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 12, 2016, 11:10 am
#661
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: DL DM 360 MM | SPG Gold | Marriott Gold
Posts: 7
What am I missing?
I used to think I understood Delta's upgrade procedures and policies, but clearly I'm missing something. Hoping folks here can tell me what I'm doing wrong:
On September 23rd I booked the following flights online:
SLC to JFK | Sun 13Nov2016 | DL 466 | X
JFK to SLC | Wed 16Nov2016 | DL 2598 | V
When I booked, all 16 first class seats showed as available on the seat map for both the outbound and the return. I immediately called Delta to apply RUCs. I was told there was no upgrade availability, and put on the wait list. The agent did move me into C+.
I checked the flights periodically, and a few seats in F disappeared on each flight, but things looked good until a few days ago. On Nov 10th I got an upgrade email from Delta, but it was just telling me I had been upgraded to C+ (which was odd since I was already in C+). When I checked the seat map, only 6 of the 16 seats were still open on the outbound, and 3 on the return. I can't say for sure that others were upgraded at that time, but that's what it looks like.
Now I'm seeing 5 seats for the outbound and 0 for the return. So here are my questions:
I've called the 360 desk a few times, and they just tell me everything is in the system correctly and I just need to be patient. Now that the return flight has 0 seats remaining, I'm feeling a little less patient.
Any insights into what I should do differently is much appreciated. Thanks!
On September 23rd I booked the following flights online:
SLC to JFK | Sun 13Nov2016 | DL 466 | X
JFK to SLC | Wed 16Nov2016 | DL 2598 | V
When I booked, all 16 first class seats showed as available on the seat map for both the outbound and the return. I immediately called Delta to apply RUCs. I was told there was no upgrade availability, and put on the wait list. The agent did move me into C+.
I checked the flights periodically, and a few seats in F disappeared on each flight, but things looked good until a few days ago. On Nov 10th I got an upgrade email from Delta, but it was just telling me I had been upgraded to C+ (which was odd since I was already in C+). When I checked the seat map, only 6 of the 16 seats were still open on the outbound, and 3 on the return. I can't say for sure that others were upgraded at that time, but that's what it looks like.
Now I'm seeing 5 seats for the outbound and 0 for the return. So here are my questions:
- Does this mean Delta never released any RUC availability for these flights?
- Would I have been better off not applying RUCs? It seems others were upgraded at the window, and as a DM 360 would I have cleared then?
- Or perhaps does Delta have zero upgrades for these routes until you get to the gate?
- Is there something else I could have done to improve my odds of being able to use the RUC?
I've called the 360 desk a few times, and they just tell me everything is in the system correctly and I just need to be patient. Now that the return flight has 0 seats remaining, I'm feeling a little less patient.
Any insights into what I should do differently is much appreciated. Thanks!
Last edited by SlimRooster; Nov 12, 2016 at 12:00 pm
Nov 12, 2016, 1:10 pm
#662
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL DM/1MM, Natl Exec Elite, Bonvoy Plat, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diam
Posts: 382
I've called the 360 desk a few times, and they just tell me everything is in the system correctly and I just need to be patient. Now that the return flight has 0 seats remaining, I'm feeling a little less patient.
Any insights into what I should do differently is much appreciated. Thanks!
Any insights into what I should do differently is much appreciated. Thanks!
Nov 12, 2016, 1:13 pm
#663
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: DL DM, HH Gold, SPG Platinum 100, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,687
I used to think I understood Delta's upgrade procedures and policies, but clearly I'm missing something. Hoping folks here can tell me what I'm doing wrong:
On September 23rd I booked the following flights online:
SLC to JFK | Sun 13Nov2016 | DL 466 | X
JFK to SLC | Wed 16Nov2016 | DL 2598 | V
When I booked, all 16 first class seats showed as available on the seat map for both the outbound and the return. I immediately called Delta to apply RUCs. I was told there was no upgrade availability, and put on the wait list. The agent did move me into C+.
I checked the flights periodically, and a few seats in F disappeared on each flight, but things looked good until a few days ago. On Nov 10th I got an upgrade email from Delta, but it was just telling me I had been upgraded to C+ (which was odd since I was already in C+). When I checked the seat map, only 6 of the 16 seats were still open on the outbound, and 3 on the return. I can't say for sure that others were upgraded at that time, but that's what it looks like.
Now I'm seeing 5 seats for the outbound and 0 for the return. So here are my questions:
I've called the 360 desk a few times, and they just tell me everything is in the system correctly and I just need to be patient. Now that the return flight has 0 seats remaining, I'm feeling a little less patient.
Any insights into what I should do differently is much appreciated. Thanks!
On September 23rd I booked the following flights online:
SLC to JFK | Sun 13Nov2016 | DL 466 | X
JFK to SLC | Wed 16Nov2016 | DL 2598 | V
When I booked, all 16 first class seats showed as available on the seat map for both the outbound and the return. I immediately called Delta to apply RUCs. I was told there was no upgrade availability, and put on the wait list. The agent did move me into C+.
I checked the flights periodically, and a few seats in F disappeared on each flight, but things looked good until a few days ago. On Nov 10th I got an upgrade email from Delta, but it was just telling me I had been upgraded to C+ (which was odd since I was already in C+). When I checked the seat map, only 6 of the 16 seats were still open on the outbound, and 3 on the return. I can't say for sure that others were upgraded at that time, but that's what it looks like.
Now I'm seeing 5 seats for the outbound and 0 for the return. So here are my questions:
- Does this mean Delta never released any RUC availability for these flights?
- Would I have been better off not applying RUCs? It seems others were upgraded at the window, and as a DM 360 would I have cleared then?
- Or perhaps does Delta have zero upgrades for these routes until you get to the gate?
- Is there something else I could have done to improve my odds of being able to use the RUC?
I've called the 360 desk a few times, and they just tell me everything is in the system correctly and I just need to be patient. Now that the return flight has 0 seats remaining, I'm feeling a little less patient.
Any insights into what I should do differently is much appreciated. Thanks!
Nov 12, 2016, 6:39 pm
#664
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Madison, WI (MSN)
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hilton & Marriott Plastic Gold, Chick-fil-A Signature
Posts: 441
I had a similar thing happen and at T-24 I was not on the upgrade list due to a misapplied cert (even though it said upgrade waitlisted and I had the duplicate seat map). Ultimately I didn't clear (#1 for 0 after certificate was properly applied) and upon complaint I was given a gesture of some skypesos.
My advice is that even if it looks like it's done right, this seems suspicious, so it's worth calling in to make sure the certificate is properly applied.
My advice is that even if it looks like it's done right, this seems suspicious, so it's worth calling in to make sure the certificate is properly applied.
Nov 12, 2016, 7:41 pm
#665
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,441
I had a similar thing happen and at T-24 I was not on the upgrade list due to a misapplied cert (even though it said upgrade waitlisted and I had the duplicate seat map). Ultimately I didn't clear (#1 for 0 after certificate was properly applied) and upon complaint I was given a gesture of some skypesos.
My advice is that even if it looks like it's done right, this seems suspicious, so it's worth calling in to make sure the certificate is properly applied.
My advice is that even if it looks like it's done right, this seems suspicious, so it's worth calling in to make sure the certificate is properly applied.
There are let's say a dozen obscure steps necessary to correctly apply a cert to a reservation, and only one of those steps results in the shadow seat map. Any one of the other obscure steps could be done wrong resulting in no upgrade. Call.
Nov 12, 2016, 11:18 pm
#666
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: 18,946
I had a similar thing happen and at T-24 I was not on the upgrade list due to a misapplied cert (even though it said upgrade waitlisted and I had the duplicate seat map). Ultimately I didn't clear (#1 for 0 after certificate was properly applied) and upon complaint I was given a gesture of some skypesos.
