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
Jan 10, 2022, 12:58 am
#2926
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
I now have been able to rebook 3 tickets of this deal (DL) and cancelled one (AF to HNL 😭
.
flying to (unless COVID restrictions):
- YUL in February
- YVR in April
- LAX in July
Burned 400000 miles as well to make family trip to YVR and LAX (5 tickets -75% of them in J). I will get around 100k flying blue miles and a bunch of xp as well (380xp) so it will be hopefully nice Holidays !
.flying to (unless COVID restrictions):
- YUL in February
- YVR in April
- LAX in July
Burned 400000 miles as well to make family trip to YVR and LAX (5 tickets -75% of them in J). I will get around 100k flying blue miles and a bunch of xp as well (380xp) so it will be hopefully nice Holidays !
Jan 10, 2022, 2:03 am
#2928
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
Jan 10, 2022, 7:07 am
#2929
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: MUC
Programs: TK Elite, FB Gold
Posts: 315
Had another frustrating call with DL but sadly the script is the same, even from the supervisor - no rebooking without paying the difference. According to them, the previous bulletins (4 and 6) don't apply any longer so I'm at a loss right now. My ticket was parked in Sep 2020. The previous agent also left a note on the booking so they keep repeating the same lines. Such a shame not being able to fly this, 2 years after booking it.
I'd be thankful for any suggestion on how to approach this - if anyone has any further tips.
I'd be thankful for any suggestion on how to approach this - if anyone has any further tips.
Jan 10, 2022, 7:39 am
#2930
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, VS Gold, FB Plat
Posts: 185
Was able to re-book my BUD-OGG trip via Delta chat without any argument, the agent was very kind and helpful. The first line agent I connected me to only wanted to give me the option to use the original value of the ticket for new bookings, then I asked to be connected with the ticketing desk. When you first connect with someone, ask to be connected directly to the ticketing desk, as they will only be able to help you without fare difference. It did take some time as agent could not find the same availability as I was seeing, but trying a couple routes resulted in a new ticket. KLM app shows nearly 50k miles to be posted, crazy good deal. Now I just need to start putting money aside for a 14-day stay in Maui, hotels are crazy expensive.
Jan 11, 2022, 7:07 am
#2931
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 390
Does anyone have a link for the current covid requirements for Hungary, including any forms that are required? I'm fully vaccinated, with a booster, and shouldn't need a test prior to entry because I had covid in December and have a letter attesting to my recovery. I'm just trying to make sure I have everything. thank you.
Jan 12, 2022, 10:47 am
#2934
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 104
Had another frustrating call with DL but sadly the script is the same, even from the supervisor - no rebooking without paying the difference. According to them, the previous bulletins (4 and 6) don't apply any longer so I'm at a loss right now. My ticket was parked in Sep 2020. The previous agent also left a note on the booking so they keep repeating the same lines. Such a shame not being able to fly this, 2 years after booking it.
I'd be thankful for any suggestion on how to approach this - if anyone has any further tips.
I'd be thankful for any suggestion on how to approach this - if anyone has any further tips.
Jan 13, 2022, 10:49 am
#2935
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Somewhere between BHX and HUY
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Eurobonus Silver, ALL Gold
Posts: 1,674
Does anyone have a link for the current covid requirements for Hungary, including any forms that are required? I'm fully vaccinated, with a booster, and shouldn't need a test prior to entry because I had covid in December and have a letter attesting to my recovery. I'm just trying to make sure I have everything. thank you.
When I went (2 weeks ago) only requirement for Budapest was:
-Be double vaccinated with EU approved vaccine and QR code to show it.
-Don't come from a red listed country (African nations there only).
Budapest airport has a covid test centre which can fully process you in less than 30mns for the LFT that you need to enter the US.
Jan 13, 2022, 10:57 am
#2936
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Somewhere between BHX and HUY
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Eurobonus Silver, ALL Gold
Posts: 1,674
Had another frustrating call with DL but sadly the script is the same, even from the supervisor - no rebooking without paying the difference. According to them, the previous bulletins (4 and 6) don't apply any longer so I'm at a loss right now. My ticket was parked in Sep 2020. The previous agent also left a note on the booking so they keep repeating the same lines. Such a shame not being able to fly this, 2 years after booking it.
I'd be thankful for any suggestion on how to approach this - if anyone has any further tips.
I'd be thankful for any suggestion on how to approach this - if anyone has any further tips.
Have you started recording your calls now? Have you tried the plat line?
It doesn't matter that Bulletin 6 no longer applies now. It applied when you parked your ticket which means that when they parked it they allow you to pull the same itinerary in the same booking class, they need to reissue it with no reprice. Most of us have been able to get this done after 2-3 HUACA so not sure why you've been so unlucky.
