Mar 15, 2020, 10:29 am
Last edit by: Maestro Ramen
FARE RULES:
I pulled down the DL fare rules (these are BUD-SEA but they all appeared nearly identical). I posted them on a share. We can easily grab the AF and KL variants if others need those.
Q: This is a fully flexible fare with free changes. Does that mean I can change the flight dates as I want without paying anything extra?
A: No. The airline simply doesn't charge a change fee. But depending on the fare rules, you will still need to pay the difference to the new price.
Q: But I read that some people could change their flights for free...?
A: The rules for this fare (linked to above) specify that historical pricing shall be used if either at least one flight from the ticket has been taken or the outbound remains the same. In other words, in order to be able to change your flights for free, you must have flown at least one flight from your booking. Otherwise, you can only change the inbound. The outbound has to remain the same or you will be charged the fare difference.
Q: Can I change the rest of the itinerary after flying the first segment without any other charges or additional fare differences?
A: Yes this is possible according to the fare rules where after completing the first segment, you can change the rest of the flights for free (with the condition that the same fare class is available- I-class - in this case. According to the fare rules, after flying the FIRST segment (in the case here BUD-XXX) the historical fare is used. Possible to use the first stopover at AMS or CDG (see post #830).
Q: But some people could change their outbound flights for free!
A: They got lucky. It was probably a bug on the website/in the app. When no flight from the ticket has been flown, the fare rules do not allow changing the outbound without repricing.
Q: Ok, ok, so I can only change the inbound for free. How do I do that?
A: You search for availability for alternative flights on ITA Matrix using "F ..I2FFHU" in the extension codes. You must search for round trip flights as this is a round trip fare. Then you ignore the outbound result (as long as you haven't flown at least one flight from your ticket) and just try to rebook your inbound on the website/app.
Q: I have found availability on ITA Matrix, but the app/website doesn't show me those flights!
A: Keep trying. Sometimes you may have to serach in a different way (split up the searches, e.g. HNL-LAX and LAX-BUD), sometimes you just have to repeat the search several times. But that's no guarantee the desired results will turn up (and without repricing).
Q: It doesn't work. Can I just call the airline to make the changes?
A: Please don't unless you need to. Calling can increase the risk for all of us that they'll change their mind and disallow all further changes, or simply cancel everyone's tickets. However, as this fare has now been running for months and has seen many calls made about it, it is reasonable to expect that calling will not cause issues at this stage. As best practice, avoid attracting attention on the low price paid, and avoid making additional demands or tempting your luck. Remember you get to fly a J ticket for the cost of a Y fare.
Q: How many times can I make changes?
A: In theory, as often as you like, but you can't make more than two changes online/in the app. After that, you'd have to call, which we are trying to avoid.
Q: I've changed my mind. Can I get a refund?
A: Yes, the fare was fully refundable. Just contact the airline or fill out a refund form online.
Q: Due to Coronavirus, I need to extend my travel plan beyond the original expiry date. What can I do?
A: For Delta tickets (starting with 006) you can travel at any point until December 2022. Changes to flights within a 10 month window can be done at any point on the app, following the rules above. If you want to fly later than 10 months from now, you can call Delta and ask them to "park" your ticket. You will receive a ticket number that ties to an eCredit which can be used later to buy tickets. As long as you keep the original itinerary, or if you have flown at least a segment, you will not be charged a fare difference. Bear in mind that the eCredit may only be refundable if your original flight was cancelled (which is very likely in those day and times). Note that only Delta in the US are able to do this so do not call the EU numbers (use Skype to save money on international calls). According to user feedback: iMessage agents seem to also be able to do this, but twitter agents not.
I pulled down the DL fare rules (these are BUD-SEA but they all appeared nearly identical). I posted them on a share. We can easily grab the AF and KL variants if others need those.
Q: This is a fully flexible fare with free changes. Does that mean I can change the flight dates as I want without paying anything extra?
A: No. The airline simply doesn't charge a change fee. But depending on the fare rules, you will still need to pay the difference to the new price.
Q: But I read that some people could change their flights for free...?
A: The rules for this fare (linked to above) specify that historical pricing shall be used if either at least one flight from the ticket has been taken or the outbound remains the same. In other words, in order to be able to change your flights for free, you must have flown at least one flight from your booking. Otherwise, you can only change the inbound. The outbound has to remain the same or you will be charged the fare difference.
Q: Can I change the rest of the itinerary after flying the first segment without any other charges or additional fare differences?
