which was 8:12pm, but it was
oversold. The last flight to Nashville that night was 10:40pm, and it
was oversold too.
We did not get to leave Atlanta until the next morning, having never
received vouchers for our 15 hour delay.
Would you like a reply to your e-mail?:yes
FLIGHT 1:
Flight Number : DL4229
Date : 1/11/08
Departure City : Atlanta
Ticket Number :
FLIGHT 2:
Flight Number :
Date :
Departure City :
Ticket Number :
BAGGAGE:
Baggage concern category:
Baggage Ref. # :
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Street Address :Jan 29, 2008 8:43 AM, Customer Care <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Mr. Randall,
Thank you for your correspondence describing your recent experience with
Delta and ASA, our Delta Connection partner. We apologize and
appreciate your taking the time to share the details.
We are sorry to learn about the difficulties you and your traveling
companion? experienced with the handling of your flight irregularity and
rescheduling. Our goal is to make your travel experience as smooth and
enjoyable as possible, and we regret you didn?t receive the high level
of service we strive to provide. Our airport representatives are
expected to always be responsive, and offer precise, complete
information. It sounds like that didn?t happen in this case, and we
will continue to make efforts to improve in this area.
Your time is valuable, and operating on schedule is equally important to
us. In the process of providing air service over many different routes
each day, we sometimes encounter mechanical problems, adverse weather,
and other unavoidable interruptions. These are situations faced by all
airlines and no carrier can guarantee that all flights will depart and
arrive as planned. We?re sorry you were inconvenienced.
Also, we regret you missed your flight connection. Delaying a flight
for a confirmed passenger is a difficult situation for the airlines.
Once our gate personnel relinquish control of the airplane to the crew
and operations team, it is considered dispatched even though the
aircraft may still be at the gate. To stop our processes after the crew
is given a takeoff priority may result in a lengthy delay. We are
trying to achieve a balance between reliability and good customer
service.
Additionally, all customers traveling domestically must be checked in at
the gate at least 15 minutes before departure (45 minutes before in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Our information indicates you
did not meet the check-in requirements and your seats were released as a
result. When this happens, an administrative service charge and/or
additional airfare may be required to reissue the ticket. Federal
regulations require an airline to give compensation to a passenger who
is denied boarding on a flight due to an oversold situation. This
particular rule is not applicable in the event of a flight irregularity
such as a mechanical or weather delay. We regret any misunderstanding.
As a goodwill gesture, we have issued four electronic Transportation
Credits for $150.00 which may be used toward future Delta travel. eTCVs
are valid for one year from the date of issue. They may be redeemed at
delta.com, Delta Reservations or at any Delta city or airport ticket
office. Redemptions at delta.com will not incur a transaction fee.
Fees will apply if voucher is redeemed through any other Delta location.
Please refer to the enclosed terms and conditions of the e-credit for
additional information.
Again, thank you for writing. Your comments have been sent to our Delta
Connection partner for internal review. Please accept our apology for
the poor impression you received and give Delta and our partner an early
opportunity to regain your confidence. Should you need to contact us in
the future, or find information about our service or operations, please
visit us at delta.com.
Sincerely,
Richard Similton
http://www.delta.com
Original Message Follows:
------------------------
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
COMMENT DETAILS:
Email about Past/Future travel: Past
Nature of Comment: Complaint Concern
Email Pertaining to: Flight_Delay_Cancellation
Email about Other topic:
Jan 29, 2008, 11:50 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,949
You were not IDB-d, since, by your own admission, you were not present at the departure gate before the gate deadline (in this case 15 minutes before the flight). DL simply caused you to miss a connection, for which there is no prescribed compensation payable.
The list of conditions, which you must satisfy, in order to be eligible for the DOT-mandated IDB compensation can be found at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publi...tm#overbooking
The list of conditions, which you must satisfy, in order to be eligible for the DOT-mandated IDB compensation can be found at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publi...tm#overbooking
Jan 29, 2008, 12:01 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Your subject line is a bit over-the-top.
A more accurrate summation:
(1) Your departure was delayed 30 min (not sure how the airline would characterize this one as it isn't weather, ATC or mechanical)
(2) You arrived only 15 min late.
(3) You had to wait a few minutes for a gate when you landed.
(4) You missed your connection.
(5) You missed the opportunity to volunteer for a $400 VDB offer
(6) DL couldn't re-book your party of 4 on the next 2 flights out.
(7) DL paid for your hotel room and meals.
This scenario sounds pretty normal, if you fly a lot you know that a 15min delay is actually pretty good these days. Many airlines will not pay for hotels/meals even when it is their fault, though I suppose DL shouldn't have let you schedule such a tight connection (whose idea was that?) As for DL holding the plane for a late passenger, do you know the circumstances? Maybe the guy was trying to get to his mother's funeral. I agree that such delays are frustrating, but there might have been a good reason for it.
