Global upgrades not bookable in advance?
Mar 10, 2016, 8:46 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: SJC/SFO/OAK
Programs: DL PM, SW, Hilton, , UAL PM, AA Gold-skeptic
Posts: 1,632
Global upgrades not bookable in advance?
The past 2 or 3 years, I've been able to confirm a "global upgrade", well in advance, on trans pacific flights. By "well in advance" I mean for November travel, booked in Feb or March.
This year, however, there are zero upgrades available. The cabins on every flight I've checked are completely empty.
What gives?
This year, however, there are zero upgrades available. The cabins on every flight I've checked are completely empty.
What gives?
Mar 10, 2016, 8:50 am
#2
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
The past 2 or 3 years, I've been able to confirm a "global upgrade", well in advance, on trans pacific flights. By "well in advance" I mean for November travel, booked in Feb or March.
This year, however, there are zero upgrades available. The cabins on every flight I've checked are completely empty.
What gives?
This year, however, there are zero upgrades available. The cabins on every flight I've checked are completely empty.
What gives?
GUCs have become extremely difficult to clear in advance. Most go to the gate these days. TPAC is particularly tough.
Mar 10, 2016, 9:08 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
This is correct. I get mine cleared in advance because I use on routes like JFK-MAN or DTW-AMS, MSP-AMS etc - these are easier. If I were to go into LHR it would be tougher and as you say TPAC is particularly tough.
Mar 10, 2016, 9:53 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
The five I've used have all been TATL and all cleared in advance -- four at time of request and one three days later. One LAX-JFK-FRA the LAX-JFK leg cleared at the gate (another LAX-JFK-LAX the LAX-JFK leg cleared a month or so out)
Mar 10, 2016, 10:35 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.768MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,752
The past 2 or 3 years, I've been able to confirm a "global upgrade", well in advance, on trans pacific flights. By "well in advance" I mean for November travel, booked in Feb or March.
This year, however, there are zero upgrades available. The cabins on every flight I've checked are completely empty.
What gives?
This year, however, there are zero upgrades available. The cabins on every flight I've checked are completely empty.
What gives?
Mar 10, 2016, 3:41 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
Mar 10, 2016, 6:02 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MSN
Programs: DL Kryptonium & Diamond & 2MM, SPG Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 251
I've been trying for a spring break trip for the family (4) on CDG to MSP. We are waitlisted. Crossing my fingers!
4 CDG to MSP upgrades are still worth well more than the $200 voucher alternative.
4 CDG to MSP upgrades are still worth well more than the $200 voucher alternative.
Mar 10, 2016, 6:05 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
One question though: I thought that Delta only allowed one companion per elite member for GUCs. I assume you found a nice agent?
Last edited by KDCAflyer; Mar 10, 2016 at 11:37 pm
Mar 10, 2016, 6:45 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: DL DM MM
Posts: 184
2016 has been the worst year for me since GUCs have been offered. I have booked 7 transpacific RT flights, months in advance (most at least 7 months). Not one has been confirmed in advance. On 4 waitlisted flights I've flown, I was able to clear one--only because I called the Diamond line just hours before the flight, it did not clear automatically. On others, the seats sold out in the week before the flight. This is mostly DTW to NRT. If you're flying that route, good luck on using your GUCs.
Mar 10, 2016, 8:49 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
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Posts: 16,276
Mar 11, 2016, 5:41 am
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Look up - On a ✈ DELTA ✈ jet NOW!
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Posts: 4,174
DM reps are happy to inform you REV MGT are the ones who have to open up space. They seem as frustrated as us when you talk to them.
...and before anyone says yada yada yada give away a seat vs sell, GU are a perk of being a DM and much spent with Delta to earn them. :-: