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Delta Airline Rant

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by loonytoony, Jan 23, 2016.

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  1. KnowItAll

    KnowItAll VIP Whale

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    As a traveler from Atlanta typically Delta is the only choice although Southwest is now here with many cities.

    I used to travel 6 to 10 times a year for work (been about 2 years since i have had to travel.

    So I am planning a vacation and wanted to compare SWA to Delta. Southwest website is a piece of cake, very clear, and two free bags. Delta website, holy crap. I was surprised to find a cheaper option but upon selecting flights, the mess started. They charge for every inch of space and every little detail and make it nearly impossible to find a reasonable airfare. Maybe its just me but I like simple stuff. They need to get me and my belongings from point A to point B and back. Creating this convoluted reservation system is a PIA in my opinion.

    Well thats my rant and I feel a little better.

    Delta is not likely to get my business moving forward
     
  2. bigalbr

    bigalbr VIP Whale

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    For Southwest, you have to use their website AFAIK. For all other airlines, I use Orbitz. There may be another aggregator that is better at this point, I chose Orbitz around 15-20 years ago and stuck with it. The benefit is that you see all non-SWA airlines. Plus I don't find it difficult to navigate at all.
     
  3. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    I also travel from ATL and refuse to ever fly SWA.

    Yes, Delta is far from perfect but they're a hell of a lot better than steerage with SWA.

    And if you fly frequently enough and/or have Delta Amex cards to pick up bonus MQMs and get Medallion status you can get the Delta Comfort seating included, free checked bags, free drinks, priority boarding and first class upgrades.

    But even without Medallion at least you aren't in an open seating cattle car.
     
  4. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

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    I avoid third party sites myself. The airline and hotel sites usually have rates just as good and get to deal direct with them.

    Because of less expensive airlines, with less perks (usually), Delta and others have gone to a model where extras cost you. You are forced to deal with it, or go elsewhere. Delta has gotten very tight lately, but sometimes they are just fine.
     
  5. miniwhale

    miniwhale High-Roller

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    Just so you know, you won't get the Delta Comfort option after May 16th. My husband flies at least 2-3 times a month, he has been Diamond the last several years, and missed it for 2016. He will now be Platinum. Even at Diamond, he would be 30th+ on the wait list for First Class going to the west coast, even after paying premium $ for his flight. Flights to Vegas are now around 50k ff miles and 90k+ for first class. First class upgrade chances are slim to none to Vegas or the West Coast from Atlanta. Delta Comfort will be considered part of the upgrade list. Delta Amex will at least get you free checked bags and a companion ticket with limited flight times.
     
  6. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    Not sure why he's 30th at diamond. I've been platinum the last few years and gotten upgraded on Vegas flights a couple of times. Not every time by any means but pretty frequently. I'm now diamond this year, but haven't flown coach since getting it. I usually book first on Vegas flights.

    But you're saying you won't be able to book Delta Comfort for free anymore even as diamond?
     
  7. aaronw915

    aaronw915 Low-Roller

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    After May 16 Delta is going to be making it much harder, if not almost impossible for Diamonds and other Medallions to get complimentary upgrades to Comfort +. Now, as a Diamond, or Medallion if you go to book a ticket for travel on or after May 16th, 2016 you cannot just select a Comfort+ seat at booking because it is now it's own separate Fare Class (W). Everyone must enroll into the queue by clicking the “Request Upgrade".


    Lots of discussion about it on Flyertalk and other travel blogs.
     
  8. BCMike

    BCMike VIP Whale

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  9. aaronw915

    aaronw915 Low-Roller

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    Reserving is different than free upgrade which is what is being changed. They will have to pay for the cost of Comfot+ seats.
     
  10. BCMike

    BCMike VIP Whale

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    Interesting. I just noticed that link says 2015. Wonder if they have a newer version?

    [​IMG]
     
  11. aaronw915

    aaronw915 Low-Roller

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  12. aaronw915

    aaronw915 Low-Roller

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    Oh...also read the interesting parts about how they're jacking up companion travel as well. THAT is seriously pissing people off.
     
  13. BCMike

    BCMike VIP Whale

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    Yeah, I agree with you there. I'm still trying to figure out why I'm so loyal to Delta when they don't offer direct flights to anywhere I go, are usually more expensive and even with 60 personal flights segments last year, all in first, I don't get any special treatment lol.

    I think it's because when I lived in Europe, they were partners with KLM.

    That whole 'request upgrade' is BS.
     
  14. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    So basically what they're doing is making it so they can keep Comfort+ seats for paying customers and only offer it to medallions if they're not likely to sell it.

    The same way that sometimes you can get upgraded to first 7 days before your flight if there's enough availability. But usually they keep the first seats available for people to purchase up until the gate and only assign upgrades in the last hour when they know nobody will buy them.

    Nothing more than another way for them to get a few more nickels and dimes.

    What is left to be determined is how this plays out in reality. Will enough people purchase Comfort+ that it often fills up and it's a tough upgrade to get or will it pretty much be business as usual.
     
  15. aaronw915

    aaronw915 Low-Roller

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    Yea I think that sums it up. Which is why you have diamonds and million milers trying to do status matches with United and AA. Within 5 years the big 3 US airlines will have devalued reward points and statuses so much it won't even matter anymore
     
  16. miniwhale

    miniwhale High-Roller

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    He is usually never close to getting upgraded to LA. Occasionally at least one way on a Vegas flight he will. He frequently gets upgraded on the shorter flights, from Atlanta to the east side of the country. But the frequent short flights is what got him from Diamond to now Platinum this year. I am imagining not many people will pay for the Delta Comfort, people won't think it is worth the extra ff points for it either, and then the Medallion fliers will get "upgraded" a lot more. What I am wondering, though, is if you are on an aisle seat, then get upgraded to a Delta Comfort middle seat, is that really an upgrade?
     
  17. KnowItAll

    KnowItAll VIP Whale

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    All of this just reinforces the fact in an era of record profits Delta is squeezing more out of everyone.
     
  18. tfcoach72

    tfcoach72 High-Roller

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    Folks, as an ATL resident, I hate this new DELTA as well. However, aren't they in the business to make a profit?.

    I like that they have newer planes, tv, etc.

    I know it slaps some long time sky miles members in the face, but this is no different than a casino changing their comp tiers. We fuss, but sometimes we go back and sometimes we search out new casinos.

    That is why I sometimes fly SWA----I just have to decide, costs vs comfort.
     
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  19. BCMike

    BCMike VIP Whale

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    I must be on a route that doesn't have new planes. I fly out of Austin, Vancouver, Minneapolis, lax, DOC and Vegas and usually get stuck on their regional jets. I don't really have a problem with it though as I only fly personal these days and just pay for the class of service I want. Not willing to roll the dice.
     
  20. h0und10

    h0und10 VIP Whale

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    So if I booked the basic cheapest seat ahead of time, I can upgrade to first class or comfort plus if it does not sell out right before we board?
     
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