Sep 12, 2017, 8:39 pm
Last edit by: Bowgie
Note: This thread is about Mileage Upgrade Awards, which are Sky Miles upgrades that upgrade your coach seat to First Class, Delta One or Premium Select.
These are no longer available on domestic routes and have been replaced with using miles for FCM buy-ups at slightly over 1 cpm -- see the FCM thread
They are also no longer available from North America to Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America.
Important Details:
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How to Upgrade with Delta Sky Miles
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Prices for the following markets as quoted by multiple reservations agents.
Other thread of potential interest:
Current Pricing (may be out of date, updates appreciated)
international main cabin to PS
Y/B/M: 25,000
H/Q/K: 35,000
US to Europe
Main Cabin (fare class Y, B, M) to Delta One - requires OY - 35,000 miles
Main Cabin (fare class H, Q, K) to Delta One - requires OY - 65,000 miles
Premium Select (fare class P, A, G) to Delta One - requires OY - 45,000 miles
US to South Asia/Oceania
Main Cabin (fare class Y, B, M) to Delta One - requires OY - 45,000 miles
Main Cabin (fare class H, Q, K) to Delta One - requires OY - 90,000 miles
Premium Select (fare class P, A, G) to Delta One - requires OY - 45,000 miles
LAX-SYD
PS (A) to D1: 17,500 miles
Historical pricing
(for curiosity/comparison, this section is a mix of really old and not so old pricing so may not make a lot of sense)
US/Canada/Mexico/Caribbean First Class (Most North America routes except for flights that offer Delta One)
Y/B/M: 15,000 miles
H/Q/K: 20,000 miles
L/U/T: 30,000 miles
Domestic Delta One Routes (domestic transcon & Hawaii routes that offer Delta One service such as JFK-LAX, LAX-DCA, ATL-HNL, etc)
Y/B/M: 23,000 miles
H/Q/K: 28,000 miles
L/U/T: 40,000 miles
NOTE: It *might* be possible to upgrade domestic segments of a PS fare (G A P) ticket to either FC or domestic D1 (unclear which) for 17,500 miles. *Unconfirmed*
US-Hawaii (Except for Delta One routes MSP/ATL/JFK/DTW-HNL. For these routes, see Domestic Transcontinental Premium Routes )
Y/B/M: 15,000 miles
H/Q/K: 20,000 miles
L/U/T: 30,000 miles
US-Northern South America
Y/B/M: 30,000 miles
H/Q/K: 45,000 miles
L/U/T: 55,000 miles
US-Southern South America
Y/B/M: 40,000 miles
H/Q/K: 60,000 miles
US-Europe:
Main Cabin to Delta One:
Y/B/M: 35,000 miles
H/Q/K: 65,000 miles
Main Cabin to Premium Select:
Y/B/M: 25,000 miles
H/Q/K: 35,000 miles
Premium Select to Delta One:
P/A/G: 40,000 miles
(NOTE: Confirmed on Aug 28, 2022 at this rate from JFK-AMS. Confirms books into OY class)
US-Northern Asia (Japan/Korea/China):
Main Cabin to Delta One:
Y/B/M: 45,000 miles
H/Q/K: 70,000 miles
Premium Select to Delta One
P/A/G: 45,000 miles
US-Southeast/Southwest Asia, Micronesia, Southwest Pacific:
Y/B/M: 35,000 miles
H/Q/K: 80,000 miles
US-Africa (incl. South Africa)
Y/B/M: 35,000 miles
H/Q/K: 80,000 miles
US-Middle East
Y/B/M: 35,000 miles
H/Q/K: 80,000 miles
US to TLV:
Main Cabin to Delta One:
Y/B/M: 45,000 miles
H/Q/K: 90,000 miles
Main Cabin to Premium Select:
Y/B/M: 25,000 miles
H/Q/K: 40,000 miles
These are no longer available on domestic routes and have been replaced with using miles for FCM buy-ups at slightly over 1 cpm -- see the FCM thread
They are also no longer available from North America to Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America.
Important Details:
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- Your underlying fare class remains Economy, and you are technically still booked as an economy passenger.
- You are granted all inflight & airport benefits of having that upgraded seat (i.e. Premium security line, Sky Club access on international flights, etc).
