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 1, 2018, 2:30 pm
#1321
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,994
Many members on this forum see great success from their DM status and RUCs/GUCs. Don't let my experience color your view unless your travel profile matches mine.
Nov 1, 2018, 2:31 pm
#1322
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SJC/SFO. EWR/JFK
Programs: AS MVP 100K, DL PL
Posts: 539
Nov 1, 2018, 2:35 pm
#1323
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: DL PM, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, AA, WP
Posts: 840
It's purely dependent on the routes and times you fly. I fly at peak hours on business travel heavy long-ish routes out of Atlanta - as such, I spend most of my time in the very last row of the plane (the rows Delta blocks for gate assignment - as a PM/DM you can call in and ask them to unblock you - helpful to get you an aisle / window seat when all other seats are taken). My experience will differ from those who travel less competitive routes.
Many members on this forum see great success from their DM status and RUCs/GUCs. Don't let my experience color your view unless your travel profile matches mine.
Many members on this forum see great success from their DM status and RUCs/GUCs. Don't let my experience color your view unless your travel profile matches mine.
Nov 1, 2018, 7:21 pm
#1324
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ EWR/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,209
JFK- SLC and SEA-JFK
Any thoughts on whether I should use a RUC for a JFK-SLC route on a Wednesday and/ or SEA-JFK route on a Thursday? While normally I would try to save them for a D1 route, these routes are very long (I also have a shorter flight- 1- 2 hours), and as others have mentioned using a RUC seems quite difficult.
I so far have been unable to use them which is quite frustrating.... I'm debating if I should earn and burn.
I assume the JFK-SLC routes usually have many medallions on them (hub to hub), although this one has well over a dozen seats in F remaining....
I so far have been unable to use them which is quite frustrating.... I'm debating if I should earn and burn.
I assume the JFK-SLC routes usually have many medallions on them (hub to hub), although this one has well over a dozen seats in F remaining....
Nov 1, 2018, 7:22 pm
#1325
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ EWR/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,209
Nov 2, 2018, 2:03 am
#1326
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: 27,040
Any thoughts on whether I should use a RUC for a JFK-SLC route on a Wednesday and/ or SEA-JFK route on a Thursday? While normally I would try to save them for a D1 route, these routes are very long (I also have a shorter flight- 1- 2 hours), and as others have mentioned using a RUC seems quite difficult.
I so far have been unable to use them which is quite frustrating.... I'm debating if I should earn and burn.
I assume the JFK-SLC routes usually have many medallions on them (hub to hub), although this one has well over a dozen seats in F remaining....
I so far have been unable to use them which is quite frustrating.... I'm debating if I should earn and burn.
I assume the JFK-SLC routes usually have many medallions on them (hub to hub), although this one has well over a dozen seats in F remaining....
Nov 2, 2018, 7:11 am
#1327
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 552
ATL-LAX, upgraded to C+ at the time of booking. However, for whatever the reason, I was not able to see the upgrade list or see the seat selection on my phone app. I applied RUC and called a few times to see if they had availability. They kept telling me no, but I am waitlisted. Stopped calling. Checked in for the flight. Still can't see upgrade list on app or online. Decided to call and they said RUC cleared. Hallelujah! They just need to reissue ticket(i'm puzzled but whatever, do what you gotta do! thank you!). I check in again and see OY as opposed to RY(return flight cleared a couple of weeks ago). I don't know the difference between the two but I will take it. These RUCs were the last two to be used and were nearing expiration this month. Also, I still can't see upgrade list. Just wanna see how long the list is.
Nov 2, 2018, 11:06 am
#1328
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: 18,889
Similarly OU/RU for comp upgrades and O/R for award travel.
Nov 2, 2018, 11:36 am
#1329
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 552
There's no functional difference -- both are used for upgrades that are supported by certs or mileage. OY is used where the premium cabin is booked under J/C/D/I/Z and RY is used where the premium cabin is F/P/A/G (which is apparently going away: Fare Class Changes)
Similarly OU/RU for comp upgrades and O/R for award travel.
Similarly OU/RU for comp upgrades and O/R for award travel.
i know it isn't Delta One but I feel like I got away with murder... LA, here I come!
Nov 2, 2018, 11:46 am
#1330
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 202
Traveled two weekends ago SEA-MSP-CMH (on a Friday afternoon), return CMH-DTW-SEA (Monday afternoon). Was able to use RUC on both of the longer legs (I was down the upgrade list in both instances). In outbound instance it was applied immediately when I called; then had the "can't re-check-in" problem and had to check in at airport. In return instance, I was put at head of the upgrade list and given new assignment at gate.
