Delta SkyMiles - SWU upgrade at gate

I know the SWUs are pretty useless. If I do not book M class or higher on an international flight (let's say I book cheap economy) and there are empty seats in BE at time of departure, will Delta upgrade the ticket with a SWU?

I know the SWUs are pretty useless. If I do not book M class or higher on an international flight (let's say I book cheap economy) and there are empty seats in BE at time of departure, will Delta upgrade the ticket with a SWU?

No way.

Sorry, not a chance. Best bet is to hope for an oversold economy cabin and an operational upgrade. (Rare, though more common in summer months.)

About as much chance as we have of DL fixing their Award Calendar

Well, it does happen if Y is oversold so an op-up is always a possibility. However, the op-ups will go to those with the highest elite status. Well, it's supposed to work that way anyway.

You can't use a SWU for an intl UG on anything less than an M fare.

Well, it does happen if Y is oversold so an op-up is always a possibility. However, the op-ups will go to those with the highest elite status. Well, it's supposed to work that way anyway.

You can't use a SWU for an intl UG on anything less than an M fare.

Right, so "no way" is still the accurate response to the OP.

I just flew back today DXB-ATL and BE was rather empty... 5 teenagers got up from Economy and just sat in BE... the attendants didn't turn them back and they actually stayed the whole flight and got BE food and everything (except the drinks :D). I got stuck with EC 31A which is the next best thing I guess.