Oct 15, 2016, 9:00 am
Last edit by: Utskicat
FEB 1, 2022 New GUC/RUC Inventory Rules
*****GUC*****
Flight has First Class
MC/C+ = Purchased
First = Last Seat J (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has DPS only
MC/C+ = Purchased
DPS = Last Seat (GUC=P / RUC=G) (Old Policy = RY)
Flight has D1 with no DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
D1 = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has D1 with DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
DPS = Last Seat (GUC=P / RUC=G) (Old Policy = RY)
D1 = OY @ T-24h15m
Flight has D1 with DPS
DPS = Purchased
D1 = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Note: If GUC applied to domestic flight, it has better inventory than RUC (better chance for D1 transcon or to Hawaii)
*****RUC*****
Flight has First Class
MC/C+ = Purchased
First = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has D1 with no DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
D1 = OY (no change in old policy = OY)
New Delta.com Upgrade Availability Indicators that appeared 2/1/22 and what they mean
Dom D1 Tag meaning:
Global Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Z (OY = 0 for RUC)
Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Z /or/ RUC in OY both available
Dom F Tag meaning:
Global Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Last Seat J (Z = 0 for RUC)
Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in last seat J /or/ RUC in Z both available
Example D1 Flights from JFK - LAX (flight numbers are fictitious)
DL 01
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J5 C4 D4 Z3
Hidden Availability: OY2
Website indicator: Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (2 RUC (OY) open, 3 GUC (Z) open)
DL 02
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J5 C4 D4 Z3
Hidden Availability: OY0
Website indicator: Global Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (OY) open, 3 GUC (Z) open)
DL 03
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z0
Hidden Availability: OY0
Website indicator: No flag - neither is available GUC (Z0) and RUC (OY0)
DL 04
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z1
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (1 RUC (Z) open, 3 GUC (J) open)
DL 05
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z0
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: Global Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (Z) open, 3 GUC (J) open)
DL 06
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J0 C0 D0 Z0
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: No flag - neither is available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (Z) open, 0 GUC (J) open)
Apparently Delta is using public inventory buckets J Z P G (and non-public bucket OY in some cases) to determine GUC/RUC availability. However once they have confirmed you the system converts the segment in your reservation to a different bucket. Here is the class mapping:
GUC Usage
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to DPS / P class needed / Books into RV (Clears at T-24.15 into D1 as OX if OY available)
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to D1 (no DPS) / Z class needed / Books into OK
DPS purchased / Upgrade to D1 / Z class needed / Books into OK
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to FC (no D1/DPS) / J class needed / Books into OV
RUC Usage
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to DPS / G class needed / Books into RX (Clears at T-24.15 into D1 as OX if OY available)
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to D1 (no DPS) / OY class needed / Books into OX
DPS purchased / Upgrade to D1 / OY class needed / Books into OX
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to FC (no D1/DPS) / Z class needed / Books into OL
PRE FEB 1, 2022 WIKI
More information and discussion about using same-day change after applying regional upgrades can be found in this thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-air-lines-skymiles/1709826-sdc-while-using-regional-upgrade-certificates-ruc-definitive-thread.html
While the RUC process is almost entirely opaque, there are a couple of "hints" of a correctly applied waitlist.
1a) When viewing a waitlisted segment on the DL.com web site (not the app), there may be two seat maps for the same flight. The first seat map shows the coach seat you are currently in, and the second seat map for the same flight says "you may not select seats for this flight" or something like that. This second seat map corresponds to a part of the waitlist process, and indicates that at least one step of the multi-step process to add an RUC waitlist was actually done. Unfortunately, this does NOT indicate that the other manual steps of the RUC waitlist process were successfully completed by the agent (i.e. even if you see the second seat map, there still could be something wrong. There is simply no way for the customer to tell.)
1b) The status for a waitlisted segment should say something like "Upgrade Waitlisted"
2) Assuming the waitlist does not clear prior to check-in, the second hint is the upgrade waitlist. If the RUC waitlist request was coded correctly, you should show up at or very near the top of the upgrade waitlist that you can see on DL.com or the app. If you find yourself at your "usual" spot on the upgrade waitlist, this is a clue that the RUC waitlist request was not coded correctly.
