ClipperDelta

Actually, I get the info from expertflyer.com. Full 'premium' service costs about $10/month but I think they have an option for $5/month that allows you a more limited number of queries. Expertflyer.com has been quite invaluable to me as it is the only website that allows me to check "Z" upgrade availability on DL using PMUs or miles (for international upgrade availability), in addition to upgrade availability on a number of other airlines that I frequent (e.g., AA)

Brian286

Another question.

In your experience when do they start opening up the waitlist? Is there a maximum amount of people who get on the waitlist? Also, when should I begin to doubt whether or not it will happen?

Brian286

J9 D9 I9 which suggests very decent availability;

So what exactly does this mean?

ClipperDelta

You will hate this answer: It depends. It depends on whether inventory is 'moving' or not as we get closer to flight time. FLights to/from CDG, I've found, usually don't start opening up again for waitlist clearing until a few days before (if you didn't get them the first time round, which is usually a few months ahead). Other 'easier-to-get' flights such as JFK-FRA or JFK-AMS or JFK-TXL generally open back up sooner (if they were ever closed in the first place). If your flight remains at J9D9I9 for a pretty long time, then I'd say that your chances are very good. If for example your flight is at J9D9I4 a week before or a few days before, you should probably also clear as a PM. Another clue that almost always works - if there is no "I" class availability, that usually also means that there will be no upgrade availability either.

It means that there are at least 9 seats available in each of those fare classes (J = full fare business; D = discounted Business; I = deeply discounted Business). J9D9I9 could mean that there are 9 or 30 seats available in Business to sell. Once it goes below 9, you will usually see the real number of seats available - e.g., J4 D4 I0 or J4 D0 I0 means there are probably about 4 seats left for sale (someone from DL reservations can correct me if I'm wrong)

Brian286

So I talk to several customer service today about my upgrade.

Outbound from ATL-FRA on DL 20 is still showing availability in BizE J7D7 but now I shows 0.

So since I have time to burn I start asking questions. Agent said I might clear and might not. Then he puts me on hold to get further clarification. Comes back on and says the ATL-FRA is always filled with govt' officials and they will fly the Biz cabin with empty seats prior to upgrading PM's with certificates.

He finds availability on my return through JFK but I avoid JFK like the plague. For the heck of it I hold to be transferred to ticket reissue. Knowledgeable lady says that the cabin is more than 1/2 empty each way and they will upgrade PM's if there's room and suggest that I should just stick with what I have and let time work it out that the upgrade will most likely happen.

So who's telling the truth? Govt' officials through ATL to FRA? Sounds weird to me.

Brian286

Update...

My return segment cleared the waitlist on 2/21/07 and my return cleared today.

Thanks for everyone's info...

skchin

Have you ever gotten an upgrade on CO metal flights as DL Elite? I know there is no reciprocal aggreement but, I'm just hoping it happens more than never.

BamaVol

My personal record: never.

MM/PM widget

Chances are zero! No agreement equals no upgrade but you do get to pick a better seat and board when all the other elite members board for what that is worth. You may have to call CO and get them to add your DL number in order to be able to get the exit row seats etc.

cell7481

Just flew CO today and the chance is zero. FWIW though, I did get my luggage tagged with elite priority stickers that actually worked for a domestic flight!

tonerman

I got an upgrade years ago on a IAH- lax flight. but nothing in the last few years

IRISHFLYER1

Flying first time with continental next Tuesday (20th) as Delta had no flights from IAH to OKC. Booked it online for only €65 ($80), which I thought was cheap

It seems to me that the website recognised my Skyteam Elite status from my Delta number, as it gave me access to Priority seating. Great to here that PMs get early boarding, was also about to post my own message about upgrade possibilities.

Hopefully won't get giving the full secutity grilling the last time I booked a US (non delta) internal flight over the Net

myk

not sure how much you've read, but a lot of CO elites don't even get an upgrade on CO metal - there's just not enough seats to go around.

i got lucky a few times as a GM getting upgraded on NW metal, but those DC9s and ARJ's had sooooooooo many first class seats...

nbarve

folks
traveling from SFO-RDU via LAX in a couple weeks - I am a Silver with DL and have requested Medallion upgrades for 3 of my 4 segments - do u think it would be a better idea to fly SFO-ATL-RDU instead for "up"ping my chances of a 1 day prior complimentary upgrade?
Thanks!!

oldtirednbusy

My thought would be you would have a better chance not going through Atlanta, especially if you are on a reduced fare.