UGH! DELTA foul up...again!

[Sea Island Lady]

Just happened to check our flights for the 25th to and from San Diego. Delta has switched airplanes on the flight out from Atlanta. We were in the larger 767 in rows 40 & 41 (window and aisle - parents in front of us.) We prefer the seats toward the back and away from the wing. Now, we are booked on a 757 in rows 30 something, over the wing (aisle and middle seat.) Not only am I stuck in the middle seat with someone else at the window (I prefer the window and DH the isle), but they have my parents in seats away from us on the plane. We like to fly together in case they need us and we can also talk.

Delta did this to us when we flew out of Atlanta last fall and we didn't find out until we got to the airport that there was an "equipment" change. Luckily for us, the very nice check-in clerk was able to put us back together and neither of us had that 3rd person in the aisle with us...making for a very roomy flight to Vancouver. The flight to SAN will be horrible, especially for my mom and I stuck in the middle of our rows. I am lightly claustrophobic.:(

Another problem I noticed was for our return flight. The airplane and seats remain the same, and the online confirmation shows us in rows 40 & 41, however when I checked to see how full the flight was, our seats are showing up as available! :eek: What's up with that?

What makes this so maddening is that I left email and phone numbers to be informed if there was a change in our flights. We have heard nothing from Delta on this change!

Sorry I am so long winded, but does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing and can I call Delta and have the seats changed on the first leg...the flight is completely booked? Another strange thing is that although the flight is full, they are still selling tickets for that same flight.

[adamsmark]

Things happen in all kinds of businesses that require change. You will never know what Delta can do for you until you call them and explain your problem(s). Calmly and clearly. :rolleyes: If they can't help you now with exactly what you want I would ask again when you arrive at the airport. They usually is always cancellations and no-shows.

[pjsugg]

We have had good and bad with all airlines, but actually on Jan 21 we were leaving for FLL and got a phone call early AM that our flight had to be held over here in Albuq due to storms in the midwest. It delayed the flight coming in here until after 2:00 AM and the crew was required to rest. They called our home for my husband (while we were showering) then me as I got out of the shower and I missed the call. But they left both of us a message and within a minute my cellphone rang (which I had on) and talked to a real person. We were an hour later arriving in FLL but felt good that they had called us, vs. going to the airport over an hour early.

The main reason I do not like Delta is the leg room....but this time we had saved 5 years of Amer Ex miles and flew first class (the first time ever in our 55+ years of life). They still managed to keep us on first class all the way there and back for $10 each. It was good service.

My last trip with my grandson on AA was not so good, so I think it is the way it is on any given day.

Patti

[Time2sail]

I booked our flights through Atlanta January 5 for May 28 to Seattle. When I checked yesterday, they had "unassigned" on my leg from Atlanta to Seattle--all of the other seat assignments were still the same. I called Delta (the 1-800 number) and asked for them to tell me what their computer was showing. My seats were still there. So, I asked why was "unassigned" showing on my computer? She said she didn't know but would I like row 31 on the wing? and I said to her "I would not, I want the seat I chose in January." She told me to check on my computer and it would now show the original seats. They had changed my arrival time by ten minutes in Seattle but she said this had nothing to do with my seats. I do not know why this happened. So call and ask politely that they put your seats with your parents where you originally were. Good luck!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Delta has been adding more flights to their schedule - knowing that US Airways has been cutting back flights.

Three days before we were to leave for Florida in Januray, we got an e-mail from Delta notifing us of schedule changes for our Feb/Mar and May flights. The trip from Pittsburgh to Atlanta and then on down to Florida had us with only 27 minutes between flights conpared to the 1 hour and 17 minutes that we had booked. The return flight was even worse. We were toland in Atlants 5 minutes AFTER our flight was to take off for Pittsburgh.

Also we were confirmed for only first class seats on the flight from Pittsburgh to Atlanta - everything else was "available" - no seat assignments.

