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
#106
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: 100,368
Have a flight tomorrow where a 20 seat F cabin is mostly empty yet appears no upgrades have been processed. Its the 2nd segment of my trip and DL isn't even offering a paid upgrade... yet the direct flight they are. Pretty crappy.
Am wondering if this segment is going to be glitched once I'm able to check in and not be on the upgrade list. Tried removing and re-adding the upgrade request but not sure if that will fix anything.
Am wondering if this segment is going to be glitched once I'm able to check in and not be on the upgrade list. Tried removing and re-adding the upgrade request but not sure if that will fix anything.
Is there any hint that another flight on the route is being cancelled or delayed?
#107
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: DL, UA
Posts: 592
Have a flight tomorrow where a 20 seat F cabin is mostly empty yet appears no upgrades have been processed. Its the 2nd segment of my trip and DL isn't even offering a paid upgrade... yet the direct flight they are. Pretty crappy.
Am wondering if this segment is going to be glitched once I'm able to check in and not be on the upgrade list. Tried removing and re-adding the upgrade request but not sure if that will fix anything.
Am wondering if this segment is going to be glitched once I'm able to check in and not be on the upgrade list. Tried removing and re-adding the upgrade request but not sure if that will fix anything.
#109
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 142
Just got reserve card , no status
4/22- cle- lga- alb. Got comfort plus for me and my daughter first leg and fc second leg
4/25 - alb-dtw- cle comfort plus on first leg for 2 people and no upgrade dtw to cle ( no biggie on a 22 min flight )
begginers luck !
4/22- cle- lga- alb. Got comfort plus for me and my daughter first leg and fc second leg
4/25 - alb-dtw- cle comfort plus on first leg for 2 people and no upgrade dtw to cle ( no biggie on a 22 min flight )
begginers luck !
#110
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: 100,368
Congrats. That's a good record, but please don't be too disappointed if this luck doesn't continue.
#112
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,158
Just to follow up... the segment I was referring to a few posts above ended up being 14 or 15 available upgrades at the gate, and I was #1... so no upgrade certs in use by anyone. They just didn't process any in advance. Got stuck in a window seat also, but at least was only an hour flight.
#113
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 26
Hi, as a new GM can someone explain how upgrades work at the gate? I have two trips scheduled this month. I understand that within 3 days I might be notified (and right now some of the flights have a lot of empty seats listed in the upgrade record). But how does it work at the gate? Do I need to do anything? My record shows I want to be upgraded to C+ or first. Thank you.
#115
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: Delta Platinum, Etihad Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 139
Where do FB platinum fall on the priority list for gate upgrades? And can they also upgrade with a no-status medallion companion? I ask because there’s 3 of us traveling - medallion gold, FB plat, and a vanilla, and I’m looking to best maximize our chances of all 3 upgrading to First, so I’m wondering how to split the reservations
#116
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
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: 18,885
https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...llion-upgrades
If my interpretation is correct then the only way to have all 3 eligible for upgrades would be to put GM+General Member on one reservation (in theory could clear as soon as 3 days out, if there is upgrade inventory) and FB plat on the other (won't clear until day of travel, if at all); but set expectations low....
#117
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: 100,368
Note that the general member with the GM would need to have a DL FF number on the PNR, not a FB number (or no number at all).
#118
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 9
New Platinum Medallion Status member with a question:
Hyopthetical: I booke an upgrade eligible ticket for a flight three days from now. There are both Comfort Plus and First Class seats available. My Medallion status gets me upgraded to comfort plus "Shortly after ticketing", and first class "120 hours prior" ( a window in which I already find myself).
When will I see an upgrade to what?
Hyopthetical: I booke an upgrade eligible ticket for a flight three days from now. There are both Comfort Plus and First Class seats available. My Medallion status gets me upgraded to comfort plus "Shortly after ticketing", and first class "120 hours prior" ( a window in which I already find myself).
When will I see an upgrade to what?
#119
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: 100,368
Either anytime between the time the ticket is purchased/issued (not necessarily instantly with some corporate travel agents, for example) and the time the aircraft door closes. It depends a lot on the route, day of week and time of flight, and current occupancy levels in C+ and FC. Either upgrade requires upgrade inventory and their might be higher level elites (or PMs with the higher fare classes, etc.) already on the waitlist, which you cannot see until check in.
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,382
Comfort Plus upgrades (SU) are generally last-seat and you should get the upgrade within a few minutes of ticketing if there are available seats.
First Class upgrades (OU) are not last-seat and I would not necessarily expect an upgrade unless the cabin is uncommonly empty at the moment. You will be upgraded as soon as there is upgrade space available.
First Class upgrades (OU) are not last-seat and I would not necessarily expect an upgrade unless the cabin is uncommonly empty at the moment. You will be upgraded as soon as there is upgrade space available.