Gold Medallions+: Anyone finish the year with NO upgrades?
Nov 28, 2015, 1:05 am
#31
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: AZ
Programs: DL, AA
Posts: 359
2015 - GM - just made PM a few weeks ago
2016 - PM
MQ's 38
1 "sort-of-upgrade" - CRJ-7 EUG-SLC
I don't recall a PDB on that trip, doesn't matter as I provide
my own PBB (Pre Board Beverage).
2 more domestic trips this year and not counting on a upgrade.
Now that I'm PM, the chances of an upgrade may be marginally better -
but SNA is medallion heavy, lots of DM tags clanking at Priority lane.
2016 - PM
MQ's 38
1 "sort-of-upgrade" - CRJ-7 EUG-SLC
I don't recall a PDB on that trip, doesn't matter as I provide
my own PBB (Pre Board Beverage).
2 more domestic trips this year and not counting on a upgrade.
Now that I'm PM, the chances of an upgrade may be marginally better -
but SNA is medallion heavy, lots of DM tags clanking at Priority lane.
Last edited by ACCDraw; Nov 28, 2015 at 1:08 am Reason: clarification
Nov 29, 2015, 8:36 am
#32
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 24
2015 GM
2016 FO
Home base is MSP.
In about 25 segments, I will have two upgrades. Both were issues at the gate, and one was then taken back before I could board causing me to lose my exit row seat in Y. Talk about a kick in the teeth.
I barely even check the upgrade list anymore. There are no upgrades anymore.
I fly to tUS a fair amount and years ago as a FO was upgraded on the return TUS to MSP a lot. Now never.
2016 FO
Home base is MSP.
In about 25 segments, I will have two upgrades. Both were issues at the gate, and one was then taken back before I could board causing me to lose my exit row seat in Y. Talk about a kick in the teeth.
I barely even check the upgrade list anymore. There are no upgrades anymore.
I fly to tUS a fair amount and years ago as a FO was upgraded on the return TUS to MSP a lot. Now never.
Dec 20, 2015, 7:01 pm
#33
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
Landed my last upgrade of the year on a short ATL to CLT hop Saturday night - I was hoping for the upgrade on the SAN to ATL leg but after booking and landing an 8 of 15 slot on the upgrade list - with 8 seats available, I awoke the next morning to an 11 spot on the list. Where do these DM's materialize from in under 12 hrs? I even went out of my way to book a class B fare.
I also called the SkyMiles desk and offered to use miles to upgrade. I was told that there were no more miles-for-upgrade spots available even though the site was showing 8 available first class seats. What gives?
I also called the SkyMiles desk and offered to use miles to upgrade. I was told that there were no more miles-for-upgrade spots available even though the site was showing 8 available first class seats. What gives?
Last edited by KenTarmac; Dec 20, 2015 at 7:12 pm
Dec 20, 2015, 7:30 pm
#34
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: ATL
Programs: DL PM Reserve
Posts: 567
Landed my last upgrade of the year on a short ATL to CLT hop Saturday night - I was hoping for the upgrade on the SAN to ATL leg but after booking and landing an 8 of 15 slot on the upgrade list - with 8 seats available, I awoke the next morning to an 11 spot on the list. Where do these DM's materialize from in under 12 hrs? I even went out of my way to book a class B fare.
I also called the SkyMiles desk and offered to use miles to upgrade. I was told that there were no more miles-for-upgrade spots available even though the site was showing 8 available first class seats. What gives?
I also called the SkyMiles desk and offered to use miles to upgrade. I was told that there were no more miles-for-upgrade spots available even though the site was showing 8 available first class seats. What gives?
Why does anyone value status anyone, not even the RUCs/GUCs are really worth it.
Dec 20, 2015, 7:37 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Twin Cities
Programs: Delta DM MM, IHG Plat, Hilton DM, Marriott SE, Emerald EE, Oakdale Gun Club, NRA & GOA Life Member
Posts: 3,870
Landed my last upgrade of the year on a short ATL to CLT hop Saturday night - I was hoping for the upgrade on the SAN to ATL leg but after booking and landing an 8 of 15 slot on the upgrade list - with 8 seats available, I awoke the next morning to an 11 spot on the list. Where do these DM's materialize from in under 12 hrs? I even went out of my way to book a class B fare.
