NonRev to Asia/ Oversold in Coach

Hello.

I can say I'm fairly experienced in travelling non-rev within the United States, but when I comes to non-rev across the Pacific to Asia, it gets me a bit nervous.

I'd like to ask others for their opinions and experiences of flying internationally. When seats are wide open in business elite, but are oversold in coach; I know that Delta does not do complimentary upgrades to elite members for international flights. If then, what do they do to deal with the oversold situation, will they upgrade coach passengers as well, or do business elite and coach cabins remain seperate and gate agents volunteers for DBC? Please share knowledge and experience!!

Thanks; David.

We had no issues with Asia travel (several wks after tsunami)
We saw no rev upgrades given on 4 flights.
DL does upgrade revs if coach is oversold until revs are accommodated. NR's get the leftover--if there's a big disparity, I doubt it's an issue. I had S4 with me and we got biz all 4 legs to BKK.
There can be a high no-show factor on some Asia flights from changing refundable tkts, etc.

What's your destination? What gateway is closest to you?

Thanks for your input! My destination is NRT, don't really want to travel too far. Last time I went in July I flew to HND instead, not bad actually. Even closer to the city. But I'm from the YVR station so my options are flying via MSP to NRT, Drive down to SEA for NRT, or fly SLC, LAX HND. Haha you can call me crazy. Ive taken risks before domestically, but not too sure when it's only daily flight. Also, I'm traveling with my travel companion, so I'm limited to Delta Mainline or Conx. But November loads look alright. Planning to go 21NOV.

Hello,

The big thing with Asia is when you go. I visited Japan last Nov (2010) and flew out of LAX on DL and back through SEA, not problems making the fights. We got offloaded into coach, in all honesty I was just happyt p make the flight. As with everything some flights are harder than others. November is a great time to cross the Pacific. I was about to ask why you dont try AC but I then finished reading your msessage.

Regards,

Chepos

is PDX still viable?

YVR-SLC-LAX-HND isn't too bad, I've done MSP-ORD-LHR-MAD-SVQ as a rev, EAU-ORD-IAD-MAD-SVQ nonrev (both of those had super long connections in the process), and when I was on furlough and could only fly SkyWest flights I flew YYJ-SFO-SLC-ORD-EAU just because I didn't really have any other choices. Sometimes you gotta do what makes sense with your loads and schedules, especially as a nonrev!

Thanks for all your replies!

mrs767er: PDX..... yes.. and no... it's a 6 hours drive there from Vancouver. Seattle is the better option because it offers shuttle service between YVR and SEA about 3 hours ride (I compare that to flying to MSP from YVR) and with my airport employee pass, I get discount on that too....

I personally dont mind sitting in coach for domestic flights, but when it's long haul, i do have a preference for Business Elite, and I wouldn't mind flying farther to have a greater possibility too..