- You earn miles based on your original Main Cabin fare.
- Mileage Upgrade Award prices are set by route and do not fluctuate based on the cash price of the upgrade.
- Delta no longer publishes the miles required by route to upgrade, and the numbers below is a FT best attempt to collect this data; it may not be accurate.
- Mileage Upgrade Awards are confirmed after your coach ticket is booked (though could be in the same phone call with an agent who has checked for upgrade space before booking)
- The only way to use Mileage Upgrade Awards is by calling Delta--there is no online option.
- This Wiki contains only minimal information about upgrading to and from Premium Select; please share information as you gather it, either by updating the wiki or posting in the thread.
- You must be booked in an upgradeable fare class to upgrade. It is possible to buy up to an upgradeable coach fare class and then upgrade with miles.
How to Upgrade with Delta Sky Miles
- You can Either:
- Call Delta and ask to book a flight that has Mileage Upgrade Awards available and then purchase and upgrade the flight at the same time with that agent. Inventory is highly limited.
- OR, call Delta to upgrade a flight you have already booked. When you call they will either process the upgrade or tell you that there are no upgrades available.
- If an upgrade is not available, it is possible to waitlist.
- Mileage Upgrade Awards that are waitlisted do not transfer to the Airport Upgrade List (for gate upgrade) and cannot be cleared at the gate.
- There have been rare exceptions reported to this rule. If you want to attempt to clear your upgrade at the airport on day of departure, speak with a red coat. This is against policy and will not usually work, but some have reported success.
- If an upgrade is not available, it is possible to waitlist.
- If you want to upgrade a flight that you have already booked the change fee should be waived for this upgrade. Ask for a supervisor if this is challenged.
- The Delta agent may offer you either Delta Upgrade Awards or Upgrade with Miles (see details below). Confirm you are getting the lowest mile option.
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NOTE: Delta offers an additional upgrade option which is called Upgrade with Miles. These upgrades are available on US Domestic flights only and are a pay with miles type of upgrade. (meaning that, unlike Mileage Upgrade Awards, the amount of miles needed fluctuates based on the cash price of an upgrade). When you use Upgrade with Miles you will earn miles for your flight based on the cabin flown, as you have now paid (with miles) to change your ticket to a premium cabin ticket (vs an upgraded coach ticket). The mileage amounts listed in this thread are not for this program. To use Upgrade with Miles you need to log into your reservation and check for an upgrade offer or call Delta and ask. Upgrade with Miles typically requires more miles to upgrade than Mileage Upgrade Awards.
In order to use Mileage Upgrade Awards from Main Cabin or Comfort+ to First Class or Delta One, you need to be booked in the correct fare class:- Mileage Upgrade Awards are no longer available for flights within North America and South America. These routes generally have variable online mileage upgrade offers which are based on the cash upgrade offer at the rate of 1 CPM (less 7.5% US excise tax for domestic flights).
- For all other markets you can upgrade when booked in: Y/B/M//H/Q/K
- You can see your booking class by logging into your reservation. Directly under your seat assignment it will say your cabin and your booking class. For example: MAIN CABIN (Q)
Prices for the following markets as quoted by multiple reservations agents.
