Need help using SWU
Jul 28, 2012 | 2:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 26
Need help using SWU
I am Delta platinum (had few flights on business class for work last year) and have 4 SWU certificate expiring in Nov.
My Mom would be flying from Mumbai, India to Phx, arizona in early Aug and would like to use the SWU certificate to upgrade her. Her return date would be in 1st week of Feb.
I have 184K miles but don't mind paying for the ticket and upgrade using SWU. Which class ticket should I search for to use the SWU certificate for upgrading international segment to business class (From Bom to Europe and Europe to US).
Even though my upgrade certificate expires in Nov, can I use them now to upgrade her for the return travel which would be in Feb.
Appreciate any input from the experts.
My Mom would be flying from Mumbai, India to Phx, arizona in early Aug and would like to use the SWU certificate to upgrade her. Her return date would be in 1st week of Feb.
I have 184K miles but don't mind paying for the ticket and upgrade using SWU. Which class ticket should I search for to use the SWU certificate for upgrading international segment to business class (From Bom to Europe and Europe to US).
Even though my upgrade certificate expires in Nov, can I use them now to upgrade her for the return travel which would be in Feb.
Appreciate any input from the experts.
Jul 28, 2012 | 2:14 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Titanium, Nat'l EE, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 16,637
You cannot upgrade her using a SWU unless you are flying with her on the same reservation.
Jul 28, 2012 | 2:22 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,188
Recent thread on angst over using them:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...on-policy.html
Jul 28, 2012 | 2:35 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 26
Called Delta and agent said that I can use SWU to upgrade my Mom without me travelling but the fare she gave me was significantly higher then normal. Based on the link you gave me, that agent did not know what she was talking about.
Jul 28, 2012 | 2:38 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
Take advantage of this. When you are ready to book, play phone roulette, meaning keep calling until you get the answer you want. You won't get any better fares though. Upgradeable fares are high.
Jul 28, 2012 | 2:42 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Titanium, Nat'l EE, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 16,637
May be redeemed for the named Medallion member and up to one travel companion in the same reservation.
15. Travel Companion Changes: Companions no longer traveling with the Medallion member after changing their itinerary are no longer eligible for upgrade pursuant to this certificate. The travel companion's reservation will be changed to reflect original coach class of service for the new itinerary.
15. Travel Companion Changes: Companions no longer traveling with the Medallion member after changing their itinerary are no longer eligible for upgrade pursuant to this certificate. The travel companion's reservation will be changed to reflect original coach class of service for the new itinerary.
Sounds like a surefire way to end up with a very expensive coach ticket. Go with the miles instead, either upgrading with them or buying an award ticket.
Last edited by javabytes; Jul 28, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Jul 28, 2012 | 2:47 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,188
To use a SWU, the person gas to be in the same reservation as the PM/DM.
If you purchase a YBM fare, you could use miles to upgrade if there is availability.
If you purchase a YBM fare, you could use miles to upgrade if there is availability.
Jul 28, 2012 | 3:10 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 17,194
You can't use an SWU for somebody else when you aren't flying. You can use miles to upgrade somebody else in this case.
The required fare class is M or higher, which is why you got a very expensive quote from the agent. The M fare is probably in the 3-4k+ range compared to the lowest coach ticket.
The required fare class is M or higher, which is why you got a very expensive quote from the agent. The M fare is probably in the 3-4k+ range compared to the lowest coach ticket.