kar don

Mainly going to be flying ATL-LAX 645pm friday night flight with sunday return... or ATL-SAN or ATL-BOS.

Are these heavy medallion routes for the weekend flyer? I am at 80k mqm this year and have a couple of transcons in dec but will not make it for diamond. You think I'll be ok at PM with Reserve card for making EUAs on these routes?

LALAland

As a PM out of ATL on these routes, you will be fine (I'd guess 70% except on L,U,Ts). I'd also highly recommend the DeltaReserve card -- it'll increase your UGs chances to 80% or better. With it; you will move to the top of your tier on the UG list. However, you still have to factor in the fare fare code.

You can also SDC with a confirmed UG to a earlier/later flight if you see better FC seat availability -- I do it all the time; I'd rather relax in the lounge for 2-3 hours than ride coach for 5 hours; but since you are going be a weekend flyer with short tur-arounds... the SDC may not be your best options... but I still think you'll be OK on the UGs.

Using these two methods I am at 100% ATL-LAX for the year for 9 flights.

CarolDisney1

I disagree with the earlier poster.

I am a PM with a Delta Reserve card flying the ATL/LAX route approximately every other month (rotating between LAX and SNA) My upgrades run less then 50%. I fly L,U,T however.


Prior to this job I flew higher fare classes on the same route and did run close to 100% but if you are flying "el cheapo" don't get your hopes up!

LALAland

Hense my warning re: L,U,T - also keep in mind the OP is traveling on weekends. The Friday will be harder than Sunday, obvioulsy. OP - consider Burbank, Long Beach or Orange County as well. Burbank will require a connection in SLC, but John Wayne has 5 daily non-stops.

CarolDisney1

John Wayne is actually harder IMHO. They use the smaller jets so a lot fewer seats for the "lottery" and there appears to be a good number of Elites. I was 2nd on the list this past Friday and did not clear for example.

I do better on LAX then John Wayne. (I am only doing the non-stops )

LegalTender

Me too.

I have the least luck on SFO-ATL returns on Sundays.

Maybe 65% on the ATL-LAX outbound.

apados

ATL-SAN is pretty medallion heavy as is ATL-SNA (I think a lot of people try SNA instead of LAX).

In terms of EUA, i think it will really depend on the fare class you end up purchasing. As a GM + Reserve, my UG% to ATL has been okay (I would guess in the 50-60% range). I generally get K fare or better because I purchase quite late, but there are a few LUTs mixed in there as well.

kar don

Thanks guys. Shooting to take the 645pm flight as it is a 777 with the lie flat seats ATL to LAX. Figure I can nap then be ready for my arrival at LAX!