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)
May 22, 2016, 7:30 pm
#526
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Programs: Delta DM / 1M, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, Emerald Club Exec
Posts: 500
I'm on track to reach Diamond this year and I *really* hope there's better luck with GUC's than RUC's. Judging from my limited RUC experience, I'm not so sure
May 23, 2016, 6:14 am
#527
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,206
Oh and nothing much different with the GUC except that you can use them for international. You have to watch those like a hawk as well to make sure you get upgraded, as the 'automated' system frequently doesn't upgrade you while on the advance waitlist even if inventory becomes available months out.
May 23, 2016, 5:48 pm
#528
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Programs: Delta DM / 1M, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, Emerald Club Exec
Posts: 500
Unfortunately, this is true. Be sure to watch your upgrade closely and especially after you check in once you are T-24h from the flight. Using a RUC should put you at or near the top of the upgrade list and only in competition with other pax using a RUC as well. You should be ahead of all complimentary medallion upgrades.
Oh and nothing much different with the GUC except that you can use them for international. You have to watch those like a hawk as well to make sure you get upgraded, as the 'automated' system frequently doesn't upgrade you while on the advance waitlist even if inventory becomes available months out.
Oh and nothing much different with the GUC except that you can use them for international. You have to watch those like a hawk as well to make sure you get upgraded, as the 'automated' system frequently doesn't upgrade you while on the advance waitlist even if inventory becomes available months out.
May 23, 2016, 6:45 pm
#529
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
You should also check after the flight to make sure that the right number of RUCs were taken from your account, zero or one. There have been reports of GAs upgrading people after they boarded, but neglecting to tell them; in a few of these cases, RUCs were taken from the account.
May 26, 2016, 6:41 pm
#530
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, HHonors Gold; SPG Gold
Posts: 254
Question from a RUC Rookie
So I was PM or DM for a few years but always chose to gift status as my choice benefit. After a promotion last year, my travel was cut by nearly 75%. As a result, I'm on an FO this year and likely will go to no status next year.
Knowing I'd be dropping to FO this for 2016, I chose the 4 RUC as my benefit last year, my final year as PM.
I need to go to the Bay Area this fall, and while Virgin America and United are cheaper, DL is less when I factor in that I have credit from a cancelled flight back in January during the mid-atlantic blizzard, and I need to use the credit at some point. I also figure it's a chance to use my RUC.
I spoke to an agent who helped me book on the outbound DCA-JFK-SFO on a Saturday morning for about $410 oneway, but with my voucher, is less than $100. When then going to apply the RUC, she told me that there was no upgrade space on this flight or that it didn't have a first class cabin. Obviously the latter is not the case.
Now I fully admit, this is my first time with an RUC. I didn't necesarily expect to be granted the upgrade at booking - or even at all - but I thought I at least got "waitlisted" for it, and that I'd have to check my account on a weekly basis to see if I got it.
Was the agent correct - is it possible that there simply was no way no how I'm getting the UG, or should I HUCA? She was very helpful throughout the whole process, so I'm inclined to believe her, but I figured I'd check here with the experts.
My return is SFO-MSP-IAD, and I suppose I can apply it to that (might as well, I don't have a ton of travel for the rest of the year), but I specifically chose the JFK connection on the outbound knowing it was a Saturday morning and I might have a decent shot at the nice upgrade with my RUC. Was I crazy? Any thoughts on what I can/should do different? I just booked the ticket, so i'm easily within 24 hours to cancel if someone has better advice.
Knowing I'd be dropping to FO this for 2016, I chose the 4 RUC as my benefit last year, my final year as PM.
I need to go to the Bay Area this fall, and while Virgin America and United are cheaper, DL is less when I factor in that I have credit from a cancelled flight back in January during the mid-atlantic blizzard, and I need to use the credit at some point. I also figure it's a chance to use my RUC.
I spoke to an agent who helped me book on the outbound DCA-JFK-SFO on a Saturday morning for about $410 oneway, but with my voucher, is less than $100. When then going to apply the RUC, she told me that there was no upgrade space on this flight or that it didn't have a first class cabin. Obviously the latter is not the case.
Now I fully admit, this is my first time with an RUC. I didn't necesarily expect to be granted the upgrade at booking - or even at all - but I thought I at least got "waitlisted" for it, and that I'd have to check my account on a weekly basis to see if I got it.
Was the agent correct - is it possible that there simply was no way no how I'm getting the UG, or should I HUCA? She was very helpful throughout the whole process, so I'm inclined to believe her, but I figured I'd check here with the experts.
My return is SFO-MSP-IAD, and I suppose I can apply it to that (might as well, I don't have a ton of travel for the rest of the year), but I specifically chose the JFK connection on the outbound knowing it was a Saturday morning and I might have a decent shot at the nice upgrade with my RUC. Was I crazy? Any thoughts on what I can/should do different? I just booked the ticket, so i'm easily within 24 hours to cancel if someone has better advice.
May 26, 2016, 7:20 pm
#531
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,441
Sounds like this agent didn't understand how RUC's work. Yes, you can ALWAYS waitlist. In order for an RUC upgrade to be confirmed, there must be RP or OP inventory. One strategy if your travel plans are flexible is to ask the agent to search for RP or OP inventory for the city pairs and dates you're looking for. If RP/OP are available, upgrade can be confirmed at the time of booking.
One helpful item when dealing with clueless agents is to refer to the certificate's identifier which you can see when viewing the terms and conditions in your My Delta wallet on DL.com. RUC should be Reference Code PU591. PU591 should be a keyword a clueless agent can use to look up the procedure for booking (or waitlisting) an RUC cert.
One helpful item when dealing with clueless agents is to refer to the certificate's identifier which you can see when viewing the terms and conditions in your My Delta wallet on DL.com. RUC should be Reference Code PU591. PU591 should be a keyword a clueless agent can use to look up the procedure for booking (or waitlisting) an RUC cert.
May 26, 2016, 7:24 pm
#532
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 1,089
So I was PM or DM for a few years but always chose to gift status as my choice benefit. After a promotion last year, my travel was cut by nearly 75%. As a result, I'm on an FO this year and likely will go to no status next year.
Knowing I'd be dropping to FO this for 2016, I chose the 4 RUC as my benefit last year, my final year as PM.
I need to go to the Bay Area this fall, and while Virgin America and United are cheaper, DL is less when I factor in that I have credit from a cancelled flight back in January during the mid-atlantic blizzard, and I need to use the credit at some point. I also figure it's a chance to use my RUC.
I spoke to an agent who helped me book on the outbound DCA-JFK-SFO on a Saturday morning for about $410 oneway, but with my voucher, is less than $100. When then going to apply the RUC, she told me that there was no upgrade space on this flight or that it didn't have a first class cabin. Obviously the latter is not the case.
Now I fully admit, this is my first time with an RUC. I didn't necesarily expect to be granted the upgrade at booking - or even at all - but I thought I at least got "waitlisted" for it, and that I'd have to check my account on a weekly basis to see if I got it.
Was the agent correct - is it possible that there simply was no way no how I'm getting the UG, or should I HUCA? She was very helpful throughout the whole process, so I'm inclined to believe her, but I figured I'd check here with the experts.
My return is SFO-MSP-IAD, and I suppose I can apply it to that (might as well, I don't have a ton of travel for the rest of the year), but I specifically chose the JFK connection on the outbound knowing it was a Saturday morning and I might have a decent shot at the nice upgrade with my RUC. Was I crazy? Any thoughts on what I can/should do different? I just booked the ticket, so i'm easily within 24 hours to cancel if someone has better advice.
Knowing I'd be dropping to FO this for 2016, I chose the 4 RUC as my benefit last year, my final year as PM.
I need to go to the Bay Area this fall, and while Virgin America and United are cheaper, DL is less when I factor in that I have credit from a cancelled flight back in January during the mid-atlantic blizzard, and I need to use the credit at some point. I also figure it's a chance to use my RUC.
I spoke to an agent who helped me book on the outbound DCA-JFK-SFO on a Saturday morning for about $410 oneway, but with my voucher, is less than $100. When then going to apply the RUC, she told me that there was no upgrade space on this flight or that it didn't have a first class cabin. Obviously the latter is not the case.
Now I fully admit, this is my first time with an RUC. I didn't necesarily expect to be granted the upgrade at booking - or even at all - but I thought I at least got "waitlisted" for it, and that I'd have to check my account on a weekly basis to see if I got it.
Was the agent correct - is it possible that there simply was no way no how I'm getting the UG, or should I HUCA? She was very helpful throughout the whole process, so I'm inclined to believe her, but I figured I'd check here with the experts.
My return is SFO-MSP-IAD, and I suppose I can apply it to that (might as well, I don't have a ton of travel for the rest of the year), but I specifically chose the JFK connection on the outbound knowing it was a Saturday morning and I might have a decent shot at the nice upgrade with my RUC. Was I crazy? Any thoughts on what I can/should do different? I just booked the ticket, so i'm easily within 24 hours to cancel if someone has better advice.
My JFK -> SFO flight today had 16/32 (I had two of the seats) open at time of boarding. They filled the cabin with people using certs, non-revs, and from what I heard, a few OP UPs from Y (which was full).
So, if there are seats, HUCA and make sure you get wait listed. They usually don't clear upgrades until departure on this route, so don't expect it before then.
May 26, 2016, 7:29 pm
#533
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Programs: Delta DM / 1M, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, Emerald Club Exec
Posts: 500
It looks like we had the same experience. I was told that I could not be waitlisted by the first agent I spoke with. After checking here, a few helpful people redirected me and I called back. I'm now waitlisted.
Thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...itlisting.html
Thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...itlisting.html
May 26, 2016, 7:36 pm
#534
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, HHonors Gold; SPG Gold
Posts: 254
Thanks for the comments. I'm on hold to speak to a new agent.
