Years back I flew Delta lots and rarely was able to get an upgrade at my medallion level. Always tremendous amounts of people on the upgrade list.

Last year I flew one Delta flight from LGA-FLL I bought a first class ticket for $285 one way....Easy, no luggage fees etc.

The day we left there were 34 people standing by on this flight for upgrades....No holiday, not a weekend, no flight cancellations. I asked the lady at the counter if it is always this busy and she said "This is quiet day".

This is all marketing spin....and will be VERY difficult or impossible to ever use.

This partnership is not my favourite. That said I am a One World flyer so this comes as no surprise.

Safe travels to all.