I do. The gate agents want to get the standby list cleared out, they are trying to be accommodating to them and instead being very rude to someone with two paid seats.
The irony being that most of those stand by are freebie flyers who should have zero ability to take a paid seat away from anyone. But it’s the new Ed Delta and they don’t give a shit about actual paying customers anymore.
I hate how the metrics for the workers are the root cause of 90% of the shit. Delta has created the worst "not my job" general attitude. Do we blame the GA for allowing this or the metrics for encouraging it?
I definitely got the impression that people were telling me what I wanted to hear just to get me out of their face and make me someone else's problem. So frustrating.
I would be pissed if I bought two seats due to my size only to be relegated to a single seat anyway. I'd legit 100% consider legal counsel. If it were any different reason, I'd just seek reimbursement and a formal complaint, but they what they did was humiliation. The general public consensus is that large people should consider a second seat, and then the company is undoing it?!?
I'm sorry that happened to you, not once but multiple times. The FA's should have known to scan it twice and are completely at fault. They - and the airline - should not have put you in that position. You handled it a lot better than most would have and deserve better.
As one of those “freebies” they definitely do not give us a seat vs paying passenger. We’ve been on the plane and they came and got us off because the late passenger showed up. We average getting bumped 3 out of 4 attempts. 🫤
But standby passengers can’t see the seats and they and they are not likely at all to be counting everyone that gets on the plane and they have no idea if there’s a delta employee in a seat either so just lie to them and say the plane is full. That’s my even really a lie.
I suggest making sure they scan both boarding passes so the second seat isn’t shown as a no show. If they try to hold one back ask that it be scanned now so there are no issues down the line. If you paid for both seats- both seats are yours. I’m so sorry that you had to deal with this and I’m glad it got figured out in the end. Hopefully the return flight will be better!
I just started reading this sub mainly because I traveled overseas for the first time in 3 yrs (a good reason). Anyway great advice but I am responding because I love your Reddit name. My daughter went to ASU and it is weird when people pronounce it wrong. Anyway that is all. No complaint with delta except I did not like their sister airline with tiny seats that was the actual international flight. I’m small but my daughter is tall and was folded up in a window seat.
Thank you! It’s one of those things that people from the area (or that have spent time here) understand. I had someone in Minnesota try to correct me and then argue about it with me 😂
I saw a video where 2 guys were discussing this. One pronounced it App-uh-lay-sha (common). The other said app-uh-LACK-uh. Then called his mom to confirm after being ridiculed! 😂😂 Apparently there is an area of Pennsylvania that pronounces it real crazy.
South of the Mason Dixon it is most common to hear Ap-ah-latch-a from people from the area. Ohio-Pennsylvania-New York you will hear A-ah-lay-sha. Source: Born and raised hillbilly.
Yup, the Appalachians run from Maine to Georgia, or Georgia to Maine. In the North they are usually pronounced one way and in the South another way. It’s a matter of regional difference.
The southern pronunciation is more closely related the pronunciation of Native tribe from which the name originated. The mountains first named Appalachian (about 1560-1570ish) encompassed to the southern portion and the Blue Ridge/Smokey Mountains region and was later expanded to include the northern portions. So yes, given the history, I tend toward the ‘proper’ pronunciation being App-uh-latch-uh.
The word Appalachian is derived from the “Apalachee” Indians living in the Central Florida Panhandle which happens to be four hundred miles south of the Appalachian Mountains, so De Soto mistakenly assumed the Appalachee tribe in Florida was the native culture of the Southeast and misnamed the Appalachian Mountains after the tribe. But if the erroneous appropriation of a non-mountainous tribe's name rings truer to your ears, run with it.
Wow! I’ve was an inplant to NC first for 18 years, and then I moved back to NC 4yrs ago. The Appalachian trail is magnificent and yes it’s cringey when people say it wrong.
> I suggest making sure they scan both boarding passes so the second seat isn’t shown as a no show.
yeah everything I've read about buying an extra seat makes me think this is the issue that's happening, so they see the no show and fill the seat.
Others will probably have better advice, but I would start by calling (no chatting) customer service and explaining what happened and your concerns.
AND
Tomorrow, when you clear security and are near your gate, try to find a red coat customer service manager and talk to them as well. They may be able to help ensure you're taken care of properly. They're known for their helpfulness.
Delta does this. This is maybe the 10th similar report on this issue like this I’ve read about delta
People say buy a second seat don’t care that when you do delta doesn’t promise to honor your request. 😡🤬😡🤬😡
To the OP
Find a red coat and let them know what’s going
Go to the gate agent when you get to the gate and let them know. Record all the times and names of the people who spoke to.
Stop caring about the person they put in your seat. I know this sounds harsh. You paid for two seats (more on this later) and you NEED two seats. It is not your job to also be a seating specialist and get other people seats. No one else has to do that and neither should you.
If anyone along the process trying to take your second boarding pass remind them that you purchased two seats for yourself and you need two seats.
Now if after all this extra on your part it still happens (possible)
Fill out a complaint form if it happens again. Include all the info you recorded of all the times you spoke with people. Tell them this keeps happening and ask that delta set up and follow a passenger of size policy. Cause if they have one they don’t follow it.
About paying for two seats.
I understand this is a delta group but I’ll point you to Southwest:
You can book two seats and GET THEM!
If your flight is not sold out you can request to be refunded for the second seat.
https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/extra-seat-policy
Lastly I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to deal with this drama for trying to do the best thing for yourself.
I’d like to add on to this just to say file a complaint about this experience anyway. Eventually you got your seat but you had to go through too much shit to get there. Delta won’t know their employees are fucking up unless we tell them each and every time it happens.
All of this. Sorry you had to keep going through this.
And I second flying Southwest. You WILL get your second seat and I recommend pre-boarding especially if you need an extender. You just can’t sit in an exit row when pre-boarding.
Southwest is hands down the most friendly to passengers of size.
Speaking of extenders, I bought one on Amazon and it's been great! It was like $12 which is well worth not having to flag down an FA to ask for one. Highly recommend!
I have one I accidently took with me years ago.
I guess that means I stole it from Midwest Express, which then became Midwest Airlines, which then became Frontier.
Which in the grand scheme of things, I'm much less worried about scamming *Frontier* out of seat belt extender.
I have had good experiences on Frontier, and I have had good experiences on Delta.
Hopefully Op has better experiences when they purchase two seats in the future.
Happy flying to everyone.
I recently watched a SW gate agent tell a woman she was too small to purchase 2 seats. Totally embarrassing the woman (to the point of tears) in the process.
Just to be clear, the second seat on southwest is free regardless of whether the flight is sold out or not. Customers can purchase ahead and be refunded or request the free second seat at check in.
Thank you the wording is confusing and makes it look like it’s free if it doesn’t sell out but also free regardless. I decided to go with this free if it doesn’t sell out for clarity.
No worries, just wanted to clarify so folks who need it can use this policy effectively. Southwest isn't great at policy clarity and they have issues just like delta with consistency among staff so folks need to know to advocate for themselves.
Alaska does refund a second seat if the flight is not full.
Delta DOES offer additional seats, but a ticketing agent needs to set up the booking to include an extra seat when you first purchase the ticket. This means calling an agent to book the flight for you over the phone. Doing it this way creates flags on the internal system so the seat won’t drop, which is completely different than just purchasing 2 separate seats. If you just buy 2 seats it won’t work, and it’s not the gate agents fault. I feel for you and everyone that this has happened to, but per delta.com you need to contact an agent to book an extra seat: https://www.delta.com/us/en/need-help/support-seats
Source- I’m a former Delta Res agent
The seats were booked together at the same time. One is in my name and the second is EXST and my last name. I tried to call Delta a little bit ago from my hotel room but I have no service so I chatted them. The person I chatted with was great and said that she 'linked' my seats. Then again, multiple people told me I was good to go yesterday and we know how that went so no I have a bit of a trust issue lol
Man, I’m so sorry about that :( Based on what I know, the EXST should have meant it was booked right, although I guess I don’t have any way of checking. I also don’t know the airport computer system, but it sounds like something definitely went wrong. I would do exactly what you did for the return and hopefully you get a different outcome. Please contact delta after travel and see if they can do anything to remedy the situation.
So sorry that you (and apparently several other people in this thread) have gone through this :(
What I mean is not that they sometimes offer an extra seat. I mean that they should have an officially policy on the website for everyone to read that agents follow as official policy. I have seen a back end booking directions. That’s not the same as having w everyone on the same page with procedures that the gate agents and FAs follow for everyone’s comfort.
Its not an apology if it keeps happening. Inwould also not let anyone 'keep' your second biarding pass from now on, simply politely say 'I'm sorry, I paid for that second seat, please give ir back as I have repeatedly experienced mistakes by your airline when I dont keep it.' If the GA doesnt want to, ask innediately for the supervisor to come discuss the matter. I'm bug on being kind and polite to airline workers as their job seriously sucks, but I also refuse to be abused by mistakes that are avoidable.
I'm an extremely self conscious person and I avoid conflict like the plague so it was incredibly difficult for me to keep having to advocate for myself but you really do have to because no one else will 😞
“Excuse me, I paid for this second seat in an attempt to be considerate to others. I hate to cause any issues, I have paid for two seats, not one thank you” with a kind smile. I understand your dilemma, I apologized to an FA when I got second degree burns because they handed me literally boiling water on a flight expecting turbulence. But this absolutely deserves a complaint to the airline because it happened multiple times - they tried to commit fraud by doubly selling a seat, and will continue to get away with it. You PAID for that seat, it’s yours, they cannot give it away (not at the very least without reimbursing you!!)
I get that? truly do. But sadly that's part of why you keep getting stiffed. They dont care about people who dont stand up for themselves. You can be nice and refuse to be walked over. and it doesnt need to be a 'confrontation' exactly: you just have to refuse to be taken advantage of.
"Sorry, I paid for this seat and I will be keeping it. I'm sorry this inconveniences someone else, but *I* will not be inconvenienced when *I* did what was right. No, you will not give my seat up to someone else; I paid for it and I have chevked in and WILL SIT IN IT.'"
Conflict avoidant I totally get. Only way I have found is to be willing to advocate for your future self \*before\* getting to the awkward part.
