I hate Delta. Also PSA for FF upgraders - UPDATED!

[origami]

I just found out today that if you use FF miles on Delta to upgrade from economy to business you can get alllllll the way to check-in time before you find out that Delta downgraded you back to coach and will do zero things (that matter) to get you back into the seat you originally booked.

This just happened to me. I'm flying out tomorrow for China. "Luckily" this is only regarding my return flight so I still have a chance that someone in business won't make the flight and I can keep my upgrade. But in the meantime the only reason I even realized this happened is b/c i checked in for my outgoing flight and happened to look through the end of my itinerary and noticed the seat change. If I hadn't done that I'd have shown up to the airport not knowing I got hosed. I called Delta thinking this had to be a fixable error. But no. Some computer somewhere decided my flight home needed one less upgradable seat than it currently had, and although I booked this flight in fucking January, it picked me to get booted back to coach and overbooked the flight. Nevermind that i paid $5500 for this coach ticket in order to make it upgradable. Nevermind that my DH did the same thing and is still in business. They're splitting us up and there's nothing I can do about it unless we want to come back a day early (and miss Shanghai completely) or half a day late flying to another stop (which I can't do b/c of childcare problems). The first rep offered me a whopping $200 voucher - a fucking VOUCHER, not even cash - for my inconvenience. After 3 hours of reaming people out I have an unwritten (probably useless) offer for half the price of my ticket, assuming I end up flying coach home. This is my 10th anniversary vacation and I have a terrible fear of flying, so this is just fucking great. DH did say he'd sit in coach for me but it still sucks.

ETA: the Delta rep told me they only send out email/text alerts to their customers when the flight numbers or flight times change. Seat changes and downgrades = no announcement.



UPDATE: this morning I got a "Welcome to silver medallion status", which I already was but I'm guessing their system screwed up. Magically I got another email shortly afterward with my revised itinerary that had me back in business. So I'm sure some medallion-less person just got booted to the back and will have a fun surprise at check-in. I still hate Delta but at least I can stop making a scene about it.

[frlcb]

Did they say if the flight was oversold or an equipment change? That really sucks I know Delta prioritizes everything based on their medallion fliers, so I wonder if, for example, there were 4 of you who used miles to upgrade and 2 were platinum or gold and you aren't medallion that is why the would boot you down and keep them. I also know that if you keep calling back and talk to someone different you can get a better outcome. I am really sorry, this is so shitty.

[origami]

May 5, 2014 21:04:44 GMT -5 frlcb said:

Did they say if the flight was oversold or an equipment change? That really sucks I know Delta prioritizes everything based on their medallion fliers, so I wonder if, for example, there were 4 of you who used miles to upgrade and 2 were platinum or gold and you aren't medallion that is why the would boot you down and keep them. I also know that if you keep calling back and talk to someone different you can get a better outcome. I am really sorry, this is so shitty.

I was told both. What's an equipment change? In my rage I asked if a toolbox bought my seat so I never got a real response to how "equipment" could boot me to the back. I totally want to call back but I have a hundred other things I need to do before I go and I won't have a phone over there. I might try again tomorrow morning. ITA about how they treat their medallion customers. We are silver medallion but I'm sure most of the people on these flights are business travelers with higher statuses. Thanks for letting me rant.

[Cicero]

I'm sorry. I will keep my fingers crossed that you get put back in business.

iammalcolmx and I will drink to it tomorrow.

[frlcb]

May 5, 2014 21:13:40 GMT -5 origami said:

May 5, 2014 21:04:44 GMT -5 frlcb said:

Did they say if the flight was oversold or an equipment change? That really sucks I know Delta prioritizes everything based on their medallion fliers, so I wonder if, for example, there were 4 of you who used miles to upgrade and 2 were platinum or gold and you aren't medallion that is why the would boot you down and keep them. I also know that if you keep calling back and talk to someone different you can get a better outcome. I am really sorry, this is so shitty.