I also called the SkyMiles desk and offered to use miles to upgrade. I was told that there were no more miles-for-upgrade spots available even though the site was showing 8 available first class seats. What gives?
I also called the SkyMiles desk and offered to use miles to upgrade. I was told that there were no more miles-for-upgrade spots available even though the site was showing 8 available first class seats. What gives?
Dec 20, 2015, 10:08 pm
#36
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CLT
Programs: Pre✓, Delta DM, Hilton LT Diamond, Mariott Plat, PC Gold, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,655
What gives is this....DL rev management says, "we'll take your 'paid-more-money-for-a-B-fare-than-you-should-have', and we'll raise you a 'non-status-jimbob-on-a-$25-FCM-offer'.......got you hook, line, and sinker......
Why does anyone value status anyone, not even the RUCs/GUCs are really worth it.
Why does anyone value status anyone, not even the RUCs/GUCs are really worth it.
Dec 21, 2015, 8:40 am
#37
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: SAN
Programs: AS 100K, DL MM, AA PLT
Posts: 2,934
Landed my last upgrade of the year on a short ATL to CLT hop Saturday night - I was hoping for the upgrade on the SAN to ATL leg but after booking and landing an 8 of 15 slot on the upgrade list - with 8 seats available, I awoke the next morning to an 11 spot on the list. Where do these DM's materialize from in under 12 hrs? I even went out of my way to book a class B fare.
Dec 21, 2015, 12:32 pm
#39
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,736
Dec 21, 2015, 12:47 pm
#40
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SE USA
Programs: DL DM/MM , IHG Plat, MR Titanium, HH Gold, EK Frequent Kettle, UA Silver, AA Hater
Posts: 2,020
Wow 
Me, DM - probably around 75% success rate, although many were at the gate. Years past 90%, mostly at window.
My wife was 5 for 16 as GM, all on award tickets.
Also very little luck with GUC's on international. Years past did well with SWU.
It's getting worse and will continue to do so (investor's day presentation) but I'm scratching my head over some of these reports....no upgrades for a DM?
I'm actually more ticked off by hearing about all these cheap upgrades.....I never get these offers, mine are usually several hundred $$$. I would actually do it if it were reasonable.
Me, DM - probably around 75% success rate, although many were at the gate. Years past 90%, mostly at window.
My wife was 5 for 16 as GM, all on award tickets.
Also very little luck with GUC's on international. Years past did well with SWU.
It's getting worse and will continue to do so (investor's day presentation) but I'm scratching my head over some of these reports....no upgrades for a DM?
I'm actually more ticked off by hearing about all these cheap upgrades.....I never get these offers, mine are usually several hundred $$$. I would actually do it if it were reasonable.
Dec 21, 2015, 2:45 pm
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
As a PM have gotten a few, but noticeably less than last year. Still got a couple companion UG's too!
I just use FCM when I want it now and find that method much more relaxing.
I have had mixed feelings with RUCs this year. The two I've tried cleared at the gate, so they were a success in that way, but I wish DL would make at least a little inventory available at booking for flights that matter (e.g., anything over 3 hrs).
I just use FCM when I want it now and find that method much more relaxing.
I have had mixed feelings with RUCs this year. The two I've tried cleared at the gate, so they were a success in that way, but I wish DL would make at least a little inventory available at booking for flights that matter (e.g., anything over 3 hrs).
Dec 21, 2015, 5:55 pm
#43
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 937
I'm probably 60% this year. Lots of short flights out of LGA and trips to San Juan getting me the upgrades. Flights to Chicago were slim to none unless opting for a Sunday morning flight out. Anything longer than NYC->SJU/MSP/MIA i'd find myself at #20 on the UG list. One UG ATL->LGA at 9pm on a Saturday (But i SDC'd to the 7pm).
Upgrades are nice, wish i could get them on the longer flights, but to me the ability to SDC is what keeps me with Delta. That and they seem to run the most efficient operation in the US. Had to take 2 trips with AA this year and all 4 legs had severe delays (hour+)
Upgrades are nice, wish i could get them on the longer flights, but to me the ability to SDC is what keeps me with Delta. That and they seem to run the most efficient operation in the US. Had to take 2 trips with AA this year and all 4 legs had severe delays (hour+)