Other thread of potential interest:
- Use Sky Miles to upgrade on VS (Virgin Atlantic upgrades with Sky Miles)
Current Pricing (may be out of date, updates appreciated)
international main cabin to PS
Y/B/M: 25,000
H/Q/K: 35,000
US to Europe
Main Cabin (fare class Y, B, M) to Delta One - requires OY - 35,000 miles
Main Cabin (fare class H, Q, K) to Delta One - requires OY - 65,000 miles
Premium Select (fare class P, A, G) to Delta One - requires OY - 45,000 miles
US to South Asia/Oceania
Main Cabin (fare class Y, B, M) to Delta One - requires OY - 45,000 miles
Main Cabin (fare class H, Q, K) to Delta One - requires OY - 90,000 miles
Premium Select (fare class P, A, G) to Delta One - requires OY - 45,000 miles
LAX-SYD
PS (A) to D1: 17,500 miles
Historical pricing
(for curiosity/comparison, this section is a mix of really old and not so old pricing so may not make a lot of sense)
US/Canada/Mexico/Caribbean First Class (Most North America routes except for flights that offer Delta One)
Y/B/M: 15,000 miles
H/Q/K: 20,000 miles
L/U/T: 30,000 miles
Domestic Delta One Routes (domestic transcon & Hawaii routes that offer Delta One service such as JFK-LAX, LAX-DCA, ATL-HNL, etc)
Y/B/M: 23,000 miles
H/Q/K: 28,000 miles
L/U/T: 40,000 miles
NOTE: It *might* be possible to upgrade domestic segments of a PS fare (G A P) ticket to either FC or domestic D1 (unclear which) for 17,500 miles. *Unconfirmed*
US-Hawaii (Except for Delta One routes MSP/ATL/JFK/DTW-HNL. For these routes, see Domestic Transcontinental Premium Routes )
Y/B/M: 15,000 miles
H/Q/K: 20,000 miles
L/U/T: 30,000 miles
US-Northern South America
Y/B/M: 30,000 miles
H/Q/K: 45,000 miles
L/U/T: 55,000 miles
US-Southern South America
Y/B/M: 40,000 miles
H/Q/K: 60,000 miles
US-Europe:
Main Cabin to Delta One:
Y/B/M: 35,000 miles
H/Q/K: 65,000 miles
Main Cabin to Premium Select:
Y/B/M: 25,000 miles
H/Q/K: 35,000 miles
Premium Select to Delta One:
P/A/G: 40,000 miles
(NOTE: Confirmed on Aug 28, 2022 at this rate from JFK-AMS. Confirms books into OY class)
US-Northern Asia (Japan/Korea/China):
Main Cabin to Delta One:
Y/B/M: 45,000 miles
H/Q/K: 70,000 miles
Premium Select to Delta One
P/A/G: 45,000 miles
US-Southeast/Southwest Asia, Micronesia, Southwest Pacific:
Y/B/M: 35,000 miles
H/Q/K: 80,000 miles
US-Africa (incl. South Africa)
Y/B/M: 35,000 miles
H/Q/K: 80,000 miles
US-Middle East
Y/B/M: 35,000 miles
H/Q/K: 80,000 miles
US to TLV:
Main Cabin to Delta One:
Y/B/M: 45,000 miles
H/Q/K: 90,000 miles
Main Cabin to Premium Select:
Y/B/M: 25,000 miles
H/Q/K: 40,000 miles
Delta Mileage Upgrade Awards
Sep 11, 2022, 7:56 am
#466
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 117
I was able to use 40K miles on ATH - JFK from PS to D1. Checked for Z fare availability on EF before calling in - I know Z is not 1:1 to OY, but it worked out here. The flight is also only ~2 weeks away, so was a bit surprised. Great use of miles. Thanks for all the helpful info in this thread. I was on hold for over an hour while the agent worked on it, but she really wanted to help; it was her first time doing MUA. Left her some glowing feedback through delta.com
My flight is next week and I booked about a month ago and it was showing no inventory. I called back two weeks ago and there was magically MUA inventory on one leg and GUC on the return. I’ve also had great success this year on a calling 1-2 days prior to departure to upgrade as I think they open up some inventory when they realize the seats wont sell.
Sep 11, 2022, 9:03 am
#467
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 254
I have looked at the wiki and didn’t quite find my answer:
A week or so ago I rescheduled an ATL-CDG flight because of a schedule change. To my surprise, the new flight was a Y fare on AF A359, so I called up for a MUA. Was quoted 45000 skymoneys, but no availability. I was told to try again later because availability could open up. But a few days later, my fare changed to a T fare.
Is this still eligible for a MUA?
A week or so ago I rescheduled an ATL-CDG flight because of a schedule change. To my surprise, the new flight was a Y fare on AF A359, so I called up for a MUA. Was quoted 45000 skymoneys, but no availability. I was told to try again later because availability could open up. But a few days later, my fare changed to a T fare.
Is this still eligible for a MUA?
Sep 11, 2022, 9:09 am
#468
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: 27,042
I have looked at the wiki and didn’t quite find my answer:
A week or so ago I rescheduled an ATL-CDG flight because of a schedule change. To my surprise, the new flight was a Y fare on AF A359, so I called up for a MUA. Was quoted 45000 skymoneys, but no availability. I was told to try again later because availability could open up. But a few days later, my fare changed to a T fare.
