I fly weekly mainly SDF to CSG through ATL. Platinum medallion (almost Diamond).
I've noticed that my upgrade % recently has dropped. You think it's due to more people making Diamond as we get closer to the end of the year and they're bumping me down the list?
More people are hitting PM and DM towArds the end of the year, and people who are current PM and DM who aren't requalifying will hold status thru Feb of next year. I'd expect it to get worse until Jan 1, then level off until end of Feb, then get much better.
Rinse and repeat for next year.
Luckily as a KM I am at 100% this year. Sometimes though, I am a lowly PM and don't get the upgrade
I agree it seems like upgrades are a bit tougher towards the end of the year.
My only misses of the year as a PM have come in the past 8 weeks. I think FCM is also to blame. I've bought several A/P fares this year and have rarely done so in the past.
With that said, it also seems like some frequencies have disappeared. Especially from DCA where I live. I attribute it to the slot swap with US.
I fly weekly mainly SDF to CSG through ATL. Platinum medallion (almost Diamond).
I've noticed that my upgrade % recently has dropped. You think it's due to more people making Diamond as we get closer to the end of the year and they're bumping me down the list?
Apply for Delta Reserve, you will make Diamond AND you will go higher on the list it is a win win!
I fly weekly mainly SDF to CSG through ATL. Platinum medallion (almost Diamond).
I've noticed that my upgrade % recently has dropped. You think it's due to more people making Diamond as we get closer to the end of the year and they're bumping me down the list?
Always depends on airport/flt/day of week/time of day but the formula has been pretty consistent the past couple years...
reduced capacity + overload of PM/DM through next Feb + FCM + IROPs + more pax buying disc F = fewer F seats available for UG = wfbf
I'm a perfect example of this. I'll hit DM next month and as someone who only buys Y for personal I found myself buying F for a Christmas trip as it was only $100 more each way.
Past 2 months, wife (GM) & I (DM) are 17 out of our last 18, including 4 transcons, 2 awards, and an AS. All but 3 of them cleared before 24h. So obviously YMMV.
SDF is an unusual market. Coach fares tend to be high but FC fares tend to be on the low side. I fly to the west coast monthly from SDF and find the difference in fare is usually $100-150 each way. Since many of my flights involve red-eyes on the return it is worth it to me to lock down a choice FC seat for that price. Even as a DM, I find myself buying up from SDF. As a side note, of all the airports I frequent (my flights ALWAYS involve connecting through hubs) SDF is the WORST for Gate Lice!
