Booking Delta Flight in Oct now... Is it Risky?

[TerryKitten]

We are planning our trip in October. The Delta prices are right now where I want them and I don't want to play the waiting game for a lower price w/ them because I got burned the last time I did that. With Delta's financial out look in flux is it wise to book the flight now? What are somethings to keep in mind booking this far in advance? What if delta closes their doors before the trip? I just want to be prepared... Thanks!

 

[bellelinus]

I doubt that Delta is going to stop flying . . . if you book now, you might have your schedule changed around between now and October, but if the price is what you would like, I would say -- go for it!

 

[mamacatnv]

A couple of weeks ago I posed a similar question for our Dec/Jan trip. I went ahead and bought the tickets, they were a good price and a number of the major airlines have been in Bankruptcy and come thru it ie United Airlines.

Within days of my Delta purchase the flights were rearranged. I called Delta and was actually able to get the later flight I originally wanted but didn't purchase as it was more $$. I also had to re-do all our seat assignments and have been told that each time they change flight info that the seat assignments have to be re-done.

Hope this helps.....

MamaCatNV

 

[goofy4tink]

I bought my tickets for my Oct trip about a month ago and they have changed twice so far. I'm planning on them changing probably about 3-4 times before we actually fly. But, that's the price we pay for booking this far out. But...I have no doubts that Delta will be flying and doing just fine in Oct.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The major airlines always seem to bounce back from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, or another airline steps in to acquire the bankrupt airline's routes and other assets. Continental has been through Chapter 11 twice. United has finally emerged from a particularly long bankruptcy. US Airways, having filed Chapter 11 twice in recent years, was acquired by America West (itself a bankruptcy survivor); the combined airline will retain the US Airways name. A few years ago, American absorbed TWA's routes and many TWA aircraft.

Now, Delta and Northwest are under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. I expect both to provide continuous operations through bankruptcy protection, and both to emerge successfully.

Hawaiian Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 protection in June 2005. Aloha Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 protection last month. And ATA Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 protection last week.

On the other hand, there have been other cases where smaller airlines went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and subsequently folded; there have even been cases when they went straight into Chapter 7 liquidation. Before buying tickets from any small airline, especially for flights that are many months from now, I would check the financial health of that airline.

 

[CarolA]

My thoughts are that right now DL's greatest risk is that the pilots will decide to strike. If they do, then bye, bye Delta. I don't think they will, but...

Anyway, IF there is going to be a strike it will be fairly soon which would put you in the 60 day window to dispute your CC charge... (As in, the airline just shut down! LOL!)

I just spent a LOT of money on a ticket to Europe in July so I must be fairly confident.