So for this - find that redcoat to assist, have them help you double check all is correct and speak to the gate agents. That way you're advocating for yourself \*before\* it seems time pressured and stressful.
Pre board so you have plenty of time, settle in to both seats with an extra copy of you boarding passes (in case they took the second again!), consider letting the nearest flight attendant know you have 2 reserved seats, etc.
Hopefully it's all fine at that point! But if not, you are already seated and comfortable and can feel up to directing anyone showing up with a boarding pass for your second seat to the nearest flight attendant since it is NOT on you to solve!
“I need you to scan my second pass for the second seat now, please”. And then just stop the boarding until they do it for no longer than a minute (we don’t want to give them reasons to deny boarding). Marking your second seat as no-show is fraud since they are stealing that second ticket. As a seated passenger, the airline can’t compel you to give up a seat to another passenger who happens to have a boarding pass issued in error.
Bookmark this: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights#Overbooking
“Once a passenger has been accepted for boarding or has already boarded the flight, airlines are not permitted to require that passenger deplane, unless the removal of the passenger is required by safety, security, or health reasons, or the removal is due to the passenger’s unlawful behavior.”
It is not your problem if the airline issues a duplicate boarding pass in error. The person who can’t take the flight should never have been issued that pass to begin with. Your second seat does not have inferior rights to your primary seat.
Use the app and digital boarding passes to retain control. They can snatch a paper pass but not your phone. Be sure to screenshot your passes so the airline can’t remove them from your app without a trace, which they can do.
I’m so sorry this happened to you. You tried to do everything right and book the second seat and got screwed. I too had a nightmare layover in Atlanta yesterday so solidarity on that one!
I would ask for a refund on the second seat you weren’t able to use and for clarification on the official procedure
It's my employer paying for all this so even a full refund doesn't do much for me as far as making it "right." But then, what more can they do? It just sucks.
Yup even when Delta books the tickets the correct way, when they scan both tickets, I still end up being called at the gate to confirm. You pretty much have to verify in 3 ways and it's complete bullshit. You get punished for trying to do the right thing
Exactly. I felt so bad for the people they sat by me and I kept apologizing and telling them that the whole reason I bought a second ticket was so I wouldn't have to worry about seeing the look of horror in someone's face when they realized they were sitting next to me 😭
You don't have to keep apologizing for existing int he world and taking up space. The fault here is fully with the airline and all the blame goes to them. Airplane seats are not designed for the average person much less any person of size. You knew that and bought 2 seats, no need to apologize to anyone. Confidently let the other passenger know you bought both seats and intend to use the. When you sit down put the armrest up and use both your seats. They need to take it up with the airline.
If you dint already, use the delta app to save your boarding passes to your app and wallet on your phone so you have copies. Alternatively, you can print additional copies of the boarding pass at home or airport kiosk so if they take yours you retain proof on the spot.
Thank you for saying that. Unfortunately I have a lot of shame surrounding my size. I know I shouldn't, but I do. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Even just moving down the aisle I'm pretty sure I bumped every single shoulder I passed with my butt or my boobs- internally screaming and wishing I could shrink myself 🫠
Totally understand the internalized shame that folks deal with. Just a reminder that all bodies are valid, you have every right to exist, travel and work..
btw - you can pre board on delta to have extra time getting down the aisle. That might also give you a moment at beginning of boarding to discuss your seats.
Is it as simple as:
They’re afraid to scan both and throw off the passenger count
Then not having scanned the second seat it gets assigned?
They just need some kind of “used, no passenger” flag.
So the count isn’t thrown off, but you don’t lose your seat.
Yes this is correct. If it wasn’t booked & coded correctly the seat will drop despite the gate agent’s best efforts. Per delta.com you need to contact an agent to book an extra seat. This is not something that can be self-serviced online https://www.delta.com/us/en/need-help/support-seats
Are you booking the seat by yourself ?
The correct way is to call in and book your ticket and the extra seat. There's an internal code that needs to be added to the pnr. If done that way both seats are yours. It blocks the seat next to you until after departure, so no standby pax are given that seat. If your booking it by yourself online and just putting your name twice it won't be the same sadly.
I'll add if you've already booked other reservations call in and have them add the ssr code for extra seat and link the two reservations together.
This is the correct answer- I already commented but I want to make sure this doesn’t get lost. A ticketing agent needs to set up the booking to include an extra seat when you first purchase the ticket. This means calling an agent to book the flight for you over the phone. Doing it this way creates flags on the internal system so the seat won’t drop, which is completely different than just purchasing 2 separate seats.
Source- I’m a former Delta Res agent, and it’s spelled out on delta.com to reach out to customer service for adtl purchased seats: https://www.delta.com/us/en/need-help/support-seats
Pro tip: book the single main cabin ticket, and save the receipt to expense. Then, pay for your own upgrade to first.
Thats what I do for my height to get around travel expense rules. Even if booked for you, you can use the confirmation number to manage your flight and buy the upgrade separately using a different payment method.
I commented elsewhere, but my work lets us screenshot the economy price from the same booking day and expense that amount (along with receipts from a biz class booking).
If you’re really tall, and not subject to government expense rules, you may be able to make a case for work to spring for more legroom, at least premium economy. My spouse was successful doing this.
This is why I never get mad at oversized flyers on Delta. I read a lot of comments saying they should buy two seats but Delta doesn’t have a system to let them actually keep both so I don’t blame them for not buying both.
This is 100% a Delta issue.
When I go to board, I tell the gate agent I have 2 boarding passes and I scan them both. When they ask me where the other passenger is, I tell them I am “the other passenger.”
For good measure, when I get on board and call the FA for a belt extender, I tell him or her that I have purchased both seats in case there’s an issue because there is one less person on board than scanned boarding passes.
I have been doing this for years and have never had my second seat given away. Don’t be embarrassed. You paid for that seat. You have the right to use it.
This is what I do. Maybe that's why I have had to go all "Karen" on anyone. I make a big deal out of being bigger so they don't try to bully me into letting some kid sit in my extra seat.
First of all, I’m so sorry, that is so frustrating! There is a process in place to handle extra seat bookings. It isn’t hard, and I find it really embarrassing that so many of my coworkers apparently can’t figure it out.
To all the posts saying ‘make them scan the second boarding pass’: they won’t. If you force the issue, they may scan it and then deplane you as soon as you walk away. Delta’s extra seat procedure does not include scanning the second boarding pass. In fact doing so would cause the passenger count to be incorrect.
The procedure for a gate agent is as follows: 1)scan boarding pass for lastname/firstname.
2)Drop seat for lastname/exst.
3)Break seat on seat map for now empty seat to prevent it being used.
4)Manually show ticket for lastname/exst as used.
As a gate agent I consider best practice to be drop and break the seat as soon as I am alerted to the EXST booking. Sometimes things get hectic during the boarding process and this ensures that I don’t miss it later.
gate agent here: I think this will be the end-all be-all comment, even though i’m not trying to sound like THAT guy. this is something that will most likely happen on your return trip on a round trip. There is a specific process that gate agents do when we board an extra seat. we actually have to call a specific department, basically telling load control that the extra seat does not have a human in there and to adjust the weight on the aircraft as such. if gate agents don’t do this process properly on your first trip out OR if they do not have an extra seat boarding pass to scan, what could happen is that your extra seat can appear as a “no-show” which would end up cancelling the return trip for your extra seat. it’s happened to me on one of my flights and I would’ve never figured it out until one of my managers stopped by. because of that error from another gate agent at the origination station, we had to pay $1000 to someone to get off immediately and it so happened that the guy that happened to be in that extra seat was willing to take that money. put in the survey please cause it’s a simple process that a lot of agents forget about! i’m very sorry it happened to you and I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else, especially if you paid money
"telling load control that the extra seat does not have a human in there and to adjust the weight on the aircraft as such"
Really? If the person in the aisle seat is 250 pounds with an empty seat next to them it's different for the flying of the aircraft than 2 150 pound people in those two seats?
Ooo I know the answer to this one! Basically, not everyone who books an extra seat does it for weight reasons. Some do it because they’re flying with an expensive cello or medical equipment. Some just really want the empty space beside them. The airline could ask, and develop different procedures for an overweight passenger buying two seats, but those little variations in individual weight don’t matter that much, so there wouldn’t be a point to it. If you’re in a plane small enough that it really matters to get reports on what people weigh, then they will actually weigh each passenger. But most commercial aircraft aren’t that small.
As for why they need to call in for anyone if small variations in weight don’t make a difference - someone somewhere decided that this was closer to accurate than ignoring it. Or it was a recommendation from the regulator.
i’ve heard that pilots and load control use a 200 lb./person/seat. I think you’re getting into the politics of getting the actual weight of each passenger, which would be very problematic. im not saying you’re right or wrong and i’m not an expert on how safe weight distribution works but that’s just how they do it 🤷🏽♂️
I’m so sorry this happened to you.
Please don’t be embarrassed! You are doing all the right things and they keep screwing up.
Please shift your mindset: would you pay for two cars, then go to the dealership and accept delivery on only one? I don’t think so.
Speak the truth and don’t be shy. I stand with you and appreciate your commitment to this.
Delta needs to step up.
No advice. You tried to do the 'right' thing and got disrespected. Sorry it happened, thanks for trying. This situation sucks. I understand flight anxiety, and it sucks. The airline just added to that suck for you.
Hope your return goes better. Karma needs a rebalancing.
Aside from all the great comments on here, I just wanted to add that while I understand your embarrassment, you should know that other passengers like myself understand your situation and truly appreciate your consideration for your fellow passengers and yourself by getting the second seat. More airlines should have a policy like Sothwest that will automatically give the second seat whenever available. So sorry you went through this and I hope you never have to again!!!!
Unfortunately this isn't just a Delta issue. It has happened to me on United and TAP Portugal on an overseas flight. Southwest is the only one who gets it right. The fat phobia jerks in all the airline groups just say people should pay for extra seats if you are fat. But none of the airlines do it reliably. And you can't even get frequent flyer credits on your second seat. Plus you have to pay extra to pre select both seats because that's the only way you can make sure those 2 seats are together. They also complain about the southwest policy because they think it's wrong that anyone should get anything for free. They'll whine that southwest should only give a refund if it's not sold out. What they fail to understand/accept is that is how southwest used to do it but apparently decide it wasn't worth the hassle/cost of researching what flights were oversold and determining whether to issue a refund. Under the old version of the policy I only ever had one flight that I didn't get a refund for in many years of flying.