I was told both. What's an equipment change? In my rage I asked if a toolbox bought my seat so I never got a real response to how "equipment" could boot me to the back. I totally want to call back but I have a hundred other things I need to do before I go and I won't have a phone over there. I might try again tomorrow morning. ITA about how they treat their medallion customers. We are silver medallion but I'm sure most of the people on these flights are business travelers with higher statuses. Thanks for letting me rant.

Rant away! It totally blows. The equipment change means a different plane so the seating configuration is different meaning likely less seats in business

[origami]

May 5, 2014 21:42:42 GMT -5 frlcb said:

May 5, 2014 21:13:40 GMT -5 origami said:

I was told both. What's an equipment change? In my rage I asked if a toolbox bought my seat so I never got a real response to how "equipment" could boot me to the back. I totally want to call back but I have a hundred other things I need to do before I go and I won't have a phone over there. I might try again tomorrow morning. ITA about how they treat their medallion customers. We are silver medallion but I'm sure most of the people on these flights are business travelers with higher statuses. Thanks for letting me rant.

Rant away! It totally blows. The equipment change means a different plane so the seating configuration is different meaning likely less seats in business

awesome.

[iammalcolmx]

They are totally lying her flight is the same aircraft. They oversold business class.

[origami]

May 5, 2014 21:59:51 GMT -5 iammalcolmx said:

They are totally lying her flight is the same aircraft. They oversold business class.

those motherfuckers. I got the first 2 upgrades on this plane because it was practically empty when I booked and IM the one that gets the shaft? That's some bullshit. Now I'm mad again.

[frlcb]

May 5, 2014 21:59:51 GMT -5 iammalcolmx said:

They are totally lying her flight is the same aircraft. They oversold business class.

Oh I don't disagree, I was just telling her what equipment change means. They told her it was oversold. Guaranteed it was a diamond medallion who got her seat.

[scout8]

I'm sorry. I would be furious too.

[iammalcolmx]

May 6, 2014 6:06:30 GMT -5 frlcb said:

May 5, 2014 21:59:51 GMT -5 iammalcolmx said:

They are totally lying her flight is the same aircraft. They oversold business class.

Oh I don't disagree, I was just telling her what equipment change means. They told her it was oversold. Guaranteed it was a diamond medallion who got her seat.

The worst part is I checked available seats for when she comes back. There are no Economy Comfort Seats left and its all middle seats. Did I mention how tall she is?

[frlcb]

May 6, 2014 7:26:08 GMT -5 iammalcolmx said:

May 6, 2014 6:06:30 GMT -5 frlcb said:

Oh I don't disagree, I was just telling her what equipment change means. They told her it was oversold. Guaranteed it was a diamond medallion who got her seat.

The worst part is I checked available seats for when she comes back. There are no Economy Comfort Seats left and its all middle seats. Did I mention how tall she is?

That blows origami, I know it is a pain while you are traveling but I would keep trying. Skype delta while you are gone. Tweet about it. Just keep pushing and hopefully they will get you back in business class, or if not at least in a non middle seat.

[origami]

May 6, 2014 7:26:08 GMT -5 iammalcolmx said:

May 6, 2014 6:06:30 GMT -5 frlcb said:

Oh I don't disagree, I was just telling her what equipment change means. They told her it was oversold. Guaranteed it was a diamond medallion who got her seat.

The worst part is I checked available seats for when she comes back. There are no Economy Comfort Seats left and its all middle seats. Did I mention how tall she is?

It's gonna be even worse for poor DH! He's 6'5"! I don't think he knew it was a middle seat when he got chivalric. 

[Deleted]

Take it to social media. Sadly the only time airlines care these days is when you put it out in the public space.

[tcu2003]

May 6, 2014 7:24:06 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Everything about flying and airlines sucks now. I feel like a hostage to their constantly changing policies. This totally sucks and I hope they make it right for you. Keep rattling cages.

