I just down graded from Reserve to Gold. I tried unsuccessfully to book flights. Despite seeing there are definitely seats on the flights I wanted I was getting an error so I called. The rep explained they were not allowing companion tickets on that flight and to try another one. I don’t want to use it for a flight that doesn’t suit my needs. I feel it makes it worthless.
I agree that is why I downgraded plus we always have at least 3 if not more tickets and they wouldn't let us book it all on the same reservation.
But yes, we've had pretty good luck with them over the years, and since its what we fly, its been easy for my husband, who travels on business, to maintain at least Gold status, plus the free bags with the credit card - we took my youngest out to college with SIX free suitcases. I am not above searching for airfare and flying something else when it fits our needs (schedule, budget) better, however.maybe this will help you feel better....Presidents week from Hartford to Orlando, 2 & 1/2 hour trip, $1024 per person ...
I'm also a Delta hub captive (DTW) so the bulk of my flights are on DL. I've mostly maintained status with them, which helps, and after this summer will be 1MM, which gives me permanent Gold. That's convenient, because my business travel tapered off during and after the pandemic, and I'd otherwise be running out my string at the end of this year. That's particularly true given the new qualifying rules.
You can still sometimes find some good deals. I scored a seat in Premium Select for direct flights to/from Tokyo late spring/early summer for less than the typical coach fare. I caught them on a good day, I guess. Now that's still not "cheap" but it is a good deal.
One of my favorite podcast hosts, Richard Kerr, is ATL based but generally flies anyone but Delta. There are other options, just not as many non-stops. You'll have to connect if you fly United or American if you're going anywhere other than on of their hubs.We fly out of Atlanta so just try not flying Delta
We fly out of Louisville and always fly Delta. They are pricier than some of the budget airlines, but we like Delta best, so we always book them. I don't remember ever paying $700 for a basic ticket to Orlando though - keep checking. Make sure you check in "Incognito" mode too because I've heard that once you check prices, it tracks the cookies and won't show you lower prices - don't know if there is any truth to that or not, but it can't hurt to try.
In my experience this is not true. I check often for some routes and see fares fluctuate.
Out of curiosity what would your limit be on how much more you’re willing to pay to fly DL over another main airline? As a hub flyer you have access to better rates than the rest of us on DL.
TBH I don’t have a limit. I have heard and witnessed so many horror stories about other airlines that I steer clear of them. It has been over a decade since I’ve flown another airline. Delta has always been good to me so they’ve earned my loyalty.
I'm not sure that's true. It's often the case that other carriers have less expensive fares for many destinations. However, those other carriers almost always require a connection and typically offer relatively few flights each day for a given route. In contrast DL usually offers a variety of non-stop flights and always has many more options if one is willing to connect.
It's definitely not true, depending on the flight and airport. I fly from Detroit, and while Delta offers the most flights, American is frequently cheaper if you're going across the country and willing to connect. Air Canada is usually the cheapest for going overseas.
True, guess hubs are double edged. Better deals some places but hostage to other places as other airlines don’t compete.
