Stupid, stupid, nasty Delta!!!!

[tooh8ful]

Ok, before anyone starts explaining to me how business travel works, or that Delta is belt tightening, I GET it! I am just venting here because this is my VACATION these flight times are jacking with and I am frustrated!!

I am taking my 2 girls to WDW in September and we are meeting my best friend there so she can help me take care of the baby. I booked my flight as soon as I found one based on 1) flight times (since I am traveling alone with 2 kids) and 2) direct flight. I paid a higher price for my flight than other carriers b/c I found exactly what I wanted.
Let me insert here that I do understand that flight times change, especially when your looking at a time frame of 6 months or more BUT see paragraph #1 --i.e. frustrated

I then found a flight for my friend (I am flying out of Louisville, she is out of Hunstville) that was nearly identical to ours. This was a big bonus since she has never been to WDW or MCO before. She also paid more for her flight than she had to because we wanted to match up as best possible.

Today I was reading on the disboards that Delta is going to start charging for 2nd bags. This BLOWS for me b/c There are 3 of us (one diaper wearing spitter upper) going for 11 days. How am I supposed to get all our crap in 2 bags????

When I checked Delta's website HOPING this wasn't true, I found that not only is it in fact true, but my flight was cancelled, I wasn't notified, and we now fly out 3 1/2 hours later that originally planned. uh! Before you start to flame me for griping about 3 1/2 hrs, remember, paragraph #!

My options are to sit on the tickets we have and HOPE the flight doesn't get moved later (we will then screw up our dinner ressies),
switch to a 6am flight with a 3 hr layover in ATL (um let me see, get my kids up at 3 am to get to the airport, then sit in ATL for 3 hours before leaving for MCO? yeah, I don't think I will do that), or 3 post an obnoxious thread on the travel board complaining even though we will at the very worst, still be at WDW.

I think I will go with a combo of option 1 and 3 with a little "miffedness" thrown in at Delta for good measure.

 

[kirbsam]

gripe away. you have every right. no lectures here.

 

[debster812]

Southwest doesn't have their fares posted yet for September, but I suspect that Delta would refund you your money since the change was more than 3 hours.

Southwest has one non stop a day to and from Louisville.

I can sense your frustration

 

[Devil_Dog99]

seems you have a good handle on the realities of travel, so gripe away..................I would also be frustrated if I were in your shoes.

Now for some good news (maybe??? - if I read your post right) - the 2nd bag charge only applies to each passenger - not total. So your 11 mo spitter upper is allowed up to 50 lbs, your other child 50 lbs, and you 50 lbs. I am thinking at worst you may have to check one extra bag. You can probably get the children's clothes in one bag, yours in another, the third can take any overflow (don't forget to pack space for souvenirs) so you may need one extra bag.

Good luck.

 

[masonsmousermom]

Where did you see on the Delta website that they are charging for a 2nd bag? I just went to the site and clicked on the baggage page. It reads (under checked baggage):

You can check two bags per passenger free of charge.

Each bag must:

Weigh 50 pounds (22.5 kg) or less.
Not exceed 62 inches when you total length plus width plus height.

I'm very curious, because I leave for WDW via Delta flight in May 2008. My flight has also been changed and I'm hoping that maybe you were mistaken. Crossing my fingers...

 

[mickey2000]

Delta is ready when you are ??

Delta To Join In Second Bag Charge

MARCH 18, 2008 -- Delta Air Lines beginning in May plans to join United Airlines and US Airways in charging passengers for a second checked bag, Delta president and CFO Ed Bastian told investors at a JP Morgan aviation conference in New York this morning.

Bastian said the carrier would charge $25 for a second checked piece of luggage, but did not give further information about which customers or which routes the initiative would impact. United Airlines last month became the first domestic legacy carrier to initiate a $25 fee for a second bag (BTNonline, Feb. 4), and US Airways within weeks joined the carrier in a similar initiative (BTNonline, Feb. 26). However, both United and US Airways have shielded certain customer segments, particularly elite frequent flyers, from such fees.

United executive vice president and CFO Jake Brace today at the JP Morgan aviation conference said the carrier sees more opportunity for further unbundling and envisions implementing more a la carte pricing options for passengers.

Brace said the second bag fee could yield $100 million in additional revenue for the carrier in 2008, particularly if matched industry-wide. He said other such initiatives are in the pipeline, claiming that unbundling and merchandizing options could generate more than $1 billion for United within five years.

