Is Song making FF tickets hard to get???

[smvdelv]

Last week, they had Frequent Flyer seats on the 7AM flight out of Boston for August 10. A day or so later, there were none, except for double the miles (unrestricted) AND they have changed the flight AGAIN from 7 AM to 8:45. When I check availabillity for that flight, it looks like very few, if any, seats are taken. Are they not going to offer FF tickets on the nonstops????

 

[Cora]

We generally have at least one Delta FF ticket for each trip we go on so I've gotten very good at booking these. Unfortunately in order to get the cheaper (less miles) tickets you must call at the 331 day mark. I've been known to get up at mid-nite to do this. I think it was this year that the flights I reserved at mid-nite with FF tickets were gone by 7am that morning. Our upcoming April trip we have 2 FF tix both with the lesser miles. Unfortunately we have to change planes. When I booked the non-stops were not available. Honestly I don't think Song or the old Delta Express has anything to do with it. I think it's just that airlines are offering less FF seats.
Cora

 

[DaveO]

Over the past 2 years I have had about 5 trips all being planned well in advance. I find it VERY hard to find FF seats on Delta. I had to book 330 days out to get the non-stop from Boston. And had to use First Class miles to go to Vegas in Feb.

AMEX Delta card gives you TONS of double miles - but they are hard to use unless you go to North Dakota in the winter a lot.

I have switched to SWA FF program - you can use the credits for any flight there is a seat available.

Dave O.

 

[BrianBWV]

Now that you've got me thinking about this...

Can you book each individual leg of a FF round-trip at the 331 day mark over the phone with Delta/Song? I tried checking availabilities last year on the Internet for a trip, but always found that my return flight at the 331 mark would be available and that my earlier departure would be unavailable at the Skysaver level. What is the trick for coordinating this without using double points?

Thanks!

 

[Cora]

Yes you can book each leg individually. They will hold the first one waiting for the second. That is what I do even if I'm paying for one seat and FF another (the paid one is always there at the return's 331 point)
Cora

 

[CarolA]

Song is no diffrent then DL and using frequent flyer tickets on just about anyone but SW is VERY difficult!
I have two methods. One book VERY far in advance (331 days) or last minute. Sometimes the airlines release more tickets to frequent flyers and/or people who booked 331 days in advance cancel. Holidays and popular tourist destinations (Hawaii, Orlando) are always the most difficult.

 

[alexturner74]

One additional point...you can book DAL frequent flyer miles on any flight that has available seats, it will just cost you twice the number of miles than a regular FF seat (which are very hard to find).