Cites SkyMiles elites' objections

A few weeks ago, we reported that as part of an overall program to align its own fees and policies with those of its new Northwest Airlines subsidiary, Delta had started to offer economy class domestic passengers the option of paying a fee to secure a seat assignment in a “preferred seat” – i.e., those in the most sought-after locations. However, the scheme reportedly caused such a stir among Delta’s elite SkyMiles members that the change has suddenly been withdrawn. The preferred seats were made available for a fee of $5 to $25, depending on distance flown. SkyMiles elite members and passengers on full Y or B fares were still allowed to select those seats for no fee, but only when they checked in online or at the airport – not when they booked the flight. In an email to SkyMiles elites, Delta said it had received complaints from some elites about having their access to those seats limited in such a way, unless they wanted to pay a fee upfront. “We’re not afraid to change course when we need to,” the email said, so Delta reversed the policy immediately, and SkyMiles elites still have the same access to preferred seats that they had before. However, Northwest –the originator of the policy – will continue to sell the preferred seat assignments. A Delta official told the Associated Press that the company will try to develop a modified version of the plan that protects elites’ access to the choice seats but still gives other passengers a way to lock them in.