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
Sep 19, 2022, 9:48 am
#271
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,421
Tried to call DM line but took to long to get agent and flight was boarding so I said screw it.
Sep 19, 2022, 9:51 am
#272
Join Date: Jun 2022
Programs: Flying Blue Gold | Marriott Titanium
Posts: 169
Flew YVR-SEA today and was not on the UG list. Possibly because first flight was on Westjet but was DL 006 ticket stock.
Got to the gate and GA’s refused to UG me with three empty FC seats because “it’s an international flight”. I said DL’s policy was complimentary UG’s for elites for Canada to US but three agents refused and said the same thing. They said I had to put myself on the list and that they can’t even add me to the list due to it being an international flight. DL app showed me as Upgrade requested status but I can’t change the status as I’m already checked in. When I try to uncheck in and recheck in the app bumps me back to Westjets app.
What’s going on here and what did I do wrong? Short flight so I don’t really care, just annoying as it seems like the problem was easier to fix than the GA’s made it out to be.
Got to the gate and GA’s refused to UG me with three empty FC seats because “it’s an international flight”. I said DL’s policy was complimentary UG’s for elites for Canada to US but three agents refused and said the same thing. They said I had to put myself on the list and that they can’t even add me to the list due to it being an international flight. DL app showed me as Upgrade requested status but I can’t change the status as I’m already checked in. When I try to uncheck in and recheck in the app bumps me back to Westjets app.
What’s going on here and what did I do wrong? Short flight so I don’t really care, just annoying as it seems like the problem was easier to fix than the GA’s made it out to be.
Sep 23, 2022, 10:31 am
#274
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Skymiles GM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, National EE, Hertz 5*
Posts: 383
Got upgraded Sept 11 from ATL-YYZ (Silver), got the notification about 12 hours before flight.
Companion also got upgraded, but "it's a long story", because they were initially on my PNR, but because he didn't make it on the initial departure flight he ended up on a separate PNR and had to be manually added to the upgrade list by the phone agent (while we were on the layover in ATL) and finally appeared on the upgrade list after the Need Help? desk cancelled his check-in and then got the gate agent to re-check him in to make him appear on the upgrade list. His upgrade cleared less than an hour before departure.
Companion also got upgraded, but "it's a long story", because they were initially on my PNR, but because he didn't make it on the initial departure flight he ended up on a separate PNR and had to be manually added to the upgrade list by the phone agent (while we were on the layover in ATL) and finally appeared on the upgrade list after the Need Help? desk cancelled his check-in and then got the gate agent to re-check him in to make him appear on the upgrade list. His upgrade cleared less than an hour before departure.
Sep 27, 2022, 9:29 pm
#275
Join Date: Sep 2022
Programs: delta, bonvoy, hertz
Posts: 9
I have purchased a KLM branded flight from CTA-AMS. First leg CTA-FCO is on ITA, second leg FCO-AMS is KLM. Purchased eco light and enter DL FF #, was able to choose econ+ seating and free bags on the KLM leg.. Partner is DM and I am PM. However I am not able to choose seats for ITA segment. Have tried ITA website and KLM. Verbiage says to choose seats in the app. I have downloaded the app but it requires me to get an FB account I'm afraid to open the app and have ticket apply to a new FB account rather than my DL account. Thoughts on how I choose seats? wait until counter check in, or call ITA?
Oct 4, 2022, 9:47 am
#276
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Just purchased SFO-LAX today for a flight in 48 hours. I am PM. Both segments say "upgrade available with certificate." I thought this was the same inventory bucket as medallion upgrades so I should be upgraded right away, but am I wrong about this?
Oct 4, 2022, 9:50 am
#277
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,413
Check the seatmap; you should be able to select a seat in First for "FREE" if and only if OU is available.
