[Zappin!]

Originally Posted by phauxpaw

I was shocked to check in today for my flight tomorrow on Delta for the Thanksgiving holiday. Even though I'm a Gold Medallion flier, for the first time ever, with no warning, Delta apparently has instituted a brand new $29 fee just to choose any kind of decent seat, other than the seat they auto-assigned me to at the back of the plane. I'm sorry, but if you're going to gouge even your best, most-loyal fliers like this, what kind of business is that? I'm not sure there's much that can be done to fight these kinds of new nickle-&-dime strategies. But I assure you I will take these fees into consideration, as I do baggage and other fees, in choosing future flight options.

The fee is for exit row and priority seating. Priority seats are windows and aisle seats towards the front of the airplane. I'm sure you are familiar with exit row seating. As a Gold, Platinum or Diamond Medallion member, you are not charged for the priority or exit row seats; in fact, before selling them, priority seats were reserved exclusively for SkyPriority. Gold Medallions have always been eligible for up to three free checked bags. You can also fly same day confirmed for free. Delta hardly charges fees to Medallion members!

It's possible that the reason why you were prompted a charge, and were not assigned a better seat might have been because your frequent flyer number with Gold status was not in your record. Always check to make sure it's added in there before paying a fee! You can do it your self on a kiosk, or just see an agent working the SkyPriority line.