3) The RUC is a form of "payment". Until the RUC clears, it remains "unused" so a waitlisted RUC will still show in your wallet as "open".
You may also wish to peruse the wiki for the GUC success thread as some of the considerations/logistics are similar between RUCs and GUCs.
*****GUC*****
Flight has First Class
MC/C+ = Purchased
First = Last Seat J (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has DPS only
MC/C+ = Purchased
DPS = Last Seat (GUC=P / RUC=G) (Old Policy = RY)
Flight has D1 with no DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
D1 = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has D1 with DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
DPS = Last Seat (GUC=P / RUC=G) (Old Policy = RY)
D1 = OY @ T-24h15m
Flight has D1 with DPS
DPS = Purchased
D1 = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Note: If GUC applied to domestic flight, it has better inventory than RUC (better chance for D1 transcon or to Hawaii)
*****RUC*****
Flight has First Class
MC/C+ = Purchased
First = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has D1 with no DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
D1 = OY (no change in old policy = OY)
New Delta.com Upgrade Availability Indicators that appeared 2/1/22 and what they mean
Dom D1 Tag meaning:
Global Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Z (OY = 0 for RUC)
Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Z /or/ RUC in OY both available
Dom F Tag meaning:
Global Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Last Seat J (Z = 0 for RUC)
Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in last seat J /or/ RUC in Z both available
Example D1 Flights from JFK - LAX (flight numbers are fictitious)
DL 01
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J5 C4 D4 Z3
Hidden Availability: OY2
Website indicator: Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (2 RUC (OY) open, 3 GUC (Z) open)
DL 02
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J5 C4 D4 Z3
Hidden Availability: OY0
Website indicator: Global Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (OY) open, 3 GUC (Z) open)
DL 03
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z0
Hidden Availability: OY0
Website indicator: No flag - neither is available GUC (Z0) and RUC (OY0)
DL 04
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z1
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (1 RUC (Z) open, 3 GUC (J) open)
DL 05
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z0
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: Global Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (Z) open, 3 GUC (J) open)
DL 06
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J0 C0 D0 Z0
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: No flag - neither is available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (Z) open, 0 GUC (J) open)
Apparently Delta is using public inventory buckets J Z P G (and non-public bucket OY in some cases) to determine GUC/RUC availability. However once they have confirmed you the system converts the segment in your reservation to a different bucket. Here is the class mapping:
GUC Usage
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to DPS / P class needed / Books into RV (Clears at T-24.15 into D1 as OX if OY available)
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to D1 (no DPS) / Z class needed / Books into OK
DPS purchased / Upgrade to D1 / Z class needed / Books into OK
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to FC (no D1/DPS) / J class needed / Books into OV
RUC Usage
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to DPS / G class needed / Books into RX (Clears at T-24.15 into D1 as OX if OY available)
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to D1 (no DPS) / OY class needed / Books into OX
DPS purchased / Upgrade to D1 / OY class needed / Books into OX
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to FC (no D1/DPS) / Z class needed / Books into OL
PRE FEB 1, 2022 WIKI
More information and discussion about using same-day change after applying regional upgrades can be found in this thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-air-lines-skymiles/1709826-sdc-while-using-regional-upgrade-certificates-ruc-definitive-thread.html
The clock begins ticking on RUC expiration when you make your choice benefit selection, so it's possible to time your selection when there is a specific need to use them.You can select your 2017 choice benefit as soon as DL recognizes your Plat status. Certificates expire 12 months from date of issue. 2019 choice benefits (earned based on how much one flew in 2018) must be selected by Jan 31, 2020.- If you select certificates as your choice benefit late in your Medallion tenure, it will still be valid after your status expires -- so for example if you earn Platinum Medallion in 2018, which is valid through Jan 31, 2020, but then only earn Silver Medallion in 2019, which becomes effective Feb 1, 2020 when your Platinum Medallion status expires, RUCs selected in January 2020 would be valid through January 2021 and could be used once you were only a Silver Medallion member, giving you a much higher upgrade list position on those flights where you attempt to use them.
- If you request to use a RUC on a flight and do not receive the upgrade, it is returned to your account for future use, but check your account to make sure.