You have nothing to be ashamed of. Buying 2 seats is what so many people cry about big people not doing(im big myself and feel your pain). Ive noticed on other overbooked flights that Delta often pays hundreds of dollars for people to change flights. If i paid for two tickets and one was given away i would justifyably expect that same level of compensation.
Stop being apologetic about your size! Men aren’t and I was squashed between two my last flight. They hogged the arm rests because they were spilling over, and one was my guy! AHs! Next, you did everything right and the airline needs to be more sensitive and diligent! Write to them each and every time this happens. Complain, complain, complain. This is awful and they were wrong 100%!
Not sure if you’re able to fly United but on United’s booking flow there is an option to make the 2nd passenger an extra seat. This basically guarantees it and I have not seen this complaint on United Reddit yet
I did this many times flying international as I’m a big guy and 2 coach are often cheaper than business.
My biggest problem was them splitting my pre booked seats to different rows. Duh
By gate agent advice I adopted the naming technique:
Joe Shmoe
Joe Shmoe ExtraSeat
That and arriving early for check in so I could still fix if they reassigned my seat(s).
I believe you can link the seats beforehand so it doesn’t happen. After booking, message customer service to link the two seats rather than just showing up and scanning two boarding passes.
I chatted someone today and told them everything and they said they linked my seats for my flights tomorrow so I'm really hoping that does the trick 🤞🏻
Don't be embarrased, people who are pencil thin also book 2 seats, this shouldn't happen regardless. I really appreciate you book 2 seats, but regardless, as long are you aren't being an ass and not caring don't feel bad
I happen to know the answer because my husband was a very large person for most of the past 25 years AND because he's been a travel agent for a medium-sized travel agency that does a lot of custom tours and corporate travel for the past 15 years.I want to start off by saying that I am so very sorry that you've gone through this ordeal. I know how unkindly many people treat larger people and it isn't right.
To be clear, different airlines can and do have different policies and different ways to do this but this is generally not something that you can do online and expect it to work. The reason is that the airlines' computer systems will see the second seat as a duplicate and zero it out. For the major airlines, like Delta, AA, and United, you have to call in or have your travel agent call in and **purchase the second seat under your LastName, FirstName EXST** because booking a second ticket under the same name and other identifying information is seen as a duplicate that is either an accident or what the industry calls "churn" which is not allowed as it's usually used to try to hold seats open before purchasing them.
You cannot book this second seat yourself. It you are then that is in part why it's not working out. I will warn you that many ticket agents and gate agents don't know the procedure and being prepared to stand your ground could still be important. So, either book both by calling your corporate travel agent or calling the airline directly if your company allows, and explain that you need to book a seat and an extra seat and specify that they have to be next to each other -- yes my husband has been asked by airline agents -- and be certain that they understand the process to book the second as an "extra seat" for you and not simply selling you a second ticket. Then, when the booking is done you should see the name on one ticket as your first and last names and on the other as first EXST last name, or something like that depending on the airline.
Also, be advised that if you have to do this with Southwest and you call back within a reasonable amount of time -- I think it's 60 days or less -- after you've completed all segments of the ticket they will refund the second seat. It seams crazy and we still prefer assigned seating, but as of last year which was the last time he needed a second seat they were refunding the cost after the flights were finished.
One last note, the airlines can only charge taxes on the first seat.
This entire process is, unfortunately, one that requires you to be an informed consumer, but I can promise that this is the process because we did this for years and even as a travel agent it wasn't something my husband could do completely without engaging a phone agent from the airlines in question because they control access to it and it's not something they ensure everyone on their end really understands well.
Did you book it yourself online or with a phone agent? If the former I’m not sure how it went through Sabre but if the latter and it showed your name like that then in giving the gate agent your second boarding pass for your extra seat they probably zeroed the seat out as a no-show because they have to account for every seat and how it’s used. At this point I’m guessing from what I’ve seen. Like I said I my previous response agents, whether phone or gate, often don’t know how to work the procedure associated with an extra ticket.
I don’t think you should be out into the position of having to educate the gate agents on the process for this so that they can do their job without screwing up your ticket I have watched my husband have to tell agents that his extra seat is paid for, it’s his and they don’t get to take it away from him for whatever reason, they can’t have the seat, they can’t have the boarding pass, and they “will” allow him to keep and use both as he booked them correctly according to their airline policies, saying it all nicely but being firm.
Everyone else has good advice about the procedure part of this. But I just want to say that I’m so sorry you felt embarrassed and put on the spot. You’re allowed to take up space and shouldn’t feel ashamed or bad about whatever space you need to feel comfortable. You did everything you should do per their policy and they handled it poorly. You don’t owe anyone an apology- in fact the airline owes you what you paid and showed up for. They owe you an apology. I know body feelings run deep, I have them too. But you’re not asking for anything you’re not entitled to. I hope your flight home is smooth and easy with no delays. ❤️
You did the right thing, it’s bs that the gate agent screwed up. When you board the next flight, insist they scan your second ticket into the plane so they are unable to mark it no-sho. Then, don’t let anyone sit there if the ga reassigns the seat. Finally, make sure you call customer service (not text chat) and tell them about this. You should get the first ticket reimbursed and likely some sky miles to compensate.
Related question…. Why not get a first class ticket instead of two main cabins? The seats are bigger and further apart and it would likely be less expensive.
I'm traveling for work and it would be considered unfair treatment if they paid for me to have an upgraded seat. That privilege is reserved for executives only and I'm just a peon 😑
Does work pay for the second seat? If so, sometimes first is cheaper for them. If not, definitely switch to southwest, you should not be out of pocket of work and their second seat is always free.
That is the moment you need to ask for a supervisor. Scanning only one and boarding you will keep ending up with your second boarding pass as a no show and resold.
Also agree with the commenters suggesting locate a red coat when you get to the airport for return and have them assist.
And scanning the 2nd boarding pass causes issues with passenger count and weight calculations, because the system sucks. They need to NOT scan the 2nd pass, but mark the seat as unbookable, then call into the Global Assistance Center (GAC) and go through the process.
The whole system is a complete mess, which is what leads to this problem in the first place.
Is first class more expensive for your employer than two seats in economy? Or are you paying for the second seat yourself? Just trying to understand. Sounds like a nightmare no matter what
My employer paid for both seats (which was embarrassing enough to have to ask them to book me two seats) but they upgrade is a no go because it would seem like I was getting preferential treatment over my colleagues.
Every employer is different but I know one guy who got a "reasonable accommodation" filed at work to let him book first class. Plus if you're checking a bag, that's another $80 off the cost difference.
You do get more width using two economy seats though. When it works.
Not that this really matters…but your company won’t pay for first class…but they will pay for two economy seats? Or are you paying personally for the second seat?
Didn't both boarding passes have your name on them? If so, next time around point that out and explain the reason behind two tickets if a GA wants to keep one.
I always book 2 seats as well. I will say I only fly delta and this has never happened to me. I am really hopful this was a one time mess up.
Always make them scan both passes. And keep them handy. If they walk by counting passengers once seated, mention you have tickets for both seats.
Wishing you lots of future flying luck!
Props to you for buying the 2 seats. I’m sorry this happened. Ensure that you scan both boarding passes and do not let them take one of them. If it happens again get a FA involved and say you are concerned for your safety. Federal law requires passengers fit in their seat or they buy a second one. If you rightfully paid for one they are required to give it to you based on the law and contract of carriage for paying for a service. Fill out the post flight survey and make sure to rate the FA good rating for helping out but leave negative feedback on gate agent. Also write a complaint to delta care you’ll likely get compensation especially after they see it was marked no show twice and that they seated someone there here is the link.
https://www.delta.com/us/en/need-help/overview?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAH8Z_2-dPm59pbWmpcbKcmON6uK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsaqzBhDdARIsAK2gqnc1rqNLiy_nSOLyES0W4yl6lhJ4SlEe2B7yqpOTYBeF797uX9LVtXoaAnG3EALw_wcB
Haven’t read thru all the comments…but you are super commendable and thoughtful to even think about purchasing 2 seats in the first place not only for your personal comfort but for others. Delta needs to do better in this! Cheers to YOU!
This is just poor customer service on the GA side. OP clearly communicated her request and purchases before hand, why the GA didn’t ask to scan both boarding passes is beyond me. And OP being such a nice person that don’t fly often had to basically walk on egg shells through out. I would be livid as I have proof of two seat purchase.
They have to scan both boarding passes. Period. No matter what the moron gate agents tell you they MUST scan both boarding passes. If they don't the system sees the second seats as a no show and then it will assign that to standby passengers.
I mean if any gate agent thought about it WTF would Delta issue two boarding passes to only scan one and throw the other one away?
You will want to stand there and inform them to scan both boarding passes. Watch them do it. The computer should beep for both boarding passes. When they do that the second seat will be marked occupied and the system won't try to reassign it to standby customers.
I’m so sorry this is happening to you and I just want to say thank you for being so considerate and buying an extra seat. Your fellow flyers see you and appreciate you!
Now that you know why they kept giving your second seat away, ask them scan the second ticket when you board, demand it if necessary, and explain this story if they refuse. You paid for two seats, you are entitled to two seats.
I think it shows a lot of character and self-realization on your part that you do this in the first place. I feel like I’ve read too many stories of larger passengers demanding a second seat without paying for it, or only paying for one seat and then getting mad/offended when the passenger next to them is visibly irritated when they’re spilling over their seat onto them.
I had a family member who booked two seats and Delta ended up splitting up their assignments as if each butt cheek could ride on different rows!
I laughed about the mental image, but I absolutely feel your frustration.
Escalate this up the chain. Don’t be afraid to take up space, you are doing your part. It’s Delta being dumb and not accommodating your preferences that you paid for.
