I had an unusual situation recently, trying to book SCL-ATL one-way.
Delta.com showed my preferred date as available at the low level of 45,000 miles. Two days on each side of it were also 45,000 miles, and all were the same award code 'N'. So it certainly appeared there was no difference in availability between these 5 days. Same price, same fare class.
Since I could book this through VA at 38,400 points, I decided to go that route. My preferred date wasn't available, but the flights on either side were showing bookable. I checked AF/KLM, and got the same thing. I called VA to confirm, and no availability on my date.
I know there can be differences between what Delta offers it's members and what it offers partners. But I've never seen the award miles required to be at low level yet the date is NOT available to partners before.
Since I really wanted my preferred date, I booked it with DL miles, and that also proves it was not 'phantom' space. It booked into just 'N' class (not NV, etc).
I thought I'd see what FT thought. Is it unusual for partner availability to be restricted like this even when DL members can book at the low level? Is this becoming more common?
Cheers
Delta.com showed my preferred date as available at the low level of 45,000 miles. Two days on each side of it were also 45,000 miles, and all were the same award code 'N'. So it certainly appeared there was no difference in availability between these 5 days. Same price, same fare class.
Since I could book this through VA at 38,400 points, I decided to go that route. My preferred date wasn't available, but the flights on either side were showing bookable. I checked AF/KLM, and got the same thing. I called VA to confirm, and no availability on my date.
I know there can be differences between what Delta offers it's members and what it offers partners. But I've never seen the award miles required to be at low level yet the date is NOT available to partners before.
Since I really wanted my preferred date, I booked it with DL miles, and that also proves it was not 'phantom' space. It booked into just 'N' class (not NV, etc).
I thought I'd see what FT thought. Is it unusual for partner availability to be restricted like this even when DL members can book at the low level? Is this becoming more common?
Cheers