Question regarding Delta Comfort Zone [Free Access for VA elites? (Not generally)]

[Catsailoraus]

I am a Virgin Plat and travel with Delta in USA. I notice that when i book flights and enter my Virgin number they recognise me as
Plat Medallion/Elite Plus.

I always pay extra for Comfort Plus in economy due to the fact I am 6'4" and need the legroom. I see that under Delta program Plat medallions get auto upgrade to Economy comfort - Am i wasting my money paying for something i would get as a Virgin Plat anyway ??

 

[Dnicoll]

I flew recently with Delta in USA as VA Platinum and could select a seat in comfort zone at no charge, and also access priority screening line. Note however that you still have to pay for all checked bags.

 

[serfty]

In my experience as a VA WP travelling DL economy, in normal circumstances I have only been able to select those premium seats by agreeing to pay for them.

(The only time I got one for nix was during IRROPS and the premium seat was the "worst" left in an almost full cabin and I was auto allocated it.)

 

[Catsailoraus]

I flew recently with Delta in USA as VA Platinum and could select a seat in comfort zone at no charge, and also access priority screening line. Note however that you still have to pay for all checked bags.

Hi - Did you book on delta.com or virgin ?

 

[serfty]

My experience was with travel last month.

No problems with priority queues or lounge access. Just not the seating.

I booked directly with Delta in early April ... I was SG back then but refreshed the booking with my WPness.

I find things generally work best keeping third parties such as agents (or airlines acting as) out of the picture.

For example with the afore mentioned IRROPS, I was able to sort it out using delta.com directly.

 

[jneufeld]

I flew a number of Delta sectors (booked thru delta.com) earlier this month and had to pay for EC. Even as a WP on a VA codeshare (DL metal) I had to pay for EC. It is not a published benefit of WP so don't expect it. Your booking says Plat Medallion because that is the equivalant status in the SkyMiles program, it does not mean you share the same benefits unfortunately.

 

[serfty]

...Your booking says Plat Medallion because that is the equivalant status in the SkyMiles program, it does not mean you share the same benefits unfortunately.

You do get "SkyPriority" which is useful for security and boarding.

And SG and WP get SkyClub access.

 

[Dnicoll]

I flew recently with Delta in USA as VA Platinum and could select a seat in comfort zone at no charge, and also access priority screening line. Note however that you still have to pay for all checked bags.

Hi - Did you book on delta.com or virgin ?

I booked on delta.com. Also got lounge access. It was a domestic flight.

 

[jneufeld]

You do get "SkyPriority" which is useful for security and boarding.

And SG and WP get SkyClub access.

Sorry I wasn't very clear, I mean we don't get all the same benefits as DL WPs. Obviously we are entitled to the published VA benefits while flying DL like SkyClub and SkyPriorty check-in, baggage and screening.

 

[Ausbt]

Even as a WP on a VA codeshare (DL metal) I had to pay for EC.

I've got an upcoming LAX-JFK VA codeshare with DL which has been booked as a Flexi. Thus far despite a couple of phone calls I haven't been able to convince DL to allow me to upgrade Y to EC for money, points or love. In face at delta.com the booking reads 'upgrade not allowable' (or similar).

 

[jpk]

I've got an upcoming LAX-JFK VA codeshare with DL which has been booked as a Flexi. Thus far despite a couple of phone calls I haven't been able to convince DL to allow me to upgrade Y to EC for money, points or love. In face at delta.com the booking reads 'upgrade not allowable' (or similar).

Try managing your booking in the Delta site, choosing an EC seat, it should charge you the $59 then.

 

[Ausbt]

Try managing your booking in the Delta site, choosing an EC seat, it should charge you the $59 then.

I would certainly be happy to pay the $59. Currently the Delta site is indicating no seat selection is possible. It's still 90 days until the flight.

 

[drewbles]

I can confirm that the "Comfort Zone" seats are *not* a benefit for VA WP/SG. The DL site shows it as /Platinum Medallion yes, but as mentioned you get Sky Priority for boarding/check-in and lounge, but seats are pay-for. This was confirmed by DL staff.

Stupidly enough, my Silver KLM does give me access. I took 2 DL flights last month. I changed my VA number to my KLM number, seats opened, I selected them, then put my VA number back in and they stayed there.

Something IMHO that VA should raise with DL.

 

[Ausbt]

I can confirm that the "Comfort Zone" seats are *not* a benefit for VA WP/SG.
.

Thanks drewbles. I'm only Ivory with Flying Blue, so I'm just going to have to pay. It will be USD$89 for LAX-JFK the Delta helpline has informed me. Can anyone confirm complimentary drinks? This from the terms and conditions on Delta's site:

Economy Comfort™ seating is offered on Delta's two-cabin aircraft, subject to availability. Economy Comfort seating is limited and may not be available on all flights. Features differ slightly according to flight type/destination; complimentary spirits and increased recline are offered on international and Transcontinental (between JFK, LAX, SEA and SFO) flights.

 

[Sbv72]

Flew JFK-LAX in April, VA ticket on DL metal. Selected and paid for EC seats over the phone - seat selection failed on delta.com at payment stage. Drinks were not complimentary.