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Current Pricing (may be out of date, updates appreciated)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
Dec 22, 2018, 6:21 pm
#122
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, 1MM
Posts: 3,784
I don’t know for certain but I think that J went out full in both directions. Even a couple of weeks before my trip both the outbound and return flights showed only one or two available seats in J. I wasn’t disappointed not to get the mileage upgrade because it never looked likely; I figured if anybody got an upgrade to J it would be a DM with a GUC.
Jan 3, 2019, 6:17 pm
#123
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: DL Gold, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 625
Europe Economy Y Class, but not actually Y Fare?
So on an upcoming ticket I'm booked on the return for XXX-AMS-XXX where AMS-XXX is (G) Fare Premium Select and XXX-AMS is listed as Europe Economy (Y). This is shown on both my confirmation and my Receipt. Note all flights were booked on DL stock, 006 number, DL flight numbers.
I tweet Delta Assist to upgrade the Y fare to KLM Biz and they confirm the space and confirm the flight, but have not reissued the ticket. I call the Skymiles hotline tonight to get the ticket reissued and I am told "actually your Y fare is not a Y, it's an underlying G." Huh?? Transferred to supervisor, same story. This ticket was bought today and on delta.com it shows (Y) and (G) as the fare classes but apparently that Y according to the agents is not a Y.
1) Anyone seen this before?
2) As an average consumer, buying a ticket on delta.com that says Y fare, how would I possibly know this ticket could not be upgraded and was actually a G?
Edit to add: they offered to rebook that phantom Y into "real" Y for a $600 change, but then I would be in Y not G for AMS-XXX and thus no premium economy.
I tweet Delta Assist to upgrade the Y fare to KLM Biz and they confirm the space and confirm the flight, but have not reissued the ticket. I call the Skymiles hotline tonight to get the ticket reissued and I am told "actually your Y fare is not a Y, it's an underlying G." Huh?? Transferred to supervisor, same story. This ticket was bought today and on delta.com it shows (Y) and (G) as the fare classes but apparently that Y according to the agents is not a Y.
1) Anyone seen this before?
2) As an average consumer, buying a ticket on delta.com that says Y fare, how would I possibly know this ticket could not be upgraded and was actually a G?
Edit to add: they offered to rebook that phantom Y into "real" Y for a $600 change, but then I would be in Y not G for AMS-XXX and thus no premium economy.
Last edited by tmontemb; Jan 3, 2019 at 6:18 pm Reason: Edit to add...
Jan 3, 2019, 6:34 pm
#124
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
So on an upcoming ticket I'm booked on the return for XXX-AMS-XXX where AMS-XXX is (G) Fare Premium Select and XXX-AMS is listed as Europe Economy (Y). This is shown on both my confirmation and my Receipt. Note all flights were booked on DL stock, 006 number, DL flight numbers.
I tweet Delta Assist to upgrade the Y fare to KLM Biz and they confirm the space and confirm the flight, but have not reissued the ticket. I call the Skymiles hotline tonight to get the ticket reissued and I am told "actually your Y fare is not a Y, it's an underlying G." Huh?? Transferred to supervisor, same story. This ticket was bought today and on delta.com it shows (Y) and (G) as the fare classes but apparently that Y according to the agents is not a Y.
1) Anyone seen this before?
2) As an average consumer, buying a ticket on delta.com that says Y fare, how would I possibly know this ticket could not be upgraded and was actually a G?
Edit to add: they offered to rebook that phantom Y into "real" Y for a $600 change, but then I would be in Y not G for AMS-XXX and thus no premium economy.
I tweet Delta Assist to upgrade the Y fare to KLM Biz and they confirm the space and confirm the flight, but have not reissued the ticket. I call the Skymiles hotline tonight to get the ticket reissued and I am told "actually your Y fare is not a Y, it's an underlying G." Huh?? Transferred to supervisor, same story. This ticket was bought today and on delta.com it shows (Y) and (G) as the fare classes but apparently that Y according to the agents is not a Y.
