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)
Mar 13, 2019, 5:20 am
#1486
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: 18,877
Mar 16, 2019, 7:14 pm
#1487
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL
Posts: 466
Was waitlisted for DTW-SFO and it cleared about two days before departure.
I really wanted to use it on JFK-SFO, though, so I called DL and tried to SDC to a DTW-JFK-SFO. Was unsuccessful at first (got usual flack for SDC with an OY ticket), but on my fourth (!) try a rep made some calls and was able to ticket me into DTW-JFK-SFO.
Interestingly, after I was successfully SDCed, my fare class changed to Z (discount business). Hopefully this means I’ll get 150% MQM on top of the increased MQM from my new route!
I really wanted to use it on JFK-SFO, though, so I called DL and tried to SDC to a DTW-JFK-SFO. Was unsuccessful at first (got usual flack for SDC with an OY ticket), but on my fourth (!) try a rep made some calls and was able to ticket me into DTW-JFK-SFO.
Interestingly, after I was successfully SDCed, my fare class changed to Z (discount business). Hopefully this means I’ll get 150% MQM on top of the increased MQM from my new route!
Mar 16, 2019, 7:29 pm
#1488
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MCO
Programs: DL PM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 4,292
Was waitlisted for DTW-SFO and it cleared about two days before departure.
I really wanted to use it on JFK-SFO, though, so I called DL and tried to SDC to a DTW-JFK-SFO. Was unsuccessful at first (got usual flack for SDC with an OY ticket), but on my fourth (!) try a rep made some calls and was able to ticket me into DTW-JFK-SFO.
Interestingly, after I was successfully SDCed, my fare class changed to Z (discount business). Hopefully this means I’ll get 150% MQM on top of the increased MQM from my new route!
I really wanted to use it on JFK-SFO, though, so I called DL and tried to SDC to a DTW-JFK-SFO. Was unsuccessful at first (got usual flack for SDC with an OY ticket), but on my fourth (!) try a rep made some calls and was able to ticket me into DTW-JFK-SFO.
Interestingly, after I was successfully SDCed, my fare class changed to Z (discount business). Hopefully this means I’ll get 150% MQM on top of the increased MQM from my new route!
Mar 16, 2019, 8:00 pm
#1489
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
I've gotten 200% MQMs every time I've SDC in the last six months. Paid FC and RUC upgrades. Pretty wild.
Mar 16, 2019, 11:54 pm
#1490
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: 27,032
You're not supposed to. However it depends how the agent handles it. If they do it correctly even though it shows full J you only get credit for what you bought. Have had both happen within last month.
Mar 17, 2019, 10:35 am
#1491
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: DL Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 204
Applied RUC to JFK - SAN on a Tuesday a couple of weeks ago on the Delta One 757-200 they fly once a day. Upgrade cleared at the gate.
Tried to find availability for this aircraft for a few weeks in October and there is no award space available to clear right away, even though cabin is empty. Understandable since I'm sure these seats will end up being paid for by then.
Tried to find availability for this aircraft for a few weeks in October and there is no award space available to clear right away, even though cabin is empty. Understandable since I'm sure these seats will end up being paid for by then.
Mar 17, 2019, 12:48 pm
#1492
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ EWR/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,209
Applied RUC to JFK - SAN on a Tuesday a couple of weeks ago on the Delta One 757-200 they fly once a day. Upgrade cleared at the gate.
Tried to find availability for this aircraft for a few weeks in October and there is no award space available to clear right away, even though cabin is empty. Understandable since I'm sure these seats will end up being paid for by then.
Tried to find availability for this aircraft for a few weeks in October and there is no award space available to clear right away, even though cabin is empty. Understandable since I'm sure these seats will end up being paid for by then.
Mar 17, 2019, 1:50 pm
#1493
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: DL Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 204
Sadly we had great tail winds so it was a very short flight considering the distance. Wanted to have SO experience this too for our trip to NYC in October, but I think having two seats clear on RUCs is going to be a tall order if we waitlist.
