Can I apply my RUC to an itin I'm not on?
May 1, 2017, 2:32 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 216
Can I apply my RUC to an itin I'm not on?
Hi All,
Here's my scenario. Me (PM), wife & child (no status) flying JFK-PLS in March. If I read the rules right, it is Medallion (and thus RUC eligible). It is my first time as a platinum, so bear with me! Obv trying to find the cheapest and best way to get us all up front without paying for it.
I was thinking I would use a Delta Plat Card Cert to buy C- tix for self and kid, auto-upgrade to C+, buy c+ for wife, then RUC all three of us and hope for the best? Would that work? Meaning, can I apply a RUC to my wife's ticket even though she isn't on the same PNR?
Thanks. Other ideas welcome (I know, WFBF!)
Here's my scenario. Me (PM), wife & child (no status) flying JFK-PLS in March. If I read the rules right, it is Medallion (and thus RUC eligible). It is my first time as a platinum, so bear with me! Obv trying to find the cheapest and best way to get us all up front without paying for it.
I was thinking I would use a Delta Plat Card Cert to buy C- tix for self and kid, auto-upgrade to C+, buy c+ for wife, then RUC all three of us and hope for the best? Would that work? Meaning, can I apply a RUC to my wife's ticket even though she isn't on the same PNR?
Thanks. Other ideas welcome (I know, WFBF!)
May 1, 2017, 2:40 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: SMF/HPN
Programs: DL DM, AS MVP, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, SPG Gold, TSA PreCheck
Posts: 464
I don't believe this is *technically* allowed, but I've managed to do this several times with both RUCs and GUCs (on the receiving end of the GUC) on a separate PNR.
May 1, 2017, 2:40 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,057
The T & C's seem pretty clear on this:
"May be redeemed for the named Medallion Member and up to one travel companion in the same reservation"
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...tificates.html
"May be redeemed for the named Medallion Member and up to one travel companion in the same reservation"
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...tificates.html
May 1, 2017, 2:43 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 216
The T & C's seem pretty clear on this:
"May be redeemed for the named Medallion Member and up to one travel companion in the same reservation"
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...tificates.html
"May be redeemed for the named Medallion Member and up to one travel companion in the same reservation"
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...tificates.html
May 1, 2017, 2:47 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: 45° North
Programs: DL DM MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 10,196
Sadly, no:
Transferability: Certificate may be used only to upgrade tickets for travel by the SkyMiles member or one companion in the same reservation and confirmed in the same cabin as that member. Each person in the reservation requires a certificate for a one-way upgrade. Certificate may not be transferred for cash or any other consideration.
May 1, 2017, 2:49 pm
#7
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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The official rule is that you can use RUCs/GUCs for you and one other person on the same PNR. In practice, people have reported being allowed to use RUCs/GUCs when the elite is already ticketed in a premium cabin (paid fare) and wishes to upgrade a companion on a separate PNR. The typical case where this happens would be that the elite is taking a business trip where the employer pays for a premium cabin ticket but the elite wants to take a spouse along on the trip, with the spouse having a cheap coach ticket purchased separately (with private funds, not through the corporate travel office) and trying to get an instrument supported upgrade to join the elite in the premium cabin.
I don't think it will work, but YMMV.
I don't think it will work, but YMMV.
May 1, 2017, 2:50 pm
#8
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Location: IND
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May 1, 2017, 2:50 pm
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
I have been able to upgrade a companion on a separate reservation essentially every time I've used an RUC, despite the language on the cert. As long as that person has been on the same flights, it's been a non-issue. (Though the last time I tried was a year ago.)
No way to upgrade more than one companion though. You + 2 companions isn't going to fly.
No way to upgrade more than one companion though. You + 2 companions isn't going to fly.
May 1, 2017, 2:53 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 216
Thanks everyone for the replies. Just realized (correctly noted above) that companion tix are not eligible to the Caribbean so that's out. Looks like it's one paid F ticket and then RUC or PM upgrade for myself and companion.
May 1, 2017, 2:57 pm
#11
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Posts: 100,413
Caribbean versus other destinations affects whether RUCs can be used for upgrades. If you can use a RUC to upgrade yourself on the flight, you can also use a second RUC to upgrade ONE companion on the same PNR, assuming that upgrade space is available.
May 1, 2017, 2:59 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 216
HUH? There shouldn't be any difference between Caribbean and other places regarding whether companion tickets are eligible to use RUCs/GUCs or not.
Caribbean versus other destinations affects whether RUCs can be used for upgrades. If you can use a RUC to upgrade yourself on the flight, you can also use a second RUC to upgrade ONE companion on the same PNR, assuming that upgrade space is available.
Caribbean versus other destinations affects whether RUCs can be used for upgrades. If you can use a RUC to upgrade yourself on the flight, you can also use a second RUC to upgrade ONE companion on the same PNR, assuming that upgrade space is available.