At the end of the call I asked, not to be punitive, but if there was some way for them to submit feedback to the previous agent so they could be made aware they were missing a step and she said "I was in the middle of doing that now" ^ #1 for 0 at the moment :-/
Nov 14, 2016, 1:07 pm
#667
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Big Muddy Mile Marker 332
Programs: Delta-PM, HHonors-Diamond, Hyatt-Explorist, Hertz - Presidents
Posts: 335
So last week I applied an RUC to ANC>MSP and was #2 for 0. I received the UG @ boarding. When I landed in MSP I called the plat line (after I was told at the SC that it was not UG eligible and I was like ...?) and had them apply to the rest of my legs MSP>DTW and DTW>STL. #1 for 0 on both, and was brought up to FC on both after boarding. The lesson here is don't ever give up if you're #1 for 0!
Nov 16, 2016, 9:17 pm
#668
Join Date: May 2007
Location: DEN
Programs: DL PM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,816
do these things ever clear in advance? debating on choosing them to try on a friday night redeye LAX-JFK.
Nov 16, 2016, 9:34 pm
#669
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
Nov 16, 2016, 10:29 pm
#670
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Platinum, AA Plat Pro, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, JetBlue Mosaic 3, Amtrak Select
Posts: 966
Currently waitlisted on both directions on a JFK LAX trip this Thursday and failed to clear on a LAX to JFK flight a month ago... so my experience has been no for clearing in advance
Nov 17, 2016, 10:33 pm
#671
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
PM on a B fare with Reserve card and RUC.
ATL-LAX on a Tuesday afternoon. LAS-DTW on a red eye.
Ended #1 for 0 on both. And stuck in a middle C- for the red eye.
I should've learned after having to use one last year on IAD-ATL simply because it was going to expire...
ATL-LAX on a Tuesday afternoon. LAS-DTW on a red eye.
Ended #1 for 0 on both. And stuck in a middle C- for the red eye.
I should've learned after having to use one last year on IAD-ATL simply because it was going to expire...
Nov 27, 2016, 5:06 pm
#672
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 13
At the beginning of 2016, I selected the Regional Upgrades benefit. However, I have been unsuccessful at every single attempt I've made to use these certificates. On each segment I've flown, there have been no upgrades available, so I have called and had my certificate added to the wait list. However, that has never actually resulted in an upgrade occurring and the certificate being used. Is there any chance Delta would extend the expiration date of these certificates, or am I just out of luck that I selected a "choice benefit" from which I got no actual benefit?
Nov 27, 2016, 5:53 pm
#673
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
At the beginning of 2016, I selected the Regional Upgrades benefit. However, I have been unsuccessful at every single attempt I've made to use these certificates. On each segment I've flown, there have been no upgrades available, so I have called and had my certificate added to the wait list. However, that has never actually resulted in an upgrade occurring and the certificate being used. Is there any chance Delta would extend the expiration date of these certificates, or am I just out of luck that I selected a "choice benefit" from which I got no actual benefit?
So I asked about an extension or an alternate choice and was told no way.
I had a batch of RUCs pretty much wasted as well, mostly trying to use them between LAX and ATL and only managed to use one all year. Ended up "wasting" two on LAX-SEA and back. But since they are now good on LAX-JFK and enough of my TATL flights go thru JFK I've managed to use them all.
Dec 2, 2016, 9:58 am
#674
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: MSP
Programs: DL DM, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 610
Starting to get mildly annoyed with my RUC's. This is now the 4th time in a row this year I haven't gotten upgraded trying to use them. FCM really is starting to kill these. #1 on the list isn't any good with zero seats available. I hope they don't expire.
Dec 2, 2016, 11:09 am
#675
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: DL DM, 2 MM; OW Emerald; MVP Gold 100k;Marriott/SPG LTPlat; HH Diamond
Posts: 968
I had these clear before the window on LAX-JFK on a Monday morning in August, and the return on Friday morning. I was shocked, but pleasantly surprised! I've waitlisted and lost the battle LAX-ATL-LAX several times...