Regional Upgrade Certificates
Jul 10, 2014, 2:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: MBS
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM HH Gold Marriott Gold IHG Spire
Posts: 183
Regional Upgrade Certificates
I just called the Platinum line to inquire if I could use RUCs to upgrade my flight from MBS to HNL. Was told no. On Delta's website, it states that they can be used between Hawaii and LAX, SEA, SFO, or SLC. I am connecting in LAX. Is the reason that I can't use the certificates because I am originating from MBS? Thanks..
Jul 10, 2014, 3:04 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,859
I just called the Platinum line to inquire if I could use RUCs to upgrade my flight from MBS to HNL. Was told no. On Delta's website, it states that they can be used between Hawaii and LAX, SEA, SFO, or SLC. I am connecting in LAX. Is the reason that I can't use the certificates because I am originating from MBS? Thanks..
David
Jul 10, 2014, 5:07 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, AA EXP, UA Silver, former DL DM
Posts: 2,001
+1
Only 1 RUC should be required to upgrade all segments of MBS-XXX-LAX-HNL unless there is a broken fare involved. SWUs, GUCs, RUCs, and mileage upgrade awards apply to all segments in the same direction of travel (e.g., outbound or return). See RUC T&C excerpt below, with relevant text bolded (per http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...ficates.html):
This certificate is valid for upgraded one-way travel on Delta Air Lines and certain Delta Connection® operated flights in markets where Medallion Complimentary Upgrades are available including eligible Delta or Delta Connection connecting flights, between the origin and destination of a ticketed fare for the named SkyMiles member or a travel companion pursuant to the terms and conditions of this offer. Only one companion per SkyMiles member may be upgraded on each flight segment. Any stopovers are governed by the fare rules, and an additional certificate will be required for broken fares.
Jul 10, 2014, 7:10 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: MBS
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM HH Gold Marriott Gold IHG Spire
Posts: 183
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to call back, but then I got to thinking..travel is 9/1, a holiday, to 9/4. Seat map is pretty open in first, which I know isn't reliable. The only upgrades I really care about are HNL-LAX and HNL-DTW on the 4th. The former because it's a lie flat and the latter because it's a red-eye. I'm thinking that week will be business travel light because Monday is Labor Day. I haven't chosen my choice benefit yet. Thoughts?
Aug 20, 2014, 6:32 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 766
Need some advice on optimal strategy
Just had a business trip booked for Sept. that includes a long MSP-SAN segment. I have yet to claim my platinum benefit, and thinking I will take my 4 certificates and maybe use 2 on this trip.
My question is, should I wait until my platinum upgrade window passes to apply the certificate if there are open seats still, or immediately apply them. I do like to gamble and could gut my way through another coach run......I just don't want to "waste" a certificate if I would get a bump up, anyway.
thank you! If there is another thread that talks strategy, I would appreciate a link.
My question is, should I wait until my platinum upgrade window passes to apply the certificate if there are open seats still, or immediately apply them. I do like to gamble and could gut my way through another coach run......I just don't want to "waste" a certificate if I would get a bump up, anyway.
thank you! If there is another thread that talks strategy, I would appreciate a link.
Aug 20, 2014, 7:23 am
#7
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,193
You could call Delta and check if there is any upgrade availability with the certs for your flights, and if so could lock in the upgrade now.
That is generally a pretty elite heavy route so you may not get the normal medallion upgrade due to the high numbers of DMs in MSP.
That is generally a pretty elite heavy route so you may not get the normal medallion upgrade due to the high numbers of DMs in MSP.
Aug 20, 2014, 7:35 am
#8
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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WRONG. You do not need multiple RUCs/GUCs/SWUs for different segments if they are part of the same fare component.
Aug 20, 2014, 11:55 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,495
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to call back, but then I got to thinking..travel is 9/1, a holiday, to 9/4. Seat map is pretty open in first, which I know isn't reliable. The only upgrades I really care about are HNL-LAX and HNL-DTW on the 4th. The former because it's a lie flat and the latter because it's a red-eye. I'm thinking that week will be business travel light because Monday is Labor Day. I haven't chosen my choice benefit yet. Thoughts?
Aug 20, 2014, 12:09 pm
#11
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Posts: 100,404
MSP-SAN and vv has always been a tough upgrade, although this depends on the day of the week and flight time. Unless you're flying on Saturday morning, I wouldn't take the risk as a PM, especially on an A320 with only 12 FC seats (which IIRC is the aircraft DL was using on this route the last time I flew it).
Depending on your fare class, you could try to upgrade with miles if space is available in advance and save those precious RUCs (or take a different choice benefit) but remember that officially upgrades with miles must be processed in advance and not on the day of travel at the gate.
Depending on your fare class, you could try to upgrade with miles if space is available in advance and save those precious RUCs (or take a different choice benefit) but remember that officially upgrades with miles must be processed in advance and not on the day of travel at the gate.
Aug 20, 2014, 12:48 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,859
MSP-SAN and vv has always been a tough upgrade, although this depends on the day of the week and flight time. Unless you're flying on Saturday morning, I wouldn't take the risk as a PM, especially on an A320 with only 12 FC seats (which IIRC is the aircraft DL was using on this route the last time I flew it).
David
Aug 20, 2014, 2:26 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 766
MSP-SAN and vv has always been a tough upgrade, although this depends on the day of the week and flight time. Unless you're flying on Saturday morning, I wouldn't take the risk as a PM, especially on an A320 with only 12 FC seats (which IIRC is the aircraft DL was using on this route the last time I flew it).
Depending on your fare class, you could try to upgrade with miles if space is available in advance and save those precious RUCs (or take a different choice benefit) but remember that officially upgrades with miles must be processed in advance and not on the day of travel at the gate.
Depending on your fare class, you could try to upgrade with miles if space is available in advance and save those precious RUCs (or take a different choice benefit) but remember that officially upgrades with miles must be processed in advance and not on the day of travel at the gate.
From some other reading, sounds like these book into the mile upgrade inventory; any easy way to check that inventory without calling?
Aug 20, 2014, 2:27 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 766
Excellent tip as my trip is actually FSD-MSP-SAN-MSP-FSD. My FSD-MSP segments pretty much always clear, so this may come in handy in the future.
Aug 20, 2014, 5:02 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Jose, CA
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 2,874
On two occasions this year, I have tweeted @DLAssist after boarding my first flight to apply my RUC. If it looks like I'll clear on the first leg but it's looking questionable for the long/important leg then I'll just take the comp upgrade for the first leg. After it has cleared and I'm seated, then I'll apply the RUC to the second leg to move up the list.