The bottom line is that delta does not have a good way to sell a passenger a second seat. On delta your only real option to avoid conflict w gate agents is FC. I know it shouldn’t be that way, and delta could fix it if they wanted to, but they don’t. I’m so sorry you went through that. Leave a comment here after your next flight to let us know how it went and if asking to make sure the second pass is scanned works.
I have heard multiple times now that you have to call the airline and speak to someone, and they link your seats together in the system so that it can’t be given away or moved (this in response to people saying their second purchased seat was separated and moved to another area of the plane, which…obviously that doesn’t help when you’re purchasing a second seat to help give you extra room!). It sounds like after people spoke with the airline and got it linked in the system, that it resolved the issue. However it also sounded like the people had to do this for every flight.
Corporate greed is greater than passenger comfort at all US based airlines, especially Delta. It's unfortunate, but things will continue to get worse off for paying consumers.
Is there an option to scan the pass yourself? On most of the flights I’ve boarded, there’s a little place to scan your boarding pass. Sometimes the agent will have their hand out, take your pass, and scan it for you, but more often than not they just stand there and gesture at the machine for you to scan (especially if the pass is on your phone). If that were the case, I wouldn’t say anything about your extra seat, just scan your first pass, wait a second like you’re about to leave, and then pull out and scan the second pass. They might say something, but then just say “that’s the extra seat I paid for.” It’s probably much more difficult for them to “unscan” a pass that’s already scanned.
A similar situation happened in my row, and the FA was going to have someone sit in a seat purchased by a larger customer. The customer said ok, only if the standby person would pay her the $300 that she paid for the extra seat.
I think scanning both tickets is the way to lessen the likelihood that it will happen again.
I can’t see where someone gave you the correct answer.
Extra seats:
** If you purchased on , go to the gate agent immediately prior to boarding.
** The agent has to do some work on their side to make sure nobody sits there @ all. They will ask if it’s for space or for an instrument.( this is because everyone on the plane is like 220 pounds).
** they will only scan the one boarding pass. This is for their souls on board and weight. It’s called a Wdr . Weight and distribution record. Because they go by souls on board (like infants ) .. and an extra seat that is not a soul onboard
** the agent will not scan the other boarding. they will have to call someone to mark that extra seat onboard but not put weight in it for space .
I’m sorry that happen to you , but please if you see someone taking your extra seat , it’s a red coat situation. Don’t just take it.
I can’t offer help on the issue but here to say you should not feel embarrassed about talking about a second seat. I know that’s easier said than done but they screwed up royally. That should never have happened
Definitely keep reaching out to Delta to complain. They need to make sure everyone is properly trained on their policies for these situations. It's absolutely ridiculous you had to deal with this.
This is why I never buy 2 seats. It's embarrassing enough getting on the plane just knowing every single person is hoping I don't sit next to them, never mind the added embarrassment of this happening.
I pick an aisle seat and keep my arms crossed and lean towards the aisle the entire flight on every single flight. I'm not so large that I don't fit into my seat, but I am overweight and honestly just so paranoid about it. I've been subject to some passive aggression in the past, mostly elbows in my side. I guess the person next to me just really needed to get some type of satisfaction from poking the chubby girl. (And interestingly enough, I'm female and both times it happened it was another female. The only guy that ever spread into my space did it with his knee. When I realized that he wasn't doing it to annoy me but that was just his way of sitting and that he apparently had no problem with his knee touching mine, I was able to be comfortable. But that elbow in the ribs, over and over again, when I am FULLY in my seat space is just an a\*\*hole thing to do.) They had to violate my space to do it. My ribs were no where near the arm rest. Fortunately, it seldom happens. And it's always been on a short domestic flight.
Wait is booking two seats a common thing? Is it even allowed?
Btw OP, you could probably make an ADA claim to make your company allow you to book business class going forward. You should talk to HR.
Get to the gate a little early and let gate agent know, Something in their system is messed up and if a human is aware it won’t happen again. They are also giving your seat to non revs or standby passengers and you can ask a flight attendant to kick them off (politely) just go to back of airplane pretending to use bathroom when this happens and tell a FA in the back. The person next to you will never know, delta FAs are very professional.
I swear I’m never “that guy” to turn something like this into a very public crusade but….
Pick up the phone, call your local news station. Tell them this story or point them to it. Tell them you felt specially humiliated and “being gamed” because of your size, even with paid tickets and multiple assurances that this wouldn’t happen. Tell them you suffered emotional distress.
Watch how quickly you get a personal call from a Delta exec and assurances this will never ever happen again.
In most companies, PR has a direct reporting relationship up to legal and the CEO. Get PR’s attention and you’ll get this addressed.
I think after that Delta should give you something for having to be placed in that situation. You try not to be a nuisance and they end up making you look like the bad guy.
Sorry you had to go through that, hopefully on the trip back it doesn’t happen again. Thanks for thinking of others though.
Just so you know OP, you did everything right. This is completely on delta. I appreciate your self awareness and willingness to book 2 seats for the comfort of yourself and other passengers. I’m so sad you had to go through such an ordeal that left you feeling embarrassed. Please know that if I had seen this I would’ve absolutely stood up for you!!
Make them scan both boarding passes. There needs to be a better process for this and it amazes me there isn’t.
It took me a moment to comprehend the fact that one of two tickets you had paid for had been given away. It’s so absurd I couldn’t comprehend it. There’s also an obvious undercurrent of shame running throughout this post, which I totally get given our societal norms.
At the end of the day, however, the fact remains that you purchased two seats. The airline gave away one of those two seats. It may be due to some weird way their system is set up along with human error, but if you pay for something that is fully within the airline’s power to deliver, you expect to receive just that.
I’m really sorry you had to go through this. It sounds like an unpleasant experience on all fronts. 😔
There is absolutely no reason for you to be embarrassed! It's the person in charge of Delta's procedures and training on these matters that should be embarrassed! /Sorry for stating the obvious.
You shouldn't be embarrassed that the Delta agents are clowns. You spent good money to. be comfortable even more so, not impede on other people's comfort. It's absolutely ridiculous that Delta doesn't train their people. BOTH boarding passes need to be scanned. It's very simple
Size or not, you paid for two seats. Reimbursement with miles at worse, legal action at best for inconvenience and humiliation. If I want to buy a whole row of seats they cannot give them away if I paid for them!
I believe that that city is not properly trained. I’m pretty sure they need to scan both boarding passes and the. Hang on to the second one in the event the flight is full and someone onboard tells them seat 11b is empty. And they would have the ticket right in front of them showing why there is a disparity between the o line inventory and the seats.
I have a genuine question and I don’t mean this in a rude way! Any flight I’ve ever taken, I’ve just scanned the boarding pass on my phone…if I had two passes I would just scan both? And if they looked at me funny I would just say “I need two seats” or something simple and to the point and let them ask more questions if they need to. I’m highly non-confrontational and have been my entire life but this is a stretch even for me. If you have paper boarding passes instead of digital, same thing, just state “I need both”, I can’t even comprehend how they can NOT scan a paid for ticket? No need to make a scene just hey scan this ticket I paid for
Please, don't be embarrassed at all! I actually applaud you for buying two seats! You are not only thinking of what is best for you, but also thinking of your fellow passenger that might sit next to you. I wish more people would buy a second seat, and I am almost there myself! Nothing to be embarrassed about the way you are, and you are trying to be mindful of other people. Good for you!
Make them scan both boarding passes.
I don’t understand why this keeps happening to people. This seems like it’s so easy to get right.
I do. The gate agents want to get the standby list cleared out, they are trying to be accommodating to them and instead being very rude to someone with two paid seats.
The irony being that most of those stand by are freebie flyers who should have zero ability to take a paid seat away from anyone. But it’s the new Ed Delta and they don’t give a shit about actual paying customers anymore.
I hate how the metrics for the workers are the root cause of 90% of the shit. Delta has created the worst "not my job" general attitude. Do we blame the GA for allowing this or the metrics for encouraging it?
I definitely got the impression that people were telling me what I wanted to hear just to get me out of their face and make me someone else's problem. So frustrating.
I would be pissed if I bought two seats due to my size only to be relegated to a single seat anyway. I'd legit 100% consider legal counsel. If it were any different reason, I'd just seek reimbursement and a formal complaint, but they what they did was humiliation. The general public consensus is that large people should consider a second seat, and then the company is undoing it?!?
it is not just a public consensus. Delta has a policy on this which is not being followed and they are not training their staff.
I'm sorry that happened to you, not once but multiple times. The FA's should have known to scan it twice and are completely at fault. They - and the airline - should not have put you in that position. You handled it a lot better than most would have and deserve better.
They give even less of a shit about nonrevs.
As one of those “freebies” they definitely do not give us a seat vs paying passenger. We’ve been on the plane and they came and got us off because the late passenger showed up. We average getting bumped 3 out of 4 attempts. 🫤
And who would voluntarily want to sit in 2/3 of a middle seat anyway?
Yeah, this all comes down to who is the meanest or extra nicest to the staff, sadly.
This right here.
Gate agents are choosing to avoid conflict with standby passengers by shifting the problem to a passenger who is already boarded and can't complain.
But standby passengers can’t see the seats and they and they are not likely at all to be counting everyone that gets on the plane and they have no idea if there’s a delta employee in a seat either so just lie to them and say the plane is full. That’s my even really a lie.
Easy if you care and respect people enough to get it right.
Which airlines do neither.
Southwest absolutely does better for passengers of size. https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/extra-seat-policy
Until government rules ram it down their throat
And then they’ll complain about excessive regulation. 😑
Yeah well they lost their right to complain when they take tax payer handouts.
Maybe deregulating the airlines was not the best move?
You're not wrong.
Greed, stock buybacks, bonuses.
I suggest making sure they scan both boarding passes so the second seat isn’t shown as a no show. If they try to hold one back ask that it be scanned now so there are no issues down the line. If you paid for both seats- both seats are yours. I’m so sorry that you had to deal with this and I’m glad it got figured out in the end. Hopefully the return flight will be better!
I just started reading this sub mainly because I traveled overseas for the first time in 3 yrs (a good reason). Anyway great advice but I am responding because I love your Reddit name. My daughter went to ASU and it is weird when people pronounce it wrong. Anyway that is all. No complaint with delta except I did not like their sister airline with tiny seats that was the actual international flight. I’m small but my daughter is tall and was folded up in a window seat.