1) Anyone seen this before?
2) As an average consumer, buying a ticket on delta.com that says Y fare, how would I possibly know this ticket could not be upgraded and was actually a G?
Edit to add: they offered to rebook that phantom Y into "real" Y for a $600 change, but then I would be in Y not G for AMS-XXX and thus no premium economy.
I am confused by one thing. If you're upgrading to Biz, the upgrade should be for the entire direction. Meaning you should be in Business AMS-DTW, not just XXX-AMS. (Only route EX-AMS with PS is DTWso XXX doesn't do much there)
Jan 3, 2019, 6:39 pm
#125
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: DL Gold, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 625
You need to get a competent agent that understands PS is a higher cabin then Y. Thus a G fare books into Y when there's no PS cabin .
I am confused by one thing. If you're upgrading to Biz, the upgrade should be for the entire direction. Meaning you should be in Business AMS-DTW, not just XXX-AMS. (Only route EX-AMS with PS is DTWso XXX doesn't do much there)
I am confused by one thing. If you're upgrading to Biz, the upgrade should be for the entire direction. Meaning you should be in Business AMS-DTW, not just XXX-AMS. (Only route EX-AMS with PS is DTWso XXX doesn't do much there)
The question still remains, how do I have a G when everything that I can see says Y?
Jan 3, 2019, 9:14 pm
#126
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
Ha good point on AMS-DTW, that was obvious. But the underlying issue is Delta.com says 'For flights marketed and/or operated by Air France/KLM, Mileage Upgrade Awards may be used for a one-class upgrade when the paid fare class is Y, B or M. No G in that statement so if it's underlying G that would explain it.
The question still remains, how do I have a G when everything that I can see says Y?
The question still remains, how do I have a G when everything that I can see says Y?
You should also be asking for a PS to J upgrade. The fact XXX-AMS is in Y is simply a side effect of there being no PE cabin. This will be less miles than a Y to J upgrade award.
You'll most likely need a supervisor or the global support desk to get involved. Sadly the confusion on these PS fares to J mileage upgrades are common.
Jan 3, 2019, 9:31 pm
#127
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Katy, TX
Programs: AA - PLT(2MM); DL - PM(2MM); Hilton - Gold; Marriott Bonvoy- Titanium; Hyatt - Platinum
Posts: 1,718
You need to callback and explain that there's no such thing as G on the XXX-AMS KLM flight. You're thus booked into the Y cabin and in Y class. The agent is mistakenly seeing you have a G fare and ignoring the fact that G is higher than Y, and that since there's no PE cabin you're booked into Y the highest coach fare class. Sadly this is a common issue with agents and not understanding that G is higher than Y, and that when no PE cabin exists that instead of G you get booked into Y.
You should also be asking for a PS to J upgrade. The fact XXX-AMS is in Y is simply a side effect of there being no PE cabin. This will be less miles than a Y to J upgrade award.
You'll most likely need a supervisor or the global support desk to get involved. Sadly the confusion on these PS fares to J mileage upgrades are common.
You should also be asking for a PS to J upgrade. The fact XXX-AMS is in Y is simply a side effect of there being no PE cabin. This will be less miles than a Y to J upgrade award.
You'll most likely need a supervisor or the global support desk to get involved. Sadly the confusion on these PS fares to J mileage upgrades are common.
For trans-Atlantic flights with PS, I seem to recall the upgrade mileage is 35,000 miles from PS.
Jan 3, 2019, 9:56 pm
#128
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Are you certain that KLM/AF will see it that way? I know that VS permits G--> J upgrades for less miles that Y--> J, but it's possible that KL/AF don't permit it. There are certainly many cases where a Y fare would be much more expensive than some G fares, so the idea that G is "higher" than Y is questionable. Does DL have discounted PS fares yet, or is it all G?