Agree. I'm gold on AA, and I hate that it's nearly impossible to get a good seat on them anymore since Main Cabin extra is no longer free and I don't want to pay extra for picking a seat.

[Moe]

I'm just here to say I fucking agree, Delta sucks.

I'm sorry that happened.

[alleinesein]

May 6, 2014 20:27:20 GMT -5 tcu2003 said:

May 6, 2014 7:24:06 GMT -5 RockNVoll said:

Everything about flying and airlines sucks now. I feel like a hostage to their constantly changing policies. This totally sucks and I hope they make it right for you. Keep rattling cages.

Agree. I'm gold on AA, and I hate that it's nearly impossible to get a good seat on them anymore since Main Cabin extra is no longer free and I don't want to pay extra for picking a seat.

WHAT WHAT WHAT???  Did they just change this b/c it was free when I flew on them to FL in Nov.

[emilyinchile]

May 7, 2014 1:58:56 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

May 6, 2014 20:27:20 GMT -5 tcu2003 said:

Agree. I'm gold on AA, and I hate that it's nearly impossible to get a good seat on them anymore since Main Cabin extra is no longer free and I don't want to pay extra for picking a seat.

WHAT WHAT WHAT???  Did they just change this b/c it was free when I flew on them to FL in Nov.

www.aa.com/i18n/urls/mainCabinExtra.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=maincabinextra
Free for platinum and above, free for gold within 24 hrs of check in or 50% off before that.

With regard to the OP, it sucks a lot, but it's also why I don't rely on upgrades if I want to travel in business. I'm platinum with AA and have 840,000 lifetime miles, and on my latest trip there wasn't even a way to request an upgrade because I hadn't bought full fare coach - and if I had, I'd have been disappointed because the flight was totally full. My dad always suggests that I look into upgrading my work coach seats with miles on oneworld because he comes from the mindset of how things used to be, and so far it has never been a possibility. I think to avoid frustrations in the future it's a better idea to either save your money and get the cheapest ticket you can find or shell out the cash or miles for business if it's worth it to you.

[alleinesein]

May 7, 2014 2:13:02 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

May 7, 2014 1:58:56 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

WHAT WHAT WHAT???  Did they just change this b/c it was free when I flew on them to FL in Nov.

www.aa.com/i18n/urls/mainCabinExtra.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=maincabinextra
Free for platinum and above, free for gold within 24 hrs of check in or 50% off before that.

With regard to the OP, it sucks a lot, but it's also why I don't rely on upgrades if I want to travel in business. I'm platinum with AA and have 840,000 lifetime miles, and on my latest trip there wasn't even a way to request an upgrade because I hadn't bought full fare coach - and if I had, I'd have been disappointed because the flight was totally full. My dad always suggests that I look into upgrading my work coach seats with miles on oneworld because he comes from the mindset of how things used to be, and so far it has never been a possibility. I think to avoid frustrations in the future it's a better idea to either save your money and get the cheapest ticket you can find or shell out the cash or miles for business if it's worth it to you.

That sucks! I never got anything in the mail about the change though.   That was the one nice thing about being Gold.  Im gonna blame that change on the USAir merger.  Well now I can save myself the gold upgrade fee this year since I was a bit short last year on renewing my status. 

You are getting really close to the Million Mile level.  My dad has been an AA Million Mile member for well over 10+ years and its an automatic permanent Gold Level status every year even if you dont fly. 

[origami]

May 7, 2014 2:13:02 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

May 7, 2014 1:58:56 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

WHAT WHAT WHAT???  Did they just change this b/c it was free when I flew on them to FL in Nov.

www.aa.com/i18n/urls/mainCabinExtra.jsp?anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=maincabinextra
Free for platinum and above, free for gold within 24 hrs of check in or 50% off before that.