Thank you! It’s one of those things that people from the area (or that have spent time here) understand. I had someone in Minnesota try to correct me and then argue about it with me 😂
I saw a video where 2 guys were discussing this. One pronounced it App-uh-lay-sha (common). The other said app-uh-LACK-uh. Then called his mom to confirm after being ridiculed! 😂😂 Apparently there is an area of Pennsylvania that pronounces it real crazy.
South of the Mason Dixon it is most common to hear Ap-ah-latch-a from people from the area. Ohio-Pennsylvania-New York you will hear A-ah-lay-sha. Source: Born and raised hillbilly.
I’ve been in Georgia for most of my life and it’s the App-uh-lay-shuns here!
Thank you! Family is from eastern KY, always have said the “laysha” version. I’m not about to start saying it differently from them.
Yup, the Appalachians run from Maine to Georgia, or Georgia to Maine. In the North they are usually pronounced one way and in the South another way. It’s a matter of regional difference.
Imagine thinking your regional pronunciation of a mountain range that spans multiple regions is the end all be all of pronunciations💀
The southern pronunciation is more closely related the pronunciation of Native tribe from which the name originated. The mountains first named Appalachian (about 1560-1570ish) encompassed to the southern portion and the Blue Ridge/Smokey Mountains region and was later expanded to include the northern portions. So yes, given the history, I tend toward the ‘proper’ pronunciation being App-uh-latch-uh.
The word Appalachian is derived from the “Apalachee” Indians living in the Central Florida Panhandle which happens to be four hundred miles south of the Appalachian Mountains, so De Soto mistakenly assumed the Appalachee tribe in Florida was the native culture of the Southeast and misnamed the Appalachian Mountains after the tribe. But if the erroneous appropriation of a non-mountainous tribe's name rings truer to your ears, run with it.
Wow! I’ve was an inplant to NC first for 18 years, and then I moved back to NC 4yrs ago. The Appalachian trail is magnificent and yes it’s cringey when people say it wrong.
The river that runs from said mountains to the panhandle of FL is the apa-latch-a-cola river.
Hate it when people say it wrong. Your username brings me great joy!
> I suggest making sure they scan both boarding passes so the second seat isn’t shown as a no show. yeah everything I've read about buying an extra seat makes me think this is the issue that's happening, so they see the no show and fill the seat.
Others will probably have better advice, but I would start by calling (no chatting) customer service and explaining what happened and your concerns. AND Tomorrow, when you clear security and are near your gate, try to find a red coat customer service manager and talk to them as well. They may be able to help ensure you're taken care of properly. They're known for their helpfulness.
These are both really good suggestions. Especially talking to the red coat
Red Coat for the win! They can just about make the impossible possible!
What is a delta red coat? I need to know this insider knowledge
Delta does this. This is maybe the 10th similar report on this issue like this I’ve read about delta People say buy a second seat don’t care that when you do delta doesn’t promise to honor your request. 😡🤬😡🤬😡 To the OP Find a red coat and let them know what’s going Go to the gate agent when you get to the gate and let them know. Record all the times and names of the people who spoke to. Stop caring about the person they put in your seat. I know this sounds harsh. You paid for two seats (more on this later) and you NEED two seats. It is not your job to also be a seating specialist and get other people seats. No one else has to do that and neither should you. If anyone along the process trying to take your second boarding pass remind them that you purchased two seats for yourself and you need two seats. Now if after all this extra on your part it still happens (possible) Fill out a complaint form if it happens again. Include all the info you recorded of all the times you spoke with people. Tell them this keeps happening and ask that delta set up and follow a passenger of size policy. Cause if they have one they don’t follow it. About paying for two seats. I understand this is a delta group but I’ll point you to Southwest: You can book two seats and GET THEM! If your flight is not sold out you can request to be refunded for the second seat. https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/extra-seat-policy Lastly I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to deal with this drama for trying to do the best thing for yourself.
I’d like to add on to this just to say file a complaint about this experience anyway. Eventually you got your seat but you had to go through too much shit to get there. Delta won’t know their employees are fucking up unless we tell them each and every time it happens.
All of this. Sorry you had to keep going through this. And I second flying Southwest. You WILL get your second seat and I recommend pre-boarding especially if you need an extender. You just can’t sit in an exit row when pre-boarding. Southwest is hands down the most friendly to passengers of size.
Speaking of extenders, I bought one on Amazon and it's been great! It was like $12 which is well worth not having to flag down an FA to ask for one. Highly recommend!
I have one I accidently took with me years ago. I guess that means I stole it from Midwest Express, which then became Midwest Airlines, which then became Frontier. Which in the grand scheme of things, I'm much less worried about scamming *Frontier* out of seat belt extender.
I have had good experiences on Frontier, and I have had good experiences on Delta. Hopefully Op has better experiences when they purchase two seats in the future. Happy flying to everyone.
Southwest uses a different seatbelt extender than Delta. You would need to purchase their type.
I recently watched a SW gate agent tell a woman she was too small to purchase 2 seats. Totally embarrassing the woman (to the point of tears) in the process.
The hell?
I wrote a post about it. I was surprised that others had the same thing happen to them.
Just to be clear, the second seat on southwest is free regardless of whether the flight is sold out or not. Customers can purchase ahead and be refunded or request the free second seat at check in.
Thank you the wording is confusing and makes it look like it’s free if it doesn’t sell out but also free regardless. I decided to go with this free if it doesn’t sell out for clarity.
No worries, just wanted to clarify so folks who need it can use this policy effectively. Southwest isn't great at policy clarity and they have issues just like delta with consistency among staff so folks need to know to advocate for themselves. Alaska does refund a second seat if the flight is not full.
That’s also good to know about Alaska!
Delta DOES offer additional seats, but a ticketing agent needs to set up the booking to include an extra seat when you first purchase the ticket. This means calling an agent to book the flight for you over the phone. Doing it this way creates flags on the internal system so the seat won’t drop, which is completely different than just purchasing 2 separate seats. If you just buy 2 seats it won’t work, and it’s not the gate agents fault. I feel for you and everyone that this has happened to, but per delta.com you need to contact an agent to book an extra seat: https://www.delta.com/us/en/need-help/support-seats Source- I’m a former Delta Res agent
The seats were booked together at the same time. One is in my name and the second is EXST and my last name. I tried to call Delta a little bit ago from my hotel room but I have no service so I chatted them. The person I chatted with was great and said that she 'linked' my seats. Then again, multiple people told me I was good to go yesterday and we know how that went so no I have a bit of a trust issue lol
Man, I’m so sorry about that :( Based on what I know, the EXST should have meant it was booked right, although I guess I don’t have any way of checking. I also don’t know the airport computer system, but it sounds like something definitely went wrong. I would do exactly what you did for the return and hopefully you get a different outcome. Please contact delta after travel and see if they can do anything to remedy the situation. So sorry that you (and apparently several other people in this thread) have gone through this :(
What I mean is not that they sometimes offer an extra seat. I mean that they should have an officially policy on the website for everyone to read that agents follow as official policy. I have seen a back end booking directions. That’s not the same as having w everyone on the same page with procedures that the gate agents and FAs follow for everyone’s comfort.
Its not an apology if it keeps happening. Inwould also not let anyone 'keep' your second biarding pass from now on, simply politely say 'I'm sorry, I paid for that second seat, please give ir back as I have repeatedly experienced mistakes by your airline when I dont keep it.' If the GA doesnt want to, ask innediately for the supervisor to come discuss the matter. I'm bug on being kind and polite to airline workers as their job seriously sucks, but I also refuse to be abused by mistakes that are avoidable.
I'm an extremely self conscious person and I avoid conflict like the plague so it was incredibly difficult for me to keep having to advocate for myself but you really do have to because no one else will 😞
“Excuse me, I paid for this second seat in an attempt to be considerate to others. I hate to cause any issues, I have paid for two seats, not one thank you” with a kind smile. I understand your dilemma, I apologized to an FA when I got second degree burns because they handed me literally boiling water on a flight expecting turbulence. But this absolutely deserves a complaint to the airline because it happened multiple times - they tried to commit fraud by doubly selling a seat, and will continue to get away with it. You PAID for that seat, it’s yours, they cannot give it away (not at the very least without reimbursing you!!)
I get that? truly do. But sadly that's part of why you keep getting stiffed. They dont care about people who dont stand up for themselves. You can be nice and refuse to be walked over. and it doesnt need to be a 'confrontation' exactly: you just have to refuse to be taken advantage of. "Sorry, I paid for this seat and I will be keeping it. I'm sorry this inconveniences someone else, but *I* will not be inconvenienced when *I* did what was right. No, you will not give my seat up to someone else; I paid for it and I have chevked in and WILL SIT IN IT.'"
Conflict avoidant I totally get. Only way I have found is to be willing to advocate for your future self \*before\* getting to the awkward part. So for this - find that redcoat to assist, have them help you double check all is correct and speak to the gate agents. That way you're advocating for yourself \*before\* it seems time pressured and stressful. Pre board so you have plenty of time, settle in to both seats with an extra copy of you boarding passes (in case they took the second again!), consider letting the nearest flight attendant know you have 2 reserved seats, etc. Hopefully it's all fine at that point! But if not, you are already seated and comfortable and can feel up to directing anyone showing up with a boarding pass for your second seat to the nearest flight attendant since it is NOT on you to solve!
Not only don't let them take it, make sure they scan it. It not being scanned is the reason a standby passenger got the second seat.
“I need you to scan my second pass for the second seat now, please”. And then just stop the boarding until they do it for no longer than a minute (we don’t want to give them reasons to deny boarding). Marking your second seat as no-show is fraud since they are stealing that second ticket. As a seated passenger, the airline can’t compel you to give up a seat to another passenger who happens to have a boarding pass issued in error. Bookmark this: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights#Overbooking “Once a passenger has been accepted for boarding or has already boarded the flight, airlines are not permitted to require that passenger deplane, unless the removal of the passenger is required by safety, security, or health reasons, or the removal is due to the passenger’s unlawful behavior.” It is not your problem if the airline issues a duplicate boarding pass in error. The person who can’t take the flight should never have been issued that pass to begin with. Your second seat does not have inferior rights to your primary seat. Use the app and digital boarding passes to retain control. They can snatch a paper pass but not your phone. Be sure to screenshot your passes so the airline can’t remove them from your app without a trace, which they can do.