- RUC may be redeemed for the named Medallion member and up to one travel companion traveling on the same flight (the companion officially no longer needs to be in the same reservation, though that rule was not actually enforced even when it was the official rule). The named member and the companion will each require a separate certificate.
While the RUC process is almost entirely opaque, there are a couple of "hints" of a correctly applied waitlist.
1a) When viewing a waitlisted segment on the DL.com web site (not the app), there may be two seat maps for the same flight. The first seat map shows the coach seat you are currently in, and the second seat map for the same flight says "you may not select seats for this flight" or something like that. This second seat map corresponds to a part of the waitlist process, and indicates that at least one step of the multi-step process to add an RUC waitlist was actually done. Unfortunately, this does NOT indicate that the other manual steps of the RUC waitlist process were successfully completed by the agent (i.e. even if you see the second seat map, there still could be something wrong. There is simply no way for the customer to tell.)
1b) The status for a waitlisted segment should say something like "Upgrade Waitlisted"
2) Assuming the waitlist does not clear prior to check-in, the second hint is the upgrade waitlist. If the RUC waitlist request was coded correctly, you should show up at or very near the top of the upgrade waitlist that you can see on DL.com or the app. If you find yourself at your "usual" spot on the upgrade waitlist, this is a clue that the RUC waitlist request was not coded correctly.
3) The RUC is a form of "payment". Until the RUC clears, it remains "unused" so a waitlisted RUC will still show in your wallet as "open".
You may also wish to peruse the wiki for the GUC success thread as some of the considerations/logistics are similar between RUCs and GUCs.
Using Regional Upgrades on Delta (pre 2/1/2022)
Oct 7, 2019, 8:28 am
#1651
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MYR
Programs: spirit elite, MRgold Hilton Gold
Posts: 454
I'm struggling to find answers on this both searching the thread and on the google machine. Are regional Upgrades available to be used on flights from the US to Central America I.E. BZE or LIR ?
Oct 7, 2019, 1:12 pm
#1652
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,884
Here: https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...ades#available
Oct 7, 2019, 5:47 pm
#1653
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,046
Oct 7, 2019, 11:55 pm
#1654
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
Odd question (which I could not find with a search of this thread, but perhaps I am not using the correct keywords):
Can a RUC be applied to segment that you have already received a complimentary upgrade?
I have an upcoming SYR-ATL-SEA flight, and waitlisted a RUC on the ATL-SEA, not wanting to waste it if only the SYR-ATL is available. Its getting close to the Diamond upgrade window, and I think there is a good chance I will clear for SYR-ATL at that time. I may want to SDC to an earlier flight (in F), but I think that would require both legs to be upgraded by RUC (correct?). Do I just need to take the risk and add the certificate to all legs now? Or can I add it after a complimentary upgrade clears?
Can a RUC be applied to segment that you have already received a complimentary upgrade?
I have an upcoming SYR-ATL-SEA flight, and waitlisted a RUC on the ATL-SEA, not wanting to waste it if only the SYR-ATL is available. Its getting close to the Diamond upgrade window, and I think there is a good chance I will clear for SYR-ATL at that time. I may want to SDC to an earlier flight (in F), but I think that would require both legs to be upgraded by RUC (correct?). Do I just need to take the risk and add the certificate to all legs now? Or can I add it after a complimentary upgrade clears?
I'm sure it ended up on a list of Weird Stuff Medallions Do somewhere inside Delta.
Oct 8, 2019, 12:41 pm
#1655
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 289
@Zorak is right, I did that once: after a medallion upgrade cleared, I asked to be downgraded so I could apply a RUC (after checking that the RUC would clear immediately, of course).
I'm sure it ended up on a list of Weird Stuff Medallions Do somewhere inside Delta.
I'm sure it ended up on a list of Weird Stuff Medallions Do somewhere inside Delta.
Of course, I also got an agent who insisted that if I wanted to SDC change, the original purchased ticket fare needs to be available, not just any first seat for sale. I have yet to talk to a frontline diamond agent who knows that policy.
Oct 9, 2019, 7:18 am
#1656
Join Date: May 2013
Location: RMS
Programs: DL Plat, UA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Credit Card Diamond
Posts: 8,789
Thanks for the reply. I called the Diamond line and the agent pointed out that I could get into a situation where there was no RUC availability on the first leg, even if I got a complimentary upgrade. However slim, I decided to just extend the certificate to that leg (and it cleared immediately). If it was earlier in the year, I may not have done that, but I have few trips left where I will be able to use the RUC. Right now the second leg has 10 first class seats available, and the diamond window opens in a few hours, so we will see.
