Do FO ever get upgraded prior to 1-day?
Nov 2, 2012, 8:23 am
#16
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,776
While the rules are DM/PM T-5, GM T-3, FO T-1, they usually clear DM/PM T-6, GM T-4, FO T-2. They clear around 5pm EST. As others have said, upgrades only clear in advance where there is V inventory and in my experience this year V inventory quickly disappears after the DM/PM window. This doesn't mean people won't get gate upgrades, Delta is just holding back seats in hopes of selling them.
As you mentioned, the 757 is one of the best AC for getting upgrades. Avoid the A319/A320 because they have one of the smallest first cabins. Almost the size of an RJ!
The domestic 767 has 30 F seats, but they are somewhat cramped.
If you fly enough, Expert Flyer is your friend. It will show you inventory and if you keep an eye on how many preferred and Econ Comfort seats are filled you can usually gauge how many medallions are on a flight. You can't tell levels, but you can at least get an idea of competition for upgrades.
On other kicker for FO's. If a GM/PM or DM does a SDC to your flight, they can bump you down the UG list. On my only gate UG of the year I did this on a ATL-DCA flight and swiped the one and only UG. Sorry folks.
Nov 2, 2012, 9:43 am
#18
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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The window for FOs technically opens at around 6:00 p.m. EST two days before departure. If I am upgraded, it is usually around this time (I have only gotten 2 BFUGs, ever).
Yup. And they're probably not going to open it for FOs, either... they may release a few V spots, but they will almost certainly go to higher medallions. Then... to the battlefield and the wonders of SDC bumps down the list!
Yup. And they're probably not going to open it for FOs, either... they may release a few V spots, but they will almost certainly go to higher medallions. Then... to the battlefield and the wonders of SDC bumps down the list!
Nov 2, 2012, 9:45 am
#19
Suspended
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,621
Probably Not
Probably not, even on a Y fare. They will want everyone to check in first, and sell any F's that are open.