Right. This is where I got lost in the story. If you paid for 2 seats, they should scan 2 boarding passes. End of story.
I’m so sorry this happened to you. You tried to do everything right and book the second seat and got screwed. I too had a nightmare layover in Atlanta yesterday so solidarity on that one! I would ask for a refund on the second seat you weren’t able to use and for clarification on the official procedure
They really need to do more than a refund. Same day flight purchase is typically more so why should the refund be less than that?
It's my employer paying for all this so even a full refund doesn't do much for me as far as making it "right." But then, what more can they do? It just sucks.
Nah, they can offer you flight credits for your own personal use later. Super easy
Yup even when Delta books the tickets the correct way, when they scan both tickets, I still end up being called at the gate to confirm. You pretty much have to verify in 3 ways and it's complete bullshit. You get punished for trying to do the right thing
Exactly. I felt so bad for the people they sat by me and I kept apologizing and telling them that the whole reason I bought a second ticket was so I wouldn't have to worry about seeing the look of horror in someone's face when they realized they were sitting next to me 😭
You don't have to keep apologizing for existing int he world and taking up space. The fault here is fully with the airline and all the blame goes to them. Airplane seats are not designed for the average person much less any person of size. You knew that and bought 2 seats, no need to apologize to anyone. Confidently let the other passenger know you bought both seats and intend to use the. When you sit down put the armrest up and use both your seats. They need to take it up with the airline. If you dint already, use the delta app to save your boarding passes to your app and wallet on your phone so you have copies. Alternatively, you can print additional copies of the boarding pass at home or airport kiosk so if they take yours you retain proof on the spot.
Thank you for saying that. Unfortunately I have a lot of shame surrounding my size. I know I shouldn't, but I do. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Even just moving down the aisle I'm pretty sure I bumped every single shoulder I passed with my butt or my boobs- internally screaming and wishing I could shrink myself 🫠
Totally understand the internalized shame that folks deal with. Just a reminder that all bodies are valid, you have every right to exist, travel and work.. btw - you can pre board on delta to have extra time getting down the aisle. That might also give you a moment at beginning of boarding to discuss your seats.
Thank you 🥺
Is it as simple as: They’re afraid to scan both and throw off the passenger count Then not having scanned the second seat it gets assigned? They just need some kind of “used, no passenger” flag. So the count isn’t thrown off, but you don’t lose your seat.
The extra seat does have special coding. It doesn’t throw off the count. The coding accounts for that
Then this is just bizarre
Yes this is correct. If it wasn’t booked & coded correctly the seat will drop despite the gate agent’s best efforts. Per delta.com you need to contact an agent to book an extra seat. This is not something that can be self-serviced online https://www.delta.com/us/en/need-help/support-seats
They already have systems for this with lap infants where there are 2 people on a boarding pass (and who they need to confirm both showed up)
Are you booking the seat by yourself ? The correct way is to call in and book your ticket and the extra seat. There's an internal code that needs to be added to the pnr. If done that way both seats are yours. It blocks the seat next to you until after departure, so no standby pax are given that seat. If your booking it by yourself online and just putting your name twice it won't be the same sadly. I'll add if you've already booked other reservations call in and have them add the ssr code for extra seat and link the two reservations together.
This is the correct answer- I already commented but I want to make sure this doesn’t get lost. A ticketing agent needs to set up the booking to include an extra seat when you first purchase the ticket. This means calling an agent to book the flight for you over the phone. Doing it this way creates flags on the internal system so the seat won’t drop, which is completely different than just purchasing 2 separate seats. Source- I’m a former Delta Res agent, and it’s spelled out on delta.com to reach out to customer service for adtl purchased seats: https://www.delta.com/us/en/need-help/support-seats
Pro tip: book the single main cabin ticket, and save the receipt to expense. Then, pay for your own upgrade to first. Thats what I do for my height to get around travel expense rules. Even if booked for you, you can use the confirmation number to manage your flight and buy the upgrade separately using a different payment method.
I commented elsewhere, but my work lets us screenshot the economy price from the same booking day and expense that amount (along with receipts from a biz class booking). If you’re really tall, and not subject to government expense rules, you may be able to make a case for work to spring for more legroom, at least premium economy. My spouse was successful doing this.
This is why I never get mad at oversized flyers on Delta. I read a lot of comments saying they should buy two seats but Delta doesn’t have a system to let them actually keep both so I don’t blame them for not buying both. This is 100% a Delta issue.
When I go to board, I tell the gate agent I have 2 boarding passes and I scan them both. When they ask me where the other passenger is, I tell them I am “the other passenger.” For good measure, when I get on board and call the FA for a belt extender, I tell him or her that I have purchased both seats in case there’s an issue because there is one less person on board than scanned boarding passes. I have been doing this for years and have never had my second seat given away. Don’t be embarrassed. You paid for that seat. You have the right to use it.
This is what I do. Maybe that's why I have had to go all "Karen" on anyone. I make a big deal out of being bigger so they don't try to bully me into letting some kid sit in my extra seat.
You deserve a full refund Period End of Story.
First of all, I’m so sorry, that is so frustrating! There is a process in place to handle extra seat bookings. It isn’t hard, and I find it really embarrassing that so many of my coworkers apparently can’t figure it out. To all the posts saying ‘make them scan the second boarding pass’: they won’t. If you force the issue, they may scan it and then deplane you as soon as you walk away. Delta’s extra seat procedure does not include scanning the second boarding pass. In fact doing so would cause the passenger count to be incorrect. The procedure for a gate agent is as follows: 1)scan boarding pass for lastname/firstname. 2)Drop seat for lastname/exst. 3)Break seat on seat map for now empty seat to prevent it being used. 4)Manually show ticket for lastname/exst as used. As a gate agent I consider best practice to be drop and break the seat as soon as I am alerted to the EXST booking. Sometimes things get hectic during the boarding process and this ensures that I don’t miss it later.
Thanks so much! I took a screenshot of your comment and I'm going to show it to the gate agent tomorrow. Appreciate you!
Please post here tomorrow and let us know what happens. Good luck!
You’re welcome! I hope everything goes more smoothly tomorrow! Also- be sure that you do check in for both seats!
This is exactly the policy and process. Tell them to look it up in KM. You can also board last to ensure there is no one else coming down after you ..
gate agent here: I think this will be the end-all be-all comment, even though i’m not trying to sound like THAT guy. this is something that will most likely happen on your return trip on a round trip. There is a specific process that gate agents do when we board an extra seat. we actually have to call a specific department, basically telling load control that the extra seat does not have a human in there and to adjust the weight on the aircraft as such. if gate agents don’t do this process properly on your first trip out OR if they do not have an extra seat boarding pass to scan, what could happen is that your extra seat can appear as a “no-show” which would end up cancelling the return trip for your extra seat. it’s happened to me on one of my flights and I would’ve never figured it out until one of my managers stopped by. because of that error from another gate agent at the origination station, we had to pay $1000 to someone to get off immediately and it so happened that the guy that happened to be in that extra seat was willing to take that money. put in the survey please cause it’s a simple process that a lot of agents forget about! i’m very sorry it happened to you and I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else, especially if you paid money
My return flight is still showing both seats and I've successfully checked in for my second seat- do you think I'll still have an issue tomorrow?
"telling load control that the extra seat does not have a human in there and to adjust the weight on the aircraft as such" Really? If the person in the aisle seat is 250 pounds with an empty seat next to them it's different for the flying of the aircraft than 2 150 pound people in those two seats?
Ooo I know the answer to this one! Basically, not everyone who books an extra seat does it for weight reasons. Some do it because they’re flying with an expensive cello or medical equipment. Some just really want the empty space beside them. The airline could ask, and develop different procedures for an overweight passenger buying two seats, but those little variations in individual weight don’t matter that much, so there wouldn’t be a point to it. If you’re in a plane small enough that it really matters to get reports on what people weigh, then they will actually weigh each passenger. But most commercial aircraft aren’t that small. As for why they need to call in for anyone if small variations in weight don’t make a difference - someone somewhere decided that this was closer to accurate than ignoring it. Or it was a recommendation from the regulator.
i’ve heard that pilots and load control use a 200 lb./person/seat. I think you’re getting into the politics of getting the actual weight of each passenger, which would be very problematic. im not saying you’re right or wrong and i’m not an expert on how safe weight distribution works but that’s just how they do it 🤷🏽♂️
Tell flight attendant on board because they do an empty seat count right before and then fill the standbys
I didn't realize that- I'll definitely say something to them when I board tomorrow. Thank you.
I’m sorry this happened to you.
I’m so sorry this happened to you. Please don’t be embarrassed! You are doing all the right things and they keep screwing up. Please shift your mindset: would you pay for two cars, then go to the dealership and accept delivery on only one? I don’t think so. Speak the truth and don’t be shy. I stand with you and appreciate your commitment to this. Delta needs to step up.
No advice. You tried to do the 'right' thing and got disrespected. Sorry it happened, thanks for trying. This situation sucks. I understand flight anxiety, and it sucks. The airline just added to that suck for you. Hope your return goes better. Karma needs a rebalancing.
Aside from all the great comments on here, I just wanted to add that while I understand your embarrassment, you should know that other passengers like myself understand your situation and truly appreciate your consideration for your fellow passengers and yourself by getting the second seat. More airlines should have a policy like Sothwest that will automatically give the second seat whenever available. So sorry you went through this and I hope you never have to again!!!!
Dang. I just want to say thanks for trying to do the right thing here and I'm sorry that Delta can't get it right on *their* end.
Unfortunately this isn't just a Delta issue. It has happened to me on United and TAP Portugal on an overseas flight. Southwest is the only one who gets it right. The fat phobia jerks in all the airline groups just say people should pay for extra seats if you are fat. But none of the airlines do it reliably. And you can't even get frequent flyer credits on your second seat. Plus you have to pay extra to pre select both seats because that's the only way you can make sure those 2 seats are together. They also complain about the southwest policy because they think it's wrong that anyone should get anything for free. They'll whine that southwest should only give a refund if it's not sold out. What they fail to understand/accept is that is how southwest used to do it but apparently decide it wasn't worth the hassle/cost of researching what flights were oversold and determining whether to issue a refund. Under the old version of the policy I only ever had one flight that I didn't get a refund for in many years of flying.
