The Official “I Got Upgraded” Thread: JFK-LAX/SFO/SEA
Jun 19, 2014, 2:47 pm
#811
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,007
Sounds like the flight was oversold in coach. You never know, JFK transcon "op-ups" might happen more frequently over the summer due to the higher number of leisure travelers, kids out of school, etc.
Jun 19, 2014, 7:26 pm
#812
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,373
there were about 8 OpUp beneficiaries of the oversell on 1542 (SEA-JFK redeye) when I last flew it about a month ago ... of course it was a 26F 757, and there were still nearly a dozen empty seats up front
Jun 24, 2014, 11:43 pm
#813
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
This is not an “official” policy change, but Delta is now offering occasional comp upgrades to its specially outfitted and serviced Business Elite cabins flying between New York JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
“Delta is handling this on a case by base basis,” Delta spokesperson Anthony Black told TravelSkills. “While the policy has not changed, we have now begun to award our top medallion customers upgrades on those flights during slower travel periods or as the operation permits.”
“Delta is handling this on a case by base basis,” Delta spokesperson Anthony Black told TravelSkills. “While the policy has not changed, we have now begun to award our top medallion customers upgrades on those flights during slower travel periods or as the operation permits.”
Today, I showed up and in the Sky Club, the agent asked me if I knew I was on the upgrade list. I said, no, I didn’t understand. She said it just started two days ago, likely due to so many complaints since those upgrades went away. From what I understand, the upgrades started June 20. Only diamonds and platinums are eligible, and only on paid fares (no upgrades for golds or silvers, and no upgrades on mileage tickets.) Nothing shows yet on the Delta website. Apparently, if you qualify, you’re placed on the upgrade standby list six hours before departure. I don’t know anything more about it than that, and I can’t find any info on the web about it
Jun 25, 2014, 1:07 am
#814
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
not exactly..... looks like upgrades are back, (well, sort of) for Diamonds and Platinum Medallions.
Jun 25, 2014, 1:18 am
#815
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
Ironically, looks like I'll easily qualify for Diamond this year; and the SO (who is usually the "lock") is lagging since cancellations of her J trips AMS-NBO-AMS, AMS-ICN-NRT-AMS, and AMS-MEX-AMS. But, I have a feeling, her travels will pick up next quarter. (and they better, since it's not really so great for our relationship when she is around so much.....
)Funny, about this upgrade program. Since "strange things," have been happening for me recently ex-AMS and ex-BOS on Delta. I'm not complaining; but let's say, I "think" Delta is really starting to "wake up" to the HVC concept.
Jun 25, 2014, 1:49 am
#816
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
If they bring this back for DM/PM that would be nice - but why not separate DM and PM more? I mean I don't really care because as a DM I would clear before a PM, but this would better emulate AA in their EXP complimentary UG's only.
Jun 25, 2014, 2:42 am
#817
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
Heck, why not make Diamond more and more "special." Then, at least, people can complain about SkyMiles but at least admit that "top tier" is "really" "top tier."
A simple differentiation (from Platinum) like Diamond Medallions get Global Upgrades and TransCon upgrades would be a strong selling point. I "think" you just need to modify the AMEX waiver program and MQD requirements. Perhaps, AMEX waiver at $50K or MQD requirement of $25K for Diamond Medallion. I hardly think Delta is going to offer (more and more) "special perks" to Diamond Medallions with the current relatively low qualification requirements.
Jun 25, 2014, 5:54 am
#818
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NYC
Programs: DL DM, AA PLT, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,056
The point is well taken.
Heck, why not make Diamond more and more "special." Then, at least, people can complain about SkyMiles but at least admit that "top tier" is "really" "top tier."
A simple differentiation (from Platinum) like Diamond Medallions get Global Upgrades and TransCon upgrades would be a strong selling point. I "think" you just need to modify the AMEX waiver program and MQD requirements. Perhaps, AMEX waiver at $50K or MQD requirement of $25K for Diamond Medallion. I hardly think Delta is going to offer (more and more) "special perks" to Diamond Medallions with the current relatively low qualification requirements.
Heck, why not make Diamond more and more "special." Then, at least, people can complain about SkyMiles but at least admit that "top tier" is "really" "top tier."
A simple differentiation (from Platinum) like Diamond Medallions get Global Upgrades and TransCon upgrades would be a strong selling point. I "think" you just need to modify the AMEX waiver program and MQD requirements. Perhaps, AMEX waiver at $50K or MQD requirement of $25K for Diamond Medallion. I hardly think Delta is going to offer (more and more) "special perks" to Diamond Medallions with the current relatively low qualification requirements.
