How long after attaining the status can I expect complimentary upgrades?
Nov 8, 2021, 9:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL UA
Posts: 9
How long after attaining the status can I expect complimentary upgrades?
Just attained FO status today. Delta app reflects my new status. I have a flight tomorrow with several first class seats available. What are the odds of getting complimentary upgrade for a flight a day after attaining the status?
The question is more of how long does delta systems take to start putting me on complimentary upgrade lists. Not about the odds of having an F seat (I estimate the odds of having an F seat at 90+ percent for this route).
Edit: for clarity.
The question is more of how long does delta systems take to start putting me on complimentary upgrade lists. Not about the odds of having an F seat (I estimate the odds of having an F seat at 90+ percent for this route).
Edit: for clarity.
Last edited by vmk86724; Nov 8, 2021 at 9:42 pm
Nov 8, 2021, 9:41 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,373
as always, it depends how many DM/PM/GM who haven’t already been upgraded are on the flight, as well as how many might SDC to the flight
Nov 8, 2021, 9:41 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,677
At this point if it happens it will happen at the gate. If you are checked in, look at your itinerary for tomorrow and there should be an upgrade/standby section you can click. Once you click on that section it will show where you are on the list.
Nov 8, 2021, 9:42 pm
#4
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,931
Odds of clearing are influenced by, besides the number of open seats, the popularity of the route, i.e. number of people ahead of you (FOs with higher fare classes and tiebreakers and GM+) and people with paid F tickets on other flights who might SDC onto your flight. The length of time that you have held a particular status is immaterial.
Nov 9, 2021, 12:41 am
#5
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: 27,043
Try clicking on F seat in seat map. There may be upgrade space, it just hasn't run the automation since you were upgraded to elite status. If it is it'll offer the upgrade for $0.
Nov 9, 2021, 7:04 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: DL DM, National EE, Hertz PC, IHG PL, Bonvoy Amb
Posts: 1,342
Just attained FO status today. Delta app reflects my new status. I have a flight tomorrow with several first class seats available. What are the odds of getting complimentary upgrade for a flight a day after attaining the status?
The question is more of how long does delta systems take to start putting me on complimentary upgrade lists. Not about the odds of having an F seat (I estimate the odds of having an F seat at 90+ percent for this route).
Edit: for clarity.
The question is more of how long does delta systems take to start putting me on complimentary upgrade lists. Not about the odds of having an F seat (I estimate the odds of having an F seat at 90+ percent for this route).
Edit: for clarity.
As soon as your status shows, you can do that. And you'll be upgraded according to the hierarchy.
Nov 9, 2021, 8:48 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,775
First, never expect anything from DL, especially upgrades.
Second, there is no waiting period. Benefits begin the day after your status posts. You will need to be added to the upgrade list or go into your itinerary and make sure the request upgrades co C+ and First are selected. If you're on the UG list, you'll be able to access the list in the DL App once you're checked in for a flight. It will show you the list, how many C+ and F seats are available and how many empty seats on the plan. It may surprise you how quickly seats fill up as you get closer to departure.
What route are you certain will have a 90% chance of F seats available?
Second, there is no waiting period. Benefits begin the day after your status posts. You will need to be added to the upgrade list or go into your itinerary and make sure the request upgrades co C+ and First are selected. If you're on the UG list, you'll be able to access the list in the DL App once you're checked in for a flight. It will show you the list, how many C+ and F seats are available and how many empty seats on the plan. It may surprise you how quickly seats fill up as you get closer to departure.
What route are you certain will have a 90% chance of F seats available?
Nov 9, 2021, 9:07 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: Delta PM, SPG, Hertz Presidents Circle, IHG Ambassador, CLEAR/Global Entry
Posts: 239
Just attained FO status today. Delta app reflects my new status. I have a flight tomorrow with several first class seats available. What are the odds of getting complimentary upgrade for a flight a day after attaining the status?
The question is more of how long does delta systems take to start putting me on complimentary upgrade lists. Not about the odds of having an F seat (I estimate the odds of having an F seat at 90+ percent for this route).
Edit: for clarity.
The question is more of how long does delta systems take to start putting me on complimentary upgrade lists. Not about the odds of having an F seat (I estimate the odds of having an F seat at 90+ percent for this route).
Edit: for clarity.
Nov 9, 2021, 1:49 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,677
Good luck OP. Hope the stars align for you today!
Nov 9, 2021, 4:30 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL UA
Posts: 9
Thank you all for your feedback. I woke up to messages from delta this morning, one welcoming me to FO, and the other confirming the upgrade to F.
I didn’t had to add my myself to upgrade list, or do anything else, in the app.
One thing I did though yesterday was to text delta and ask them to add me to the upgrade list. The rep could not see on her end my new status (I shared a screenshot with her the change I see in the app) and she eventually replied that I may have to wait a week for the status to reflect in delta systems, and that it’s not possible for her to manually add me to the upgrade list.
I didn’t had to add my myself to upgrade list, or do anything else, in the app.
One thing I did though yesterday was to text delta and ask them to add me to the upgrade list. The rep could not see on her end my new status (I shared a screenshot with her the change I see in the app) and she eventually replied that I may have to wait a week for the status to reflect in delta systems, and that it’s not possible for her to manually add me to the upgrade list.
Nov 9, 2021, 4:40 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL UA
Posts: 9
Nov 9, 2021, 7:29 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2021
Programs: DL PM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 145
Nov 9, 2021, 11:04 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL UA
Posts: 9
This time I’m traveling on a route with low load factor (probably due to pandemic)—between LGA and STL. I traveled on every day of the week except Thursday and Saturday, and I have seen a load factor between 30 and 70 percent on weekdays. So, it’s a goldmine for upgrades even as a mere FO. Friday and Sunday flights are almost full.