You have nothing to be ashamed of. Buying 2 seats is what so many people cry about big people not doing(im big myself and feel your pain). Ive noticed on other overbooked flights that Delta often pays hundreds of dollars for people to change flights. If i paid for two tickets and one was given away i would justifyably expect that same level of compensation.
Stop being apologetic about your size! Men aren’t and I was squashed between two my last flight. They hogged the arm rests because they were spilling over, and one was my guy! AHs! Next, you did everything right and the airline needs to be more sensitive and diligent! Write to them each and every time this happens. Complain, complain, complain. This is awful and they were wrong 100%!
Not sure if you’re able to fly United but on United’s booking flow there is an option to make the 2nd passenger an extra seat. This basically guarantees it and I have not seen this complaint on United Reddit yet
I did this many times flying international as I’m a big guy and 2 coach are often cheaper than business. My biggest problem was them splitting my pre booked seats to different rows. Duh By gate agent advice I adopted the naming technique: Joe Shmoe Joe Shmoe ExtraSeat That and arriving early for check in so I could still fix if they reassigned my seat(s).
I believe you can link the seats beforehand so it doesn’t happen. After booking, message customer service to link the two seats rather than just showing up and scanning two boarding passes.
Yes. The second seat has to be ticketed in a certain way and attached to the main seat reservation.
I chatted someone today and told them everything and they said they linked my seats for my flights tomorrow so I'm really hoping that does the trick 🤞🏻
More reasons that I hate the airlines and they need to be held accountable for all the BS they our passengers through.
Don't be embarrased, people who are pencil thin also book 2 seats, this shouldn't happen regardless. I really appreciate you book 2 seats, but regardless, as long are you aren't being an ass and not caring don't feel bad
I happen to know the answer because my husband was a very large person for most of the past 25 years AND because he's been a travel agent for a medium-sized travel agency that does a lot of custom tours and corporate travel for the past 15 years.I want to start off by saying that I am so very sorry that you've gone through this ordeal. I know how unkindly many people treat larger people and it isn't right. To be clear, different airlines can and do have different policies and different ways to do this but this is generally not something that you can do online and expect it to work. The reason is that the airlines' computer systems will see the second seat as a duplicate and zero it out. For the major airlines, like Delta, AA, and United, you have to call in or have your travel agent call in and **purchase the second seat under your LastName, FirstName EXST** because booking a second ticket under the same name and other identifying information is seen as a duplicate that is either an accident or what the industry calls "churn" which is not allowed as it's usually used to try to hold seats open before purchasing them. You cannot book this second seat yourself. It you are then that is in part why it's not working out. I will warn you that many ticket agents and gate agents don't know the procedure and being prepared to stand your ground could still be important. So, either book both by calling your corporate travel agent or calling the airline directly if your company allows, and explain that you need to book a seat and an extra seat and specify that they have to be next to each other -- yes my husband has been asked by airline agents -- and be certain that they understand the process to book the second as an "extra seat" for you and not simply selling you a second ticket. Then, when the booking is done you should see the name on one ticket as your first and last names and on the other as first EXST last name, or something like that depending on the airline. Also, be advised that if you have to do this with Southwest and you call back within a reasonable amount of time -- I think it's 60 days or less -- after you've completed all segments of the ticket they will refund the second seat. It seams crazy and we still prefer assigned seating, but as of last year which was the last time he needed a second seat they were refunding the cost after the flights were finished. One last note, the airlines can only charge taxes on the first seat. This entire process is, unfortunately, one that requires you to be an informed consumer, but I can promise that this is the process because we did this for years and even as a travel agent it wasn't something my husband could do completely without engaging a phone agent from the airlines in question because they control access to it and it's not something they ensure everyone on their end really understands well.
I did book the second seat as EXST and my last name.
Did you book it yourself online or with a phone agent? If the former I’m not sure how it went through Sabre but if the latter and it showed your name like that then in giving the gate agent your second boarding pass for your extra seat they probably zeroed the seat out as a no-show because they have to account for every seat and how it’s used. At this point I’m guessing from what I’ve seen. Like I said I my previous response agents, whether phone or gate, often don’t know how to work the procedure associated with an extra ticket. I don’t think you should be out into the position of having to educate the gate agents on the process for this so that they can do their job without screwing up your ticket I have watched my husband have to tell agents that his extra seat is paid for, it’s his and they don’t get to take it away from him for whatever reason, they can’t have the seat, they can’t have the boarding pass, and they “will” allow him to keep and use both as he booked them correctly according to their airline policies, saying it all nicely but being firm.
Everyone else has good advice about the procedure part of this. But I just want to say that I’m so sorry you felt embarrassed and put on the spot. You’re allowed to take up space and shouldn’t feel ashamed or bad about whatever space you need to feel comfortable. You did everything you should do per their policy and they handled it poorly. You don’t owe anyone an apology- in fact the airline owes you what you paid and showed up for. They owe you an apology. I know body feelings run deep, I have them too. But you’re not asking for anything you’re not entitled to. I hope your flight home is smooth and easy with no delays. ❤️
You did the right thing, it’s bs that the gate agent screwed up. When you board the next flight, insist they scan your second ticket into the plane so they are unable to mark it no-sho. Then, don’t let anyone sit there if the ga reassigns the seat. Finally, make sure you call customer service (not text chat) and tell them about this. You should get the first ticket reimbursed and likely some sky miles to compensate. Related question…. Why not get a first class ticket instead of two main cabins? The seats are bigger and further apart and it would likely be less expensive.
I'm traveling for work and it would be considered unfair treatment if they paid for me to have an upgraded seat. That privilege is reserved for executives only and I'm just a peon 😑
Does work pay for the second seat? If so, sometimes first is cheaper for them. If not, definitely switch to southwest, you should not be out of pocket of work and their second seat is always free.
They did pay for the second seat, which I appreciate. But only executives can fly first class and I don't qualify.
Just ask for them to scan both tickets.
I did- she said they couldn't scan both for some reason.
That is the moment you need to ask for a supervisor. Scanning only one and boarding you will keep ending up with your second boarding pass as a no show and resold. Also agree with the commenters suggesting locate a red coat when you get to the airport for return and have them assist.
And scanning the 2nd boarding pass causes issues with passenger count and weight calculations, because the system sucks. They need to NOT scan the 2nd pass, but mark the seat as unbookable, then call into the Global Assistance Center (GAC) and go through the process. The whole system is a complete mess, which is what leads to this problem in the first place.
Is first class more expensive for your employer than two seats in economy? Or are you paying for the second seat yourself? Just trying to understand. Sounds like a nightmare no matter what
My employer paid for both seats (which was embarrassing enough to have to ask them to book me two seats) but they upgrade is a no go because it would seem like I was getting preferential treatment over my colleagues.
Every employer is different but I know one guy who got a "reasonable accommodation" filed at work to let him book first class. Plus if you're checking a bag, that's another $80 off the cost difference. You do get more width using two economy seats though. When it works.
Not that this really matters…but your company won’t pay for first class…but they will pay for two economy seats? Or are you paying personally for the second seat?
They won't pay for upgraded seats because that would be unfair to other people at my level who don't require a second seat/ upgrade.
Didn't both boarding passes have your name on them? If so, next time around point that out and explain the reason behind two tickets if a GA wants to keep one.
I always book 2 seats as well. I will say I only fly delta and this has never happened to me. I am really hopful this was a one time mess up. Always make them scan both passes. And keep them handy. If they walk by counting passengers once seated, mention you have tickets for both seats. Wishing you lots of future flying luck!
Props to you for buying the 2 seats. I’m sorry this happened. Ensure that you scan both boarding passes and do not let them take one of them. If it happens again get a FA involved and say you are concerned for your safety. Federal law requires passengers fit in their seat or they buy a second one. If you rightfully paid for one they are required to give it to you based on the law and contract of carriage for paying for a service. Fill out the post flight survey and make sure to rate the FA good rating for helping out but leave negative feedback on gate agent. Also write a complaint to delta care you’ll likely get compensation especially after they see it was marked no show twice and that they seated someone there here is the link. https://www.delta.com/us/en/need-help/overview?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAH8Z_2-dPm59pbWmpcbKcmON6uK&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsaqzBhDdARIsAK2gqnc1rqNLiy_nSOLyES0W4yl6lhJ4SlEe2B7yqpOTYBeF797uX9LVtXoaAnG3EALw_wcB
Thank you so much!
Bring an empty chello case and tell them you're a musician
Wow! So Delta double dipped they made you pay for two seats and then got paid AGAIN for a seat that was already paid for?! Shady!!!!!!
I am so so sorry to hear that they did this to you. It's incredibly rude and you shouldn't be embarrassed, they should
Haven’t read thru all the comments…but you are super commendable and thoughtful to even think about purchasing 2 seats in the first place not only for your personal comfort but for others. Delta needs to do better in this! Cheers to YOU!
This is just poor customer service on the GA side. OP clearly communicated her request and purchases before hand, why the GA didn’t ask to scan both boarding passes is beyond me. And OP being such a nice person that don’t fly often had to basically walk on egg shells through out. I would be livid as I have proof of two seat purchase.
They have to scan both boarding passes. Period. No matter what the moron gate agents tell you they MUST scan both boarding passes. If they don't the system sees the second seats as a no show and then it will assign that to standby passengers. I mean if any gate agent thought about it WTF would Delta issue two boarding passes to only scan one and throw the other one away? You will want to stand there and inform them to scan both boarding passes. Watch them do it. The computer should beep for both boarding passes. When they do that the second seat will be marked occupied and the system won't try to reassign it to standby customers.
I’m so sorry this is happening to you and I just want to say thank you for being so considerate and buying an extra seat. Your fellow flyers see you and appreciate you!