Jun 25, 2014, 6:17 am
#819
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA | CLT, formerly LHR & AMS (with just a bit of PSP)
Programs: BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, BonVoy Titanium, (soon former) Caesars7*, (former) Wynn Black, HR "Icon"
Posts: 8,172
Just my opinion, but if you are going to start giving out 6-8 Global Upgrades, and other "special" Diamond Medallion perks, $12,500 in yearly spend is too low (and potentially possible to "game," true... not an easy game... but, if you were to spend $12,500 in yearly flying and reap 8 upgrades worth $8K+++ + some RDMs + domestic upgrades + a few other "special perks," I'd say it would probably be worth your while....)
Jun 25, 2014, 7:07 am
#820
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BDL/HPN/JFK/FLL
Programs: DL Diamond Ham Sandwich
Posts: 1,051
not exactly..... looks like upgrades are back, (well, sort of) for Diamonds and Platinum Medallions.
Jul 3, 2014, 12:54 pm
#821
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,212
The point is well taken.
Heck, why not make Diamond more and more "special." Then, at least, people can complain about SkyMiles but at least admit that "top tier" is "really" "top tier."
A simple differentiation (from Platinum) like Diamond Medallions get Global Upgrades and TransCon upgrades would be a strong selling point. I "think" you just need to modify the AMEX waiver program and MQD requirements. Perhaps, AMEX waiver at $50K or MQD requirement of $25K for Diamond Medallion. I hardly think Delta is going to offer (more and more) "special perks" to Diamond Medallions with the current relatively low qualification requirements.
Heck, why not make Diamond more and more "special." Then, at least, people can complain about SkyMiles but at least admit that "top tier" is "really" "top tier."
A simple differentiation (from Platinum) like Diamond Medallions get Global Upgrades and TransCon upgrades would be a strong selling point. I "think" you just need to modify the AMEX waiver program and MQD requirements. Perhaps, AMEX waiver at $50K or MQD requirement of $25K for Diamond Medallion. I hardly think Delta is going to offer (more and more) "special perks" to Diamond Medallions with the current relatively low qualification requirements.
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“Delta is handling this on a case by base basis,” Delta spokesperson Anthony Black told TravelSkills. “While the policy has not changed, we have now begun to award our top medallion customers upgrades on those flights during slower travel periods or as the operation permits.” Which means the horror and frustration of being seated in coach when there are empty seats up front is now less likely. But not completely UN-likely.
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As long as this doesn't become official change, setting foot on TCON is silly when UA, AA, and even B6 have affordable premium class options.
Jul 3, 2014, 1:15 pm
#822
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: ATL/LAX
Programs: Delta Diamond 2MM, AA EXP
Posts: 703
Some of us make DM by Feb/Mar so yeah, i think the DM qualification is too low. I agree with Baccarat MQD should be at least $25k.
Jul 3, 2014, 8:43 pm
#823
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
Not so fast...
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“Delta is handling this on a case by base basis,” Delta spokesperson Anthony Black told TravelSkills. “While the policy has not changed, we have now begun to award our top medallion customers upgrades on those flights during slower travel periods or as the operation permits.” Which means the horror and frustration of being seated in coach when there are empty seats up front is now less likely. But not completely UN-likely.
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As long as this doesn't become official change, setting foot on TCON is silly when UA, AA, and even B6 have affordable premium class options.
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“Delta is handling this on a case by base basis,” Delta spokesperson Anthony Black told TravelSkills. “While the policy has not changed, we have now begun to award our top medallion customers upgrades on those flights during slower travel periods or as the operation permits.” Which means the horror and frustration of being seated in coach when there are empty seats up front is now less likely. But not completely UN-likely.
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As long as this doesn't become official change, setting foot on TCON is silly when UA, AA, and even B6 have affordable premium class options.
Jul 3, 2014, 9:30 pm
#824
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NYC
Programs: DL DM, AA PLT, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,056
I assume that's because either A). You roll over a lot miles or B). You fly a lot of J TATL/TPAC flights. It's funny to see international posters (Baccarat) say the MQD should be higher when MQDs means nothing to them anyways. It comes across as one wanting to limit DM's for their own benefit.
Last edited by clr4t8koff; Jul 3, 2014 at 10:17 pm
Jul 3, 2014, 9:45 pm
#825
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159