Feb 1, 2022, 4:17 pm
Last edit by: Zorak
Index of DL forum threads on how to sit up front
Complimentary Upgrades
How do comp upgrades work?
This is the thread you are currently reading
for questions including but not limited to
Use this thread for posting or researching data points pertaining to complimentary upgrades (how many were on the list, your position, whether you cleared, etc.)
Upgrades on AeroMexico flights (Consolidated Thread)
Certificate Upgrades
Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs)
Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs)
Buying Up Using Cash
First Class Monetization, or FCM: The Definitive Thread
Using SkyMiles for Upgrades
Upgrading With Companions
Upgrading w/companions, eligibility, timing, Sep 2020 onward (consolidated)
Complimentary Upgrades
How do comp upgrades work?
This is the thread you are currently reading
for questions including but not limited to- I'm new to status and upgrades, how do I request a comp upgrade?
- when will my name appear on the list? when will I clear?
- do I need to do anything if my status went up since I booked?
- when will my name show up on the list?
- why is my position so low?
- oddities/anomalies involving the upgrade list
- and so on
Use this thread for posting or researching data points pertaining to complimentary upgrades (how many were on the list, your position, whether you cleared, etc.)
- 2023 Upgrade Success (Or Lack Thereof) Thread
- 2022 Upgrade Success (or lack thereof) Thread
- 2021 Upgrade Success (or lack thereof) thread
- ... and so on
Upgrades on AeroMexico flights (Consolidated Thread)
Certificate Upgrades
Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs)
- Using Global Upgrades on Delta (GUCs) post 2/1/2022 Changes
- OLD 2014-2021 version of the thread (davetravels, RIP
): The Official - GLOBAL UPGRADE CERT success thread - Yay! I got it! - Global upgrades on partners (see also the wiki at the top of the main GUC thread, which has good "executive summary" info for using GUCs on partners, including some that don't have their own dedicated threads):
- Air France (AF): Using GUC on AF - Consolidated Threads 2020 Onward
- KLM (KL): Using Delta Global Upgrade (GUC) with KLM Consolidated
- Korean Air (KE): Using GUC on KE bookings - Consolidated Thread
- Virgin Atlantic (VS): GUC now able to be used on Virgin Atlantic (VS)???
Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs)
- Using Regional Upgrades on Delta (RUC) post 2/1/2022
- OLD 2014-2021 version of the thread: Using Regional Upgrades
Buying Up Using Cash
First Class Monetization, or FCM: The Definitive Thread
Using SkyMiles for Upgrades
- Mileage Upgrade Awards (NOT the same as Upgrade With Miles, see thread wiki for explanation of the difference): Delta Mileage Upgrade Awards
- Air France (AF): Question re: upgrade with Miles on Air France
- Virgin Atlantic (VS): Definitive Thread: Use Sky Miles to upgrade on VS
Upgrading With Companions
Upgrading w/companions, eligibility, timing, Sep 2020 onward (consolidated)
Complimentary Upgrades on Delta, the Definitive Thread
Aug 16, 2022, 3:33 pm
#242
Join Date: Aug 2022
Programs: DL DM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 16
I would definitely not use a GUC for this route, unless you have no other plans to use them before they expire. You'll see offers to upgrade to first in the app or website after you purchase your tickets regardless of it being in coach or comfort. I'd probably wait until a couple weeks before and if it's not looking likely for a complimentary upgrade and first class is really important to you then i'd go the ruc/guc route.
Aug 16, 2022, 3:36 pm
#243
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 87
I would definitely not use a GUC for this route, unless you have no other plans to use them before they expire. You'll see offers to upgrade to first in the app or website after you purchase your tickets regardless of it being in coach or comfort. I'd probably wait until a couple weeks before and if it's not looking likely for a complimentary upgrade and first class is really important to you then i'd go the ruc/guc route.
Aug 16, 2022, 3:48 pm
#244
Join Date: Aug 2022
Programs: DL DM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 16
Sorry it's almost impossible to guess, it's highly variable. but maybe someone that has flown it recently might be able to chime in. Typically they start out as really bad deals and what i've seen recently is a cash price and the mileage option is just the cash price value at 1 cpm.
Aug 16, 2022, 4:20 pm
#246
Join Date: Jan 2022
Programs: DL, UA, AA
Posts: 1,996
You can always wait and see if there are upgrade offers, and use the RUCs/GUCs if you need to.
Or you can fly in C+.
Aug 16, 2022, 4:29 pm
#247
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 87
Aug 24, 2022, 12:46 pm
#249
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: TUL
Programs: Delta, Marriott, IHG Platinum
Posts: 230
You can also look at the seat selection on the app and if there is an option to pay for a C+ or D1 with cash or miles it will give you the option. I just booked a trip for my husband and I and used a combo of RUC, money, and miles to upgrade. It would have been super simple if you could apply RUC online or via that app!
Aug 25, 2022, 12:02 pm
#250
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: TUL
Programs: Delta, Marriott, IHG Platinum
Posts: 230
Well I am a (earned) PM (Platinum + Plastic) and my husband and I are currently #10 & 11 of 21 on the UG list from TUL - ATL and then #5 & 6 of 7 from ATL - YYZ tomorrow. So I'm going to go ahead and file this one under "did not get UG." I normally either just purchase 1st or use RUC but decided to roll the dice this time. Hopefully they don't screw us with a last minute equipment switch: as a PM I was able to book "preferred" seats for free. We are on a 712 in the two seat side of the exit row for the first leg then a 321 in the exit row that only has two seats in the row for the second leg. So not bad seats for economy + no one sitting in a row with us. At least I can finally use the 12 drink coupons I have in my wallet!
Last edited by ostatekitty; Aug 25, 2022 at 12:03 pm Reason: punctuation!
Aug 30, 2022, 10:42 am
#251
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 49
I spent some time reading https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...llion-upgrades and I can't seem to find information... How do complimentary upgrades work for a Delta DM, flying on a Delta operated but KLM marketed flight?
Aug 30, 2022, 11:00 am
#252
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: 100,404
I spent some time reading https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...llion-upgrades and I can't seem to find information... How do complimentary upgrades work for a Delta DM, flying on a Delta operated but KLM marketed flight?
Aug 30, 2022, 12:26 pm
#253
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 49
My understanding is that you won't be upgraded before T-24, but then I think your DM priority applies for C+ and FC. You need to make sure that your DL FF number is on the PNR. Don't open it when logged into your FB account in the KLM website or app, ever, because you don't want a FB number to stick.
Yup, learnt the lesson about the FF number... That being said, one nice thing I've learnt over the years: Garuda's website is great to open any SkyTeam reservations (at least AF/KL/DL) and remove or swap FF numbers.
