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
#121
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 202
International upgrades from Main to C+
I am booking a trip to EDI from SEA, looking at various connecting options. All of them have C+ class of service. I'm a Plat. Do I understand correctly that I get upgraded from Main to C+ on any flight that has a C+ class of service? I know that's what the Delta site says but I have a nagging recollection that such upgrades were only for domestic legs at one time. And the same would be true for my companion on the same PNR? Thanks.
#122
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: 100,334
Yes for any DL flight that has C+ "upgrade" inventory.
#123
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: MCO
Programs: AA,DL,F9,UA,WN
Posts: 576
Unlimited First Class Upgrades Question
As a Medallion member, I'm entitled to unlimited 1st Class upgrades. And since I'm Platinum, the chart says this begins 120 hours (5 days) prior to departure.
My question pertains to moving from an existing seat to a 1st Class seat. At 120 hours, is this a change I can initiate myself on the Delta.com seat map for my flight(s) or is this something that I have to hope Delta's computer will do in priority order? (I realize that 1st Class seats may not be available or blocked-out.) Thanks.
My question pertains to moving from an existing seat to a 1st Class seat. At 120 hours, is this a change I can initiate myself on the Delta.com seat map for my flight(s) or is this something that I have to hope Delta's computer will do in priority order? (I realize that 1st Class seats may not be available or blocked-out.) Thanks.
#124
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: 100,334
It should be automatic if there's sufficient upgrade inventory after everyone ahead of you in the priority order has been upgraded. Don't expect many upgrades at 120 hours.
#125
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: Delta Platinum; Hilton Diamond; Marriot Gold
Posts: 1,108
As a Medallion member, I'm entitled to unlimited 1st Class upgrades. And since I'm Platinum, the chart says this begins 120 hours (5 days) prior to departure.
My question pertains to moving from an existing seat to a 1st Class seat. At 120 hours, is this a change I can initiate myself on the Delta.com seat map for my flight(s) or is this something that I have to hope Delta's computer will do in priority order? (I realize that 1st Class seats may not be available or blocked-out.) Thanks.
My question pertains to moving from an existing seat to a 1st Class seat. At 120 hours, is this a change I can initiate myself on the Delta.com seat map for my flight(s) or is this something that I have to hope Delta's computer will do in priority order? (I realize that 1st Class seats may not be available or blocked-out.) Thanks.
#128
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 202
Hmm, that's not quite what the Delta site says. It reads: "Medallion Members are eligible for and rewarded with Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to Delta Comfort+ and First Class on all routes where the products are available." No mention of "upgrade inventory" needing to be available. Do you have some confirmation for that restriction? Thanks for any clarification you can give.
#129
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: 100,334
Hmm, that's not quite what the Delta site says. It reads: "Medallion Members are eligible for and rewarded with Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to Delta Comfort+ and First Class on all routes where the products are available." No mention of "upgrade inventory" needing to be available. Do you have some confirmation for that restriction? Thanks for any clarification you can give.
#130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,190
As a Medallion member, I'm entitled to unlimited 1st Class upgrades. And since I'm Platinum, the chart says this begins 120 hours (5 days) prior to departure.
My question pertains to moving from an existing seat to a 1st Class seat. At 120 hours, is this a change I can initiate myself on the Delta.com seat map for my flight(s) or is this something that I have to hope Delta's computer will do in priority order? (I realize that 1st Class seats may not be available or blocked-out.) Thanks.
My question pertains to moving from an existing seat to a 1st Class seat. At 120 hours, is this a change I can initiate myself on the Delta.com seat map for my flight(s) or is this something that I have to hope Delta's computer will do in priority order? (I realize that 1st Class seats may not be available or blocked-out.) Thanks.
#131
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: DL 3 MM/DM, Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, National Exec Elite
Posts: 4,001
The system is screwy, non-transparent, and essentially broken.
ATL-EYW yesterday had only three seats sold in a 12 seat F cabin, so nine people (including me, yay) cleared at the gate. For the life of me, I don't understand why a few didn't clear in advance.