Map is empty 8 for 8 in First.
Map is empty 8 for 8 in First.
May 26, 2016, 7:46 pm
#535
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 1,089
For a route like JFK -> SFO that usually doesn't clear at the gate, this may mean sticking it out in coach on your DCA -> JFK leg. (You can of course ask to waitlist the whole outbound, but could be risky!)
May 26, 2016, 8:11 pm
#536
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,947
I spoke to an agent who helped me book on the outbound DCA-JFK-SFO on a Saturday morning for about $410 oneway, but with my voucher, is less than $100. When then going to apply the RUC, she told me that there was no upgrade space on this flight or that it didn't have a first class cabin. Obviously the latter is not the case.
(my last few BWI<->JFK and one in June are on single-cabin CRJ/ERJ but starting in July there are CR9s... it's a short flight but still nice to have)
May 27, 2016, 12:04 pm
#537
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,441
Thanks for the response. It's a Saturday morning (6/11 - 9:07 AM) flight so I was hopeful that I'd get an upgrade. But when I checked the seat map, there were only 4 seats appearing open. I didn't check for any details beyond that but figured using the RUC might help so I called.
I was under the impression that I could be waitlisted. I learn something new every day so thanks again
I was under the impression that I could be waitlisted. I learn something new every day so thanks again
Jun 2, 2016, 7:49 pm
#538
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, HHonors Gold; SPG Gold
Posts: 254
Since I know you all were waiting with baited breath to see how this turned out for me...
Or maybe you just would like a data point for your own info...
My upgrade for JFK-SFO on a Saturday morning in September using a RUC cleared today. I was waitlisted last week.
Or maybe you just would like a data point for your own info...
My upgrade for JFK-SFO on a Saturday morning in September using a RUC cleared today. I was waitlisted last week.
Jun 20, 2016, 10:41 am
#539
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
So, apologies if this has already been uncovered, but I was just checking the T&Cs on an RUC that's about to expire (couldn't remember if I had to fly before the expiration date or just request the UG by then), and came across this language buried in there (some bolding added by me):
The addition of a "WP" upgrade class along side OP/RP is quite interesting...
(Link: https://www.delta.com/edoc/displayEd...ource=internal)
Applicable Fare Classes: Certificate may be used to upgrade on Delta Air Lines or Delta Connection operated flights on published Main Cabin fares booked in W, Y, B, M, S, H, Q, K, L, U, T, X or V class (including corporate tickets) and upgrade into WP/Rp/OP class. Certificate may not be used to upgrade other published fares booked in E class, Award Tickets or Pay with Miles Tickets.
Upgrade Reservations and Ticketing: Upgradeable Main Cabin Class ticket must be purchased according to the applicable fare rules. After booking Main Cabin Class tickets eligible for upgrade, the SkyMiles member whose name appears on the certificate must contact Delta to book the upgrade reservation for the member and, if applicable, his or her travel companion. Delta representatives must book in "WP/RP/OP" class and; travel agencies must book in "R/O" class. Seats are subject to limited availability and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Once confirmed, boarding pass can only be issued by the operating carrier on day of departure. Tickets must be validated for travel on Delta. Travel on carriers other than Delta, when permitted, must be ticketed separately.
Upgrade Reservations and Ticketing: Upgradeable Main Cabin Class ticket must be purchased according to the applicable fare rules. After booking Main Cabin Class tickets eligible for upgrade, the SkyMiles member whose name appears on the certificate must contact Delta to book the upgrade reservation for the member and, if applicable, his or her travel companion. Delta representatives must book in "WP/RP/OP" class and; travel agencies must book in "R/O" class. Seats are subject to limited availability and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Once confirmed, boarding pass can only be issued by the operating carrier on day of departure. Tickets must be validated for travel on Delta. Travel on carriers other than Delta, when permitted, must be ticketed separately.
(Link: https://www.delta.com/edoc/displayEd...ource=internal)
Jun 29, 2016, 11:45 am
#540
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: DL DM MM, Hyatt LT Globalist, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,141
Is the below strategy still the right way to do things?
I've been lucky enough to have RUCs clear at time of booking in all but one instance.
For segments that don't have availability and require waitlisting, is it best to apply RUCs at time of booking, remove them just before the medallion upgrade window begins if it has not cleared, then re-apply on day of departure if it looks like the RUC would make a difference on the upgrade clearing?
I'm just wondering about pulling the RUC off the reservation to allow for a medallion upgrade- would I potentially miss out on because the inventory for certs comes out of a different bucket?
For segments that don't have availability and require waitlisting, is it best to apply RUCs at time of booking, remove them just before the medallion upgrade window begins if it has not cleared, then re-apply on day of departure if it looks like the RUC would make a difference on the upgrade clearing?
I'm just wondering about pulling the RUC off the reservation to allow for a medallion upgrade- would I potentially miss out on because the inventory for certs comes out of a different bucket?