SO - when we checked in in January, we showed the agent what Delta had e-mailed to us. She laughed when she saw everything and quickly gave us a schedule that we liked.

But I don't doubt that there will be more changes in the near future.

[Sea Island Lady]

I guess I should feel lucky that our flights have remained the same and no time changes...yet.:rolleyes: We are flying non-stop and in to SAN a day ahead.
I will call Delta on Monday morning. Thanks!

[cru1s1ng]

what's important is ... will you get there on time for embarkation? I hope so. good luck. :)

[Sea Island Lady]

I sure hope so since we are flying in an entire day prior to the cruise.

We are flying non-stop and in to SAN a day ahead.

[Pudgesmom]

why wait until Monday? Reservations at the major airlines are open 24/7.

Beth

[AirGorilla]

Delta had a LARGE change in the timetable around 2/1/05. It involved de-hubbing DFW and bulking up the ATL, CVG and SLC hubs. I am guessing that the changes that are referrenced in this thread are a direct result of these changes.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I very much doubt that airlines believe it's necessary to alert you of a change in equipment. You give them your phone numbers and email to be alerted for changes in flight times, etc. Changing from a 767 to a 757 probably doesn't fall into their definition of a "change in the flight".

I hope you have a terrific cruise and that this ends up being the biggest problem you face:) .

[Himself]

A friend of mine used to say that DELTA meant:

Don't
Even
Leave
The
Airport.


Himself

[akh007]

Get to the airport early and request to sit in the exit row. Those seats aren't released until the day of the flight and can only be done at the airport. You will be stuck over the wing nonetheless, but at least you will be able to sit together and have extra leg room.

[Time2sail]

From Seattle to Atlanta (night flight), I have already booked the exit row seats (R25) for June. Could have had them going out as well but wanted a window because it is a day flight and I hope to see something. These and many other seats were available on the computer booking that I did. They may reserve them on some flights; but if the plane is full, I really can't see why they would hold seats.

[sail7seas]

They always hold seats....for their best frequent flyers and good customers. Business folks who fly alot will always get the better of the remaining seats than vacationers.


Exit rows can only be occupied by able bodied people who can and will be able to open those doors in the event of an emergency.

No flight ever has every single seat assigned. They may all be sold but not everyone has a pre-assigned seat.

[Time2sail]

The airline can move you at will but my point was the Exit Row Seats can be booked in advance. There are restrictions so if I get there and don't meet those they will put me elsewhere.

[jhannah]

Himself, the one I saw was:

Don't
Expect
Luggage
To
Arrive!

[ekerr19]

They always hold seats....for their best frequent flyers and good customers. Business folks who fly alot will always get the better of the remaining seats than vacationers.


Exit rows can only be occupied by able bodied people who can and will be able to open those doors in the event of an emergency.

No flight ever has every single seat assigned. They may all be sold but not everyone has a pre-assigned seat.

This is correct. Also, if you are a Delta frequent flyer, you have a much better chance of getting the seats you want.

If the seats were booked through a third party, such as Expedia or Orbitz - your seat assignments may change numerous times before the flight as Delta assigns premium seats to their customers and those who book directly with them.

It is always far better to book through the airline or with a good bricks & mortar TA, imo. Also, equally important - sign up for frequent flyer programs and use the account numbers when booking tickets. You'd be amazed at how quickly the miles accumulate. :)

[Sea Island Lady]

The situation got worse before it got better. I checked online again this morning and called Delta.

For the flight out to SAN from ATL, there was nothing available to move us to. The reservationist did tell me that extra seats are held and atcheck-in, see if we can get our seats back together. I am OK with that and if we cannot, at least we are just a few rows apart. BTW - The exit row seats were available, but according to Seatguru.com, they are not desirable seats. The bulkhead is low, there is no underseat storage and they are directly behind the lavatory. :eek:

OK, this is where I get mad! Our seats on the return flight from SAN to ATL had been changed also (there is no equipment change for this flight, so there was no reason.) DH and I were put all the way up front in row 15 (no window - thanks to Seatguru.com) and my parents were all the way back in row 36. Our original seats of rows 40 and 41 were gone. :mad: We always book these same seats whenever we fly Delta.