Jan 4, 2019, 12:17 am
#129
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
Are you certain that KLM/AF will see it that way? I know that VS permits G--> J upgrades for less miles that Y--> J, but it's possible that KL/AF don't permit it. There are certainly many cases where a Y fare would be much more expensive than some G fares, so the idea that G is "higher" than Y is questionable. Does DL have discounted PS fares yet, or is it all G?
These upgrades are hard enough to process when there's actual PE cabins on all flights. Add a flight that has no PE cabin and agents get truly confused.
Jan 4, 2019, 1:18 am
#130
Used to be guidogh
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: FB Ultimate, Hertz Platinum, Star Aliiance Gold
Posts: 364
So I am 3 days for departure on a DL TATL flight. seat inventory shows that only 2 seats are occupied on one is blocked and Expertflyer shows (minimum) 9 available in every biz fare.
Flying on a V-class 074-stock being Delta Plat and FB plat.
Is there any chance they will allow mileage upgrades on the day of departure.? Check-in is controlled by KLM since its leaving AMS.
Flying on a V-class 074-stock being Delta Plat and FB plat.
Is there any chance they will allow mileage upgrades on the day of departure.? Check-in is controlled by KLM since its leaving AMS.
Jan 4, 2019, 7:25 am
#131
Used to be guidogh
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: FB Ultimate, Hertz Platinum, Star Aliiance Gold
Posts: 364
So I am 3 days for departure on a DL TATL flight. seat inventory shows that only 2 seats are occupied on one is blocked and Expertflyer shows (minimum) 9 available in every biz fare.
Flying on a W-class 074-stock being Delta Plat and FB plat. ( see screenshot from ticket)
Is there any chance they will allow mileage upgrades on the day of departure.? And howmuch would that be on a W ticketed ticket? Check-in is controlled by KLM since its leaving AMS. [/QUOTE]
3Cforme[/MENTION] apologies for the cross posting..
@3Cforme apologies for the cross posting..
Flying on a W-class 074-stock being Delta Plat and FB plat. ( see screenshot from ticket)
Is there any chance they will allow mileage upgrades on the day of departure.? And howmuch would that be on a W ticketed ticket? Check-in is controlled by KLM since its leaving AMS. [/QUOTE]
3Cforme[/MENTION] apologies for the cross posting..
So I am 3 days for departure on a DL TATL flight. seat inventory shows that only 2 seats are occupied on one is blocked and Expertflyer shows (minimum) 9 available in every biz fare.
Flying on a W-class 074-stock being Delta Plat and FB plat. ( see screenshot from ticket)
Is there any chance they will allow mileage upgrades on the day of departure.? Check-in is controlled by KLM since its leaving AMS.
Flying on a W-class 074-stock being Delta Plat and FB plat. ( see screenshot from ticket)
Is there any chance they will allow mileage upgrades on the day of departure.? Check-in is controlled by KLM since its leaving AMS.
Jan 23, 2019, 12:11 pm
#133
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 31
I was quoted 45k for a Mileage Upgrade Award from a "M" fare economy class ticket to Delta One on ATL - PVG. I can never tell on the Delta App whether or not it actually went through or not (the waitlist, that is). Last time I tried to upgrade to PS from economy the agent did not process the waitlist properly and I was actually removed from my economy seat completely when the upgrade cleared. I had to call Reservations back to get it cleared up.
Any one have any thoughts on how to verify whether or not the waitlist was done successfully?
EDIT: Never mind the last question, it shows up on the Delta website under "Upgrade Status" in the Manage My Trip view as "Upgrade Waitlisted" for that flight.
Any one have any thoughts on how to verify whether or not the waitlist was done successfully?
EDIT: Never mind the last question, it shows up on the Delta website under "Upgrade Status" in the Manage My Trip view as "Upgrade Waitlisted" for that flight.
Last edited by factorr; Jan 23, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Jan 23, 2019, 3:37 pm
#134
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414