My First DL Upgrade! What to expect?
May 3, 2018, 2:08 pm
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,631
My First DL Upgrade! What to expect?
Although I've flown DL up front, including on international flights, the recent Alaska MP changes caused me to need a second plan, so I matched into DL last year, and am now a GM. Recently, my first upgrade processed at 72 hours out. How exciting! As I've never flown DL as as an upgraded passenger with a shiny gold card,
(1) What time should I expect the car service to arrive? No one from DL has contacted me to make arrangements, and I'd like to experience the special upgraded passenger car service to the airport.
(2) Where is the special Upgrade Passenger Lounge @ OAK? With TSA Pre, I'm sure I don't need any expedited screening, but I certainly want to use the UPL, and DL hasn't yet told me of its location.
(3) I suppose I will just board with the regular PREM passengers and I will not receive an escort from the UPL to the jetway.
(4) I have not yet received notification of advance meal selections. I am excited to try the first class offerings between OAK and LAX and wonder how many courses will be served, and if special meals are available.
(5) Can someone please explain the special upgraded passenger arrival procedures @ LAX? As with the departure arrangements, no one at DL has sent me information regarding the car service to my hotel.
As you can see, I want to maximize my experience on my first upgrade on DL. It seems all so exciting!
(1) What time should I expect the car service to arrive? No one from DL has contacted me to make arrangements, and I'd like to experience the special upgraded passenger car service to the airport.
(2) Where is the special Upgrade Passenger Lounge @ OAK? With TSA Pre, I'm sure I don't need any expedited screening, but I certainly want to use the UPL, and DL hasn't yet told me of its location.
(3) I suppose I will just board with the regular PREM passengers and I will not receive an escort from the UPL to the jetway.
(4) I have not yet received notification of advance meal selections. I am excited to try the first class offerings between OAK and LAX and wonder how many courses will be served, and if special meals are available.
(5) Can someone please explain the special upgraded passenger arrival procedures @ LAX? As with the departure arrangements, no one at DL has sent me information regarding the car service to my hotel.
As you can see, I want to maximize my experience on my first upgrade on DL. It seems all so exciting!
May 3, 2018, 2:42 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,041
As a regular OAK<->LAX flyer, I'm so happy to hear about this upgrade!
Before you tuck in for the night onboard, consider the Escape Lounge in OAK (not included with your Delta lounge membership - also doesn't include bathrooms).
Make it a great flight!
Before you tuck in for the night onboard, consider the Escape Lounge in OAK (not included with your Delta lounge membership - also doesn't include bathrooms).
Make it a great flight!
May 3, 2018, 2:47 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Planet Earth(most days)
Programs: Hilton Honors, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 1,544
Although I've flown DL up front, including on international flights, the recent Alaska MP changes caused me to need a second plan, so I matched into DL last year, and am now a GM. Recently, my first upgrade processed at 72 hours out. How exciting! As I've never flown DL as as an upgraded passenger with a shiny gold card,
(1) What time should I expect the car service to arrive? No one from DL has contacted me to make arrangements, and I'd like to experience the special upgraded passenger car service to the airport.
Don't worry. DL will contact you with arrangements to get you to OAK. You might have to share it with about 40 of your closest friends. Customer Manager, Bart, will give you call personally.
(2) Where is the special Upgrade Passenger Lounge @ OAK? With TSA Pre, I'm sure I don't need any expedited screening, but I certainly want to use the UPL, and DL hasn't yet told me of its location.
No worries. Just do the secret handshake (and don't forget the spin move).
(3) I suppose I will just board with the regular PREM passengers and I will not receive an escort from the UPL to the jetway.
While this does sound awful, it does make up in the fact that you might see an allegiant aircraft or two. You know, if you're traveling on a Tuesday or Saturday around 1pm
(4) I have not yet received notification of advance meal selections. I am excited to try the first class offerings between OAK and LAX and wonder how many courses will be served, and if special meals are available.
More than likely you will get the two course picnic basket fare.
(5) Can someone please explain the special upgraded passenger arrival procedures @ LAX? As with the departure arrangements, no one at DL has sent me information regarding the car service to my hotel.
