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
Feb 19, 2022, 7:43 am
#76
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: DL Silver, AA, UA, B6, WN
Posts: 430
Asking for my partner, who is not on Flyertalk. Is it impossible for a Silver Medallion with a companion to upgrade from Comfort Plus on an international flight JFK-FCO to Premium Select or Delta One? I suspect he doesn't have enough miles, even if he could. He only has 140,000 miles so not many. We have already requested First class upgrades from RDU-JFK, not a big deal. but would be nice. Upgrades on JFK-FCO are showing as "not available" or something similar. I suspect it's the fare code and/or it's just not possible to upgrade from Comfort Plus with his status, and with a companion.
Not at all a big deal, just curious because I manage everything, although we did book the flight together since we used his Delta Amex and my eCredit.
Not at all a big deal, just curious because I manage everything, although we did book the flight together since we used his Delta Amex and my eCredit.
Feb 19, 2022, 7:46 am
#77
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,685
When is your flight and how full are those sections now? I'm a Silver and was offered paid upgrades to PS and D1 from Main Cabin on my JFK-BCN flight in early April - D1 was way too much for me, but PS was 25000 miles or $250, so I upgraded. It had been 50,000/$500 before it dropped though. The flight is not full though in any section. The return is offering me D1, but again it's way too much miles/money, don't think I will even get the comp upgrade to C+ since that section is full, and PS has no seats available. So if the flight is not that full, it is possible that they could offer a buy up at an affordable price, but if it is pretty full, then they won't..
Feb 19, 2022, 8:33 am
#78
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: DL Silver, AA, UA, B6, WN
Posts: 430
Feb 21, 2022, 9:15 am
#79
Join Date: Mar 2021
Programs: Marriott Ambassador - Delta Diamond - United Silver - Frontier 100k - Sixt Plat
Posts: 581
Jfk-las 18 FC as of 7 days and as qualified diamond no upgrade now 3 days prior. T fare. Ive noticed when i book c+ fare i always get FC in the 6-7 day window but with main its gate clear only.
Now 14 FC remaining with less then 3 days, delta thinks they can move em.
Now 14 FC remaining with less then 3 days, delta thinks they can move em.
Feb 21, 2022, 10:14 am
#80
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,544
I don't necessarily think there is a rhyme or reason to it. I've been on a couple PHX-JFK redeyes within the last month. The first one I cleared at window and there were only a few seats open in FC for gate upgrades. The second flight they were holding back 15 seats for gate upgrades. Whether on not one buys a C+ seat wouldn't be a factor in the number of seats they are holding back for upgrades.
Feb 26, 2022, 10:09 am
#81
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: IND or 36,000 Feet
Programs: DL DM Charter Reserve 2MM, MAR PLAT, Choice DIA
Posts: 25
I don't necessarily think there is a rhyme or reason to it. I've been on a couple PHX-JFK redeyes within the last month. The first one I cleared at window and there were only a few seats open in FC for gate upgrades. The second flight they were holding back 15 seats for gate upgrades. Whether on not one buys a C+ seat wouldn't be a factor in the number of seats they are holding back for upgrades.
i've had some clear 5-7 days out and others at the gate, last flight i didn't clear at all and sat in the last row, (wanted entire row to myself vs C+ middle or main aisle next to some one)
i thought it was just DL trying to sell them (upgrades), but many are XX and not available for upgrade purchase. you can still book FC of course.
Mar 8, 2022, 7:25 am
#85
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: 100,678
IIRC one of the recent changes is that BE tickets are not eligible for upgrades.
Mar 8, 2022, 7:37 am
#86
Join Date: Mar 2022
Programs: Delta
Posts: 34
She would be absolutely upset it only one of us got upgraded lol.
I’d rather not be upgraded than deal with her lecture.
Mar 8, 2022, 7:39 am
#87
Join Date: Jan 2022
Programs: DL, UA, AA
Posts: 2,002
There is a companion certificate, once per year.
I've forgone upgrades because my wife traveled with me, and it wasn't on the same reservation, so I know what you mean.
Mar 8, 2022, 7:49 am
#88
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: 100,678
The annual companion certs are for a free domestic companion ticket, coach for the DL AmEx Plat card and FC for the Reserve card. The AmEx DL Gold card doesn't get one, and they're not for upgrades anyway.
Mar 8, 2022, 8:04 am
#89
Join Date: Mar 2022
Programs: Delta
Posts: 34
Mar 8, 2022, 8:51 am
#90
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 153
If you’re on the same reservation you’ll be upgraded together. But if you don’t have status even though it is technically a benefit of the reserve card, you’re unlikely to ever clear an upgrade even to C+ because you’ll be behind ever medallion tier and after last years status bonus they’re more plentiful than ever before. This is a WFBF/WC+BC+ situation