A: Yes this is possible according to the fare rules where after completing the first segment, you can change the rest of the flights for free (with the condition that the same fare class is available- I-class - in this case. According to the fare rules, after flying the FIRST segment (in the case here BUD-XXX) the historical fare is used. Possible to use the first stopover at AMS or CDG (see post #830).
Q: But some people could change their outbound flights for free!
A: They got lucky. It was probably a bug on the website/in the app. When no flight from the ticket has been flown, the fare rules do not allow changing the outbound without repricing.
Q: Ok, ok, so I can only change the inbound for free. How do I do that?
A: You search for availability for alternative flights on ITA Matrix using "F ..I2FFHU" in the extension codes. You must search for round trip flights as this is a round trip fare. Then you ignore the outbound result (as long as you haven't flown at least one flight from your ticket) and just try to rebook your inbound on the website/app.
Q: I have found availability on ITA Matrix, but the app/website doesn't show me those flights!
A: Keep trying. Sometimes you may have to serach in a different way (split up the searches, e.g. HNL-LAX and LAX-BUD), sometimes you just have to repeat the search several times. But that's no guarantee the desired results will turn up (and without repricing).
Q: It doesn't work. Can I just call the airline to make the changes?
A: Please don't unless you need to. Calling can increase the risk for all of us that they'll change their mind and disallow all further changes, or simply cancel everyone's tickets. However, as this fare has now been running for months and has seen many calls made about it, it is reasonable to expect that calling will not cause issues at this stage. As best practice, avoid attracting attention on the low price paid, and avoid making additional demands or tempting your luck. Remember you get to fly a J ticket for the cost of a Y fare.
Q: How many times can I make changes?
A: In theory, as often as you like, but you can't make more than two changes online/in the app. After that, you'd have to call, which we are trying to avoid.
Q: I've changed my mind. Can I get a refund?
A: Yes, the fare was fully refundable. Just contact the airline or fill out a refund form online.
Q: Due to Coronavirus, I need to extend my travel plan beyond the original expiry date. What can I do?
A: For Delta tickets (starting with 006) you can travel at any point until December 2022. Changes to flights within a 10 month window can be done at any point on the app, following the rules above. If you want to fly later than 10 months from now, you can call Delta and ask them to "park" your ticket. You will receive a ticket number that ties to an eCredit which can be used later to buy tickets. As long as you keep the original itinerary, or if you have flown at least a segment, you will not be charged a fare difference. Bear in mind that the eCredit may only be refundable if your original flight was cancelled (which is very likely in those day and times). Note that only Delta in the US are able to do this so do not call the EU numbers (use Skype to save money on international calls). According to user feedback: iMessage agents seem to also be able to do this, but twitter agents not.
{prem fare gone}: AF/KL/DL/VS: BUD-US from $750 R/T
Jul 17, 2021, 7:06 pm
#2701
formerly mattking2000
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: DXB
Programs: BA|AC|AZ|SPG|H|FPC
Posts: 1,187
Just an update for those interested:
I recently completed the first leg of this flight, DBV-JFK. No issues whatsoever, however the flight was packed, mostly from Americans on holiday and not the Schengen-avoiders. Lots of questions during check-in from security about your whereabouts in the last few weeks and your planned activities in the US, but no actual proof/receipts requested.
PCR / antigen required in DBV during check-in, however no one requested this on landing in JFK. and I was out of immigration in under 5 mins without Global Entry (Canadian passport).
If you have any questions about the process, please ask away and I will try to answer. I will also be attempting to change the inbound later to suit my schedule better, will let you know how that goes.
I recently completed the first leg of this flight, DBV-JFK. No issues whatsoever, however the flight was packed, mostly from Americans on holiday and not the Schengen-avoiders. Lots of questions during check-in from security about your whereabouts in the last few weeks and your planned activities in the US, but no actual proof/receipts requested.
PCR / antigen required in DBV during check-in, however no one requested this on landing in JFK. and I was out of immigration in under 5 mins without Global Entry (Canadian passport).
If you have any questions about the process, please ask away and I will try to answer. I will also be attempting to change the inbound later to suit my schedule better, will let you know how that goes.
Jul 19, 2021, 8:29 am
#2702
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 110
The latest pushback i've had from Delta is as below
I am sorry, the bulletin you have is for Travel agents rebookings on travel agency fares and bookings.
We do show your tickets were booked via Delta.com and not a agency fare. We can certainly refund your ticket or you have the full value to apply towards a new fare but the fare difference will apply if there is any. The ticket is valid til the 31dec2022.
