Upgrade for two, would Delta ever split us?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 26
Upgrade for two, would Delta ever split us?
When I travel with the family I almost always book as follows
So far the upgrade for me and D1 was worked well. Always to C+, sometimes to FC
OK, here is the question: Is it ever possible that they would split me and D1 up into non-adjacent seats? It has not happened yet, but I recently had to do a last minute booking and only center seats are available in C+, so I UNCHECKED the upgrade to C+ box.... but I am wondering if I do check it, whether the system would split us up? She is young and anxious about being in a non-adjacent seat
There used to be an "upgrade me, but NOT center seat" option... but I no longer see this
- Me and Daughter1 in one reservation paid with dollars
- Wife and Daughter2 in a second reservation paid with miles
- I get skymiles (MQD) credit for my flight, while spending skymiles for the others' flights
- Me and D1 are eligible for upgrade to C+ and FC
So far the upgrade for me and D1 was worked well. Always to C+, sometimes to FC
OK, here is the question: Is it ever possible that they would split me and D1 up into non-adjacent seats? It has not happened yet, but I recently had to do a last minute booking and only center seats are available in C+, so I UNCHECKED the upgrade to C+ box.... but I am wondering if I do check it, whether the system would split us up? She is young and anxious about being in a non-adjacent seat
There used to be an "upgrade me, but NOT center seat" option... but I no longer see this
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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By the time the free elite upgrade windows open, most DL flights are unlikely to have two open adjacent FC seats. Depending on daughter's age, you would need to find other passengers willing to swap seats.
Would it help to switch D1 and D2 seats if this happens, so that D1 is sitting next to wife?
Would it help to switch D1 and D2 seats if this happens, so that D1 is sitting next to wife?
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 26
By the time the free elite upgrade windows open, most DL flights are unlikely to have two open adjacent FC seats. Depending on daughter's age, you would need to find other passengers willing to swap seats.
Would it help to switch D1 and D2 seats if this happens, so that D1 is sitting next to wife?
Would it help to switch D1 and D2 seats if this happens, so that D1 is sitting next to wife?
FWIW when we have been upgraded to FC, it has always been adjacent, which lends credence to the theory that they will NOT upgrade you unless you are adjacent
#7
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,190
But I can't recall a recent instance of being split (I'm not saying it can't happen). Usually when I'm with my companion we just book C+ or F, or when we do slum in Y, we either clear the F upgrade at T-72 (Gold) into adjacent seats (happened 2x that I can remember in the last ~2 years) or we end up pretty far down the airport list.
But I do wonder if the system gets to 2 companions and there aren't adjacent seats, the upgrade processing "freezes". And this results in that other thread with examples of people un-checking and then re-checking the upgrade request box to force their upgrades to clear into space that's available, but isn't being filled automatically by the algorithm. Hmm.
#8
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 23
I disagree with this as a generality, particularly for DMs.
But I can't recall a recent instance of being split (I'm not saying it can't happen). Usually when I'm with my companion we just book C+ or F, or when we do slum in Y, we either clear the F upgrade at T-72 (Gold) into adjacent seats (happened 2x that I can remember in the last ~2 years) or we end up pretty far down the airport list.
But I do wonder if the system gets to 2 companions and there aren't adjacent seats, the upgrade processing "freezes". And this results in that other thread with examples of people un-checking and then re-checking the upgrade request box to force their upgrades to clear into space that's available, but isn't being filled automatically by the algorithm. Hmm.
But I can't recall a recent instance of being split (I'm not saying it can't happen). Usually when I'm with my companion we just book C+ or F, or when we do slum in Y, we either clear the F upgrade at T-72 (Gold) into adjacent seats (happened 2x that I can remember in the last ~2 years) or we end up pretty far down the airport list.
But I do wonder if the system gets to 2 companions and there aren't adjacent seats, the upgrade processing "freezes". And this results in that other thread with examples of people un-checking and then re-checking the upgrade request box to force their upgrades to clear into space that's available, but isn't being filled automatically by the algorithm. Hmm.
#10
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Related rookie question: For a family of 4 on a single record, does DL process upgrades individually or do you need space for all 4 before the upgrades will clear?
On UA you have to "split" your reservation record as the system won't process more than 2 at a time when you hit the T-72 window (or whatever applies). However, I would prefer not to split off family members into separate records as that can create problems when there are IRROPS, particularly as they have no status.
I am perfectly fine with only 1 upgrade clearing (actually that would be Mrs. B (
On UA you have to "split" your reservation record as the system won't process more than 2 at a time when you hit the T-72 window (or whatever applies). However, I would prefer not to split off family members into separate records as that can create problems when there are IRROPS, particularly as they have no status.
I am perfectly fine with only 1 upgrade clearing (actually that would be Mrs. B (
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,190
Your elite status only entitles you to upgrade one companion. So if you want any chance at an upgrade, even for yourself, you'll have to split the reservation.
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 26
OK, got my answer by way of an accident.
Somehow even though I had de-selected the "upgrade to C+" option, I indeed just got upgraded. And me and D2 got put in center seats in different rows. I just called to have them put us back to coach and side-by-side.
How did my de-selection get turned around into a request for upgrade? I'll never know... perhaps when I called earlier to ask the customer agent on the phone if there was any way to assure adjacency on upgrade,, she accidentally turned it on while investigating....?
Somehow even though I had de-selected the "upgrade to C+" option, I indeed just got upgraded. And me and D2 got put in center seats in different rows. I just called to have them put us back to coach and side-by-side.
How did my de-selection get turned around into a request for upgrade? I'll never know... perhaps when I called earlier to ask the customer agent on the phone if there was any way to assure adjacency on upgrade,, she accidentally turned it on while investigating....?
#13
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Seattle, WA;HH Diamond, Avis PS, DL PM & 1MM ... back to travelling the globe consulting aerospace engineering
Posts: 749
on the routes I fly, I've only had my SO upgraded to an adjacent seat on 1 or 2 of the ~10 times they've joined me and we've also been upgraded. most often they're upgraded to a different row on the opposite side of the plane. sometimes asking to swap seats works, and sometimes it doesn't - we never pressure either person to swap if they say they'd prefer not to, as their seat selection is theirs and neither of us is entitled to it
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 26
on the routes I fly, I've only had my SO upgraded to an adjacent seat on 1 or 2 of the ~10 times they've joined me and we've also been upgraded. most often they're upgraded to a different row on the opposite side of the plane. sometimes asking to swap seats works, and sometimes it doesn't - we never pressure either person to swap if they say they'd prefer not to, as their seat selection is theirs and neither of us is entitled to it
#15