DL Codeshare swap spoils my Evil Plan

[clipped_wings]

You just can't trust anyone these days. Delta has just managed to pull a shifty on us and our Grand Plan to attain Velocity Platinum.

The story so far.........

Husband is Velocity SG and our upcoming VA USA trip will leave him 2 sectors and 100 SC short of WP. During planning, we decided to secure Delta flights from LA to Chicago First Class, as our Route 66 driving trip starts from the Windy City. The carefully researched booking was made as LAX-SLC-ORD and the multi sector DL metal would ensure compliance with Velocity under it's alliance and carry Mr Clipped all the way to Platimum. Total was around AUD$1400 for both of us.

Delta has since decided to swap out aircraft for one sector and we now have a SkyWest CRJ900 instead of the Delta A319 we booked. And the previous DL725 flight number on their website (and our itinerary) has morphed into DL3708, but fare rules show it as OO3708.

We did receive a one time online notification from Delta, saying we could change the booking without penalty if it meant the amended flight delayed our itinerary by more than 1 hour (which it doesn't). But I appealed to Delta that it all counts for nothing if we fly SkyWest. They wanted to sting me with an extra US$2400 to change the booking back to a dedicated DL one.

Now, in case kiddies are reading this, let's just say I politely told them that their booking may be better off in a different and very dark place.

Another First World problem I know, but it's irritating to spend all that time making the right choices, only to have them pulled out from under you. An alliance isn't an alliance if they move the goalpost mid-game.

 

[dajop]

No need to be concerned. Skywest is a “Delta Connection” carrier and Velocity allows earning on flights by operated by Delta Connection carriers.

DELTA AIR LINES Travel with Delta Air Lines and set your Velocity Points flying

 

[Saab34]

Delta, Skywest, Republic, Endeavour, Compass, Express and GoJet all earn Velocity if flying as a DL flight number. It’s only when they switch it for say Westjet or someone else that you lose out.

Only real downside would be First Class not as good on the CRJ as to the Airbus.

 

[Lord_Lenny]

Not to worry - OO is Skywest's code the same way DL is Delta and VA is Virgin. As has been mentioned it is marketed as a Delta flight and for status and points earn it is a Delta flight, it's just physically flown by Skywest (who fly for, or used to fly for all of the major US carriers at one stage I believe)

 

[clipped_wings]

Well that is excellent to hear, many thanks everyone. Husband was not too happy with the aircraft change as it was, let alone to a smaller CRJ900. From all reports though, it appears to be quite a nice little plane. I think we flew one from JFK to IAD in 2016.

I am not sure of the soft product over 5-6 hours though - obviously no IFE on the CRJ900 but we won't care about that as we'll have just flown in from Oz and probably very tired. Would have appreciated a nice meal for the 3 hour segment from SLC to ORD but we may have to take advantage of the SkyClub offerings.

Again, first world problems. I will include all experience with Delta in my trip report and I'm sure it will be all good.

 

[serfty]

You will be fed SLC to ORD in First; maybe not hot food (as I think there are no ovens) but you will have the opportunity.

 

[TomVexille]

CRJ 900s are okay, it's the 200s you need to avoid

 

[Lord_Lenny]

It'll be a little cramped for head room if you're tall, and shoulder room if you're wider but the 900 is generally fine...unless you're a rugby player

Just consider it a wee test before you hit Platinum haha