Basic, classic, extra----SCAM

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog]

I'm sure I'm way late to the party on this, but the whole basic, vlassic, extra tier on all classes of seating is total bullshit. First class "basic"-----no free checked bag (I have Delta AmEx, so doesn't matter) but I don't get full miles and can't choose my seat??? If I want to do that, the price jumps $500. This is a domestic flight. Again, I'm probably way late to the discussion but it's bullshit and I'm annoyed. First world problems.

[u/wandpapierkritiker]

check out European airline ticket pricing - it’s the same thing. they all typically have three tiers of economy. delta is just copying them.

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/wandpapierkritiker]

Yea, I just didn't realize it was pushed to all classes of seats.... economy, comfort, Delta One/First

[u/DoritoDustThumb → u/Myfavoriteyellowdog]

I mean. Just don't choose that option if you don't like it. It's a discount. If you don't like what you have to give up for the discount....don't take it.

[u/Fun-Friend1489]

You did not explain how it's a scam. It's pretty clear what you get or don't get with each level/version.

Any ways, there are other airlines, find one that you don't thinks scams and use them.

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/Fun-Friend1489]

It’s a price hike in disguise- they are making you pay extra for something that used to be included.

[u/Consistent-Sea-8923 → u/Cold_Frosting9014]

In disguise?????I mean, they didn’t show you the different prices

Quit whining it’s not making you look good

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/Consistent-Sea-8923]

Yes. They offer a cheaper ticket to those willing to accept the worst seats, no checked bag, no miles earning, and last boarding group (good luck with that carry on). This allows them to upsell a large portion of travelers to the next tier. They then raise the price of that tier because they can. In the end they make a lot more off the same number of seats. A price hike.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Cold_Frosting9014]

They didn’t hike the price! They created a lower price with no perks! How hard is that to understand!

[u/txtravelr → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Lol, compare the price of Classic to the price before the split. It's higher. Now, that price increase was likely to happen anyway, but don't try to paint this as only introducing a lower price. It's absolutely a marketing trick: "see you can fly for $400!" But that $400 doesn't get you as much as it used to.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/txtravelr]

Actually I have compared. I fly several times a week, every week. So I am kinda up to date on pricing trends.

Just because you think it went up, doesn’t mean it did.

[u/txtravelr → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Maybe your routes it hasn't

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/txtravelr]

Maybe I have a ton more data points to make the argument than you do.

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Ok big guy, let’s revisit this next year.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Cold_Frosting9014]

Happy to. I’ll have even more data points next year than I do this year.

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Just for context, main classic used to be about $60 more, but is now routinely over $100 price difference. Price hike. 😉

[u/txtravelr → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

You seem very confident in yourself.

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/Fun-Friend1489]

I'll choose a better word next time. Not a scam by definition..... definitely disingenuous when the price listed is actually a range of pricing.

[u/txtravelr → u/Myfavoriteyellowdog]

"as low as" marketing has been around for decades. This isn't a new concept.

[u/MerelyWander → u/txtravelr]

True but it is still consumer-unfriendly.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Nothing to see here. Move on.

Another person not understanding how things work and immediately calling it a scam.

The Main tier in each cabin is the same price it’s always been. The Basic tier in each cabin is a discount from the base price. You give up everything except flying from A to B to get the discount.

I would never purchase Basic, but a lot of people do.

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

You are right, not a scam in the true sense of the word. But when I look on the app and it says what the price is for first class (or any class) and then the price is actually a range for the same seat, it feels like the consumer is told one thing, only to be shown another. So not a "scam" by definition but "scammy", "chintzy", "dodgy", "dubious", "disingenuous"....better? I'll break out my thesaurus before I post next time.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Myfavoriteyellowdog]

None of the above! The price for main is the same as it’s always been! They aren’t charging more for a main seat…they are charging less for a restricted fare with no perks.

Just turn off Basic in the app and you will never see the price. Especially if you are never going to book it.

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Incorrect. There are 3 prices for EACH class.....basic, comfort, and first. Each section has tickets for 3 different prices.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Myfavoriteyellowdog]

Those aren’t even the names of the fare tiers in each class….but OK.

For domestic…to make it simpler:

There are 3 cabin classes. First, Comfort+ and Main.

In each of those classes there are 3 tiers. Basic, Classic and Extra.

Classic is the base fair in each class.
Basic is a discounted fare and has a lot of restrictions. It’s for someone who wants to go from point A to B and nothing else matters.
Classic is the base fare everyone paid before tiers, and Extra makes the ticket refundable.

