Just got 6 Platinum upgrade certificates for 2010. My wife and I talked about ways to use them and eventually settled on a trip to JNB. I've never been there, and I figure it would give me a chance to check out the suite seats in BE on the 777-200LR on the ATL-JNB leg.

I called the elite line w/credit card in hand and despite near complete flexibility on dates, the rep couldn't find any upgrade availability. She checked over 20 dates - some of which had no confirmed BusinessElite bookings - and nada.

Does anyone know if Delta even allows upgrades with miles or certs on this route? Is there any way for me to search myself using the web site?

Seems odd as I was ready to drop near $8K on two upgradeable coach tickets only to be stymied. If someone walks into my business with that kind of cash in hand, I would find a way to complete the transaction...

Ken

UG's are allowed, but DL is tight on availability. You might want to take out an expertflyer.com subscription for $99/yr to set up email alerts that would allow you to book the tix when UG space becomes available.

Those dates didn't happen to be in June, around the World Cup events, did they?

ExpertFlyer is the trick. I checked a random week and found six upgrade seats on the ATL-JNB non-stop.

when did you get your 6 PMU's? I'm plat but qualified for DM and now I'm wondering when I get to choose my choice benefits

Heh, I did tell the rep to avoid anything in June. Was well aware of the World Cup!

Thanks for the tips on expert flyer. Was able to find a few dates with outbound availability. Return availability looks good.

As for my upgrade certs, just got them in the past week.

Ken

Glad you had some luck, and further that you returned to tell us about it.

Yes, the award calendar is insufferable, but awards (reward tickets and upgrades) are still to be had. Enjoy South Africa.