DL Platinum

Yes, you are out of luck. The topic of upgrades on international flights has been covered many times in this forum. Options are:

1. Pay for a business class ticket (Can sometimes be less than an "M" class fare)
2. Pay for a coach ticket in an "M" or higher fare class and use miles or an SWU
3. Get extraordinarily lucky and get an "OP-UP" (operational upgrade) (usually only given when they need your seat, but note, they typically work that starting with Diamonds, then Platinums, then Golds)

For information on fare basis's go here: http://www.cwsi.net/delta.htm

For an upgrade calculator go here: http://cwsi.net/mupc/

For a great tool to see Delta seats go here: http://www.benedelman.org/travel/dlseats/

HongKonger

Lot of misinformation in this thread. Let's clear it up.

Domestic UGs (including Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and some destinations in South America) can be had:

(1) Free, if there is space available. You'll clear at your window or at the gate. EXCEPTION: Hawaii, no free UGs there.
(2) For miles or SWUs, from Y, B or M fares and usually from H, Q or K fares (but there are some destinations outside the US where those 3 aren't UG eligible), if there is availability in the G bucket (for flights where the premium cabin is marketed as "first") or Z bucket (for flights where the premium marketed as "business").

International UGs (everywhere else not listed above) can be had:

(1) With miles or SWUs ONLY, from Y, B or M fares ONLY, and ONLY if there is Z bucket availability.

Miles or SWU UGs can be waitlisted on those fares if the appropriate UG bucket isn't available. SWU UGs can be processed at any time including at the gate, and on flights where there is a UG list for free UGs this will put you close to the top of the list (below only a higher medallion or the same level medallion on a higher fare). Waitlisted miles UGs can in theory be processed at the gate but usually aren't, and do not transfer to the free UG list.

On either domestic or international, if the flight is oversold, there is some chance that passengers in economy will be moved into the premium cabin. This is usually done starting with the highest medallions on the highest fares and then moving down. Don't expect this to happen often.

RRDD

Not to change the subject, but do people really pay $1000's extra for a 9 hour MSP-AMS flight, just to sit in BE? Maybe the Democrats are right; some people can certainly afford to pay more taxes.

sethmac86

wow fantastic info, many thanks!

I'm flying for work, but still in that case must follow travel rules... not sure what they are regarding M and higher fares.... Just out of principle I wouldn't spend $4K+ when I can get the same ticket for $1900. Guess I'll have to wait till I get some SWU certificates.

Also I have to attend a meeting a few hours after arrival and a good rest on the plane is critical in this situation.

sethmac86

Ok another question:

I have a flight I booked with miles when I was a silver, N ticket, on the following link http://www.cwsi.net/delta.htm it says that N fares "Coach Points Award - non-upgradeable - no mileage accrual on award tickets. Upgradeable for Diamond, Platinum, or Gold ONLY" yet it says "Not Upgrade Eligible" for me... is this an error or cause I purchased the ticket when I was a silver?

SuperG1955

Get an Rx for whatever works for you to relax and/or sleep. DO NOT take sleep meds before lights get delayed for a variety of reasons and you don't want to be medicated in those situations.

rylan

Shouldn't matter... your status would be reflected on the ticket. Its most likely the new "improved" website saying the wrong thing. Call up and have an agent either put int he upgrade request, or verify that it is already requested.

HongKonger

N (award) tickets are eligible for free UGs on domestic flights for DM, PM or GM. They're not UGable international.