Originally Posted by
PacificTwo
While you can't use DL miles to upgrade, you can use cash (or NZ airpoints) to bid on standby upgrades (Oneup in NZ branding).
Check the NZ forum thread for details and successful bids, but note you can only use these to upgrade one class of service. So if you have booked coach, you will only be able to upgrade to premium economy.
But PE on Air New Zealand is quite nice, almost the equivalent of many J seats, no?