G'day Mate... We're Going to Sydney
Jun 19, 2009, 8:40 pm
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: 45° North
Programs: DL DM MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 10,196
This is not a new trick and has been discussed quite a bit on FT. It has and does work for those wanting to get in the lounge - or to get airside to see someone off etc.
Jun 19, 2009, 9:35 pm
#63
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Home: Arlington, VA; Home airports: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Active: AA, UA, DL
Posts: 4,095
- Pat
Jun 19, 2009, 10:26 pm
#64
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: ATL, CVG, DAY, DCA
Programs: Delta PM, SPG Gold
Posts: 244
Jun 20, 2009, 3:33 am
#65
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: BCN
Programs: BA Gold · A3 Gold · DL Gold · VY apologist
Posts: 8,545
I certainly hope so. If not, there are plenty of flight options for less than 200€.
Jun 20, 2009, 3:58 am
#66
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Australia
Programs: QF LTS, Marriott LTP, ALL GOLD
Posts: 2,440
With the airline I work for once you have checked in that is it, if you dont want to travel on that ticket you will forfeit the fare. There would also be implications for you if it is an international flight as it is in this case as Australian customs will have you down as being checked ina nd cleared throguh their system on that flight. If you then cancel that ticket (if allowed with DL) then the ground handling agent would need to take you back to security to get reprocessed by customs. Not something that I'd be trying at SYD airport.
Jun 28, 2009, 10:39 pm
#67
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,516
Good/bad news---I just got a ticket for next Saturday (5 days away) for $588 all-in LAX-SYD.
Good news--I also used $370 in VDBs to make the final cost $220. Bonus miles might get me to 55K for this one RT.
Bad news--If DL is selling $588 RTs on this route only 5 days before departure in July, margins might not be super-high.
Maybe once they get the route established, they can raise fares a bit.
DL's 77L in Y sure beats UA's old, broken-down 744s with no PTV, though E+ seats are sure nice for 15 hours!
I'm in seat 51C. Ugh.
Good news--I also used $370 in VDBs to make the final cost $220. Bonus miles might get me to 55K for this one RT.
Bad news--If DL is selling $588 RTs on this route only 5 days before departure in July, margins might not be super-high.
Maybe once they get the route established, they can raise fares a bit.
DL's 77L in Y sure beats UA's old, broken-down 744s with no PTV, though E+ seats are sure nice for 15 hours!
I'm in seat 51C. Ugh.
Jun 29, 2009, 12:01 am
#68
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Long Beach, CA, USA
Programs: DL, AA, US, UA, VX
Posts: 454
I'm on the July 1st flight and I'm in row 48...not much better. Of course that flight is plumb full!!! ^
Jun 29, 2009, 2:31 am
#69
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: BCN
Programs: BA Gold · A3 Gold · DL Gold · VY apologist
Posts: 8,545
Can you guys on the first flights ask about lounges in SYD and let us know? I e-mailed them and they replied that the question was far too complicated to handle by e-mail and I should call them. When I called they had no idea. 
Jun 29, 2009, 6:38 am
#70
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: TUL
Programs: AA Plat, DL FO/1MM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 2,102
I'm in J on the inaugural SYD-LAX and I will report what the lounge situation is!
Jun 29, 2009, 7:16 am
#71
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 716
Anyone else going to be on the inaugural flight? I'll be there in the 30's somewhere. Just got the upgrade on the ATL-LAX flight at the 3-day window (shocked and very happy!) as a Gold with only J6 showing the day before.
Jun 29, 2009, 8:41 am
#72
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: BCN
Programs: BA Gold · A3 Gold · DL Gold · VY apologist
Posts: 8,545
Jun 29, 2009, 11:08 am
#73
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: DL, HHonors, Marriott Rewards, National Emarald Isle, several others...
Posts: 34
We will be on the inaugural flight. Flying JFK-ATL-LAX-SYD. Row 50 from ATL-LAX and in row 53 from LAX-SYD!!!
Jun 30, 2009, 6:28 pm
#74
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Long Beach, CA, USA
Programs: DL, AA, US, UA, VX
Posts: 454
Jul 4, 2009, 3:16 pm
#75
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: TUL
Programs: AA Plat, DL FO/1MM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 2,102
I'll have a trip report before too long, but just to answer this question: they are using the Air New Zealand lounge.