Had a conversation with the DM line today about how to use regional upgrades. Here's the summary of what we discussed:
- RUs have a higher priority than complimentary upgrades.
- Regional upgrades are on a separate upgrade list than complimentary ones.
- A DM on the RU standby upgrade list has a higher priority than a PM, regardless of fare paid, etc.
- You can call to use an RU up to an hour before departure. Recommendation is to call at least 90 minutes before.
- You only burn an RU if you get a seat in FC.
- You could wait until DL processes the complimentary upgrade list at your window to see if you got a seat. If not, you could use an RU.
- If you call to use an RU after the upgrade window, you should ask the agent to take you off the complimentary upgrade list so the computer doesn't put you in the wrong priority for an upgrade.
I'm thinking that the RUs are a good plan B if you don't get an early upgrade on Medallion heavy routes. This is especially true when FCM is in play and DL is waiting until 48 hours or so before departure to do upgrades.
Considering how DL manages FCM on transcon routes and other heavy Medallion ones, you're not going to find RU cert seats when you buy a ticket. The standby list will most likely be in play with DMs trumping PMs with higher priority and more RUs to burn.
If anyone knows how the RU standby list prioritizes upgrades in greater detail like time of request or other tie-breakers, please post.