SDC while using Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUC) Definitive Thread
 

Had to use my regional upgrade certificate as they expire next month, flight with a departure time that worked best for me(and had upgrade eligibility) was traveling BOS-MSP-LAX, with a 3:07 sit in MSP. There is a MSP-LAX flight that I'd like to SDC into that would only have a 1:16 sit in MSP. The rules for SDC say medallion complimentary upgrades won't be honored, but they don't really say anything about regional upgrade certificates. Does anyone have experience doing a SDC while on a regional certificate and being able to stay in FC?

My personal experience is that if you are confirmed into 1st for your journey you should be able to SDC to another flight into 1st (assuming space is available). Normal SDC rules apply. Might need to make multiple calls to get the right agent.

Well, you are ticketed in the FC cabin and SDC should work.

But I imagine it will take multiple calls to accomplish.

David

It takes insistence on the rules that's for sure. I think many agents see "Upgrade" and dont make the distinction whether it was by instrument or complimentary. Often the first time they start down the "same fare class" road I have to remind them this isnt a complimentary upgrade but an instrument sponsored upgrade. From that point, half still insist they are right then I have to hang up and call back.

The only time you don't get the SDC First policy is with Medallion upgrades. Anything else gives it, however the agent sometimes needs to have it pointed out that you're not in First because of a medallion upgrade. Search for same day confirmed on the Delta website and one of their own pages will have the info.

Last week at ATL I had a clueless agent who even called his help line and was told by them that I couldn't SDC directly into FC when I was confirmed in FC on the old flight using a GUC. He told me to call the DM line.

The manager of T4 JFK Skyclub insisted that seat availability means fare class. It took calling the DM line and having them call the Skyclub to get him to understand they're different things. They told him to try it doing it, as the system wouldn't confirm without additional payment if it doesn't comply with SDC rules. He did it and was quite shocked, but never apologized and acted like he did me a favor.

If the RUC cleared (both legs) then you have a paid F ticket and can SDC to any flights with F availability (but not a nonstop). Not all agents know this or are competent, supervisor or agent roulette might be your only options.

+1 This

Yes, it's sometime the role of the passengers to pleasantly educates agents of the naunces of the systems.

See this thread (& Wiki): http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...y-options.html

Any update to this? If you are confirmed using a regional upgrade can you SDC to any first class flight using cabin to cabin?

I've called and two agents said no, but wanted to double check official rules if you're confirmed into OY.

Does it say anywhere online that this can be done? I keep getting shut down from the front line agents

​​​​​​Sadly, no. But I did get a response from DL saying this is still permitted, as posted in the main SDC thread:

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delt...l#post31265481