Under the circumstances I would say you did better than most. All of us miss out on VDB opportunities - it's not something you deserve compensation for, no matter what the reason.
A more accurrate summation:
(1) Your departure was delayed 30 min (not sure how the airline would characterize this one as it isn't weather, ATC or mechanical)
(2) You arrived only 15 min late.
(3) You had to wait a few minutes for a gate when you landed.
(4) You missed your connection.
(5) You missed the opportunity to volunteer for a $400 VDB offer
(6) DL couldn't re-book your party of 4 on the next 2 flights out.
(7) DL paid for your hotel room and meals.
This scenario sounds pretty normal, if you fly a lot you know that a 15min delay is actually pretty good these days. Many airlines will not pay for hotels/meals even when it is their fault, though I suppose DL shouldn't have let you schedule such a tight connection (whose idea was that?) As for DL holding the plane for a late passenger, do you know the circumstances? Maybe the guy was trying to get to his mother's funeral. I agree that such delays are frustrating, but there might have been a good reason for it.
Under the circumstances I would say you did better than most. All of us miss out on VDB opportunities - it's not something you deserve compensation for, no matter what the reason.
Jan 29, 2008, 12:17 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IND
Programs: DL PM & 2MM™, Lifetime HHonors Diamond
Posts: 20,889
All I can really say is take your $150 and go on. Life is too short to stress about it. Of course they let people on inside of 15 minutes but that is the cutoff. And, in this case they used that cutoff to their advantage.
Jan 29, 2008, 1:13 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MHT
Programs: DL PM/CRC, UA*G, HH Diamond, AFirst
Posts: 56
It's usually easier to handle if you don't allow yourself to feel too entitled. Silver Medallion is a nice step but tiddly-winks to PM. And as a PM, even I know that I'm little to a MM... and even MM have crappy travel now and again. 
It could always be worse... you could have gotten food poisoning at Dulles.
It could always be worse... you could have gotten food poisoning at Dulles.
Jan 29, 2008, 5:10 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: dl gold
Posts: 57
Your subject line is a bit over-the-top.
A more accurrate summation:
(1) Your departure was delayed 30 min (not sure how the airline would characterize this one as it isn't weather, ATC or mechanical)
(2) You arrived only 15 min late.
(3) You had to wait a few minutes for a gate when you landed.
(4) You missed your connection.
(5) You missed the opportunity to volunteer for a $400 VDB offer
(6) DL couldn't re-book your party of 4 on the next 2 flights out.
(7) DL paid for your hotel room and meals.
This scenario sounds pretty normal, if you fly a lot you know that a 15min delay is actually pretty good these days. Many airlines will not pay for hotels/meals even when it is their fault, though I suppose DL shouldn't have let you schedule such a tight connection (whose idea was that?) As for DL holding the plane for a late passenger, do you know the circumstances? Maybe the guy was trying to get to his mother's funeral. I agree that such delays are frustrating, but there might have been a good reason for it.
Under the circumstances I would say you did better than most. All of us miss out on VDB opportunities - it's not something you deserve compensation for, no matter what the reason.
A more accurrate summation:
(1) Your departure was delayed 30 min (not sure how the airline would characterize this one as it isn't weather, ATC or mechanical)
(2) You arrived only 15 min late.
(3) You had to wait a few minutes for a gate when you landed.
(4) You missed your connection.
(5) You missed the opportunity to volunteer for a $400 VDB offer
(6) DL couldn't re-book your party of 4 on the next 2 flights out.
(7) DL paid for your hotel room and meals.
This scenario sounds pretty normal, if you fly a lot you know that a 15min delay is actually pretty good these days. Many airlines will not pay for hotels/meals even when it is their fault, though I suppose DL shouldn't have let you schedule such a tight connection (whose idea was that?) As for DL holding the plane for a late passenger, do you know the circumstances? Maybe the guy was trying to get to his mother's funeral. I agree that such delays are frustrating, but there might have been a good reason for it.
Under the circumstances I would say you did better than most. All of us miss out on VDB opportunities - it's not something you deserve compensation for, no matter what the reason.
Jan 29, 2008, 5:26 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: dl gold
Posts: 57
3 We were at the gate and the door was open but had to wait for a while for an attendant to come and get paperwork from FA. The FAs were very frustrated also that someone was not at the gate to pick up paperwork since we were late. My point was If they had been there we would have gotten vouchers or if we had not waited for a passenger for 30 minutes (he was on his way to Germany) than we would have gotten 400 dollar voucher. I submit to the wisdom of my fellow flyers and will be happy with the 150 dollar voucher. Thanks for your replies
Jan 29, 2008, 5:34 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,539
3 We were at the gate and the door was open but had to wait for a while for an attendant to come and get paperwork from FA. The FAs were very frustrated also that someone was not at the gate to pick up paperwork since we were late. My point was If they had been there we would have gotten vouchers or if we had not waited for a passenger for 30 minutes (he was on his way to Germany) than we would have gotten 400 dollar voucher. I submit to the wisdom of my fellow flyers and will be happy with the 150 dollar voucher. Thanks for your replies
I try to schedule 2 hours between arrival and departure, at a minimum, for international trips. For ATL, JFK, EWR, I'd add another half hour.