Meanwhile, Delta's Bastian today kept consolidation comments to a minimum, noting Delta's board remains engaged in exploring options. Bastian would not take questions on merger activity, but claimed, "We are proponents of consolidation, but it does have to be the right deal."

 

[wdwfamilyinIL]

I can sense your pain, a couple of years ago 11 of us flew out of Indy on Delta. By the time we finally go to our fly out day I believe that our flight times had been changed four times. We knew that we had a layover in atl, but it was only supposed to be 1.5 hours, by the time they finished with our flight times we had a 3 hour layover there and back. We will never fly delta again. We flew airtan last year and loved them.

 

[DebbieB]

seems you have a good handle on the realities of travel, so gripe away..................I would also be frustrated if I were in your shoes.

Now for some good news (maybe??? - if I read your post right) - the 2nd bag charge only applies to each passenger - not total. So your 11 mo spitter upper is allowed up to 50 lbs, your other child 50 lbs, and you 50 lbs. I am thinking at worst you may have to check one extra bag. You can probably get the children's clothes in one bag, yours in another, the third can take any overflow (don't forget to pack space for souvenirs) so you may need one extra bag.

Good luck.

I believe the 11 month old would only get a baggage allowance if they have their own ticket. If he/she is a "lap baby", I don't think they get a bag (since they didn't buy a ticket).

I don't see where it has been officially announced on Delta's website. When other airlines added the charge, it did not apply to previously purchased tickets, so I would not get upset about that yet.

 

[tooh8ful]

I believe the 11 month old would only get a baggage allowance if they have their own ticket. If he/she is a "lap baby", I don't think they get a bag (since they didn't buy a ticket).

I don't see where it has been officially announced on Delta's website. When other airlines added the charge, it did not apply to previously purchased tickets, so I would not get upset about that yet.

Right, I did not buy a ticket for the baby so the three of us are limited to 2 bags, or pay extra (Yuck! I was planning on spending that extra $50 foolishly at WDW )

While I had the poor Delta attendant on the phone listening to me complain about the OTHER things that had annoyed me, I asked her about the extra bag charge. She coyly tried to tell me "extra" bags ALWAYS incurred a charge. "Ok, are you going to charge me for the SECOND bag?" Yes, her answer was yes. Kick me when I'm down Delta!

We flew Air Tran last year and really liked it as well but Air Tran doesn't fly out of Louisville. If I fly out of Indy I have to pay to long term park my car, usually a hotel the night before, maybe one after. It really did just seem easier to fly out of SDF this time . . .sigh

I do appreciate everyone letting me blow off steam though, thanks guys.

 

[kaytieeldr]

"Extra" bags did always incur a charge; the difference is, until May, "extra" meant more than TWO - now it'll mean more than one.

Um, also, I understand your frustration - but you might want to edit the title of this thread.

 

[heartbeeps]

I hear your pain (I'm a Delta Medallion so I fly them alot). They're notorious for schedule change for sure. I've had flights cancelled mid-flight - making my 12 hour return from AK turn into a 23 hour nightmare; delayed hours in my home apt and at Atlanta and at Salt Lake City and at Cincinnati, etc.

However, I think you need to add a few other folks to your complaint list - don't stop at Delta -

blaim the economy
blaim the 500+ members of congress
blaim the oil companies
blaim the President
and so on and so on

it's all related.. to OIL! Delta's cutting back b'c of the cost of jet fuel. It's one big mess. Our govt. needs to step up to the plate or we won't have ANY airlines in the sky without govt. regulation. As a country we won't survive if govt. doesn't fix this problem. And, it's only going to get worst.

Poor Delta - only trying to survive for their shareholders; trying to figure out a way to eek out an existence so they can remain profitable. You (and I), unfortunately, are getting STUCK in the middle!

(And, if it's any consolation to you, I had to call them last night b'c they cancelled a direct flight to a connecting one with a 30 minute layover for 2 handicapped folks in wheelchairs! I called armed with the knowledge of the existing direct flights - there were only 2 remaining for the day. When I explained it would be a miracle for them to get from their seat to the wheel chair in 30 minutes, they offered to change me to a longer layover and I said, no I want the late direct flight from MCO! They obliged.)

hopefully it'll all work out ok. trust me I understand....