I told the reservationist our problem with needing seats near each other, but I did not say anything about our original seat assignment numbers. After several minutes of waiting, she came back on saying she was able to get our original seats back. :D I was thrilled, but I wonder how she knew those were our original seats? She couldn't give me a reason of why they had been changed, but I am sure going to check everyday now.

PS - If I see seat availability come up for the other flight so that we can get closer together, can I change the seats myself online or do I need to call Delta?
Also, our rate of $293 has gone up to $618.:) :)

If the seats were booked through a third party, such as Expedia or Orbitz - your seat assignments may change numerous times before the flight as Delta assigns premium seats to their customers and those who book directly with them.

I booked directly through Delta as I always do. I have not signed up for the frequent flyer program because I have had one with USAIR and it has never done much for us because we don't fly often enough and we use our VISA miles (not this time though) to book flights. I just figured with all the other changes that Delta is making, they will eventually do away with their frequent flyer program.
However, having said that, I may go ahead and sign up if that will help us retain our seats next time.

[ekerr19]

I am very surprised to hear Delta is giving you the run around... we have used them for years and I've never had a problem at all. In fact, I am currently working on my December flights with them - we are trying to use some miles for upgrades.

Sorry to hear that your experience hasn't been better. I hope you end up getting the seats you want - personally, I love the 767 configuration the best and I liked old configuration on the 777 because of the two seats on the side rows, I'd be mad too. It is nice not to have a middle seat.

[Time2sail]

Seatguru.com, they are not desirable seats. The bulkhead is low, there is no underseat storage and they are directly behind the lavatory. :eek:

Hope he/she keeps telling everyone this. I had rather have the leg room as the trade off. I hate to sleep in the fetal position on the Red Eye (I have long legs). Hope your travel arrangements will be to your liking.:)

[obriendan]

Himself,

I thought it meant:

Don't
Expect
Luggage
To
Arrive!

[AirGorilla]

A friend of mine used to say that DELTA meant:

Don't
Even
Leave
The
Airport.


Himself

Now there's a MAJOR hub!! Is there an airport there with scheduled air service???

[AirGorilla]

They always hold seats....for their best frequent flyers and good customers. Business folks who fly alot will always get the better of the remaining seats than vacationers.
Thank God for this!!!


Exit rows can only be occupied by able bodied people who can and will be able to open those doors in the event of an emergency.
Ditto!!

No flight ever has every single seat assigned. They may all be sold but not everyone has a pre-assigned seat.
It's called "get there early!!" There will be some good seats that are "airport check-in only" that will be snagged by those who arrive early. Triple S, you've got it handled!!!

[AirGorilla]

Himself,

I thought it meant:

Don't
Expect
Luggage
To
Arrive!

Doesn't Ever Leave The Airport!!

I happen to LIKE Delta. But this may apply better to their ATL-based subsidiary ASA (Atlantic Southeast Airways). Anyway, I think it's funny!!

[Sea Island Lady]

Signed up for SkyMiles. Too bad I can't have the points for the flights I just booked or the flights I had last September. :(
We plan to arrive very early, even though our flight leaves at 8:29.;)

[Time2sail]

Signed up for SkyMiles. Too bad I can't have the points for the flights I just booked or the flights I had last September. :(
We plan to arrive very early, even though our flight leaves at 8:29.;)

You will receive credit for your flights that you have already booked. Skymiles are not credited for flights already taken, but you have not used your current tickets so you will get credit for these. They should have told you this-- credit will automatically be given after your current flights are taken.

You may call 1-800-323-2323 if you have any questions.

