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)
Jan 17, 2017, 1:45 pm
#706
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 99
Hey everyone - Apologies if this has been asked before, I scoured through this thread but seemed to get conflicting responses.
PM heading to Vegas (JFK > LAS) in April. Have some RUCs looking to burn. Would like to upgrade myself and a buddy (skymiles member but no status) to first class. We are on separate reservations. Is this a possibility? Regardless if I clear for first class or not through complimentary upgrades, can I upgrade someone who isn't on my reservation, but on the same flight? Can I attach them to the res and then use the RUC?
From the posts I looked at it in this thread it ranged from "No" to "it's possible if you're a DM" to "yes, it's possible"
PM heading to Vegas (JFK > LAS) in April. Have some RUCs looking to burn. Would like to upgrade myself and a buddy (skymiles member but no status) to first class. We are on separate reservations. Is this a possibility? Regardless if I clear for first class or not through complimentary upgrades, can I upgrade someone who isn't on my reservation, but on the same flight? Can I attach them to the res and then use the RUC?
From the posts I looked at it in this thread it ranged from "No" to "it's possible if you're a DM" to "yes, it's possible"
Jan 17, 2017, 2:02 pm
#707
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,051
Hey everyone - Apologies if this has been asked before, I scoured through this thread but seemed to get conflicting responses.
PM heading to Vegas (JFK > LAS) in April. Have some RUCs looking to burn. Would like to upgrade myself and a buddy (skymiles member but no status) to first class. We are on separate reservations. Is this a possibility? Regardless if I clear for first class or not through complimentary upgrades, can I upgrade someone who isn't on my reservation, but on the same flight? Can I attach them to the res and then use the RUC?
From the posts I looked at it in this thread it ranged from "No" to "it's possible if you're a DM" to "yes, it's possible"
PM heading to Vegas (JFK > LAS) in April. Have some RUCs looking to burn. Would like to upgrade myself and a buddy (skymiles member but no status) to first class. We are on separate reservations. Is this a possibility? Regardless if I clear for first class or not through complimentary upgrades, can I upgrade someone who isn't on my reservation, but on the same flight? Can I attach them to the res and then use the RUC?
From the posts I looked at it in this thread it ranged from "No" to "it's possible if you're a DM" to "yes, it's possible"
You can also request a complimentary upgrade for your companion if you can't find an agent who will apply the RUC, but on separate reservations your companion will be all the way at the end of the upgrade list, so unlikely to clear.
Jan 17, 2017, 2:21 pm
#708
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 99
The rules say it is not allowed. There have been reports of agents able to make exceptions though. It's worth a call. Don't lead with "can you make an exception", but just ask if you can apply the RUCs to both without mentioning the rule. If they say it can't be done under the rules, then ask if there is a possibility of an exception. If the first agent says no, could be worth a HUCA.
You can also request a complimentary upgrade for your companion if you can't find an agent who will apply the RUC, but on separate reservations your companion will be all the way at the end of the upgrade list, so unlikely to clear.
You can also request a complimentary upgrade for your companion if you can't find an agent who will apply the RUC, but on separate reservations your companion will be all the way at the end of the upgrade list, so unlikely to clear.
Feb 17, 2017, 11:20 am
#709
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: Delta DM, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 317
Hey, what is your experience with possibility/turnaround on RUC requests through @delta on Twitter? On board SAN-ATL now (RUC cleared) and wanted to apply it to the ATL-JAX leg.
Not that the world will end if I don't get the upgrade for a 45 minute flight but who doesn't like to sit in first
Not that the world will end if I don't get the upgrade for a 45 minute flight but who doesn't like to sit in first
Feb 17, 2017, 2:13 pm
#710
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: DL, SPG, UA.
Posts: 230
Trying to make sure i understand the best approach with a RUC. I am on ATL-SEA on Sunday and as a DM I have not cleared (i am not surprised). As of this afternoon there appear to be 2 FC seats available (up from zero earlier in the week). While i expect I'll be high on the UG list for a complimentary UG, i'm on a U fare so i am expect someone will beat me at the gate.
I dont know why i just decided i really dont want to sit in Y for that long to figure this out
Given i am within the window (T-100), it seems like i should call in to apply a RUC and remove myself from the regular UR list, that would put me ahead of anyone on the regular UG list and then i would just be battling with other DMs using certs (or walk up or FCM). Am i thinking about that right?
I dont know why i just decided i really dont want to sit in Y for that long to figure this out
Given i am within the window (T-100), it seems like i should call in to apply a RUC and remove myself from the regular UR list, that would put me ahead of anyone on the regular UG list and then i would just be battling with other DMs using certs (or walk up or FCM). Am i thinking about that right?
Feb 17, 2017, 2:16 pm
#711
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: Delta DM, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 317
That's how I'd play it. A DM on a U fare seems unlikely to clear without an RUC.
Feb 17, 2017, 2:30 pm
#712
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,051
Trying to make sure i understand the best approach with a RUC. I am on ATL-SEA on Sunday and as a DM I have not cleared (i am not surprised). As of this afternoon there appear to be 2 FC seats available (up from zero earlier in the week). While i expect I'll be high on the UG list for a complimentary UG, i'm on a U fare so i am expect someone will beat me at the gate.