Oct 4, 2022, 10:07 am
#278
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Oct 4, 2022, 7:26 pm
#279
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SEA, NW/DL 1.6Million Miler
Programs: DL 1MM Annual Silver,AS 100K 22-24, AS 75K 15-21
Posts: 4,278
Not listed on Upgrade list, cancelled check-in & re-check In
When I conducted check-in at 24hour, my upgrade, albert rez showing requested, never made the list. Rez agent couldnt solve the problem either and suggested gate assistance at airport. At 2 hour before flight, I had a Skyclub agent see my rez and proceeded to cancel check-in and re-do check-in. This solved the problem. I was then showing on the upgrade list albeit unlikely upgrade. Finished #12😂.
Jiburi
Jiburi
Oct 4, 2022, 8:23 pm
#280
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: 100,409
BTW, are you seeing a decent FCM offer for the flight? That might be worth taking, or more generally look into upfaring to FC since FC seats seem to be available and your last minute purchase is likely to be an expensive coach fare.
Oct 13, 2022, 12:38 pm
#281
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 1
Hey All,
I was wondering if anyone has some experience with this situation, my partner and I are on the same PNR currently. I am PM and my partner has no status. We've been upgraded to Comfort+ already, but I need to travel back at a later date so the booking will be split.
Will my partner get downgraded when I'm no longer on the reservation?
I was wondering if anyone has some experience with this situation, my partner and I are on the same PNR currently. I am PM and my partner has no status. We've been upgraded to Comfort+ already, but I need to travel back at a later date so the booking will be split.
Will my partner get downgraded when I'm no longer on the reservation?
Oct 21, 2022, 11:29 pm
#282
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BUR
Programs: AA, DL Platinum, AS, AF/KL, UA, VS, HA, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,788
(I'm sure this has been answered but I can't find exactly where.)
DL Gold Medallion. Flying LAX-ATL-FCO on an AF purchased ticket, KL coded flight on DL metal in PE/PS. For the LAX-ATL portion I'm booked in C+ (W fare). I know I'm eligible for an upgrade but only on day of departure.
How does that work? Do I need to call DL to be put on the upgrade list or does it happen automatically? Do/can I get on the upgrade list only on the calendar day of departure or t minus 24 hours of the flight?
DL Gold Medallion. Flying LAX-ATL-FCO on an AF purchased ticket, KL coded flight on DL metal in PE/PS. For the LAX-ATL portion I'm booked in C+ (W fare). I know I'm eligible for an upgrade but only on day of departure.
How does that work? Do I need to call DL to be put on the upgrade list or does it happen automatically? Do/can I get on the upgrade list only on the calendar day of departure or t minus 24 hours of the flight?
Oct 22, 2022, 4:44 am
#283
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 81
(I'm sure this has been answered but I can't find exactly where.)
DL Gold Medallion. Flying LAX-ATL-FCO on an AF purchased ticket, KL coded flight on DL metal in PE/PS. For the LAX-ATL portion I'm booked in C+ (W fare). I know I'm eligible for an upgrade but only on day of departure.
How does that work? Do I need to call DL to be put on the upgrade list or does it happen automatically? Do/can I get on the upgrade list only on the calendar day of departure or t minus 24 hours of the flight?
DL Gold Medallion. Flying LAX-ATL-FCO on an AF purchased ticket, KL coded flight on DL metal in PE/PS. For the LAX-ATL portion I'm booked in C+ (W fare). I know I'm eligible for an upgrade but only on day of departure.
How does that work? Do I need to call DL to be put on the upgrade list or does it happen automatically? Do/can I get on the upgrade list only on the calendar day of departure or t minus 24 hours of the flight?
Nov 5, 2022, 10:00 pm
#284
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sonoma CA
Programs: DL DM&MM, DL KMwannabe, HH, AA, TG,
Posts: 1,257
I was number one on the upgrade list ATL-PIT. I’m a platinum medallion. My husband was number two on the list, flying on my PNR and boarded right after me. I was kept in my original seat in Delta comfort; my husband was upgraded to first. Does anyone have any idea of what could’ve happened? I didn’t fight him and sat in the back and let him enjoy FC. Just curious since this has never happened to us before.
Last edited by Steve007NY; Nov 5, 2022 at 10:27 pm