Delta One is absurd

[Mark Biggerstaff]

So to all of you that are going to South Africa in June on Delta what day are you wheels up? My brother and I leave June 1st. Just curious how many AH members might be on the same flight.

June 11 depart June 29 return

 

[358 Norma]

June 10 Out - June 24 Back
ATL-JNB - ATL

We are coming home on the 10th.

 

[fourfive8]

Booking flights is like jumping into an ever-changing shell game. Those with deep pockets or on the company’s dime or who write off such travel, pay little attention to prices and book primarily around comfort, perks and convenience of schedules. The rest of us hunt and poke around and may even use a travel agent for valid reasons.

I noticed several years ago that when I searched for tickets online, the prices jumped each time I re-checked specific flights during the same online session. Ah hah! The booking companies and/or airlines were using demand vs cost algorithms during individual computer sessions, recognizing my computer by continuous pinging. They were and still do automatically and instantaneously respond to demand, in the form of search interest, for individual flights by increasing prices in real time. Sometimes you can disconnect for awhile, allowing the algorithms tied to your computer and flight searches to reset to “start”, then renew the search without the cost increase. Just a heads-up for no charge

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Booking flights is like jumping into an ever-changing shell game. Those with deep pockets or on the company’s dime or who write off such travel, pay little attention to prices and book primarily around comfort, perks and convenience of schedules. The rest of us hunt and poke around and may even use a travel agent for valid reasons.

I noticed several years ago that when I searched for tickets online, the prices jumped each time I re-checked specific flights during the same online session. Ah hah! The booking companies and/or airlines were using demand vs cost algorithms during individual computer sessions, recognizing my computer by continuous pinging. They were and still do automatically and instantaneously respond to demand, in the form of search interest, for individual flights by increasing prices in real time. Sometimes you can disconnect for awhile, allowing the algorithms tied to your computer and flight searches to reset to “start”, then renew the search without the cost increase. Just a heads-up for no charge

couple of times I have seen the price change in front of my eyes!

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

One thing over the last few years when I have been watching Delta prices. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 3am to 6am I find my best deals on seats. You need a travel agent you can get hold of quick if you use one like I do. On this years June trip I found a $1000 price drop on comfort plus at 5am on a Tuesday morning.
Emailed and WhatsApp Jennifer at Travel Express and she got it held until she could get to office and finalize details. That’s why I use her for my travel needs.

 

[wesheltonj]

Booking flights is like jumping into an ever-changing shell game. Those with deep pockets or on the company’s dime or who write off such travel, pay little attention to prices and book primarily around comfort, perks and convenience of schedules. The rest of us hunt and poke around and may even use a travel agent for valid reasons.

I noticed several years ago that when I searched for tickets online, the prices jumped each time I re-checked specific flights during the same online session. Ah hah! The booking companies and/or airlines were using demand vs cost algorithms during individual computer sessions, recognizing my computer by continuous pinging. They were and still do automatically and instantaneously respond to demand, in the form of search interest, for individual flights by increasing prices in real time. Sometimes you can disconnect for awhile, allowing the algorithms tied to your computer and flight searches to reset to “start”, then renew the search without the cost increase. Just a heads-up for no charge

Yes, you have to use incognito mode because the airlines websites place a cookie on your computer and every time you come back increase the price.

 

[coreydb]

All US based carriers prices went up, reflecting the petrol prices at the pumps. Expect it to go up more as Iran gets figured out

 

[Corylax18]

One thing over the last few years when I have been watching Delta prices. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 3am to 6am I find my best deals on seats. You need a travel agent you can get hold of quick if you use one like I do. On this years June trip I found a $1000 price drop on comfort plus at 5am on a Tuesday morning.
Emailed and WhatsApp Jennifer at Travel Express and she got it held until she could get to office and finalize details. That’s why I use her for my travel needs.

Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is often the cheapest as well. Sometimes Thursday and Saturdays. Mondays and Fridays are often the most expensive because people flying for business of Fly Monday and/or Friday. Vacationers often Travel on Fridays and Sundays too.

I don't understand how using a Travel agent is beneficial though, ever, but especially in this situation. You did the work to find the cheap flight, then sent her the details, so she could book it. Then paid her for your trouble/effort? What am I missing?

 

[godwincp]

What you’re paying for is the help you receive when flights are cancelled or connections are late requiring rescheduling or bags are lost or gun requirements made clear or…. Everything is fine until it isn’t!

 

[MacJenkins]

Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is often the cheapest as well. Sometimes Thursday and Saturdays. Mondays and Fridays are often the most expensive because people flying for business of Fly Monday and/or Friday. Vacationers often Travel on Fridays and Sundays too.

I don't understand how using a Travel agent is beneficial though, ever, but especially in this situation. You did the work to find the cheap flight, then sent her the details, so she could book it. Then paid her for your trouble/effort? What am I missing?

They are invaluable when shit goes wrong. $200-$250 fee is worth it IMO.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

What you’re paying for is the help you receive when flights are cancelled or connections are late requiring rescheduling or bags are lost or gun requirements made clear or…. Everything is fine until it isn’t!

What you’re paying for is the help you receive when flights are cancelled or connections are late requiring rescheduling or bags are lost or gun requirements made clear or…. Everything is fine until it isn’t!

