Originally Posted by
JayTeaBee
I normally fly out of PWM or BOS. From everything I’ve read International Long Haul upgrades are pretty much gone. It sounds like if you book in the 3 highest fares (BYM?) then you at least have the option of attempting to upgrade at the gate for 25k miles. Is there any other way around this to get an upgrade on a long haul intl flight? What do they do if there are unsold seats?
Hi! I'm also a Boston based flyer. Well, actually AMS based. But, sometimes I'm really not so sure.
Actually, just flew DL230 last night, BOS-AMS and cleared the upgrade list with one seat (might have been two, but the upgrade list was a bit elusive), was #1 on the upgrade list from the night before (at OLCI). Used an SWU, was flying on an M-fare. But, SWUs are a thing of the past (though, 25K miles yields the same result; but with less consistency on the upgrade "moving automatically" to the gate).
With all of this being said; the only real status of value, IMO, for Delta now is Diamond Medallion (I'm at 71K MQMs as of today; and on track for mid-fall Diamond Status). The GUC (Global Upgrade Certificates), of which you get 4 are the most valuable Delta Medallion perk. Usable for all international routes, lowest fare class applicable (except "E-class"), and can be used with a companion on the same route. We will have 8 in our family (myself and my SO); we value these 1000€ to 1500€/each. If there is anyway you can swing it (especially this year, with the full RDMs on low fares); I would shoot for obtaining Diamond Status before 31 December 2014. It should pay off nicely. (note : I have a waiver on MQDs, though this wouldn't really be an issue in my case; I use a European AMEX product, but for membership rewards points; and no MQM bumps)
Delta has been experimenting with OLCI upgrades (and kiosk upgrades) to BusinessElite; but it's rather rare right now. KLM will sell you an upgrade (pending seats) on almost any Delta flight that departs from AMS. Prices vary, kiosk and OLCI is always less expensive.
Unfortunately, the flights are pretty full; so these promo cash upgrades can often be rare on flights like BOS-AMS that are quite full (especially, until the 2nd daily flight comes online in the next few weeks).
In any event, seems like you have a good attitude about the "status thing," so wishing you well on your quests.
Personally, it would be more lucrative (from a lifestyle/leisure perspective) to gain status at Mohegan Sun (with a targeted "smart" plan) than on Delta; for a New England based individual. But, that is a bit apples to oranges, and slightly "tongue in cheek!"
