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ATLANTA (AP) -- After a backlash from some of its elite fliers, Delta Air Lines Inc., the world's biggest carrier, has halted a program on Delta-operated aircraft that allowed customers to purchase better seat assignments on certain flights.
The Atlanta-based company in late October began offering coach customers on certain flights the ability to purchase a better seat assignment in their cabin for $5 to $25, depending on distance traveled and seat location. The so-called "coach choice seats" represented less than 10 percent of all seat assignments available on Delta-operated flights, the airline said at the time.
But in an e-mail Monday to elite fliers, Jeff Robertson, vice president of loyalty programs for Delta, said that some Medallion members of the carrier's frequent flier program were upset that their access to preferred seats without charge at the time of booking was restricted as a result of the new program. "Retaining your long-term loyalty is of paramount importance to us, and we're not afraid to change course when we need to," Robertson said.
He said Delta would revert back to the original preferred seat program offering Medallion members unrestricted access to preferred seats. The change went into effect Tuesday. "Simply put: Medallion members will be able to book any of the seats you used to enjoy at the time of booking and without a charge," Robertson said in his e-mail.
Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton said Wednesday that because the "coach choice seats" program was popular with many of its other customers, the airline will be reviewing the opportunity to reintroduce a modified version that gives customers more options while ensuring Medallion members continue to receive their preferred seating options.
Customers on Northwest-operated flights continue to be offered "choice seats" for purchase, Talton said. Delta acquired Northwest Airlines on Oct. 29.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