Also, each person (ticket) will need their own Skymiles account to get credit. Delta is very good about keeping all of the miles correct and you can check online where they will be posted to your account. They do add up quickly and you will be glad you have your Skymiles account.

[jhannah]

credit will automatically be given after your current flights are taken.
Not without your intervention. Since you didn't provide a Skymiles number when you purchased your tickets, you will need to either add your number to your profile online and/or present your Skymiles card when you check in to get your number into the record.

[Time2sail]

I was assuming she had told them about her booked flights and that the Delta representative had just failed to tell her she would get these miles. Skymiles can be obtained many ways but one must always give the Skymile number for the credit. It is best to go to Delta.com and read the Skymiles rules. Note: Skymiles cannot be credited if tickets are bought on certain sites.

[ekerr19]

You can add miles after the fact - most airlines allow you to add you miles to your profile anywhere from 3 to 9 months after the flight... double check the web site or call the frequent flyer program number. I do this all the time. I give my number when booking, and add DH & kids after the fact - never had a problem.

You can also have the number added when you check in at the counter too.

[Sea Island Lady]

Also, each person (ticket) will need their own Skymiles account to get credit.

I joined in my DH's name only. Should I go back and join myself? This was all done online. I printed out the temp. card and will give it to the airline at check-in. I didn't see a place to add it to my profile on our ticket purchase (which was done direct through Delta before joining SkyMiles.)

[jhannah]

I joined in my DH's name only. Should I go back and join myself?)
Absolutely. Each person flying will need their own Skymiles number to accumulate mileage.

[Sea Island Lady]

OK, all done! :D

Question: If we check-in online (24 or less hours before flight), will we be bound to those seats that are already assigned or should we wait until we get to the airport to check-in?

[Time2sail]

If I understand this correctly, you want to exchange your newly assigned seats on the day of the flight so that you and your parents will be in same area of the plane and hopefully in seats where you will have a window. The advantage of checking in online is to print your boarding pass plus Delta did give a bonus of 1,000 Skymiles per ticket if you checked in online within 24 hours of the flight. I don't see this Skymile bonus incentive anymore on their site.

Since you will hopefully exchange those seats and you are going early to the airport, perhaps you could just take care of all this at the airport at the desk. I probably would call Delta reservations and see what they advise.

Again, I hope all of this works out for you and your parents.:)

[Sea Island Lady]

We get 1,000 points for booking flights online, but I didn't see anything about checking-in online. The last time I tried to check=in online, there was a foul up, so maybe we will just wait for the gate.

[Time2sail]

"More Flight choices: As a result of improved aircraft utilization, Delta successfully launched more than 80 additional flights from Atlanta".

The above statement was on Delta's website regarding the recent changes in flights and equipment during the past few weeks. I check my computer itinerary every few days just to make sure changes have not been made to my scheduled flight for my May cruise. Two times I have had "unassigned" seats on two legs of my flight and I had to call Delta to confirm that I knew about the time changes so that my seats were showing on my computer AGAIN.

[Sea Island Lady]

Believe me, I have been checking twice a day. So far...so good! ;) I am hoping that they will change our flight out, back to a 767.

[iluvcruzin]

I told the reservationist our problem with needing seats near each other, but I did not say anything about our original seat assignment numbers. After several minutes of waiting, she came back on saying she was able to get our original seats back. :D I was thrilled, but I wonder how she knew those were our original seats? She couldn't give me a reason of why they had been changed, but I am sure going to check everyday now.

I had the same thing happen to me for my flights next week. It is very common for flights to change when booking 3+ months in advance. They don't bother notifying you when there is a change. Anyway.. I only noticed it because I was checking to see if the times had changed back in the begining of January (as this is a common occurance if they change the flight numbers). They seperated my friend and I after we had selected the seats we wanted on our original booking.