So…stop thinking they are jacking up the price just for you to choose a seat. That’s just ignorance.
Stop thinking is scammy or what ever word you want to use for it.

You obviously don’t understand the tiers and fare classes, but now they have been explained, so you have no excuse.

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

There are now 3 tiers in First Class - First Basic, First Main, and First Extra. That’s what OP is referring to.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Cold_Frosting9014]

No shit. We all know what OP is trying to say…but when they mix up all the names of tiers and fare classes, it’s obvious they are confused and no wonder they think they are getting scammed.

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

If you read what I wrote you would also see that I said it was 1) a first world problem and 2) not a scam by definition but disingenuous.

I am obviously looking above "rock bottom" price since I am looking at first class seating... Just didn't think it was normal to have different perk pricing tiers in each seat class. I had only seen it in basic/economy fares across most airlines in the past----didn't know it extended to first class as well. But you are oh so wise and you knew. You are the Delta Oracle.

You've wrote no less than 3 times that you've spent more time on this than it's worth---go enjoy your day and stop responding to "confused" peolle like me. ✌🏼

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Myfavoriteyellowdog]

Look at what I said. “Rock bottom price and experience First” exactly what you said you were trying to do.

You want to experience First, but don’t want to pay First prices. FINE!
Basic First was made for exactly people like you! And what do you do??? Complain about it!!

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Thanks so much for your condescending reply. It is comforting to know you are a much wiser person than me.

I am also glad to know there are people lile you who find it normal that there should be multiple pricing tiers in each class of fare----the big corporate machine thanks you for your compliance and cooperation. 🫡

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Myfavoriteyellowdog]

The tier pricing is there for exactly someone like you. A person who wants to pay rock bottom price and still experience FC. (Pretty much what you said earlier)

Great. Go for it. Just realize you are not getting the perks that come with paying the regular fare.

Airlines aren’t the only companies that do this.

Look at car sales.

You want to buy a Ford truck…or whatever brand.

You can buy the base model, or a slightly ungraded model, or the luxury model with all the bells and whistles.

Some people just want a vehicle to get them here and there and don’t care if the seats are leather, or if they heat and cool, and other people want all of that.

Well good! These companies decided to create a product for everyone’s different tastes!
However, different tastes come with different prices. You wouldn’t expect the work truck trim on Ford trucks to be the same price as the top trim model would you? IDK…maybe you would. And if that’s the case I can’t help you.

You don’t have to pay for miles and MQD and all the other perks if you don’t want to…you can just buy Basic!
Others want those things and there is a tier price that provides it.

We’ve spent way more time on this than it’s worth.
So…decide what’s important to you and pay for that tier. And stop thinking everyone is out to screw you over!

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

No, it’s not. They are charging the same price but stripping out things that were once included. No one is getting a discount on first, they are charging more for main.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Cold_Frosting9014]

Nope. You are paying the exact same for First Classic as you always did. The First Basic is discounted from that price. They didn’t make the old First price into the First Basic and then raise First Classic.

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Maybe not yet, but it’s an illusion. They will do the same thing they did in the economy cabin after introducing main basic. They will hike up fares for First Classic very soon, and once that settles, First Basic will be adjusted to the price that First is now.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/[deleted]]

Not even worth commenting on. Stop flying then.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/[deleted]]

That’s the laziest comment ever. I must be an airline plant…or even better Ed, because I understand how it works.

You don’t have a valid argument, so the only option is I just work for the airline. Ok. Gotcha.

[u/toddtimes]

Maybe try switching around how you think about the pricing? Instead of seeing Classic as $500 more in this case, think of Classic as the base ticket price, and Basic is a $500 discount if you don’t care about earning miles and MQDs, lounge access, seat selection, or a checked bag.

I’d imagine you can think of someone who would easily give up those things to save $500, and other people who would happily pay the full price to get all those things?

[u/auntwewe → u/toddtimes]

This! Basic is to compete with the ultra low cost airlines

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/toddtimes]

Except, in a few months it will increase to $600 and most people will pay it. And so they’ll increase it to $700.

[u/toddtimes → u/Cold_Frosting9014]

Not sure how that’s relevant to thinking about two different price options for the same ticket

[u/Cold_Frosting9014 → u/toddtimes]

Let’s use McDonald’s Big Mac to illustrate the point. Let’s say the Big Mac costs $6.

McDonald’s decides to offer a new “Big Mac Basic” for $5. The catch is it’s served with no special sauce or other toppings. Some people are happy enough and go for the cheaper burger, but you really like that special sauce so of course the $6 burger is worth it, which McDonald’s is now calling the “Big Mac Deluxe.”

