ODB2

Do Delta Connections follow the same nonrev boarding priority as delta (S3b1,s3c, etc)?
Do they clear nonrevs early, like at 1 hour prior to departure (instead of 20 minutes prior like we normally do)?
Are there other sources to see their availability and/or rules besides travel net?

My daughter checked in about 50 minutes prior to departure for an express jet flight and there was someone junior to me at delta (S3B1and later date of hire) and a DS (S3C) who were already cleared.

badflaps

Sometimes if there is no problem with avail seats they go ahead and clear those listed. Normally the rules are the same. (S3B's just before the fresh fruit and flowers.)

ODB2

I have seen us do that too. This flight was tight, cleared a handful of HKs, the 2 aforementioned and I think 1 express jet nonrev, down to zero seats avail. So wasnt the typical 80 seats available, clear the 20 standbys flight.

badflaps

Sounds like you have a real complaint, send the travel bureau an E-mail. They are pretty good about answering.

ODB2

Thanks. What is there email or where can I find it?

FMGEC

I've run into this issue a couple of times where the Gate Agent will clear the non-revs significantly before the policy stated time of 30 minutes. The agent then fails to look prior to closing out the flight to see if anyone has checked in since they cleared non-revs. They seem to have the idea that non-revs have nothing better to do with their lives and need to be at the gate and checked in 60+ minutes from departure.

The best recourse you have is to submit a non-safety FCR, and check the box that requires a response from someone. I have done this twice with positive results (including a straight out apology). Granted, it doesn't help you at the exact time of travel, but hopefully it leads to a change at the gate agent level (policy, procedure, memo, etc.)

I also use the technique of checking in online. To me, it eliminates the stress of not being cleared. But even that is not fail-safe. Depending on the city, online check-in runs the risk of the gate agent using the old-style of calling each non-rev to the podium and assigning seats when they show up. But, that method seems to be becoming more and more rare.

jungle driver

Was this at a out-station? I have see this on a few rare occasions, the gate agent will clear station employees or their family members before other non-revs (DS is the code for DGS employees who work most of the out-stations). It seems to happen a lot less now with everyone being able to see the standby list on their phones and keeping track of who is being cleared but I'm sure it happens from time to time. I would definitely send the travel bureau a message!

badflaps

Travelnet- Feedback/Survey.

ODB2

Thanks badflaps, I will fill it out.

This actually happened in Atl. To add insult to injury, there was 1 seat left showing on the board. At 25 minutes prior a group of 3 (senior to me) pops up on the list, and then inside 15 minutes there are magically 3 seats available and off they go, my daughter left behind. First world problems, but still frustrating.