I got on the phone with Delta and they tried to tell me our original seats were already filled with other passengers. I told them they would have to switch theirs and change us back as we had booked many months ago. After a couple min's, the representative came back on the line and said she moved us back to our original seats. I don't think they did us a favor.. I think they should have keep the seating intact when switching flight numbers (the aircraft on ours didn't change). If this happens to someone else - stand ground and insist they move you back to your original seating.

[Time2sail]

Delta should have never changed your seats even IF they move you to another plane or change flight times; and if they HAVE to do this, they should put you together with family or friends as you originally booked (they know who and how many if they are under your confirmation number) in another area of the plane. Of course, they don't pay attention or don't care sometimes which is not good for Delta's business.

I'll be checking until I get on board.

[Sea Island Lady]

I think they should have keep the seating intact when switching flight numbers (the aircraft on ours didn't change). If this happens to someone else - stand ground and insist they move you back to your original seating.
I just don't understand why they do this. :mad: I'd better go take a look again.

Does anyone know if I can change the seat assignments if I check-in online?

[jhannah]

I don't believe you can. Online check-in is just for that purpose only, and printing your boarding passes. You'd need to get it settled before hand, IMO. Sometimes they can move you once you arrive at the gate, but sometimes if the flight is full and most people have checked in then there's not much they can do.

[Italy52]

We are Delta FF members and have had our seats changed before without prior notice. This happened to us about three times before we actually flew from Florida to Rome, Italy. One benefit of being a FF is that you can track your itinerary and see if changes are made. For our Italy trip, I would check our Delta itinerary on line about twice a week. When changes were made and we were not happy with them, I would call and get it straightened out right away so there were no surprises the day of the flight. Have also used this same practice with other airlines and have never had a problem. I guess we have been lucky.

[Time2sail]

You only need your confirmation number to check your flight online. You do not have to be a Skymiles member or frequent flyer.

Sea Island Lady--If you decide until you get to the airport to make seat changes, I truly hope it works. Online check in only gives you your boarding pass with the seats already assigned but they can be changed if the gate has other seats available. You will have to decide to try now or later. Maureen had the right approach.

[Host Walt]

A few comments:

Exit row seats are, by law, to be occupied only by those who are ready, willing and physically able to handle the exit doors themselves in the event of an emergency. Various airlines assign those seats differently; but when you check in, if you are visibly unable to handle the exit doors, you will be reassigned with no options.

Many airlines prefer to hold those seats open so checkin staff can establish the suitability of the persons occupying those seats.

Other factors about those seats, all depending on aircraft model and airline policy.

- May have no recline, or limited recline
- May not be able to flip ip the armrests
- May have less leg room because of the lavatory wall rather than space under the seat ahead, or more leg room. Depends on the aircraft.
- May not be able to see overhead movie screens

[jhannah]

Plus, quite often the exit row seats have the tray tables in the armrests ... not the flip down in front of you kind. I've seen some people who couldn't get the fold-out-of-the-armrest tables to lay down properly in front of them! What I really like are the seating configurations where right behind the exit row at the window there is no seat in front of you. IOW, only two seats on the exit row itself. That makes for lots of room for my long legs!

[ekerr19]

This is one reason why www.seatguru.com (http://www.seatguru.com) is a good place for checking the seat layout of your aircraft.

I have been a Sky Miles Business Elite menber for years - maybe that is what makes a difference for me... I don't know. We've never had our seats changed, fortunately.

I would just continue to monitor the situation - Delta should be sending you an email or something any time they make changes to an established itinerary.

[Time2sail]

There is also a minimum age requirement plus you have to be able to follow instructions--written and verbal. Could be more challenging than the physical requirements.:confused:

We can mouth along with the attendant that " if you are in an exit row seat and you do not want to sit there please let an attendant know ..." if you are willing to do what is required in an emergency; if not, then you may move. I have always wondered what would happen (?)if all the seats are filled and those in the exit seats wanted to move and no one else wanted to sit there. Personally. I have never seen anyone ask to be moved but I am sure it happens.

But, all Sea Island Lady wants is her original seats. We are all behind you! Please let us know what happens.