I have had to bin my AF ticket stock one because they were refusing to rebook for more than 3 days beyond original departure date (which I believe is illegal given ticket sale condition but after calling 6 times I lost the heart to insist - I do regret it now!!)
What else can you try? Ask if the calls you made in 2020 were recorded and tell them you would like a copy under GDPR so that you can prove that they assured you the tickets would be reinstated with no repricing. If they refuse tell them you will hit them with a subject access request. Hopefully you have an address somewhere in Europe or the UK so GDPR applies to you? If yeah you can actually hit them with the S.A.R. If not you're just bluffing.
I'd say fight for it. It's worth it.
Good luck.
Jan 17, 2022, 12:25 am
#2937
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: MUC
Programs: TK Elite, FB Gold
Posts: 315
It's very frustrating...
Have you started recording your calls now? Have you tried the plat line?
It doesn't matter that Bulletin 6 no longer applies now. It applied when you parked your ticket which means that when they parked it they allow you to pull the same itinerary in the same booking class, they need to reissue it with no reprice. Most of us have been able to get this done after 2-3 HUACA so not sure why you've been so unlucky.
I have had to bin my AF ticket stock one because they were refusing to rebook for more than 3 days beyond original departure date (which I believe is illegal given ticket sale condition but after calling 6 times I lost the heart to insist - I do regret it now!!)
What else can you try? Ask if the calls you made in 2020 were recorded and tell them you would like a copy under GDPR so that you can prove that they assured you the tickets would be reinstated with no repricing. If they refuse tell them you will hit them with a subject access request. Hopefully you have an address somewhere in Europe or the UK so GDPR applies to you? If yeah you can actually hit them with the S.A.R. If not you're just bluffing.
I'd say fight for it. It's worth it.
Good luck.
Have you started recording your calls now? Have you tried the plat line?
It doesn't matter that Bulletin 6 no longer applies now. It applied when you parked your ticket which means that when they parked it they allow you to pull the same itinerary in the same booking class, they need to reissue it with no reprice. Most of us have been able to get this done after 2-3 HUACA so not sure why you've been so unlucky.
I have had to bin my AF ticket stock one because they were refusing to rebook for more than 3 days beyond original departure date (which I believe is illegal given ticket sale condition but after calling 6 times I lost the heart to insist - I do regret it now!!)
What else can you try? Ask if the calls you made in 2020 were recorded and tell them you would like a copy under GDPR so that you can prove that they assured you the tickets would be reinstated with no repricing. If they refuse tell them you will hit them with a subject access request. Hopefully you have an address somewhere in Europe or the UK so GDPR applies to you? If yeah you can actually hit them with the S.A.R. If not you're just bluffing.
I'd say fight for it. It's worth it.
Good luck.
Jan 18, 2022, 1:25 pm
#2938
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PRG, DRS, VIE
Programs: Marriott Titanium, BA Gold, A3 Gold
Posts: 939
Anyone successfully reinstated parked tickets to STX? I thnk there is no longer Delta code share on flights from SJU to STX making it impossible to find availability.
Jan 18, 2022, 7:05 pm
#2939
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: 10^7 mm from Ȱ
Programs: Hyatt D/HHonors D/ SPG P/ Marriott P/ IHG P/ UA 1K/ AA EXP/ DL D
Posts: 1,976
eCredit
Just got an email from DL notifying eCredit will be extended to the end of 2023. My tickets were parked in Mar. 2020 as eCredit. Does it mean I may use them in 2023?
Jan 19, 2022, 1:17 am
#2940
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
However, if you want to rebook it through Bulletin 6 (which need to have a parked ticket with no change/reissue after April 17th 2020), I guess they will not update the bulletin and travel must be completed by 2022.
Here is the statement
Delta extends ticket validity through year-end 2023
Delta is redoubling its efforts to give customers more flexibility in their travel plans with another industry-leading eCredit extension through year-end 2023.Effective Jan. 12, all existing eCredit holders will have an additional year of flexibility for rebooking and traveling. Customers will be able to rebook their ticket by December 31, 2023, for travel throughout 2024.
Furthermore, all Delta customers with upcoming 2022 travel or who purchase a ticket in 2022 also have the flexibility to rebook their ticket through December 31, 2023, and travel throughout 2024, if their plans change.
Don't worry if the new expiration date is not yet shown on the eCredit documents; it will take us some time to update our system, but rest assured customers can continue to book tickets for travel anytime in 2022 or 2023 with their existing eCredits.
When ready to rebook, customers can easily redeem their eCredits from their own devices at delta.com/redeem or the Fly Delta app. As a reminder, Delta has also eliminated change fees for most tickets, making it even easier to manage any trip changes.