Trap for a newbie on delta

[Joel Wills]

Just thought I share my recent dumb moment. I was recently in Los Angeles for some training with work. At the end of my training I decided to visit a friend in Seattle, as I was close to platinum I decided to book first class as the extra status credits would get me up the next level.

Not knowing how long it would take from work to the airport I booked a late flight. The day finally arrived and I ended up at the airport quite early. While checking in I though I may as see if there was an earlier flight. I had a newbie on the front counter so after 20mins he finally said no worries. Jumped on my flight and enjoyed the front of the plane. Fast forward a week and the points and status credits come through and they are only honoured as discount economy.... fail! After chasing it around in circles for a few days it would appear all though booked first class and flew first class according to delta I was in economy... turns out it was the most expensive discount economy I have ever had

 

[juddles]

We live and learn

 

[Himeno]

Many US based airlines have "Instant Upgrade" fares. They book as economy, but everything, other then the fare class, appears as First.

A similar thing happens with Domestic Japan flights. JAL domestic flights have "Class J", which you can pay an extra 1000 yen and get the domestic Business seat. QF posts these sectors as Premium Economy. Fair enough if you are doing the 'normal' surcharge upgrade, quite annoying if they are booked as a business class as part of a business class ticket.