Mar 17, 2019, 2:34 pm
#1494
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC/ EWR/ PHL
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,209
It was a great flight! Other than Jetblue's Mint, this is the best Domestic First product out of SAN, and maybe even internationally. Not sure what BA offers on their SAN flights.
Sadly we had great tail winds so it was a very short flight considering the distance. Wanted to have SO experience this too for our trip to NYC in October, but I think having two seats clear on RUCs is going to be a tall order if we waitlist.
Sadly we had great tail winds so it was a very short flight considering the distance. Wanted to have SO experience this too for our trip to NYC in October, but I think having two seats clear on RUCs is going to be a tall order if we waitlist.
Note that JetBlue doesn't have lounges although in SAN there is the AirSpace lounge that the AMEX Platinum gives you access to.
Mar 17, 2019, 2:47 pm
#1495
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: DL Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 204
I've flown JetBlue Mint on this route as well (in the private suite), and agree that JetBlue Mint is the best, but D1 is a close second! I do LOVE Delta.
Note that JetBlue doesn't have lounges although in SAN there is the AirSpace lounge that the AMEX Platinum gives you access to.
Note that JetBlue doesn't have lounges although in SAN there is the AirSpace lounge that the AMEX Platinum gives you access to.
Mar 18, 2019, 1:33 pm
#1496
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: San Francisco
Programs: DL
Posts: 466
I did indeed end up getting 150% MQMs. Compared to 2,000 MQM for DTW-SFO in OY vs 4,500 for DTW-JFK-SFO in Z... would definitely make that SDC again!
Mar 23, 2019, 8:22 am
#1497
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Looked at a few pages in the thread and didn't find an answer...
Can I call and remove my RUCs? We are going to Seattle in a couple weeks and the outbound flight still has 10/16 still open in F (not including us so if we moved back to C+ it would be 12/16).
C+ is wide open and as it stands now even if we didn't clear back up we'd have the whole row to ourselves and so could potentially save for a couple other trips we have later in the year.
I know back when a 1K/Plat with UA you could remove their RPUs but is it possible with DL?
Can I call and remove my RUCs? We are going to Seattle in a couple weeks and the outbound flight still has 10/16 still open in F (not including us so if we moved back to C+ it would be 12/16).
C+ is wide open and as it stands now even if we didn't clear back up we'd have the whole row to ourselves and so could potentially save for a couple other trips we have later in the year.
I know back when a 1K/Plat with UA you could remove their RPUs but is it possible with DL?
Mar 23, 2019, 9:19 am
#1498
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,439
Looked at a few pages in the thread and didn't find an answer...
Can I call and remove my RUCs? We are going to Seattle in a couple weeks and the outbound flight still has 10/16 still open in F (not including us so if we moved back to C+ it would be 12/16).
C+ is wide open and as it stands now even if we didn't clear back up we'd have the whole row to ourselves and so could potentially save for a couple other trips we have later in the year.
I know back when a 1K/Plat with UA you could remove their RPUs but is it possible with DL?
Can I call and remove my RUCs? We are going to Seattle in a couple weeks and the outbound flight still has 10/16 still open in F (not including us so if we moved back to C+ it would be 12/16).
C+ is wide open and as it stands now even if we didn't clear back up we'd have the whole row to ourselves and so could potentially save for a couple other trips we have later in the year.
I know back when a 1K/Plat with UA you could remove their RPUs but is it possible with DL?
Mar 23, 2019, 9:51 am
#1499
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Mar 23, 2019, 12:43 pm
#1500
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,439
Check your DL wallet. If the cert is closed, you're done, but if the cert is still in "open" status, that means your ticket has not yet been reissued to collect the "payment" for your cleared upgrade. In the latter case, an agent might be able to remove your reservation from the reticketing queue and recind the upgrade and leave the cert in open status. Maybe.