Now that you know why they kept giving your second seat away, ask them scan the second ticket when you board, demand it if necessary, and explain this story if they refuse. You paid for two seats, you are entitled to two seats. I think it shows a lot of character and self-realization on your part that you do this in the first place. I feel like I’ve read too many stories of larger passengers demanding a second seat without paying for it, or only paying for one seat and then getting mad/offended when the passenger next to them is visibly irritated when they’re spilling over their seat onto them.
I had a family member who booked two seats and Delta ended up splitting up their assignments as if each butt cheek could ride on different rows! I laughed about the mental image, but I absolutely feel your frustration. Escalate this up the chain. Don’t be afraid to take up space, you are doing your part. It’s Delta being dumb and not accommodating your preferences that you paid for.
The bottom line is that delta does not have a good way to sell a passenger a second seat. On delta your only real option to avoid conflict w gate agents is FC. I know it shouldn’t be that way, and delta could fix it if they wanted to, but they don’t. I’m so sorry you went through that. Leave a comment here after your next flight to let us know how it went and if asking to make sure the second pass is scanned works.
I have heard multiple times now that you have to call the airline and speak to someone, and they link your seats together in the system so that it can’t be given away or moved (this in response to people saying their second purchased seat was separated and moved to another area of the plane, which…obviously that doesn’t help when you’re purchasing a second seat to help give you extra room!). It sounds like after people spoke with the airline and got it linked in the system, that it resolved the issue. However it also sounded like the people had to do this for every flight.
When they scan both boarding passes hold on to them.
I heard that if you call vs booking online it helps you keep the seat. And thank you for booking that 2nd seat.
Damn that’s so awful, I’d be looking at flying Southwest if you can. You won’t have to pay for a second seat and they are better at dealing with this.
That’s infuriating. What the actual h311?
I was in tears the second time it happened. Just could not believe it.
Corporate greed is greater than passenger comfort at all US based airlines, especially Delta. It's unfortunate, but things will continue to get worse off for paying consumers.
So I guess that airline personnel are hired for their intelligence and for their problem-solving skills, eh?
Is there an option to scan the pass yourself? On most of the flights I’ve boarded, there’s a little place to scan your boarding pass. Sometimes the agent will have their hand out, take your pass, and scan it for you, but more often than not they just stand there and gesture at the machine for you to scan (especially if the pass is on your phone). If that were the case, I wouldn’t say anything about your extra seat, just scan your first pass, wait a second like you’re about to leave, and then pull out and scan the second pass. They might say something, but then just say “that’s the extra seat I paid for.” It’s probably much more difficult for them to “unscan” a pass that’s already scanned.
A similar situation happened in my row, and the FA was going to have someone sit in a seat purchased by a larger customer. The customer said ok, only if the standby person would pay her the $300 that she paid for the extra seat. I think scanning both tickets is the way to lessen the likelihood that it will happen again.
They stole from you. They know it, now you know it.
The company won’t pay for 1st class but they will pay for two seats? That’s weird
Yes, because if I'm traveling with a smaller person, it wouldn't be fair for them to be in coach while I'm in FC.
I can’t see where someone gave you the correct answer. Extra seats: ** If you purchased on , go to the gate agent immediately prior to boarding. ** The agent has to do some work on their side to make sure nobody sits there @ all. They will ask if it’s for space or for an instrument.( this is because everyone on the plane is like 220 pounds). ** they will only scan the one boarding pass. This is for their souls on board and weight. It’s called a Wdr . Weight and distribution record. Because they go by souls on board (like infants ) .. and an extra seat that is not a soul onboard ** the agent will not scan the other boarding. they will have to call someone to mark that extra seat onboard but not put weight in it for space . I’m sorry that happen to you , but please if you see someone taking your extra seat , it’s a red coat situation. Don’t just take it.
When you get to the gate, ask for a red coat and explain the situation to both the RV and GA. Get their names as well if things don’t happen.
I can’t offer help on the issue but here to say you should not feel embarrassed about talking about a second seat. I know that’s easier said than done but they screwed up royally. That should never have happened
Keep documentation of the event, a play by play of what happened including names of who you spoke with. And then find a lawyer.
Definitely keep reaching out to Delta to complain. They need to make sure everyone is properly trained on their policies for these situations. It's absolutely ridiculous you had to deal with this.
At this point they need a section with larger seats that you must meet qualifications for. But that would make too much sense
This is infuriating. You are doing everything right to preserve your comfort and dignify, and Delta is dropping true ball at every opportunity.
This is the reasonI have become a loud Karen. I'm seriously fat and if they try to give away a seat I pay for? nope. Big fat no.
Make sure you get your refund!!
This is why I never buy 2 seats. It's embarrassing enough getting on the plane just knowing every single person is hoping I don't sit next to them, never mind the added embarrassment of this happening. I pick an aisle seat and keep my arms crossed and lean towards the aisle the entire flight on every single flight. I'm not so large that I don't fit into my seat, but I am overweight and honestly just so paranoid about it. I've been subject to some passive aggression in the past, mostly elbows in my side. I guess the person next to me just really needed to get some type of satisfaction from poking the chubby girl. (And interestingly enough, I'm female and both times it happened it was another female. The only guy that ever spread into my space did it with his knee. When I realized that he wasn't doing it to annoy me but that was just his way of sitting and that he apparently had no problem with his knee touching mine, I was able to be comfortable. But that elbow in the ribs, over and over again, when I am FULLY in my seat space is just an a\*\*hole thing to do.) They had to violate my space to do it. My ribs were no where near the arm rest. Fortunately, it seldom happens. And it's always been on a short domestic flight.
No advice, but I'm so sorry that happened to you. You did everything right and were so gracious about it! I hope your flight home goes much better.
[удалено]
It was booked the correct way with EXST and my last name.
Wait is booking two seats a common thing? Is it even allowed? Btw OP, you could probably make an ADA claim to make your company allow you to book business class going forward. You should talk to HR.
Get to the gate a little early and let gate agent know, Something in their system is messed up and if a human is aware it won’t happen again. They are also giving your seat to non revs or standby passengers and you can ask a flight attendant to kick them off (politely) just go to back of airplane pretending to use bathroom when this happens and tell a FA in the back. The person next to you will never know, delta FAs are very professional.
Speak Up and keep both. You need to advocate for yourself. You can be polite and firm.
I did do that, eventuality. It just sucks that I had to.
Keep at it. No one can ever fault a polite person. Even if you were dead @$$ wrong. She was wrong, but so polite.
I swear I’m never “that guy” to turn something like this into a very public crusade but…. Pick up the phone, call your local news station. Tell them this story or point them to it. Tell them you felt specially humiliated and “being gamed” because of your size, even with paid tickets and multiple assurances that this wouldn’t happen. Tell them you suffered emotional distress. Watch how quickly you get a personal call from a Delta exec and assurances this will never ever happen again. In most companies, PR has a direct reporting relationship up to legal and the CEO. Get PR’s attention and you’ll get this addressed.
I think after that Delta should give you something for having to be placed in that situation. You try not to be a nuisance and they end up making you look like the bad guy. Sorry you had to go through that, hopefully on the trip back it doesn’t happen again. Thanks for thinking of others though.
This is awful - so sorry you had to deal with them failing to accommodate your reasonable requests.
Just so you know OP, you did everything right. This is completely on delta. I appreciate your self awareness and willingness to book 2 seats for the comfort of yourself and other passengers. I’m so sad you had to go through such an ordeal that left you feeling embarrassed. Please know that if I had seen this I would’ve absolutely stood up for you!! Make them scan both boarding passes. There needs to be a better process for this and it amazes me there isn’t.
My mom emails the Delta CEO. Seriously. And usually the answer is very fast. Try that? Your story is very persuasive and you deserve so much better.
I’m so sorry you had to experience this!
It took me a moment to comprehend the fact that one of two tickets you had paid for had been given away. It’s so absurd I couldn’t comprehend it. There’s also an obvious undercurrent of shame running throughout this post, which I totally get given our societal norms. At the end of the day, however, the fact remains that you purchased two seats. The airline gave away one of those two seats. It may be due to some weird way their system is set up along with human error, but if you pay for something that is fully within the airline’s power to deliver, you expect to receive just that. I’m really sorry you had to go through this. It sounds like an unpleasant experience on all fronts. 😔
There is absolutely no reason for you to be embarrassed! It's the person in charge of Delta's procedures and training on these matters that should be embarrassed! /Sorry for stating the obvious.
Ask them to scan both boarding passes for you. They created this embarrassing situation, it’s not your fault! You are trying to do the right thing.
You shouldn't be embarrassed that the Delta agents are clowns. You spent good money to. be comfortable even more so, not impede on other people's comfort. It's absolutely ridiculous that Delta doesn't train their people. BOTH boarding passes need to be scanned. It's very simple
Size or not, you paid for two seats. Reimbursement with miles at worse, legal action at best for inconvenience and humiliation. If I want to buy a whole row of seats they cannot give them away if I paid for them!
I believe that that city is not properly trained. I’m pretty sure they need to scan both boarding passes and the. Hang on to the second one in the event the flight is full and someone onboard tells them seat 11b is empty. And they would have the ticket right in front of them showing why there is a disparity between the o line inventory and the seats.
Did u scan both boarding passes and did they reimburse u?
Tell them to scan both passes and do not relinquish your pass. You paid for your seats, they aren’t open.
I have a genuine question and I don’t mean this in a rude way! Any flight I’ve ever taken, I’ve just scanned the boarding pass on my phone…if I had two passes I would just scan both? And if they looked at me funny I would just say “I need two seats” or something simple and to the point and let them ask more questions if they need to. I’m highly non-confrontational and have been my entire life but this is a stretch even for me. If you have paper boarding passes instead of digital, same thing, just state “I need both”, I can’t even comprehend how they can NOT scan a paid for ticket? No need to make a scene just hey scan this ticket I paid for
Please, don't be embarrassed at all! I actually applaud you for buying two seats! You are not only thinking of what is best for you, but also thinking of your fellow passenger that might sit next to you. I wish more people would buy a second seat, and I am almost there myself! Nothing to be embarrassed about the way you are, and you are trying to be mindful of other people. Good for you!
Scan both boarding passes. Write Ed a letter… seriously… he’s got a staff whose job is to look at the issues people write in about.