With regard to the OP, it sucks a lot, but it's also why I don't rely on upgrades if I want to travel in business. I'm platinum with AA and have 840,000 lifetime miles, and on my latest trip there wasn't even a way to request an upgrade because I hadn't bought full fare coach - and if I had, I'd have been disappointed because the flight was totally full. My dad always suggests that I look into upgrading my work coach seats with miles on oneworld because he comes from the mindset of how things used to be, and so far it has never been a possibility. I think to avoid frustrations in the future it's a better idea to either save your money and get the cheapest ticket you can find or shell out the cash or miles for business if it's worth it to you.

I agree it's almost impossible to upgrade now anyway. The way delta explained it to me was that each plane has a certain amount of upgradable seats and "free" seats and they were available first come, first served. There's probably less than a handful allowed on a particular flight so unless you book way in advance forget about it. I got my tix 5 months in advance and some flights I looked at had already filled their upgrade quota. You can call before you book to find out how many upgradable seats are left so you don't buy a full-fare coach seat pointlessly. When I called no one had used miles on the flight yet so I was told "it's wide open". And of course no one told me you could book those seats, have a seat assigned to you in a confirmed itinerary, and then have them taken away. 

[emilyinchile]

May 7, 2014 2:42:20 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

You are getting really close to the Million Mile level.  My dad has been an AA Million Mile member for well over 10+ years and its an automatic permanent Gold Level status every year even if you dont fly. 

Please believe I am well aware of this  My dad's lifetime platinum (two million miles). It's a big part of the reason I'm still very loyal to oneworld despite getting better service on Copa these days (I'm almost always upgraded with them even with only silver status!). They used to count miles earned with the AA credit card toward million miler status too - those were the days.

[emilyinchile]

Oh, and origami, that really sucks then, and I'd be super pissed in your situation. I hope you're enjoying China!

[Cicero]

Yay for the update!

[frlcb]

May 5, 2014 20:48:47 GMT -5 origami said:

I just found out today that if you use FF miles on Delta to upgrade from economy to business you can get alllllll the way to check-in time before you find out that Delta downgraded you back to coach and will do zero things (that matter) to get you back into the seat you originally booked.

This just happened to me. I'm flying out tomorrow for China. "Luckily" this is only regarding my return flight so I still have a chance that someone in business won't make the flight and I can keep my upgrade. But in the meantime the only reason I even realized this happened is b/c i checked in for my outgoing flight and happened to look through the end of my itinerary and noticed the seat change. If I hadn't done that I'd have shown up to the airport not knowing I got hosed. I called Delta thinking this had to be a fixable error. But no. Some computer somewhere decided my flight home needed one less upgradable seat than it currently had, and although I booked this flight in fucking January, it picked me to get booted back to coach and overbooked the flight. Nevermind that i paid $5500 for this coach ticket in order to make it upgradable. Nevermind that my DH did the same thing and is still in business. They're splitting us up and there's nothing I can do about it unless we want to come back a day early (and miss Shanghai completely) or half a day late flying to another stop (which I can't do b/c of childcare problems). The first rep offered me a whopping $200 voucher - a fucking VOUCHER, not even cash - for my inconvenience. After 3 hours of reaming people out I have an unwritten (probably useless) offer for half the price of my ticket, assuming I end up flying coach home. This is my 10th anniversary vacation and I have a terrible fear of flying, so this is just fucking great. DH did say he'd sit in coach for me but it still sucks.

ETA: the Delta rep told me they only send out email/text alerts to their customers when the flight numbers or flight times change. Seat changes and downgrades = no announcement.



UPDATE: this morning I got a "Welcome to silver medallion status", which I already was but I'm guessing their system screwed up. Magically I got another email shortly afterward with my revised itinerary that had me back in business. So I'm sure some medallion-less person just got booted to the back and will have a fun surprise at check-in. I still hate Delta but at least I can stop making a scene about it.

Great update! And yep, being medallion helps I hope you enjoy it!

[iammalcolmx]

origami YAY!!!! I think your fits worked TAKE NO PRISONERS!!