Feb 1, 22, 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
Feb 2, 22, 12:03 pm
#47
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: 100,080
Feb 2, 22, 12:35 pm
#48
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: DTW
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 83
Related to the new SkyMiles year starting yesterday, I’m only able to request upgrades for flights through this month (February) - none of my flights from May - September are allowing me to request upgrades yet. Is this normal or is it possible I’m being blocked from requesting upgrades for another reason? Earned GM last year and fare classes are all over the place but should all qualify for complimentary upgrades AFAIK.
Feb 2, 22, 1:25 pm
#49
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: 25,699
Related to the new SkyMiles year starting yesterday, I’m only able to request upgrades for flights through this month (February) - none of my flights from May - September are allowing me to request upgrades yet. Is this normal or is it possible I’m being blocked from requesting upgrades for another reason? Earned GM last year and fare classes are all over the place but should all qualify for complimentary upgrades AFAIK.
Possible reasons
1)companion on reservation and has no FF # listed
2)more than one companion on reservation
3)booked flight as codeshare - you only get upgrades DoD at airport when book DL flight using a codeshare number.
4)some other reason
Feb 2, 22, 1:32 pm
#50
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: 100,080
This isn't normal. In the past, upgrades have worked smoothly during the transition to a new program year, with upgrades generally sticking if someone lost status unless there's an aircraft change, etc.
Feb 2, 22, 7:19 pm
#51
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: DTW
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 83
There's something else. You don't qualify for some reason, so it's not letting you select
Possible reasons
1)companion on reservation and has no FF # listed
2)more than one companion on reservation
3)booked flight as codeshare - you only get upgrades DoD at airport when book DL flight using a codeshare number.
4)some other reason
Possible reasons
1)companion on reservation and has no FF # listed
2)more than one companion on reservation
3)booked flight as codeshare - you only get upgrades DoD at airport when book DL flight using a codeshare number.
4)some other reason
Feb 2, 22, 9:46 pm
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,951
Are they stored companions in your profile? I'd double-check to make sure they have their own Skymiles numbers listed on their tickets and they are correct. That's about the only thing that sounds like it could inhibit if it's an eligible route (FC marketed or domestic D1) as long as they are not Basic Economy fares.
Feb 3, 22, 4:25 pm
#53
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA Platinum, DL Platinum, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 397
If only. My next four flights were force-downgraded and Delta didn't even select replacement seats (or notify me). No apology either, though they corrected my status extension (it was mistakenly not enacted) and fixed one of the four flights. However, one is sold out so my seats were automatically filled by some other elites when I was kicked out of them. Good thing I booked all the way back in April to lock in good seats and flights.
Feb 5, 22, 7:42 am
#54
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: DTW
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 83
Well, Basic Economy fares do not qualify for complimentary upgrades. Did you happen to purchase those?
Are they stored companions in your profile? I'd double-check to make sure they have their own Skymiles numbers listed on their tickets and they are correct. That's about the only thing that sounds like it could inhibit if it's an eligible route (FC marketed or domestic D1) as long as they are not Basic Economy fares.
Are they stored companions in your profile? I'd double-check to make sure they have their own Skymiles numbers listed on their tickets and they are correct. That's about the only thing that sounds like it could inhibit if it's an eligible route (FC marketed or domestic D1) as long as they are not Basic Economy fares.
I ended up texting Delta about it yesterday and they confirmed I’m on the upgrade list (or just added me)… I checked a couple of the trips on the desktop website and was able to see the upgrade request, but still nothing on the app so at this point I’m going to assume something’s funky with the app.
Feb 5, 22, 4:41 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, DL Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat, HHonors Gold
Posts: 14,820
A C+ question from inexperienced Plat:
What is the best way for Plat to upgrade a family of 4 to C+ at/after time of booking? Can I call after purchasing the ticket to get free C+ seats for myself and 1 companion and then purchase C+ for the other 2 family members? Would prefer not to split into 2 records as that doesn't work too well if IRROPS.
[2nd question deleted as answered by thread referenced in Wiki]
What is the best way for Plat to upgrade a family of 4 to C+ at/after time of booking? Can I call after purchasing the ticket to get free C+ seats for myself and 1 companion and then purchase C+ for the other 2 family members? Would prefer not to split into 2 records as that doesn't work too well if IRROPS.