Of course, I also got an agent who insisted that if I wanted to SDC change, the original purchased ticket fare needs to be available, not just any first seat for sale. I have yet to talk to a frontline diamond agent who knows that policy.
Of course, I also got an agent who insisted that if I wanted to SDC change, the original purchased ticket fare needs to be available, not just any first seat for sale. I have yet to talk to a frontline diamond agent who knows that policy.
Oct 9, 2019, 11:48 am
#1657
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 154
Apologies for a question I'm sure has been asked & answered, but my "SDC" search turned up a huge number of results. I'm waitlisted for JFK-SFO using an RUC on 10/20, 9:40am flight. SFO is my final destination. Delta One is virtually sold out (as of now) and as it'll be my birthday I *really* want this upgrade (and probably shouldn't have scoffed at the FCM offer at $850). My original booking was Main Cabin (K) but auto-upgraded to C+ due to Platinum status. First question is, at 9:40 on 10/19 can I call and try to SDC to one of the later JFK-SFO flights, into D1 if the upgrade is available? If so, does there need to be a C+ seat available also for me to switch into first, or just another Main Cabin seat?
Second question, if this fails, is JFK-LAX-SFO something Delta will consider? Sounds like this depends on the agent on the platinum line when I call, so I might be hanging up and calling again that day.
Second question, if this fails, is JFK-LAX-SFO something Delta will consider? Sounds like this depends on the agent on the platinum line when I call, so I might be hanging up and calling again that day.
Last edited by GeminisTwin; Oct 9, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Oct 9, 2019, 12:14 pm
#1658
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: DL DM, National EE, Hertz PC, IHG PL, Bonvoy Amb
Posts: 1,342
Apologies for a question I'm sure has been asked & answered, but my "SDC" search turned up a huge number of results. I'm waitlisted for JFK-SFO using an RUC on 10/20, 9:40am flight. SFO is my final destination Delta One is virtually sold out (as of now) and as it'll be my birthday I *really* want this upgrade (and probably shouldn't have scoffed at the FCM offer at $850). My original booking was Main Cabin (K) but auto-upgraded to C+ due to Platinum status. First question is, at 9:40 on 10/19 can I call and try to SDC to one of the later JFK-SFO flights, into D1 if the upgrade is available? If so, does there need to be a C+ seat available also for me to switch into first, or just another Main Cabin seat?
Second question, if this fails, is JFK-LAX-SFO something Delta will consider? Sounds like this depends on the agent on the platinum line when I call, so I might be hanging up and calling again that day.
Second question, if this fails, is JFK-LAX-SFO something Delta will consider? Sounds like this depends on the agent on the platinum line when I call, so I might be hanging up and calling again that day.
Oct 11, 2019, 8:37 pm
#1659
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
Apologies for a question I'm sure has been asked & answered, but my "SDC" search turned up a huge number of results. I'm waitlisted for JFK-SFO using an RUC on 10/20, 9:40am flight. SFO is my final destination. Delta One is virtually sold out (as of now) and as it'll be my birthday I *really* want this upgrade (and probably shouldn't have scoffed at the FCM offer at $850). My original booking was Main Cabin (K) but auto-upgraded to C+ due to Platinum status. First question is, at 9:40 on 10/19 can I call and try to SDC to one of the later JFK-SFO flights, into D1 if the upgrade is available? If so, does there need to be a C+ seat available also for me to switch into first, or just another Main Cabin seat?
Second question, if this fails, is JFK-LAX-SFO something Delta will consider? Sounds like this depends on the agent on the platinum line when I call, so I might be hanging up and calling again that day.
Second question, if this fails, is JFK-LAX-SFO something Delta will consider? Sounds like this depends on the agent on the platinum line when I call, so I might be hanging up and calling again that day.
