We are thinking of giving this a try. Based on what I read on DL's site, and on FT, I was unsure whether I could buy the ticket directly from AF.com or whether it needed to be a codeshare purchased from DL. com.

I called Delta to ask about this and they told me that it could only be a DL.com ticket number (contradicting what others have said on this board). I am actually traveling beyone CDG, and DL is WAY more expensive than AF, so obviously I want to purchase from AF. I only care about upgrading the US to CDG segment.

Also, she stated that the upgrade could only happen on flights on which DL has a codeshare. So, I am guessing that if she was incorrect about the DL.com thing, I still can't purchase a ticket that is from, say, ORD to CDG as there are no codeshares on this route.

Can anyone please help me figure out how I can verify this information. The W fares on NON REFUNDABLE when purchased from AF.com, so I am SOL if I do it wrong.

I purchased on AF and had the ticket reissued to DL stock. Worked fine, and I saved a bit.

Sorry, but I was wondering if it is possible to have to done opposite? I have a DL ticket, can I get it reissued to an AF ticket stock?
My problem here is that DL's W class seems to be not recognized by nearly all other ST programs. Also it looks like DL did not yet inform ST if this ticket is upgradable within the ST upgrade awards program. I am with OK+ program, and upon calling they do not recognize this class and thinks that it is a lowly Eco ticket.

Cheers!

I don't think W-class is upgradable with ST miles at all. Only AF and DL have an agreement, haven't heard anything that this was extended to other ST members.

I think this is the case. Unfortunately, using OK miles, you will probably need to buy a full-Y fare.

From what I've read, it's not even upgradable with DL (or FB) miles, only with a SWU.

My sucess in using SWU for AF upgrades to Business
 

I have successfully upgraded on two round trips itineraries on AF from Premium Economy to Business and one of those itineraries included a traveling companion -- so I've used 6 SWUs for this. The first time (booked on AF.us but upgraded on the phone with Delta after much confusion) my outgoing flights completely disappeared from my itinerary 48 hours before departure. After working on it, the DL International Reissue Desk called me back three hours later with three alternatives, the Business seats were no longer available on the original flight. One of the alternatives (on KLM metal) was fine and we left IAD and arrived in Rome within 2 hours of our original times. Except for the initial hold times for consulting with a supervisor and confusion in using the SWU and the initial panic over a the disappearing reservation (I was flying with my boss), everything turned out fine.

The second time I used a different strategy to get around Delta.com's inability to find and book AF's lowest Premium Economy fares. I found the flight availability I wanted on the AF and ExpertFlyer web sites, noted the dates, flight numbers and fare basis and called the Diamond Desk to book. Although at first the system only showed the agent the higher Delta.com fares, she was able to quickly and easily force the system to find the flights, fares codes and fares I had found at the AF.us site She then issued the tickets, upgraded with my SWU e-certs and I was on my way with no hassle, no waiting and no confusion. Within 24 hours, I was then able to go to the AF site, pick my seats and even do T-30 hour check-in and seat selection for the non Trans-Atlantic flights.

I would recommend the second approach to anyone trying to upgrade from Premium Economy to Business on AF using SWUs.

This availability has really put the value back into the SWUs for me. It means I can once again get into Business class using a SWU and at the price point of a PMNW upgradeable fare. It is of course for now limited to AF, but I don't mind since I am in the minority (on this Board at least) that likes AF and even CDG ... I know that makes me a heretic. :p

Both of my upgraded W flights on AF were booked thru Delta directly. I did first call AF to make sure the flights I was interested in had upgraded buckets.

Plus, you have the 24 hour cancellation with Delta, but not with AF.

Im trying to use my SWU's for the first time on AF. Im finding it difficult to locate "O" bucket fares any more than a month or so in advance. I see quite few on Expertflyer for SEA-CDG in Jan & Feb, but they disappear in March. Im trying to plan ahead for a trip in May...
Anyone have experience on how far out AF makes the 'O' buckets available?

after 90 minutes on the platinum line i was able to use 2 SWU to upgrade from W to O class today. The first agent was confused and kept trying to upgrade me from Y to PE on AF for an incredible fare of 4087 USD. I hang up after 30 mins and called back, a much nicer agent agreed its relatively new and she never did this before. I was able to give her the flight# and told her on which flights are O buckets. I was watching my PNR live to see what she did and told her any changes. She first didnt found the A class, then a minor problem to apply an e-credit, after 52 minutes the ticket was issued and the SWU redemption took less than a minute to upgrade into business. She was even able to reserve seats on the TATL legs.

I have a DL ticket with AF flight numbers mixed with DL flight numbers for domestic legs. Important to know the PE class should be A to get the lowest booking class. The domestic leg was DL full Y, cleared immediately into First upon ticketing.

TXL-CDG-ATL-SAN/LAX-CDG-TXL for 1643 USD :-) TATL in business.

Thank you Delta !

Are we able to use SWUs to upgrade from W to O on LAX-PPT (assuming availability)? The TOCs state TATL flights but that it is valid on AF flights with the Y+ cabin (which LAX-PPT has).

I believe it's all flights covered by the JV. LAX-PPT is covered IMO, but this question has been coming up many times. You can do a W-class booking, call and if the answer is 'no' then cancel the booking again.

Thanks! Now I just need to find O on the flight. Easier said than done it seems...:D

I want to be certain I understand the second technique. You booked on delta.com flights on Air France metal. Did the reservation show Delta flight numbers, ie., as codeshares? Then, having a set of Delta codeshare flights on Air France metal, you call SMS and do the upgrade, right?

If anyone can shed light on this it would be highly appreciated.