ExpertFlyer can once again display availability for Delta Air Lines flights…..and I’m doing my happy dance! When Delta blocked ExpertFlyer over a year ago, I called that action disappointing. As I noted then, I use ExpertFlyer routinely to inform my travel decisions, and no, it’s not just about the upgrades. Let’s face it, I’m not getting any upgrades as a newly demoted Silver Medallion. It’s about making the best choices for flights and having information. My most routine use of ExpertFlyer, picking an earlier flight when the opportunity arises. That’s why I was happy to see this message on InsideFlyer,
“We’re happy to announce that as of today the previously missing DL data has been restored to ExpertFlyer. The only exception is DL Upgrade class inventory that requires GDS access, which Delta is still not allowing us to use.
However regular fare class inventory/availability/alerting and all the other searches are available again for DL. If you encounter any issues please email us directly at customercare at expertflyer dot com.”
My Take
Here’s what I don’t know. Did Delta and ExpertFlyer come to some kind of agreement, or is ExpertFlyer accessing the information through a way that Delta cannot control? I hope the answer is that they reached some kind of accommodation. If the answer is otherwise, I can’t help but think that someone at Delta is researching a way to shut this down. Again, I’m hopeful that the answer is that Delta realized that a subset of its customers find tools like ExpertFlyer to be extraordinarily helpful in their travels and they want it back.
For now, ExpertFlyer is back for Delta flyers, and I’m doing my happy dance about it right here in the T-Concourse Sky Club. (OK, not really, but you know what I mean.)
-MJ, June 2, 2016
Woah woah woah you need to slow your roll. Happy dance? How about a slight fist pump in the air. They don’t get a happy dance until upgrade class inventory is back online (if ever). LOL.