Oct 21, 2019, 12:53 pm
#1660
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 552
I'm embarrassed to say that I just realized JFK-LAX, JFK-SEA Delta One isn't the cubicle looking seats, the suite. I guess that's for the international flights. I experienced the LAX-ATL First Class with the lie flat set up and I was quite disappointed. The suite was what I wanted to experience. What routes offer suites?
Last edited by golfr; Oct 21, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Oct 21, 2019, 4:37 pm
#1661
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,046
I'm embarrassed to say that I just realized JFK-LAX, JFK-SEA Delta One isn't the cubicle looking seats, the suite. I guess that's for the international flights. I experienced the LAX-ATL First Class with the lie flat set up and I was quite disappointed. The suite was what I wanted to experience. What routes offer suites?
Oct 21, 2019, 5:16 pm
#1662
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: SLC
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 166
Anything with an A350, just about all routes with 777 (there's some routes, PVG/ATL and JNB/ATL that still haven't been converted), anything with A339. beyond that most are not. BTW the 757 used on JFK/SEA is a D1 plane. It's used on lesser demand routes. Eventually LAX/JFK will have suites but not on all flights.
Oct 21, 2019, 7:44 pm
#1663
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Delta DM MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, TSA Pre-Check
Posts: 341
I am with you....currently that is probably it until they get the 767 retrofitted with the Delta One Suites
Oct 23, 2019, 10:07 am
#1664
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 49
Sooooo on the whole topic of RUC on domestic legs of international itineraries...
The policy has indeed changed online, which wasn't the case last time I checked like a month ago. And on the email when redeemed, the terms and conditions don't have the wording either.
https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...llion-upgrades - "Show Additional Details & Terms"
The agent on Twitter gave me a straight no when I tried to apply them to a SEA>ATL (part of SEA>ATL>EZE).
I was ready to escalate to *at least* get them to honor the RUC on domestic legs if they were redeemed before the policy change, 'cause that was really sneaky. (I really barely fly domestic without a connecting international leg...)
Called the DM line, explained the situation, and asked for a supervisor to escalate this. DM Agent just said that the policy I was referring to wasn't a thing, and proceeded to apply the RUCs on the SEA>ATL and ATL>SEA.
Once again, HUCA - and shows how Agents believe their rules and not the policies we can tell them that exist, whether they are good or bad for us haha.
Would anyone have a screenshot of the old policy by any chance? Would be some data/leverage to at least get them to honor them anything redeemed before the change...
The policy has indeed changed online, which wasn't the case last time I checked like a month ago. And on the email when redeemed, the terms and conditions don't have the wording either.
https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...llion-upgrades - "Show Additional Details & Terms"
- Not valid for domestic, connecting legs on an international itinerary. For example, if a passenger is traveling from Orlando, FL (MCO) to Paris, France (CDG), connecting through Atlanta, GA (ATL), a Regional Upgrade Certificate cannot be used on the MCO to ATL route.
I was ready to escalate to *at least* get them to honor the RUC on domestic legs if they were redeemed before the policy change, 'cause that was really sneaky. (I really barely fly domestic without a connecting international leg...)
Called the DM line, explained the situation, and asked for a supervisor to escalate this. DM Agent just said that the policy I was referring to wasn't a thing, and proceeded to apply the RUCs on the SEA>ATL and ATL>SEA.
Once again, HUCA - and shows how Agents believe their rules and not the policies we can tell them that exist, whether they are good or bad for us haha.
Would anyone have a screenshot of the old policy by any chance? Would be some data/leverage to at least get them to honor them anything redeemed before the change...
Oct 25, 2019, 11:40 pm
#1665
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 289
So if I had waited the 4 days until check-in, when the ATL-SEA leg finally cleared, there is a potential the first leg would no longer have RUC space available, even if I wanted to downgrade my complimentary upgrade. Then I would have been stuck with one complimentary upgrade and one certificate upgrade on the itinerary, and could not SDC.
Btw, after check in, when my RUC cleared, I called and asked to SDC. The original agent I talked to claimed there needed to be both my original fare class and RUC space available. I insisted that was not the case, just a first class seat for sale, and she (supposedly) talked to a supervisor who agreed with her. I asked to speak with a supervisor from the "Global Ticketing Support Desk" (after seeing this mentioned in other posts). I waited about 10 minutes on hold, and the woman who came on the phone said she would be glad to SDC to the new routing.