[2nd question deleted as answered by thread referenced in Wiki]
Last edited by Boraxo; Feb 5, 22 at 4:49 pm
Feb 5, 22, 5:38 pm
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 20,951
A C+ question from inexperienced Plat:
What is the best way for Plat to upgrade a family of 4 to C+ at/after time of booking? Can I call after purchasing the ticket to get free C+ seats for myself and 1 companion and then purchase C+ for the other 2 family members? Would prefer not to split into 2 records as that doesn't work too well if IRROPS.
[2nd question deleted as answered by thread referenced in Wiki]
What is the best way for Plat to upgrade a family of 4 to C+ at/after time of booking? Can I call after purchasing the ticket to get free C+ seats for myself and 1 companion and then purchase C+ for the other 2 family members? Would prefer not to split into 2 records as that doesn't work too well if IRROPS.
[2nd question deleted as answered by thread referenced in Wiki]
Feb 9, 22, 8:12 pm
#57
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BUR
Programs: AA, DL Gold, AS, AF/KL, UA, VS, HA, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,688
Some data as an "earned" Gold. There might be Shenanigans with the second flight.
2/6/2022. DL 552 LAX-BOS. Number of D1 seats available: 6. My position on the upgrade list: 20.
2/8/2022. DL 458 BOS-LAX. Number of D1 seats available: 1. My position on the upgrade list: 2 - For this flight, I had an entire row of C+ to myself. I would say the flight was about 1/3rd full. The Shenanigans suspicion is because I counted 3 unoccupied D1 seats.
2/6/2022. DL 552 LAX-BOS. Number of D1 seats available: 6. My position on the upgrade list: 20.
2/8/2022. DL 458 BOS-LAX. Number of D1 seats available: 1. My position on the upgrade list: 2 - For this flight, I had an entire row of C+ to myself. I would say the flight was about 1/3rd full. The Shenanigans suspicion is because I counted 3 unoccupied D1 seats.
Feb 10, 22, 5:20 am
#58
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NYC, MSY
Programs: DL DM, 1.4MM, NEXUS, Sky Club Lifetime, Admirals Club Lifetime, LowValueCustomer everywhere
Posts: 6,094
Some data as an "earned" Gold. There might be Shenanigans with the second flight.
2/6/2022. DL 552 LAX-BOS. Number of D1 seats available: 6. My position on the upgrade list: 20.
2/8/2022. DL 458 BOS-LAX. Number of D1 seats available: 1. My position on the upgrade list: 2 - For this flight, I had an entire row of C+ to myself. I would say the flight was about 1/3rd full. The Shenanigans suspicion is because I counted 3 unoccupied D1 seats.
2/6/2022. DL 552 LAX-BOS. Number of D1 seats available: 6. My position on the upgrade list: 20.
2/8/2022. DL 458 BOS-LAX. Number of D1 seats available: 1. My position on the upgrade list: 2 - For this flight, I had an entire row of C+ to myself. I would say the flight was about 1/3rd full. The Shenanigans suspicion is because I counted 3 unoccupied D1 seats.
Vacant seats suggests late arrivals / missed connections and/or a lazy GA.
Feb 10, 22, 10:13 am
#59
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BUR
Programs: AA, DL Gold, AS, AF/KL, UA, VS, HA, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,688
I could've gone into more detail in my first post. I think I was the last to board (was at the SC) about 20 minutes before scheduled departure. When I arrived at the gate I said to the the GA that I knew First had checked in full, but asked if it had "boarded full." Sometimes I can score an upgrade that way. He responded yes it had boarded full, but moved me from a C+ row with one other pax (middle seat empty) to one that was totally empty.
Feb 12, 22, 8:13 am
#60
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Alaska 75K, Delta Silver, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 7,548
Can someone chime in the logical reason for the below scenario? Thanks in advance!
I am complementary waitlisted for domestic D1, earned Plat, #2 inside of T-24. #1 is on both C+ and D1 lists as #1.
Under what scenario would #1 be? If Plat or above, #1 would have been moved to C+ already (shortly after booking) - there are available C+ seats). Maybe sponsored upgrade from Diamond but the traveler is Gold or Silver?
I am complementary waitlisted for domestic D1, earned Plat, #2 inside of T-24. #1 is on both C+ and D1 lists as #1.
Under what scenario would #1 be? If Plat or above, #1 would have been moved to C+ already (shortly after booking) - there are available C+ seats). Maybe sponsored upgrade from Diamond but the traveler is Gold or Silver?
