I tried to find a relevant thread. I am flying SFO to TPA on a direct flight (connects through ATL), DL 1680 next Monday (5 days out). I'm a PM and the SFO-ATL upgrade is waitlisted, but the ATL-TPA shows upgrades available.

I called the DL customer support and inquired if I can be upgraded on the available ATL-TPA segment. I was told that nothing can be done as this is a direct flight. They actually used a different term, I believe it was a "constructed" itinerary (sorry I didn't write it down).

However, a supervisor offered to put me on an earlier SFO-ATL flight, so I can connect and be upgraded on the ATL-TPA segment. I declined, as 1) I would still be waitlisted on the SFO-ATL earlier flights, 2) I would have a longer connection in ATL and 3) lose my exit row seat. I'll just take my chances with the original flight.

Nonetheless, I was surprised that he was willing to change my flight, without penalty. I thanked him for the offer.

BTW - when I checked the first class seat maps 6 days out, it showed 17 (of 26) seats available. At 5 days, it went down to 6 seats. As reported, an obvious elite heavy route.