DL has partnered with ultra-luxury car service, Uber. Just make sure you download the app, request a ride and pay for it. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.
As you can see, I want to maximize my experience on my first upgrade on DL. It seems all so exciting!
(1) What time should I expect the car service to arrive? No one from DL has contacted me to make arrangements, and I'd like to experience the special upgraded passenger car service to the airport.
Don't worry. DL will contact you with arrangements to get you to OAK. You might have to share it with about 40 of your closest friends. Customer Manager, Bart, will give you call personally.
(2) Where is the special Upgrade Passenger Lounge @ OAK? With TSA Pre, I'm sure I don't need any expedited screening, but I certainly want to use the UPL, and DL hasn't yet told me of its location.
No worries. Just do the secret handshake (and don't forget the spin move).
(3) I suppose I will just board with the regular PREM passengers and I will not receive an escort from the UPL to the jetway.
While this does sound awful, it does make up in the fact that you might see an allegiant aircraft or two. You know, if you're traveling on a Tuesday or Saturday around 1pm
(4) I have not yet received notification of advance meal selections. I am excited to try the first class offerings between OAK and LAX and wonder how many courses will be served, and if special meals are available.
More than likely you will get the two course picnic basket fare.
(5) Can someone please explain the special upgraded passenger arrival procedures @ LAX? As with the departure arrangements, no one at DL has sent me information regarding the car service to my hotel.
DL has partnered with ultra-luxury car service, Uber. Just make sure you download the app, request a ride and pay for it. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.
As you can see, I want to maximize my experience on my first upgrade on DL. It seems all so exciting!
May 3, 2018, 3:54 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
When the DL redcoat meets you at the curb, don't forget to ask about any luggage carrying assignments. Normally FOs carry bags for DMs, but recently there's been a shortage of them because they seem to injure their backs when they try to carry the DM too instead of just the luggage.
May 3, 2018, 4:29 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Since you're flying from OAK your expectations may be set by Southwest flights or the AS crapboxes known as Q400s.
On a Delta E75 you will find seats that recline, water in the lavatory, and window shades. They will have F cabins, and an extra legroom section known as Comfort+. There will be wifi. You will quickly find yourself spoiled.
On a Delta E75 you will find seats that recline, water in the lavatory, and window shades. They will have F cabins, and an extra legroom section known as Comfort+. There will be wifi. You will quickly find yourself spoiled.
May 3, 2018, 5:02 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: California
Programs: DeltaSilver/MM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 494
May 3, 2018, 5:52 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: DL DM; Hyatt Globalist; etc
Posts: 540
Be careful with the pre-choice of meal! Last time I flew this route (well, it was OAK-SLC) the on-board chef surprised me with a nice Wagyu Kobe Tomahawk Steak and scallops cooked to perfection! Really made the sting of only having veuve at the lounge a bit easier to take..
Safe travels! Remember to keep an eye out for the amenity kit on board, they are divine!
Safe travels! Remember to keep an eye out for the amenity kit on board, they are divine!
May 3, 2018, 5:56 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,041
Be careful with the pre-choice of meal! Last time I flew this route (well, it was OAK-SLC) the on-board chef surprised me with a nice Wagyu Kobe Tomahawk Steak and scallops cooked to perfection! Really made the sting of only having veuve at the lounge a bit easier to take..
Safe travels! Remember to keep an eye out for the amenity kit on board, they are divine!
Safe travels! Remember to keep an eye out for the amenity kit on board, they are divine!
May 3, 2018, 6:24 pm
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
Has the OP verified that it's an upgrade to FC and not just an "upgrade" to C+?
May 3, 2018, 7:27 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,631
The OP is not an idiot. He would not have wasted everyone's time with his important questions had he not received such a "welcome to the opulent splendor of Delta First Class" email and then confirmed his seating in Row 1.
May 3, 2018, 8:43 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Delta 1MM, Delta SM, United Silver, Amx Plat, Delta Amx Plat, Six-T Plat, IHG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 590
OP they will also press your clothes (you have to take them off, first. don't want you to make that rookie mistake) once you board. but don't worry, tho, you can slip into a nice pair of PJ's and enjoy your turndown service while they de-wrinkle you on this premium of most premium routes!