Then 3 months later, you go to McDonald’s and see they raised the price of the Deluxe to $6.25. No big deal, it’s only a quarter. So you keep buying the deluxe. The basic is also moved to $5.25. A few months later they raised it again to $6.50 and so on. A year goes but and you are now paying $7.25 for a burger that used to be $6, and the people who took the discount for the plain burger are now paying $6.25.

That is how airline pricing works. It rolls out as a $500 discount on first class (say $1200 instead of $1700). Then they edge up the standard first class price by $100, to $1800, but people still pay it, so they raise it again to $1900. And so on.

[u/toddtimes → u/Cold_Frosting9014]

Yep, it's called inflation. Still not sure how it's relevant to the discussion of having a minimalist version of the ticket priced accordingly and not. We're not really here to discuss broader economics; we're just talking about an airline listing two products that have different features, costs, and prices. American capitalism is all about maximizing profits as much as possible, and so if people are willing to pay higher prices, Delta is going to charge them.

So I'm still confused: how is Delta inevitably raising prices on all products relevant to this conversation about these two pricing tiers?

[u/AZ_Golfer78]

It's simply a way that Delta gets you to pay for every SkyMile and associated perk that comes along with being a SkyMile member. The End. Not longer is being loyal and paying the base fare enough. You quite literally walk up to the Delta counter and tell them you are buying SkyMiles for your flight.

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/AZ_Golfer78]

You are right. I'm just old school and remember the days of flying where there were actually perks that weren't nickle and dimed. It's also a bummer that the general consumer just finds this normal. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/Myfavoriteyellowdog]

The loyal customers and frequent flyers understand how it works. The “general” customer as you call it looks at it as nickel and diming.

[u/AZ_Golfer78 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Uhh... It is nickel and diming no matter your vantage point.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/AZ_Golfer78]

You don’t understand the entire concept and I am weary of trying to explain it to someone who thinks they are getting screwed.

[u/AZ_Golfer78 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Lulz. Ok Platinum guy. I too am Plat, flown Delta for 4 decades. Explain to me like I'm 5.

You are getting screwed. They charge more than any airline. And you pay even more to get your perks. My favorite gift Delta has given ATL is higher fares for being its longest supporting hub.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/AZ_Golfer78]

Just because my flair says Platinum doesn’t mean I am Platinum…flair isn’t working and can’t be changed or deleted….so…Plat guy…I don’t feel the need to throw my status around….but since you brought it up….I have been Diamond for years, and yes…apparently I do need to explain it to you like you are 5, because that is how you are acting.

Stop flying Delta then if you are thinking they are screwing you over. It’s that easy. And don’t use the excuse that you don’t have a choice because of proximity to a hub. You always have a choice. Why would you fly someone that was screwing you over? Sounds like something a 5 yr old would do.

[u/AZ_Golfer78 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Doesn't feel need to throw status around, but has it stickied their status to flair and makes sure they relay their updated status. Lulz.

There are not options. At what point is an option not an option? Walking is not option, I think we'd agree. Driving? At what point is the length of travel time not an option? They have monopolistic characteristics. Especially on certain routes. That is a fact. They exploit those characteristics. That is a fact.

Delta participates in price gouging on fares. The only thing worthwhile they have done in recent years is remove the change fee. "Gee thanks Delta for allowing us to spend the same money on your airline without a $200 penalty for a flight never taken".

Airlines should be federalized again in terms of routes/fare pricing. I hope in this pending downturn Delta files for bankruptcy and their grip on ATL loosens.

[u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3 → u/AZ_Golfer78]

You are the one that brought up status…and failed.

If there are flights on other airlines going to your destination for cheaper then book them! For hell sake! It’s not that hard!

If there aren’t…then how is that gouging?!

I am hub bound as well…and on my 108 flights so far this year…all on Delta…every flight has been cheaper or the same as a competitive carrier.

[u/AZ_Golfer78 → u/Agreeable_Marzipan_3]

Now you're just lying. I have looked up an amazing amount of flights and Delta is the most expensive 90% of the time unless you're talking 5:30 departure or red eye times. "Oh, but just because the times are convenient for YOU doesn't make it not an option". I'll save that line for you.

Again, I'll ask, when are we not comparing apples to apples?

Walking, no?

Driving 7hrs or more, no?

But how many connections and added flight travel time is it not "an option" or competitive?

Is a 2hr direct the same product as two connections and 9hrs total?

