Delta j/s and first class no more?
 

I was j/s from LAX to Sydney recently and as soon I checked in at the gate the agent said that "you are not getting fist class". I really did not know what to say at first and after a pause I politely asked him why not. He said that it is the new Delta policy. Anyways, I got my seat assignment at the gate and introduced myself to the crew and did not bother to investigate further. Even economy seat is great when it's free but I wondering if any Delta guys could confirm the new policy? BTW Delta has always treated me great and I am not complaining... I am just asking... who does not like first class on an 15 hour flight :)

There were probably too many upgrades to where it made it impossible for you to get it.

Jumpseaters are always welcome in first when seats are available.

This is NOT policy. Once the door is closed, the crew should move you to first class. You just got a gate agent who is probably jealous of pilots and wants to make are lives difficult. Did the Captain or one of the flight attendants not offer you first class? Was there a seat available in first?

I had a similar experience JFK-LHR last winter. Checked in, flight wide open both classes. At gate the first agent assigned me a J-Class seat, and the woman with him said "you can't do that, he's a j/s. Only allowed to assign coach". A bit of a bummer, but the Purser moved me up as soon as boarding was done anyways. No biggy, I certainly appreciate the free ride but also wonder if this is a new policy (FWIW my buddies at CO tell me that IS their policy, so I avoid them across the pond.... CO coach is pretty bad).

It is wrong, tell the CA.

Better yet, report it to your JS Committee and then they will call ours.

When did DAL start service LAX to SYD ?


Fred

Off the top of my head, well over a year ago.

Thanks , I remember a couple of times flying into SYD that we had to circle a bit due to the 6 AM rule .



Fred

CAL assigns jumpseaters to coach. If you are lucky, someone will move you forward (if there is room). The pilot sometimes never know, so make an effort to introduce yourself. The flight attendants are another barrier. They may not want you up front where they have to work harder serving you. They've been known to fight the captain about moving people up.

Non-revs and deadheading crews do not always get first class either. Even the pilot's crew rest seat is in coach (737/757/767), but they can move up if there is room.

Don't blame CAL pilots, we will do whatever we can to help you. I wish the "policy" was different.

At DAL the gate agents have always put a JS in FC or the highest class offered if a seat was avail. I have never seen them leave a seat open like that. If that is some policy that has just been adopted by ACS, our JS chair needs a chain of incidents to arm himself with.
Once those cases start coming in he can approach the company and in turn ACS to deal with the issue. Until that time IF this is occurring there will be no one to refute it and the practice will grow.