[Sea Island Lady]

I was successful in retrieving our original seats from the second leg of our trip. ;) The aircraft on the first leg was changed, so we will not be able to retain those seats because the configuration is not the same (2-3-2 to 3-3). My goal is to get seats behind my parents again as the airline separated us for that leg.

Seatguru is where I get my seat information from. It's a great site! The exit seats were not desirable because of the reasons Host Walt and jhannah pointed out.

[sail7seas]

How long is your flight? About 2 hours?

Do your parents need special assistance from you?


Hope everything goes smoothly for you.

[Sea Island Lady]

4 1/2 and yes, they feel more comfortable being near us. They are both hard of hearing and are not in great health, but we just enjoy each others company. Can make do if we need to. ;)

[Time2sail]

I check my reservations online weekly. Today, Delta had listed an equipment change on one segment of my flight and time change on another. They had those seats unassigned and did not assign them until I called.

[CINCY40]

This board is such a wonderful source of information. Because I read this thread, we checked reservations we have for a Hawaii trip and found that on one segment they had changed equipment and we had no seat assignments. We called and got seats reassigned.

Seatguru is a great site. After viewing it, we added it to our favorites on the travel section.

By the way, when you fly Delta for any distance, you may want to bring a pillow. We asked about pillows when we called just now and Hawaii is still considered a domestic flight, even though it is nine hours from Atlanta, and Delta will not have pillows aboard.

Nancy

[seabum]

Delta also modifies it's flight schedules seasonally.

We're using FF miles for our upcoming trip - so these reservations were made almost a year ago. it has changed about 5 times. but we are back to within several minutes of what we originally booked.

I would strongly recommend picking your own seats on Delta.com - or getting an agent to reassign you. Once you fall within the 24 hour window, you can check in and print your own boarding pass. Once you have that - they will not change your seat without checking with you first. (BTW to that other poster - the online check in mileage bonus offer has expired)

You can always try and change at the airport - but you are taking a risk that the flight will not have been over sold - and therefore even harder to move people around.

Also - I've never had a problem just asking folks if theyd mind switching seats so my party coan sit together. Of course this depends on their size and flexibilty as well.

Good Luck - at least you'll have the cruise to hang out together.

[Nasmas]

A friend of mine used to say that DELTA meant:

Don't
Even
Leave
The
Airport.


Himself

I agree with that. I have sworn off them. But, I guess if many more belly up, I might have to use them. Their customer service is the worst I've ever seen. They'll bump you and be rude to you in the same breath. There's no wondering why they are almost bankrupt

[Sea Island Lady]

Since I started this thread I thought I would let you know about how our flights went with Delta.

Absolutely no problems! The crew was friendly and accomodating as they could be. Pillows and blankets were available, but I brought my own. I just read an article that says they have discontinued using the pillows for cost reasons. I think that a good thing. We did have to pay for our meal, however it was very good.

[Time2sail]

All of the airlines are trying to be profitable and I don't have a problem with that as long as I get safely to my destinations and the ticket prices stay reasonable.

Delta will no longer have pillows or blankets (nor can you order deli food anymore) on most routes so after the few left on the jets are gone--that's it.

They just keep cutting jobs and morale is low at most airlines which still isn't an excuse for grouchy employees. But, I am amazed at the rudeness of passengers toward the airline employees, too. I think everyone could be nicer at the terminals and on the jets. A few smiles and a little courtesy would be nice:)

I will continue to fly on Delta but I will keep watching to make sure my seats are still there until the day I board.

Happy flights to you all.

[Time2sail]

Several cruisers on the Alaska Board have just realized that their tickets have been changed.

They are concerned that they will not disembark in time to make their return flights.

I have had numerous changes to my flight times and equipment changes for our May/June flights.

American Airline is doing the same as Delta so I hope all of you are checking weekly to make sure your seats are assigned and to keep informed of your flight times.