Summer Travel Questions
 

Hey guys,
Just wondering if anyone knows anything about the DL payload optimization program, or if anyone's ever been burned by it? Im planning a trip from to IST and back in august, and it falls under this initiative. I was wondering, how many seats usually are not available (ballpark figure) when this program is in effect? Any help regarding this would be much appreciated THNX

I've been on some of these flights (generally from South America) and was never affected by this program. It's really hard to predict how many seats will have to be left empty (if any). There are several factors to consider: cargo loads, temps at take off, weather en-route, etc. Cargo loads tend too be lighter on Mondays but this is not without exceptions.
You can get an idea of how things are going by checking how many non revs make it out during July...
I say go for it.

Awesome! thanks a lot for the info. Ill keep checking. :)

Summer Travel Questions
 

If you're a pilot, and you get bumped at the gate due to weight restriction, ask the gate agent if you can speak with the captain directly. I was in GRU (Brazil) last November. We were told the flight is weight restricted and no more non/revs would be cleared. I asked the gate agent if I can go down and speak with the captain , and I was allowed. I told the captain the situation and he made a few phone calls, a few numbers were changed and I, along with 3 other non-revs were able to board.

Granted, this doesn't always work but most pilots are happy to help non-revs, especially pilots, as long as it can be done within a reasonable time.

Be extremely professional if you're going to do this. The first challenge is to convince the gate agent to let you go down the jet bridge. Once you're down there, chances are the captain will help you

Just buy a ticket. Stress free and guaranteed seat every time.

No kidding. Of course, if you want to travel in BE you'll have to fork over serious moola.
As a non rev your chances for a BE seat are pretty good on that route.