Is this still eligible for a MUA?
A week or so ago I rescheduled an ATL-CDG flight because of a schedule change. To my surprise, the new flight was a Y fare on AF A359, so I called up for a MUA. Was quoted 45000 skymoneys, but no availability. I was told to try again later because availability could open up. But a few days later, my fare changed to a T fare.
Is this still eligible for a MUA?
Sep 11, 2022, 9:44 am
#469
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 254
Ok. Sounds like PS is the most efficient way to be eligible for MUA. Some of these Y/B/M fares are closer to D1 pricing than discounted economy.
Sep 25, 2022, 6:25 pm
#470
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: Delta Plat IHG Dia, Hyatt Discoverist, Hilton Gold, Marriott Plat, Global Entry, TSA ✓
Posts: 110
Just another datapoint, successfully upgraded SEA-ICN Premium Select Fare class G to Delta One Suite. (45,000 miles each way. Total 90,000 miles used. Much better than using 100,000 miles to upgrade each way!)
As mentioned in Wiki, do not use chat feature.. call Delta and ask specifically for OY class - They mentioned "upgrade with miles" first (which made me to guess there aren't that many people use this mileage upgrade awards)
As mentioned in Wiki, do not use chat feature.. call Delta and ask specifically for OY class - They mentioned "upgrade with miles" first (which made me to guess there aren't that many people use this mileage upgrade awards)
Sep 26, 2022, 4:24 pm
#472
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 292
Are intl. mileage awards still a thing?
I'm trying to have Delta look up award availability for me but 2 agents I've talked to so far don't understand. They either offer me pure mile award (350,000) or thinking I want cash+miles.
Just back in May I was able to book this; for example, Class K SEA-AMS with 60,000 miles/each way upgrade to Delta One.
I try to be as concise as possible, even using examples such as Class K $ purchase with award bucket.. Is there some specific language that works better?
I thought I had gotten somewhere with the second agent now but, again, the agent is now confused asking if I want to pay cash or miles.
Just back in May I was able to book this; for example, Class K SEA-AMS with 60,000 miles/each way upgrade to Delta One.
I try to be as concise as possible, even using examples such as Class K $ purchase with award bucket.. Is there some specific language that works better?
I thought I had gotten somewhere with the second agent now but, again, the agent is now confused asking if I want to pay cash or miles.
Sep 26, 2022, 4:47 pm
#473
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,050
I'm trying to have Delta look up award availability for me but 2 agents I've talked to so far don't understand. They either offer me pure mile award (350,000) or thinking I want cash+miles.
Just back in May I was able to book this; for example, Class K SEA-AMS with 60,000 miles/each way upgrade to Delta One.
I try to be as concise as possible, even using examples such as Class K $ purchase with award bucket.. Is there some specific language that works better?
I thought I had gotten somewhere with the second agent now but, again, the agent is now confused asking if I want to pay cash or miles.
Just back in May I was able to book this; for example, Class K SEA-AMS with 60,000 miles/each way upgrade to Delta One.
I try to be as concise as possible, even using examples such as Class K $ purchase with award bucket.. Is there some specific language that works better?
I thought I had gotten somewhere with the second agent now but, again, the agent is now confused asking if I want to pay cash or miles.
They are no longer available for flights within North and South America, but otherwise, yes, they are still available. From recent posts to above thread, many agents are not aware of them (it's been suggested in thread to mention checking OY upgrade class availability). I'm guessing it's because a lot of agents are newer and have likely never processed one. They require K or higher coach fare, or Premium Select fares (P/A/G), to upgrade. Upgrades from Premium Select fares require less miles than coach H/Q/K upgrades and PS fares may be similar to coach H/Q/K fares depending on route. Coach Y/B/M upgrades are also less miles than H/Q/K fares, but these fares can be quite pricey.
Last edited by xliioper; Sep 26, 2022 at 4:55 pm
Sep 26, 2022, 4:48 pm
#474
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NJ
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 867
I think what's confusing them (and me, a bit) is when you say $ purchase with award bucket. Are you trying to purchase a ticket in cash and then use miles to upgrade? If so, tell them that you just want to purchase a ticket, for cash, in a certain fare class (in your example, K) - and then use miles to upgrade (or waitlist to upgrade) from there once the ticket is issued.