I dont know why i just decided i really dont want to sit in Y for that long to figure this out
Given i am within the window (T-100), it seems like i should call in to apply a RUC and remove myself from the regular UR list, that would put me ahead of anyone on the regular UG list and then i would just be battling with other DMs using certs (or walk up or FCM). Am i thinking about that right?
I dont know why i just decided i really dont want to sit in Y for that long to figure this out
Given i am within the window (T-100), it seems like i should call in to apply a RUC and remove myself from the regular UR list, that would put me ahead of anyone on the regular UG list and then i would just be battling with other DMs using certs (or walk up or FCM). Am i thinking about that right?
Up to you ... presumably at this point it's fairly unlikely any upgrades will clear between now and boarding, so there's a low chance that you miss out on any extra benefit by having the higher position on the list now.
Feb 28, 2017, 1:51 pm
#713
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
Spent 90 minutes on the phone trying to find an RUC-worthy itinerary from PHL to west coast RT.
Outbound was five weeks away. Return was 7 weeks away (admittedly, on Good Friday).
Told the first agent, clearly, that I was looking for itinerary which could UG'd with RUC.
After about 40 minutes of pursuing the paltry options, settled on an itinerary... only to be told by agent that he had been searching for award ticket itineraries.
Spent a few more minutes with him, during which time he offered flights... only to reverse himself and say that those flights were not available.
Requested a transfer to a supervisor.
Determined that the only flight outbound (5 weeks from then) which had an RUC seat (one seat only) was the last flight of the day (one of the flights the agent had offered and then said was not available). And, there were no RUC seats available on any flight (including the prior evening red eyes) on the return (7 weeks out).
Ended up using the RUC outbound, and grabbing an FCM option on the return. Which, not surprisingly, is what I ending up having to do on my last west coast trip.
I am so gratified that DL provides us these valuable RUCs.
Outbound was five weeks away. Return was 7 weeks away (admittedly, on Good Friday).
Told the first agent, clearly, that I was looking for itinerary which could UG'd with RUC.
After about 40 minutes of pursuing the paltry options, settled on an itinerary... only to be told by agent that he had been searching for award ticket itineraries.
Spent a few more minutes with him, during which time he offered flights... only to reverse himself and say that those flights were not available.
Requested a transfer to a supervisor.
Determined that the only flight outbound (5 weeks from then) which had an RUC seat (one seat only) was the last flight of the day (one of the flights the agent had offered and then said was not available). And, there were no RUC seats available on any flight (including the prior evening red eyes) on the return (7 weeks out).
Ended up using the RUC outbound, and grabbing an FCM option on the return. Which, not surprisingly, is what I ending up having to do on my last west coast trip.
I am so gratified that DL provides us these valuable RUCs.
Mar 5, 2017, 6:21 pm
#714
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: IND
Programs: DL DM, SPG AMB, National EE
Posts: 1,301
This is probably answered somewhere in this thread but i'm too lazy to read all 48 pages:
Regarding expiration - if I book a flight now for August and apply a certificate that expires in June, will it work? Or do I need to use another choice benefit to get more certs with a later expiry?
Regarding expiration - if I book a flight now for August and apply a certificate that expires in June, will it work? Or do I need to use another choice benefit to get more certs with a later expiry?
Mar 5, 2017, 8:39 pm
#715
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,201
The rule: "Expiration Date: Certificate expires twelve months from date of issue - no exceptions. If the expiration date falls during ticketed travel, only flights flown during the valid period are eligible for upgrade. Certificate may not be extended, reissued or returned for credit under any circumstances." 
Damn
Damn
Last edited by KenfromDE; Mar 5, 2017 at 8:47 pm
Mar 5, 2017, 10:34 pm
#716
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: 27,047
The rule: "Expiration Date: Certificate expires twelve months from date of issue - no exceptions. If the expiration date falls during ticketed travel, only flights flown during the valid period are eligible for upgrade. Certificate may not be extended, reissued or returned for credit under any circumstances." Damn
Damn
Mar 6, 2017, 6:56 am
#717
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: DL DM MM, Hyatt LT Globalist, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,141
I can't tell if my RUC was correctly applied.
The reservation shows a duplicate seat map for the segment I'm trying to upgrade, and shows Business OU as the fare class (Costa Rica), but says 'Manage Complimentary Upgrades' rather than 'Upgrade Requested'. The complimentary upgrade to Comfort+ has happened.
I asked an agent if it was applied correctly and was told yes, but I've been told that before when in fact certs were not correctly applied and I missed the upgrade.
Is this a case of HUCA?
The reservation shows a duplicate seat map for the segment I'm trying to upgrade, and shows Business OU as the fare class (Costa Rica), but says 'Manage Complimentary Upgrades' rather than 'Upgrade Requested'. The complimentary upgrade to Comfort+ has happened.
I asked an agent if it was applied correctly and was told yes, but I've been told that before when in fact certs were not correctly applied and I missed the upgrade.
Is this a case of HUCA?
Mar 6, 2017, 7:41 am
#719
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,752
Mar 10, 2017, 12:56 pm
#720
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 35
Picked my RUCs late as a plat, last August but am FO for a while starting out this year. 2 still in my wallet. Can I use them as FO? The customer service agent on the phone doesn't even know what they are. I miss the plat line...