DL Boarding Pass shenanigans--IS THIS A DUMB IDEA?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 174
DL Boarding Pass shenanigans--IS THIS A DUMB IDEA?
Legitimately I am not doing this, but know some who are considering. Is this a terrible idea or no biggie?
Two people booked on same flight: person A in First Class, and person B in Econ.
Turns out person A cannot make the trip, but best move is to just leave the ticket unused. So person A and person B are both planning on checking in for the flight, with person B then boarding the plane with person A boarding pass (to sit in First Class).
Is this a dumb idea?
I wouldn't think they'd pull person B's luggage of the plane after his boarding pass didn't scan at boarding?
If person B is on a round trip itinerary would that jeopardize the return flight, since DL would not show him on prior flight?
What are the pitfalls and risks here, if any?
Thanks.
Two people booked on same flight: person A in First Class, and person B in Econ.
Turns out person A cannot make the trip, but best move is to just leave the ticket unused. So person A and person B are both planning on checking in for the flight, with person B then boarding the plane with person A boarding pass (to sit in First Class).
Is this a dumb idea?
I wouldn't think they'd pull person B's luggage of the plane after his boarding pass didn't scan at boarding?
If person B is on a round trip itinerary would that jeopardize the return flight, since DL would not show him on prior flight?
What are the pitfalls and risks here, if any?
Thanks.
Last edited by dgilligan02; Jan 18, 2019 at 11:33 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Delta PM/2MM, Marriott Ambassador Elite/Lifetime Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 142
Yes.
They absolutely will offload luggage belonging to a no-show itinerary, so the only option is carryon only or have Person A check Person B's baggage.
Person B's ticket will certainly be cancelled.
- Both Person A & B have to check in and go through security
- If there are IRROPS or baggage delays, Person B may have a Very Bad Time® if needing to show proof of identity
- Flying under or checking bags under another identity are certainly against Contract of Carriage, which could result in any number of outcomes depending on how the airline handles it if caught
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
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Posts: 10,348
Legitimately I am not doing this, but know some who are considering. Is this a terrible idea or no biggie?
Two people booked on same flight: person A in First Class, and person B in Econ.
Turns out person A cannot make the trip, but best move is to just leave the ticket unused. So person A and person B are both planning on checking in for the flight, with person B then boarding the plane with person A boarding pass (to sit in First Class).
Is this a dumb idea?
I wouldn't think they'd pull person B's luggage of the plane after his boarding pass didn't scan at boarding?
If person B is on a round trip itinerary would that jeopardize the return flight, since DL would not show him on prior flight?
What are the pitfalls and risks here, if any?
Thanks.
Two people booked on same flight: person A in First Class, and person B in Econ.
Turns out person A cannot make the trip, but best move is to just leave the ticket unused. So person A and person B are both planning on checking in for the flight, with person B then boarding the plane with person A boarding pass (to sit in First Class).
Is this a dumb idea?
I wouldn't think they'd pull person B's luggage of the plane after his boarding pass didn't scan at boarding?
If person B is on a round trip itinerary would that jeopardize the return flight, since DL would not show him on prior flight?
What are the pitfalls and risks here, if any?
Thanks.
Another potential pitfall: if the flight is randomly selected for additional TSA Screening at the Gate, Person B would need to board with their own boarding pass so as to match the ID when boarding at the gate. As noted above, IROPS and being rebooked would be an issue too.
Though unlikely, other issues do arise with regards to diversions, in-flight emergencies, or God-forbid, the plane crash.
Last edited by ATOBTTR; Jan 18, 2019 at 11:48 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 174
Thanks for quickly confirming what I suspected, that this is not without risk.
To me best move here is for person B to just board using their own boarding pass and then plunk down in person A's assigned First Class seat...and hope they don't get asked to move.
To me best move here is for person B to just board using their own boarding pass and then plunk down in person A's assigned First Class seat...and hope they don't get asked to move.
#7
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Also a dumb idea, or at best, naive to how things work when flying today. Once Person A is a "no show" when the check-in window closes, their FC seat will then be given to an elite (or non-rev) on the standby list. It's a very rare event for DL flights to go out with empty FC seats due to the number of people who are on an UG list or non-rev standby list on a given flight.
#8
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Location: Brighton. UK
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Once person A fails to have their BP scanned the GA will likely process an upgrade from the list and then you sorry Person B will be told to move.
#9
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,426
Isn't removal only for international flights? Wouldn't domestic bags go on their merry way do to already having been screened?
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 174
Also a dumb idea, or at best, naive to how things work when flying today. Once Person A is a "no show" when the check-in window closes, their FC seat will then be given to an elite (or non-rev) on the standby list. It's a very rare event for DL flights to go out with empty FC seats due to the number of people who are on an UG list or non-rev standby list on a given flight.
#12
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,051
Definitely a CoC violation --
B) Tickets are not transferable. The purchaser of the ticket and the passenger are responsible for ensuring that the ticket accurately states the passenger's name. Presentation of a ticket for transportation by someone other than the passenger named on the ticket renders the ticket void.
#13
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K MM, Subway Club Member
Posts: 1,988
No, probably not illegal so long as the person doing it does not show fraudulent documents or lie about their identity to a government official. So long as your name has been run against the government’s various lists and you’ve been screened the government is good. The whole matching tickets to the names bit is to prevent resale of tickets (not a crime but against the CoC) but it’s easier to say it’s for security. As much as they pretend they are; airline policies are rarely “laws”.
#14
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Haha, yes I agree. I don't actually endorse this at all, not worth it IMO. I just mean IF you're going to go for it, that's the way to go. Downside risk is embarrassment suffered in being asked to move later on (if the seat is open as you board) vs. other potential unpleasantries.
Of course this all may be moot since we've covered that Person B's return would be canceled upon the no-show and they would be unable to check-in luggage as "Person A" on the return.
#15
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,884
Haha, yes I agree. I don't actually endorse this at all, not worth it IMO. I just mean IF you're going to go for it, that's the way to go. Downside risk is embarrassment suffered in being asked to move later on (if the seat is open as you board) vs. other potential unpleasantries.