Exactly
In case things go wrong or an emergency arises I have someone to deal with it that knows more than me. If I’m in airport or Africa and service is limited. I know I have someone to straighten things out.

 

[Corylax18]

I guess I'm in the minority, but I just dont see the need or value. Everything you guys mentioned in the last few posts can be handled yourself, often quite quickly and easily. I don't currently travel much for work, but I spent just over 10 years flying 30-40 Segments a year and I ran into every issue you guys mentioned and more.

With the internet and smart phones, its easier than ever and there really aren't any more "secrets" out there. I had a flight cancelled once while I was in the bus from the rental car facility to the terminal. I opened the United App, changed to a different flight and was re checked in before the bus got the terminal. It took less time then it would take to get a travel agent on the phone. I had to spend an extra hour in the lounge and connect instead of go direct, but all the options were right there, all I had to do was choose. I was home two hours later than I would have been on the original itinerary.

Unless the travel agent is at the airport, with special access, they aren't going to find a lost bag either. It just seems like a very outdated and honestly, lazy, approach. I would much rather know/do myself than pay someone for the privilege of relying on them.

Having said all that, I do understand why people pay "fixers" to help move firearms through airports in Africa. It often saves a significant amount of time and hassle. They provide a service you cant provide on your own.

 

[Philip Glass]

United are a bunch of thieves as well. I fly a lot for work. 50 flights a year. I cashed in 345,000 miles plus $4000 to fly to RSA next month from Newark. That got me business class going and premium economy on the way back. I booked the flight three months ago. I’ve been checking business class on the way back and maybe I’ll upgrade. Three months ago it was $5500 and now it’s 12,600.

Yea I’m just out on business when it gets so expensive.

 

[Philip Glass]

I guess I'm in the minority, but I just dont see the need or value. Everything you guys mentioned in the last few posts can be handled yourself, often quite quickly and easily. I don't currently travel much for work, but I spent just over 10 years flying 30-40 Segments a year and I ran into every issue you guys mentioned and more.

With the internet and smart phones, its easier than ever and there really aren't any more "secrets" out there. I had a flight cancelled once while I was in the bus from the rental car facility to the terminal. I opened the United App, changed to a different flight and was re checked in before the bus got the terminal. It took less time then it would take to get a travel agent on the phone. I had to spend an extra hour in the lounge and connect instead of go direct, but all the options were right there, all I had to do was choose. I was home two hours later than I would have been on the original itinerary.

Unless the travel agent is at the airport, with special access, they aren't going to find a lost bag either. It just seems like a very outdated and honestly, lazy, approach. I would much rather know/do myself than pay someone for the privilege of relying on them.

Having said all that, I do understand why people pay "fixers" to help move firearms through airports in Africa. It often saves a significant amount of time and hassle. They provide a service you cant provide on your own.

You state that you flew for 10 years 30-40 segments a year. You are in fact a travel expert and yes sir you are in the minority here. Are we all this experienced?
Is the new guy going on safari for the first time who never has flown but once or twice in his life to buy his tickets in his phone? NO! This is the scenario where they guy messes up flights, guns, etc, has a bad experience and comes back as the ambassador for “use a camp gun”. He shouts it from the roof tops!
My advice here in AH is directed to the first timer. Use a Travel Agent!

 

[Philip Glass]

Th

Booking flights is like jumping into an ever-changing shell game. Those with deep pockets or on the company’s dime or who write off such travel, pay little attention to prices and book primarily around comfort, perks and convenience of schedules. The rest of us hunt and poke around and may even use a travel agent for valid reasons.

I noticed several years ago that when I searched for tickets online, the prices jumped each time I re-checked specific flights during the same online session. Ah hah! The booking companies and/or airlines were using demand vs cost algorithms during individual computer sessions, recognizing my computer by continuous pinging. They were and still do automatically and instantaneously respond to demand, in the form of search interest, for individual flights by increasing prices in real time. Sometimes you can disconnect for awhile, allowing the algorithms tied to your computer and flight searches to reset to “start”, then renew the search without the cost increase. Just a heads-up for no charge

This is why I use Google Flights to track. If I do check on the airlines website it is with a VPN and not logged in.
Very good observation others should take note of.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

when Delta cancelled my flight after sitting in Alt for 18 hours the only thing Delta would do is rebook my flight the next day and offer me a 700.00 flight credit as they changed e for Premium Eco to cheap back of plane middle seat. Jennifer contacted her Delta agent and got me an extra 900.00 cash refund, yes she is worth her fee!

 

[Betterinthebush]

Just got queued by Delta for my flight on the 6th (comfort extra..,whatever the hell that means). Want me to fill out my menu choices:

Evening meal choices:
A. Chicken curry
B. Cheese ravioli w/veggi bolognese
C. Blackened shrimp w/spinach

Snack choices:
A. Turkey sammich
B. Pizza twist thing-a-majig (hot pocket)

Everything sounds scrumptious. I’m sure glad I got the seat with extra room. I’m going to need it. Bring a poncho if you’re sitting next to me. I really get into eating chicken curry on a plane.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I hope Premium Economy has a better menu when I go in Sept.