Jan 29, 2008, 6:03 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: dl gold
Posts: 57
We flew into a domestic terminal in Atlanta as you go thru USA customs in Nassau. The plane was totally full that they would not let us on. One question I have would they have removed the 4 people from our assigned seats if we had arrived 4 minutes earlier. I am sure they would not have because they would have to pull luggage also. They would have had to give us the vouchers legally. Just for your clarification. Thanks
Jan 29, 2008, 6:27 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IND
Programs: DL PM & 2MM™, Lifetime HHonors Diamond
Posts: 20,889
We flew into a domestic terminal in Atlanta as you go thru USA customs in Nassau. The plane was totally full that they would not let us on. One question I have would they have removed the 4 people from our assigned seats if we had arrived 4 minutes earlier. I am sure they would not have because they would have to pull luggage also. They would have had to give us the vouchers legally. Just for your clarification. Thanks
Jan 29, 2008, 7:16 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: Fallen Plats, ex-WN CP, DYKWIW; still a Hilton Diamond & Club Cholula™ R.I.P. Super Plats
Posts: 25,415
The OP misconnected. He should take those $150 vouchers & run with them. If he really wants what he would get under normal circumstances, he should return the vouchers & humbly request 5K miles.
Jan 29, 2008, 9:25 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Madison, NJ
Programs: DL PM, Marriot Platinum
Posts: 2,560
I think I am getting the OP's point here... I am pretty sure the OP and his friends' seats were gone before the 15 minute cut-off. Regardless, had the OP showed up at the 16 minutes mark, DL would have been required to compensate him the $400 as a bump. At no fault of his own, the OP was already on a DL flight, he was late for his flight (and not weather related late). DL took the risk of giving away their seats to other passengers. We would have to be ignorant to think that DL did not know when they gave away the seats that the OP's plane had landed at ATL and was in the process of deboarding. DL took a gamble and it paid off for them in that they did not have to compensate.
I have seen this before in waiting to get a bump voucher... several times they waited for connecting passengers and when they did not show I was told I did not need my seat... obviously the seats of the misconnections or late passengers were given away to someone else...
but the point I am making here is that DL gives away the seats without having to compensate even though they are privy to informatin that says these people might actually make the flight or arrive pretty close to departure. When DL gave the seats away, they knew there was a "slight" chance that the OP would make it and they would compensate him... but he missed it by several minutes and DL is plus $1600 in vouchers on a technicality...
I have seen this before in waiting to get a bump voucher... several times they waited for connecting passengers and when they did not show I was told I did not need my seat... obviously the seats of the misconnections or late passengers were given away to someone else...
but the point I am making here is that DL gives away the seats without having to compensate even though they are privy to informatin that says these people might actually make the flight or arrive pretty close to departure. When DL gave the seats away, they knew there was a "slight" chance that the OP would make it and they would compensate him... but he missed it by several minutes and DL is plus $1600 in vouchers on a technicality...
Jan 30, 2008, 10:11 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: dl gold
Posts: 57
Thank-you. That was my point. I am also convinced if the seats were empty we would have gotten on. Oh well.
Jan 30, 2008, 10:46 am
#14
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,860
David
Jan 30, 2008, 11:06 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 538
complain to DOT
I think Delta was totally out of line. The agent working the flight clearly should have known that connecting passengers were about to arrive, and in all probability would have arrived on time to make the flight. It appears the agent knew about your flight, but knowing that connecting flight was overbooked took advantage of you and your fellow passengers to avoid paying the required denied boarding compensation. It seems this practice is becoming more and more common and should not be tolerated.
I would urge you to complain about this episode to the DOT, clearly indicating in your complaint letter that Delta took advantage of your late connection to avoid paying you involuntary denied boarding compensation. The required compensation for involuntary denied boarding is $400 cash (not voucher). Usually, the DOT simply logs and keeps a count of complaints, but denied boarding is an area where they can and will take enforcement action.
You can file your complaint here:
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/escomplaint/es.cfm
I would urge you to complain about this episode to the DOT, clearly indicating in your complaint letter that Delta took advantage of your late connection to avoid paying you involuntary denied boarding compensation. The required compensation for involuntary denied boarding is $400 cash (not voucher). Usually, the DOT simply logs and keeps a count of complaints, but denied boarding is an area where they can and will take enforcement action.
You can file your complaint here:
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/escomplaint/es.cfm