Delta Skymiles Award Ticket - Skysaver Question

[triplefigs]

We redeemed 125,000 miles in February for 5 SkySaver seats on Delta. We are going Nov 29- Dec 6. When I first checked on-line there were no dates or direct flights. I called Delta reservations to ask about additional flights opening up, and they said no. I went ahead and booked the tickets with a layover (and a VERY small plane) and a 6:30 am departure time. I wasn't happy, but it's *free*.


I checked the website 2 days later, and they had opened up TONS of direct flights at great times (had all been the 50,000 mile seats the previous times). I was very, very upset. I called Delta and told them I had called to confirm with them if seats would open up before I booked my tickets, they had said no, and then here they were only 2 DAYS AFTER I booked! I explained we had 3 small children and having a layover was not a good idea. Normally, there is a $50 charge to change reservations (would have been $250, and I explained I felt I shouldn't be charged since I had done everything I could do to prevent this from happening. I politely asked to speak with a Supervisor and explained our situation. They changed my flight to a direct one at a wonderful time (free of charge).

Point is, keep checking daily and DON'T book unless you are sure you will be happy with it. I will say, that even booking so early and having a manager's help, we had to go on off days to get the return flight. Wanted Sat-Sat or Sun-Sun, but we're going Tues- Tues. I just called WDW and changed my hotel dates after I got the tickets.

Good luck!

 

[ncbyrne]

. I just called WDW and changed my hotel dates after I got the tickets.

When using free skymiles, I always book my flight first, and then book the hotel according to the flights I'm able to get.

 

[triplefigs]

When using free skymiles, I always book my flight first, and then book the hotel according to the flights I'm able to get.

Yes! Luckily I did this early enough to still have tons of options on resorts and room types. I will always do it Flight then Hotel from now on. Much easier!

 

[rsschneck]

I just got 3 one-way seats on hold for next Spring Break. I have until 5-12-05 to book the return home.

Thanks to the replies about holding seats until the return home becomes available. I am hopeful that by next week I will have completed our RT skysaver tickets. It is worth the extra $5 to talk to a rep.

The flight times are bad but I am sure by next year they will have changed 2 or 3 times!

 

[dougsmom98]

I have just read through this entire thread and I have a question. Could I book a skysaver seat using my miles even if it is a time I hate and then after that ticket has been processed, pay $50 to rebook that ticket to a more agreeable time? Will have to pay any more money than that $50?
Thanks in advance.
Amy

 

[cruiseonmagic]

I have just read through this entire thread and I have a question. Could I book a skysaver seat using my miles even if it is a time I hate and then after that ticket has been processed, pay $50 to rebook that ticket to a more agreeable time? Will have to pay any more money than that $50?
Thanks in advance.
Amy

You can change the date or time for $50. I would make the res, put it on hold for as long as they will let you, call back during that time for different flights. They should be able to extend the hold for you if there are still several seats available on the flight that you are holding. They may be able to wait list better flights, however if you change, it is 50 each time. If the days that you have found won't work, don't bother.

 

[kycat]

I’m canceling my skymiles American Express card for this very reason. The flights that are usually available have bad connections. And now they’re charging $10 when you redeem. And the “free” companion ticket I get every year is a joke!
But if you really want to use your miles and stay in the 25,000 mile category….try pulling up the flight schedules from Orlando to your home city. Besides the Cincinnati and Atlanta connections….you will likely see cities such as Tallahassee, Columbus, Memphis, Raleigh, etc. One by one check to see if there are flights available from Orlando to these cities…and then these cities to your home. If you find availability….On the “Award Ticket Reservations” page click on “more search options” and enter the city pairs.
Example:
Leg 1- Orlando-Memphis
Leg 2- Memphis-Your Home
Many times the system will not show these flights in the conventional search. But you can redeem them just the same.
I hope this works for you….it almost always works for us.

Also keep in mind that the system is very time sensitive…so try morning, afternoon, and evening.

 

[CarolA]

Carol, I believe I hold the UAL record for ff tickets. I was able to help a "groom to be" get 37 tickets to Hawaii for his wedding. Using UAL, and Delta (who ual had an agreement with--I don't know if they still do), had all arriving within 8 hours of target time. Only took 3 weeks to get them

OK.... New suggestion. Hire Captain Bill! He must have more patience then most of us! Good job!