By referencing both cash and miles in the same sentence, the agents probably aren't sure exactly what you're asking for, and hence the confusion.
By referencing both cash and miles in the same sentence, the agents probably aren't sure exactly what you're asking for, and hence the confusion.
Sep 26, 2022, 4:58 pm
#475
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 292
The precise term is "Mileage Upgrade Awards". There is a thread dedicated to them -- Delta Mileage Upgrade Awards
They are no longer available for flights within North and South America, but otherwise, yes, they are still available. From recent posts to above thread, many agents are not aware of them (it's been suggested in thread to mention checking OY upgrade class availability). I'm guessing it's because a lot of agents are newer and have likely never processed one. They require K or higher coach fare, or Premium Select fares (P/A/G), to upgrade. Upgrades from Premium Select fares require less miles than coach H/Q/K upgrades and PS fares may be similar to coach H/Q/K fares depending on route. Coach Y/B/M upgrades are also less miles than H/Q/K fares, but these fares can be quite pricey.
They are no longer available for flights within North and South America, but otherwise, yes, they are still available. From recent posts to above thread, many agents are not aware of them (it's been suggested in thread to mention checking OY upgrade class availability). I'm guessing it's because a lot of agents are newer and have likely never processed one. They require K or higher coach fare, or Premium Select fares (P/A/G), to upgrade. Upgrades from Premium Select fares require less miles than coach H/Q/K upgrades and PS fares may be similar to coach H/Q/K fares depending on route. Coach Y/B/M upgrades are also less miles than H/Q/K fares, but these fares can be quite pricey.
Sep 26, 2022, 5:00 pm
#476
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 292
I think what's confusing them (and me, a bit) is when you say $ purchase with award bucket. Are you trying to purchase a ticket in cash and then use miles to upgrade? If so, tell them that you just want to purchase a ticket, for cash, in a certain fare class (in your example, K) - and then use miles to upgrade (or waitlist to upgrade) from there once the ticket is issued.
By referencing both cash and miles in the same sentence, the agents probably aren't sure exactly what you're asking for, and hence the confusion.
By referencing both cash and miles in the same sentence, the agents probably aren't sure exactly what you're asking for, and hence the confusion.
Sep 26, 2022, 10:28 pm
#478
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: DL Plat, Hertz Pres, National Exec, IHG Amb, SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 62
ATL-AMS coming up this Friday. Bit the bullet and paid $1,300 each (2 tickets) to ‘upgrade’ to K fare so they could put me on the waitlist. Apparently the flight still has 12 D1 seats open which is why I took the chance. Anyone have recent experience with waitlists… when does it clear, does delaying check in help, was I stupid in risking $2,600?!
Sep 27, 2022, 1:20 am
#479
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 832
ATL-AMS coming up this Friday. Bit the bullet and paid $1,300 each (2 tickets) to ‘upgrade’ to K fare so they could put me on the waitlist. Apparently the flight still has 12 D1 seats open which is why I took the chance. Anyone have recent experience with waitlists… when does it clear, does delaying check in help, was I stupid in risking $2,600?!
Sep 27, 2022, 4:53 am
#480
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: Delta Platinum; Hilton Diamond; Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,117
ATL-AMS coming up this Friday. Bit the bullet and paid $1,300 each (2 tickets) to ‘upgrade’ to K fare so they could put me on the waitlist. Apparently the flight still has 12 D1 seats open which is why I took the chance. Anyone have recent experience with waitlists… when does it clear, does delaying check in help, was I stupid in risking $2,600?!
a few things to remember.
1,) MUA waitlist does NOT go to gate. If you don’t clear by T-24 basically unlikely (some anecdotal reports about redcoats clearing in the past manually…but that was a long time ago)
2.) if you change your mind, you might be able to confirm a PS upgrade. However you cannot be upgraded again (unlike a GUC, where you can confirm in PS and then waitlist D1)
3.) I would call in again and ask for a reservations specialist just to triple check everything was done right. If you thought getting a GUC applied was hard…. The MUA are even worse.