"Elite Heavy" Routes
Jan 19, 2010, 11:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 88
"Elite Heavy" Routes
As a fairly new medallion member, I have been a little frustrated at the number of people ahead of me on the upgrade list thusfar but I understand that is part of the game.
Many of the routes I have been flying are probably considered "elite heavy". However, as a fairly new frequent traveler, I am generally unfamilar with the routes that are considered "elite heavy." I know most routes from hub to hub will generally fit this description but I was curious, what other routes fit the bill?
I did a search and didn't find any recent threads on this besides some passing references to various routes so I thought I'd open a new discussion to get them all in one place. Thanks for your thoughts!
Many of the routes I have been flying are probably considered "elite heavy". However, as a fairly new frequent traveler, I am generally unfamilar with the routes that are considered "elite heavy." I know most routes from hub to hub will generally fit this description but I was curious, what other routes fit the bill?
I did a search and didn't find any recent threads on this besides some passing references to various routes so I thought I'd open a new discussion to get them all in one place. Thanks for your thoughts!
Jan 19, 2010, 11:47 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ATL
Programs: DL - PM (Sky Priority);HH - Gold; Marriott - Silver; National - Executive; DL Reserve AMEX
Posts: 5,234
Well, given that you are a Silver Medallion and in a VERY large market (LAX), get used to being at the back of a long list.
Sorry, but it's just life.
And from LAX, the "elite heavy" routes are, as you would expect:
LAX-ATL (which I imagine is nearly impossible)
LAX-JFK (which is probably tough, but can be found now and then)
I bet those are the only two "elite heavy" routes from LAX. I don't imagine LAX-SLC is that tough. My wife was upgraded last year as a Silver on LAX-FLL and we're keeping our fingers crossed for upgrades (now as Golds...) on LAX-MCO next week.
Either way, welcome to Medallion status, enjoy the better seats (i.e. exit rows and/or bulkheads) and the priority boarding.
Sorry, but it's just life.
And from LAX, the "elite heavy" routes are, as you would expect:
LAX-ATL (which I imagine is nearly impossible)
LAX-JFK (which is probably tough, but can be found now and then)
I bet those are the only two "elite heavy" routes from LAX. I don't imagine LAX-SLC is that tough. My wife was upgraded last year as a Silver on LAX-FLL and we're keeping our fingers crossed for upgrades (now as Golds...) on LAX-MCO next week.
Either way, welcome to Medallion status, enjoy the better seats (i.e. exit rows and/or bulkheads) and the priority boarding.
Jan 19, 2010, 11:48 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
This has been discussed a few times in the past year, but I tried to search for the threads and could only find this one: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...rade-list.html
IME, it's not so much the routes as much as the timing of the flight. When I fly mid-afternoon, other than Thursday, an UG is almost a given. (Although I'm PM.) Monday mornings and Thursday afternoon/evening are difficult for UGs, even for PM.
IME, it's not so much the routes as much as the timing of the flight. When I fly mid-afternoon, other than Thursday, an UG is almost a given. (Although I'm PM.) Monday mornings and Thursday afternoon/evening are difficult for UGs, even for PM.
Jan 19, 2010, 11:51 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: DL DM MM (fmr NW Plat), BA GGL/CCR, Aegean Gold, WorldClubs Life, SPG Plat, Hyatt Plat, HHonors Dmnd
Posts: 1,409
LAX-JFK surprisingly isn't horrible. (It's not great, but certainly not as bad as e.g. SFO-DTW). LAX-DTW is also really bad, LAX-MSP not quite as bad.
Jan 20, 2010, 12:05 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Auckland, NZ/New York, NY/ATL
Programs: DL DM MM, BIS 2.4MM, EK Gold, SQ Gold, Marriott Gold, HH Gold,
Posts: 5,222
Yea LAX-JFK is not bad AT ALL compared to LAX-ATL. In over 20 trips I have never missed a LAX-JFK upgrade on a L,U,T fare.
Jan 20, 2010, 5:26 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Some place in this wonderful world (usually at 39,000 ft in seat 1C)
Programs: CO Gold Elite / NW Gold Elite
Posts: 13,747
Jan 20, 2010, 5:37 am
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
A couple of years ago, on a mid-day MSP-DCA flight as a Plat on a government Y fare, I was #18 on the gate upgrade list. I don't know how many Plats or elites were on board, but this is the worst I've personally experienced. I think it was a 320, but it could have been DC-9 50 series; either would have 16 FC seats. I don't remember the day of the week, probably Tuesday or Wednesday; I know it wasn't Friday/Saturday/Sunday.
I do this route every several times a year and this is the only time I haven't been upgraded--in fact, before the day of the flight. In the past, I've even been successful about half the time when I ask for companion upgrades at the gate because I see someone I know on my flight.
I do this route every several times a year and this is the only time I haven't been upgraded--in fact, before the day of the flight. In the past, I've even been successful about half the time when I ask for companion upgrades at the gate because I see someone I know on my flight.
Last edited by MSPeconomist; Jan 20, 2010 at 5:45 am Reason: add details
Jan 20, 2010, 6:15 am
#13
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Providence, RI
Programs: DM , MM ,Natl-Exec Elite,HH diamond,SPG gold
Posts: 373
never missed an upgrade 2009 (somewhere between 95-100 segs) except my last flight of the year, LGA-MSP,Monday night, flying on a B fare, late purchase and check in but there were 18 ahead of me. LGA tough for the 5 day upgrade but never been further than #2 on the wait list.
That was hard to believe that there were 18 plats ahead of me on B or Y.
That was hard to believe that there were 18 plats ahead of me on B or Y.
Jan 20, 2010, 6:23 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EP, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 1,001
Yes, it's definitely a timing thing. I hear alot about DCA-ATL and vice versa being a tough upgrade but I was gold last year and went 100% this route. The difference is (I believe) that when everyone is flying into DCA on Monday Mornings I'm leaving and then when everyone else is leaving DCA to go home, I'm flying into DCA.