Can anyone please advise on the pushback to negate that argument? I've repeatedly came against the argument that the travel bulletin is intended for travel agents only and i'm not sure how to argue that point
thanks,
I am sorry, the bulletin you have is for Travel agents rebookings on travel agency fares and bookings.
We do show your tickets were booked via Delta.com and not a agency fare. We can certainly refund your ticket or you have the full value to apply towards a new fare but the fare difference will apply if there is any. The ticket is valid til the 31dec2022.
Can anyone please advise on the pushback to negate that argument? I've repeatedly came against the argument that the travel bulletin is intended for travel agents only and i'm not sure how to argue that point
thanks,
Jul 20, 2021, 2:23 am
#2703
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: Nectar Card
Posts: 1,092
The latest pushback i've had from Delta is as below
I am sorry, the bulletin you have is for Travel agents rebookings on travel agency fares and bookings.
We do show your tickets were booked via Delta.com and not a agency fare. We can certainly refund your ticket or you have the full value to apply towards a new fare but the fare difference will apply if there is any. The ticket is valid til the 31dec2022.
Can anyone please advise on the pushback to negate that argument? I've repeatedly came against the argument that the travel bulletin is intended for travel agents only and i'm not sure how to argue that point
thanks,
I am sorry, the bulletin you have is for Travel agents rebookings on travel agency fares and bookings.
We do show your tickets were booked via Delta.com and not a agency fare. We can certainly refund your ticket or you have the full value to apply towards a new fare but the fare difference will apply if there is any. The ticket is valid til the 31dec2022.
Can anyone please advise on the pushback to negate that argument? I've repeatedly came against the argument that the travel bulletin is intended for travel agents only and i'm not sure how to argue that point
thanks,
Jul 20, 2021, 2:35 am
#2704
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, VS Gold, FB Plat
Posts: 185
The latest pushback i've had from Delta is as below
I am sorry, the bulletin you have is for Travel agents rebookings on travel agency fares and bookings.
We do show your tickets were booked via Delta.com and not a agency fare. We can certainly refund your ticket or you have the full value to apply towards a new fare but the fare difference will apply if there is any. The ticket is valid til the 31dec2022.
Can anyone please advise on the pushback to negate that argument? I've repeatedly came against the argument that the travel bulletin is intended for travel agents only and i'm not sure how to argue that point
thanks,
I am sorry, the bulletin you have is for Travel agents rebookings on travel agency fares and bookings.
We do show your tickets were booked via Delta.com and not a agency fare. We can certainly refund your ticket or you have the full value to apply towards a new fare but the fare difference will apply if there is any. The ticket is valid til the 31dec2022.
Can anyone please advise on the pushback to negate that argument? I've repeatedly came against the argument that the travel bulletin is intended for travel agents only and i'm not sure how to argue that point
thanks,
After couple other (unrelated) arguments, I got rebooked without a fare difference.
Jul 20, 2021, 5:24 am
#2706
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 84
Hello,
My original itinerary was booked for December 2020, in September 2020 I made a change for different travel dates (August 2021), but due to the ban for Shengen citizens, unfortunately I cannot use the flights.
I have tried twice to contact the agents by imessage but they always tell me that I have to pay the fare difference, because I have already made the change once, even if I wanted to book the same fare class.
I also tried to propose bulletin 6, but the first operator told me that it could only be used once and I had already used it, the second told me that bulletin 6 is only valid for travel until March 31, 2021 .
Do you have any suggestions on how to change dates and convince the operator?
Thank you!
My original itinerary was booked for December 2020, in September 2020 I made a change for different travel dates (August 2021), but due to the ban for Shengen citizens, unfortunately I cannot use the flights.
I have tried twice to contact the agents by imessage but they always tell me that I have to pay the fare difference, because I have already made the change once, even if I wanted to book the same fare class.
I also tried to propose bulletin 6, but the first operator told me that it could only be used once and I had already used it, the second told me that bulletin 6 is only valid for travel until March 31, 2021 .
Do you have any suggestions on how to change dates and convince the operator?
Thank you!
Jul 20, 2021, 5:28 am
#2707
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,471
Hello,
My original itinerary was booked for December 2020, in September 2020 I made a change for different travel dates (August 2021), but due to the ban for Shengen citizens, unfortunately I cannot use the flights.
I have tried twice to contact the agents by imessage but they always tell me that I have to pay the fare difference, because I have already made the change once, even if I wanted to book the same fare class.
I also tried to propose bulletin 6, but the first operator told me that it could only be used once and I had already used it, the second told me that bulletin 6 is only valid for travel until March 31, 2021 .
