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)
Nov 11, 2019, 11:55 am
#1666
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott & SPG Platinum, Hertz Platinum, Avis PC, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 27
This might have been asked before. Apologies for repeating.
I was waitlisted with RUC for D1 on JFK-LAS. The two seat maps showed up properly.
This morning at T-120, both seat maps became read-only on the website.
When attempting to change seat on the app, it shows error "You currently have a special service request in your reservation that prohibits the selection of an exit pew seat. Pleas select an alternate seat."
Does this mean my RUC has cleared? I texted Delta and the agent said no.
I was waitlisted with RUC for D1 on JFK-LAS. The two seat maps showed up properly.
This morning at T-120, both seat maps became read-only on the website.
When attempting to change seat on the app, it shows error "You currently have a special service request in your reservation that prohibits the selection of an exit pew seat. Pleas select an alternate seat."
Does this mean my RUC has cleared? I texted Delta and the agent said no.
Last edited by EWEWR; Nov 11, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Nov 11, 2019, 1:45 pm
#1667
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
I'm convinced these things are worthless out of DTW. I've tried using them on a lot of flights and been told I had to waitlist every time this year. I do the game of removing them just before the upgrade window if there are still a lot of seats in F and if doesn't look like I'll clear at about t-8 hours without it, I'll call and have it reapplied. Only cleared twice this year doing that and have two more to use before 1/31. Not doing much flying between now and 1/31 on paid domestic and tried having them applied on a DTW/ORD flight and was told I'd have to wait list both ways and same with DTW/EWR flights both ways. I didn't want them to go to waste and figure I'd have SDC flexibility and could also co-terminal if I wanted and was surprised that on short flights I still have to wait list. Next year I'm going for another benefit.
Nov 14, 2019, 1:37 pm
#1668
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: Delta, Marriott
Posts: 187
I'm going to exit 2019 with 3 of these things because they absolutely never clear between JFK/LGA and SFO or LAS which are my two primary trips.
I might have to blow them on a random regional flight that I'm 50% to get upgraded anyway on.
I might have to blow them on a random regional flight that I'm 50% to get upgraded anyway on.
Nov 14, 2019, 2:31 pm
#1669
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 243
For my flight tomorrow. The 2nd transcon leg cleared at booking and application of RUC (7 days ago). The leg to ATL did not. Wife and I are currently 1 and 2 on upgrade list for 3 seats out of 25 so it was applied correctly.
The odd part was I couldn't check in. I had to call and get them to do something to confirm the ticket and get it issued again. She stated it had cleared so I assumed it was for the first leg, but after it still was the same as before, but now I could check in on website but phone still didn't allow me to get BP until 2 hours later.
Crazy all the IT issues they have with these.
The odd part was I couldn't check in. I had to call and get them to do something to confirm the ticket and get it issued again. She stated it had cleared so I assumed it was for the first leg, but after it still was the same as before, but now I could check in on website but phone still didn't allow me to get BP until 2 hours later.
Crazy all the IT issues they have with these.
Nov 14, 2019, 3:06 pm
#1670
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Delta DM MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, TSA Pre-Check
Posts: 344
I agree.....they are frustrating.......I have several that are going to expire that I am going to use on short hauls. The frustrating thing is that 2 weeks on one of my flights with 16 of 16 seats still available they still haven't opened up any seats for RUC use.
FCM at work!
FCM at work!
Nov 14, 2019, 3:10 pm
#1671
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
Put me in the worthless camp and will not be choosing them for 2020.
Waitlisted for a PHL-DTW-TPA itinerary where first is wide open (j9 per EF) as of now.
Maybe they will clear but frustrating to say the least.
Waitlisted for a PHL-DTW-TPA itinerary where first is wide open (j9 per EF) as of now.
Maybe they will clear but frustrating to say the least.
Nov 14, 2019, 5:21 pm
#1672
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 355
Just booked JFK-LAX yesterday, for a trip tomorrow. Requested via Twitter to waitlist a RUC. After making the request via Twitter, I got a new copy of my itinerary, showing the RUC waitlist (which I'd never seen before):
Tried to check in at T-24, and was unable to (got an error message). Called in to the Diamond line, and was told they were processing the RUC while we spoke. Hung up, and the RUC cleared!
Tried to check in at T-24, and was unable to (got an error message). Called in to the Diamond line, and was told they were processing the RUC while we spoke. Hung up, and the RUC cleared!
Nov 15, 2019, 7:06 am
#1673
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 2
Just hit plat for first time. SFO/JFK is also my most frequent route too. Should I be applying RUCs essentially every transcon flight for the next year to make sure I don't let these go to waste on short hops?
Nov 15, 2019, 7:40 am
#1674
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
Even on short hauls they are hard to use. I tried them on a couple short hauls (DTW to NYC and DTW to ORD) and there is no inventory. I booked a trip two days DTW/DCA on a weekend for February and cabin both ways has no sold seats and there is no inventory. What really pisses me off on that is that Delta is doing FCM for $59 each way to upgrade. Makes me feel real valued as a diamond when Delta would rather make $59 than allow me to upgrade on a flight barely over an hour with no meal service for flying 125K+ MQM's with them.
Nov 15, 2019, 10:11 am
#1675
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 154
I'm 3 for 3 this year using RUC for SFO-DTW legs which I thought would be a tough get. The first 2 cleared at least 3 weeks from departure, the 3rd about 4 days out. Tried to appy the last one for JFK-SFO but 4 days out it looked like Delta One would sell out so I paid for the upgrade. Looks like I have to (try to) burn that 4th one on a CRJ one-hour flight from DTW-TVC as all my other travel is booked in first between now and expiration..
Nov 15, 2019, 10:59 am
#1676
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
IME from SFO to MSP or DTW is much, much easier than to ATL.
Nov 15, 2019, 11:26 am
#1677
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: Delta, Marriott
Posts: 187
Yes, I absolutely would - at least on the outbound since it's longer.
Nov 15, 2019, 1:31 pm
#1678
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
Quick question... I haven't use RUCs in a long time since most of my flights are international, but today I exchanged the platinum benefits for 4 RUCs thinking that getting domestic medallion upgrades is getting harder and harder even as a DM. So, I got the RUC and call the DM desk to apply it for the domestic leg only of an international trip and the agent told me that since last year now Delta does not allow to use RUC on the domestic section of an international trip. Is that right? If so, that really ruined it for me, since almost all my flights are international (I don't live in the US) and so I will never be able to use RUCs. What can I do?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Nov 15, 2019, 3:12 pm
#1679
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: 27,052
Called to apply RUCs to the domestic leg of an international flight and was told the same, that they can't be used on an international trip. The agent said she would try but I think all she did was put a note in my reservation. I really would like somebody at Delta to tell me when this went into effect and point me to the T&Cs that say this
Nov 15, 2019, 10:04 pm
#1680
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
I am not pretty sure this restriction was not in effect when I chose them last April. I unsuccessfully tried to use one in May (J was full -- I was #1 for 0 on LAX-JFK) so I have all four left. I will ask Delta to take them back and let me choose another Choice Benefit -- I am sure they won't do this but I'll ask anyway. I know "T&Cs subject to change at any time" but it stinks not to grandfather certs issued before the official change.