 

[kaytieeldr]

blaim the 500+ members of congress

Psst! 535! and, um, 'direct' flight doesn't necessarily mean non-stop

 

[Dewy]

If you have to pay for a second bag then you might consider packing the contents in a box and sending it UPS to your hotel a few days before you depart. We did this a couple of years ago traveling with our two and one year old fearing the airport situation with luggage and kinds...we did not use Magical Express.

We created the return label for the departure and packed tape to reseal the box and gave the box to the hotel (UPS delivers to them every day) to hand to UPS. It was WONDERFUL as UPS allows alot more than 50 lbs and it really lightened our load at the airport. Were going to do it again this yea in October. If I have to pay it anway I'd rather pay it to UPS for some value added convenience.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

Did you try calling Delta? They changed our flight for October, I called them and told them the new flight would not work for us and they were very helpful at booking me on a flight that would work for me. Try calling, when I was talking to the agent he had flights in his system that did not show up when I was looking online.
I think right now all arlines are hit and miss. I would not blame Delta though, there are way to many factors (gas prices, economy, etc) that come in play as far as how all the airlines are doing business these days.

 

[dancin_princess]

If you have to pay for a second bag then you might consider packing the contents in a box and sending it UPS to your hotel a few days before you depart. We did this a couple of years ago traveling with our two and one year old fearing the airport situation with luggage and kinds...we did not use Magical Express.

We created the return label for the departure and packed tape to reseal the box and gave the box to the hotel (UPS delivers to them every day) to hand to UPS. It was WONDERFUL as UPS allows alot more than 50 lbs and it really lightened our load at the airport. Were going to do it again this yea in October. If I have to pay it anway I'd rather pay it to UPS for some value added convenience.

This is a wonderful idea. I see it all the time. And it will be waiting for you at your resort once you check in rather than waiting 3 hours or so that you would have to do using Magical Express. But since you have little ones, Magical Express might be to your advantage but anything you might need your first day there (swimwear, medicine, extra diapers, change of clothes for ressies etc) put in your carry-on just so you are prepared

 

[Charleyann]

I think the OP shouldn't have to pay for the second bags. What ever happened paying in good faith? Geez..., Changes made after a person books their flights should not be included in the changed. Delta knew these changes were coming and took her money. THAT is DISHONEST! Same as the flight.

Wouldn't we all be a little ticked with Disney if they added extra $$$ to our rooms we had paid in full, just because they needed to tighten their belts. What if the 7 day ticket became a six day?

That was just miserable of Delta....Then again, they have been pulling these things off and getting away with it. If they need things tightend, half of their money problems are due to their poor customer service. High fuel prices are just a coverup! I've flown Delta many times and customer services at times as been deplorable! I've hear the same from many unhappy customers flying with me.


Charleyann

 

[kaytieeldr]

You'll have to elaborate on how half of Delta's money problems are due to its poor customer service, but...

An airline's obligation is merely to get you to your destination via airplane on the date reserved. See any airline's Contract of Carriage.

 

[miss missy]

Right, I did not buy a ticket for the baby so the three of us are limited to 2 bags, or pay extra (Yuck! I was planning on spending that extra $50 foolishly at WDW )

While I had the poor Delta attendant on the phone listening to me complain about the OTHER things that had annoyed me, I asked her about the extra bag charge. She coyly tried to tell me "extra" bags ALWAYS incurred a charge. "Ok, are you going to charge me for the SECOND bag?" Yes, her answer was yes. Kick me when I'm down Delta!

We flew Air Tran last year and really liked it as well but Air Tran doesn't fly out of Louisville. If I fly out of Indy I have to pay to long term park my car, usually a hotel the night before, maybe one after. It really did just seem easier to fly out of SDF this time . . .sigh

I do appreciate everyone letting me blow off steam though, thanks guys.

Isn't Air Tran a contractor for Delta?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Nope; they MAY code-share, but even that's not likely.

 

[maxiesmom]

That was just miserable of Delta....Then again, they have been pulling these things off and getting away with it. If they need things tightend, half of their money problems are due to their poor customer service. High fuel prices are just a coverup! I've flown Delta many times and customer services at times as been deplorable! I've hear the same from many unhappy customers flying with me.


Charleyann

I don't agree that it has anything to do with customer service. We all know that the typical leisure flyer is not loyal to a certain carrier. The majority of us buy tickets from whoever is cheaper, and which airline fits our travel times.


Think of how we are all feeling the pinch at the pump, and now imagine you are an airline feeling that pinch. They have to either raise ticket prices, or add more fees. At least this is an added expense that you can get around with a little planning.