Do you have any suggestions on how to change dates and convince the operator?
Thank you!
My original itinerary was booked for December 2020, in September 2020 I made a change for different travel dates (August 2021), but due to the ban for Shengen citizens, unfortunately I cannot use the flights.
I have tried twice to contact the agents by imessage but they always tell me that I have to pay the fare difference, because I have already made the change once, even if I wanted to book the same fare class.
I also tried to propose bulletin 6, but the first operator told me that it could only be used once and I had already used it, the second told me that bulletin 6 is only valid for travel until March 31, 2021 .
Do you have any suggestions on how to change dates and convince the operator?
Thank you!
Jul 20, 2021, 5:36 am
#2708
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 84
To change the ticket without paying the fare difference, does it just have to happen that an agent is available to do it? or is it not possible and therefore is better for me to cancel it?
Thank you
Jul 20, 2021, 5:45 am
#2709
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,471
As to whether to refund: mostly depends on your appetite for persuing the matter, whether that be repeated attempts through normal CS channels or actual proceedings to enforce EU261 through whatever channel is appropriate for this ticket. Can't speak from experience, as I "parked" my reservations rather than repeatedly rebooking and that seems to have been the right way to go about it as I still have my Bulletin 6 use in hand.
Jul 21, 2021, 1:40 pm
#2710
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: BA
Posts: 55
Help Required
Hello all.
I originally booked this fare Bud- Sea early last year and have had a number of changes over the last 15 months. My current ticket is Bud - Ams - Sea departing 30 July. I really want to extend the life of this ticket and keep this alive with no fare difference as long as possible. ( EU Passport, UK resident) Any suggestions or ideas to do so would be greatly appreciated.
I originally booked this fare Bud- Sea early last year and have had a number of changes over the last 15 months. My current ticket is Bud - Ams - Sea departing 30 July. I really want to extend the life of this ticket and keep this alive with no fare difference as long as possible. ( EU Passport, UK resident) Any suggestions or ideas to do so would be greatly appreciated.
Jul 21, 2021, 1:44 pm
#2711
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,471
Hello all.
I originally booked this fare Bud- Sea early last year and have had a number of changes over the last 15 months. My current ticket is Bud - Ams - Sea departing 30 July. I really want to extend the life of this ticket and keep this alive with no fare difference as long as possible. ( EU Passport, UK resident) Any suggestions or ideas to do so would be greatly appreciated.
I originally booked this fare Bud- Sea early last year and have had a number of changes over the last 15 months. My current ticket is Bud - Ams - Sea departing 30 July. I really want to extend the life of this ticket and keep this alive with no fare difference as long as possible. ( EU Passport, UK resident) Any suggestions or ideas to do so would be greatly appreciated.
Jul 21, 2021, 2:45 pm
#2712
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 84
After several failed attempts, where they wanted to make me pay the fare difference, I managed to get the tickets issued in 2022 without paying anything.
You have to be lucky enough to connect with the right customer service, I found it after 6 failed attempts
You have to be lucky enough to connect with the right customer service, I found it after 6 failed attempts
Jul 21, 2021, 2:48 pm
#2713
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 57
Just an update for those interested:
I recently completed the first leg of this flight, DBV-JFK. No issues whatsoever, however the flight was packed, mostly from Americans on holiday and not the Schengen-avoiders. Lots of questions during check-in from security about your whereabouts in the last few weeks and your planned activities in the US, but no actual proof/receipts requested.
PCR / antigen required in DBV during check-in, however no one requested this on landing in JFK. and I was out of immigration in under 5 mins without Global Entry (Canadian passport).
If you have any questions about the process, please ask away and I will try to answer. I will also be attempting to change the inbound later to suit my schedule better, will let you know how that goes.
I recently completed the first leg of this flight, DBV-JFK. No issues whatsoever, however the flight was packed, mostly from Americans on holiday and not the Schengen-avoiders. Lots of questions during check-in from security about your whereabouts in the last few weeks and your planned activities in the US, but no actual proof/receipts requested.
PCR / antigen required in DBV during check-in, however no one requested this on landing in JFK. and I was out of immigration in under 5 mins without Global Entry (Canadian passport).
If you have any questions about the process, please ask away and I will try to answer. I will also be attempting to change the inbound later to suit my schedule better, will let you know how that goes.
I'll attempt the same in a few weeks.
Please let us know when/if you're able to change the inbound
Jul 21, 2021, 2:55 pm
#2714
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: BA
Posts: 55
Many congratulations. I am not sure how you did it. I think all I can do is keep calling and cross my fingers. Thank you