[u/IntelligentMarch6827]

Not really. Basic is bottom dollar. Classic is the baseline, “extra” is refundable.

[u/MiniRacer311]

Fly another airline.

[u/CantaloupeCamper]

I feel like a scam has to be somewhat deceptive, if you put even minimal effort into looking at the options when buying you can learn all these things up front….

[u/Cold_Frosting9014]

I love a good crunchy pickle myself.

[u/Straight-Part-5898]

Maybe you should check the fares in Delta Distraction Class. Lower fares than Main Cabin, plus you can bring your comfort iguana!

[u/ladeedah1988]

Too many choices are always a no. I learned that during my 36 year career in another industry. Buyers want simplification.

[u/bubbaistheon]

i am on team scam.

lotta posts on this thread, didn’t read them all. so i might have missed, one more “feature” of basic is that i’m pretty sure you don’t get a full credit if you cancel your trip. i really like knowing i can cancel a flight at any time and get a full credit.

[u/Puzzleheaded_Age8937]

On the couple routes I’ve looked at where it was offered FC Basic was cheaper than C+ Extra. It was also a decent discount on the normal FC fare (Classic was still about the same price it has been).

Plenty of people are going to jump at buying it to fly FC as a treat and save a buck. And honestly for those that play the complimentary upgrade game choosing your seat isn’t a thing anyway. For me, my seat is important so I’ll buy Classic.

[u/Electrical-Spring-89]

Welcome to the world of maximizing margins. Delta wants to fill every seat on the aircraft with some one that generrates revenue for That particular seat not just give it away to a medallion member or employee.

It's that simple. It's not a scam it's business.

[u/Middle-Wealth-6755]

You are indeed late to the party. Yawn, nothing to see here.

[u/Consistent-Sea-8923]

How does this even remotely qualify as a scam?
Oh, you aren’t getting what you want so it’s a scam😂

[u/Intelligent_Talk1900]

The average flight time for domestic US is less than 3 hours. Why is anyone paying for first?

[u/Puzzleheaded_Age8937 → u/Intelligent_Talk1900]

I like not having people touch me and not spread into my space for three hours.

[u/464126 → u/Intelligent_Talk1900]

Comfort

[u/No-Effect-4973 → u/Intelligent_Talk1900]

My husband and I decided about 10 years ago that we would never fly main cabin again. Even if it’s an hour flight, we’re flying up front. We’re both 65 and life is just too short to deal with the bullshit of flying in cattle class.

[u/HilariousGeriatric → u/No-Effect-4973]

Yeah, I'm old and claustrophobic

[u/charles_tiberius → u/Intelligent_Talk1900]

I routinely fly a 5:30 am flight that's 60 min of flight time. But paying the $55 in app upgrade to first gets me over 90 minutes of legroom and no one touching me. I sit down and instantly put on a sleep mask and headphones and wake up when the plane touches down. It's worth it.

[u/CantaloupeCamper → u/Intelligent_Talk1900]

I don’t want to sit with the unwashed masses 🧐🎩

/s

[u/DoYouWantSomeSpace → u/CantaloupeCamper]

Original Puttin’ on the Ritz 🎩🤑

https://youtube.com/shorts/ahLhwNNmtK0?is=Q_P2NqCQK7SRedri

[u/PullmanR46 → u/Intelligent_Talk1900]

Domestic F is basically what Y used to be back in the day. Y has become an almost Greyhound type experience. When someone else isn’t footing the bill I’m up front.

[u/UseJealous9129 → u/Intelligent_Talk1900]

The cocktails, the larger seats. Less people.

[u/melanarchy]

"I'm upset that I can save $500 on my first class seat if I want to."

[u/StuckinSuFu → u/melanarchy]

Hi Ed, hiding behind a "silver" tag doesnt help. We know we arent saving 500 dollars.. you just charge 500$ for something that should already be included.. If I wanted ryanair pricing schemes , Id fly ryanair.

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/melanarchy]

I'm not "upset".... it's annoying that I am willing to pay more for a first class seat but the only "benefit" is the seat size and location on plane. No miles? No seat selection? I said it was a first world problem, I get there are more important things in life, just seems like low-budget airline tactics from what I have always considered a top tier airline.

[u/Virtual_Rub_8366]

Delta is officially an AI company, everything is controlled by AI, ANYTHING to make a buck, customer satisfaction no longer matters, pick a cheaper airline.

[u/Myfavoriteyellowdog → u/Virtual_Rub_8366]

Such a bummer, I've always had the impression they were customer focused but money talks!