Originally Posted by
mcjava
not quite true. The rule was (and is until the new rule kicks in) that if you had not cleared into Z by check-in, you could not get on a wait list.
I have one 2 different occasions called 3 days before, 2 days before, 1 day before a NRT-ATL flight booked in M and not had the Z clear. Then, day of, 7 hours before the flight, I called in again and got it cleared.
Just want to avoid misinformation
You are technically correct. If Z inventory opens you can clear into that seat at any time; but, to be honest, that is rare.
What I mean is that, absent Z inventory, Delta will not upgrade Medallions at the gate on day-of-departure regardless of the number of empty seats up front.