Nov 2, 2018, 11:57 am
#1331
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
I used to play the apply-RUC-after-check-in game and kept having them almost expire because they never cleared.
The last 18 months or so, I started just applying them to flights right after booking (if I had multiple flight options, I'd of course check to see if RY was immediately available on any of them). Even if I have to waitlist, I've noticed that some of them will actually clear anywhere from 1-3 weeks before the flight, and then it's just a quick call to push through the reticketing. This, of course, means at least one less FC seat going to the gate, and perhaps also one fewer RY inventory available in the days leading up to departure. And there have been some longish flights (ATL-LAS) where with an RUC applied in advance I am on the bubble, so the time of request tiebreaker could certainly make a difference.
At least in my head, I am now getting more RUCs to clear by waitlisting in advance vs. waiting until check-in.
The last 18 months or so, I started just applying them to flights right after booking (if I had multiple flight options, I'd of course check to see if RY was immediately available on any of them). Even if I have to waitlist, I've noticed that some of them will actually clear anywhere from 1-3 weeks before the flight, and then it's just a quick call to push through the reticketing. This, of course, means at least one less FC seat going to the gate, and perhaps also one fewer RY inventory available in the days leading up to departure. And there have been some longish flights (ATL-LAS) where with an RUC applied in advance I am on the bubble, so the time of request tiebreaker could certainly make a difference.
At least in my head, I am now getting more RUCs to clear by waitlisting in advance vs. waiting until check-in.
Nov 2, 2018, 12:24 pm
#1332
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 552
I used to play the apply-RUC-after-check-in game and kept having them almost expire because they never cleared.
The last 18 months or so, I started just applying them to flights right after booking (if I had multiple flight options, I'd of course check to see if RY was immediately available on any of them). Even if I have to waitlist, I've noticed that some of them will actually clear anywhere from 1-3 weeks before the flight, and then it's just a quick call to push through the reticketing. This, of course, means at least one less FC seat going to the gate, and perhaps also one fewer RY inventory available in the days leading up to departure. And there have been some longish flights (ATL-LAS) where with an RUC applied in advance I am on the bubble, so the time of request tiebreaker could certainly make a difference.
At least in my head, I am now getting more RUCs to clear by waitlisting in advance vs. waiting until check-in.
The last 18 months or so, I started just applying them to flights right after booking (if I had multiple flight options, I'd of course check to see if RY was immediately available on any of them). Even if I have to waitlist, I've noticed that some of them will actually clear anywhere from 1-3 weeks before the flight, and then it's just a quick call to push through the reticketing. This, of course, means at least one less FC seat going to the gate, and perhaps also one fewer RY inventory available in the days leading up to departure. And there have been some longish flights (ATL-LAS) where with an RUC applied in advance I am on the bubble, so the time of request tiebreaker could certainly make a difference.
At least in my head, I am now getting more RUCs to clear by waitlisting in advance vs. waiting until check-in.
on a side note, I noticed "Kroger Plus Card" on the list of your programs. hilarious! I too am a member. hahaha
Nov 2, 2018, 12:45 pm
#1333
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ EWR/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,209
I used to play the apply-RUC-after-check-in game and kept having them almost expire because they never cleared.
The last 18 months or so, I started just applying them to flights right after booking (if I had multiple flight options, I'd of course check to see if RY was immediately available on any of them). Even if I have to waitlist, I've noticed that some of them will actually clear anywhere from 1-3 weeks before the flight, and then it's just a quick call to push through the reticketing. This, of course, means at least one less FC seat going to the gate, and perhaps also one fewer RY inventory available in the days leading up to departure. And there have been some longish flights (ATL-LAS) where with an RUC applied in advance I am on the bubble, so the time of request tiebreaker could certainly make a difference.
At least in my head, I am now getting more RUCs to clear by waitlisting in advance vs. waiting until check-in.
The last 18 months or so, I started just applying them to flights right after booking (if I had multiple flight options, I'd of course check to see if RY was immediately available on any of them). Even if I have to waitlist, I've noticed that some of them will actually clear anywhere from 1-3 weeks before the flight, and then it's just a quick call to push through the reticketing. This, of course, means at least one less FC seat going to the gate, and perhaps also one fewer RY inventory available in the days leading up to departure. And there have been some longish flights (ATL-LAS) where with an RUC applied in advance I am on the bubble, so the time of request tiebreaker could certainly make a difference.
At least in my head, I am now getting more RUCs to clear by waitlisting in advance vs. waiting until check-in.
Nov 2, 2018, 1:19 pm
#1334
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
Nov 2, 2018, 1:21 pm
#1335
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ EWR/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,209