I messaged a rep the night before just to have him check and see if there was inventory that perhaps had not processed automatically. He had no idea what inventory I was talking about. No idea.
There were two of us involved (both DM) on this trip, so I called and spoke to an agent about the same flight. She had a hard time understanding what I was asking, but eventually pecked around and said there was upgrade inventory. I asked if she could push through the upgrade.
She went to work and appeared to have it set to go. The seat went through on my traveling companion's record but when she pushed the final button on mine, the system hiccuped and it didn't work. She came back with, "there is no more upgrade inventory available." It's within 24 hours of the flight, so I look at the upgrade list on the app, and I am #3. Which means, theoretically, that my traveling companion got upgraded ahead of two people already on the list.
I just don't understand how this sort of stuff happens.
ATL-EYW yesterday had only three seats sold in a 12 seat F cabin, so nine people (including me, yay) cleared at the gate. For the life of me, I don't understand why a few didn't clear in advance.
I messaged a rep the night before just to have him check and see if there was inventory that perhaps had not processed automatically. He had no idea what inventory I was talking about. No idea.
There were two of us involved (both DM) on this trip, so I called and spoke to an agent about the same flight. She had a hard time understanding what I was asking, but eventually pecked around and said there was upgrade inventory. I asked if she could push through the upgrade.
She went to work and appeared to have it set to go. The seat went through on my traveling companion's record but when she pushed the final button on mine, the system hiccuped and it didn't work. She came back with, "there is no more upgrade inventory available." It's within 24 hours of the flight, so I look at the upgrade list on the app, and I am #3. Which means, theoretically, that my traveling companion got upgraded ahead of two people already on the list.
I just don't understand how this sort of stuff happens.
#132
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,324
Did you try to seat change? IME if there is upgrade space available, it will display "FREE" on the seat and let you change. There was a thread about this a while back; all of my F upgrades have cleared promptly so I haven't seen it recently but it works for C+ too if I click through to my seat faster than the computer can put me in SU.
#133
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 202
Other than completing a booking (and then seeing if you get an automatic upgrade), is there a method to check on whether inventory is available for a specific flight? I am travelling TATL if that makes a difference. Thanks.
#134
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: 18,819
Hmm, that's not quite what the Delta site says. It reads: "Medallion Members are eligible for and rewarded with Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to Delta Comfort+ and First Class on all routes where the products are available." No mention of "upgrade inventory" needing to be available. Do you have some confirmation for that restriction? Thanks for any clarification you can give.
If you click on the link to jump to "How & When Complimentary Upgrades Clear", then below the chart look for the heading "When your upgrade will clear:", you'll see where it says "... subject to upgrade availability."
Not any more (it use to show up in flight search results if you were logged in but they replaced it with certificate upgrade availability). You can call in and ask. Or if it really makes a difference to your choice to book, you can cancel within the 24 hour risk-free cancellation window.
#135
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: LHR / BHX / MAN / ATL
Programs: DL DM 2MM - IHG Diamond
Posts: 4,051
The system is screwy, non-transparent, and essentially broken.
ATL-EYW yesterday had only three seats sold in a 12 seat F cabin, so nine people (including me, yay) cleared at the gate. For the life of me, I don't understand why a few didn't clear in advance.
I messaged a rep the night before just to have him check and see if there was inventory that perhaps had not processed automatically. He had no idea what inventory I was talking about. No idea.
There were two of us involved (both DM) on this trip, so I called and spoke to an agent about the same flight. She had a hard time understanding what I was asking, but eventually pecked around and said there was upgrade inventory. I asked if she could push through the upgrade.
She went to work and appeared to have it set to go. The seat went through on my traveling companion's record but when she pushed the final button on mine, the system hiccuped and it didn't work. She came back with, "there is no more upgrade inventory available." It's within 24 hours of the flight, so I look at the upgrade list on the app, and I am #3. Which means, theoretically, that my traveling companion got upgraded ahead of two people already on the list.
I just don't understand how this sort of stuff happens.
ATL-EYW yesterday had only three seats sold in a 12 seat F cabin, so nine people (including me, yay) cleared at the gate. For the life of me, I don't understand why a few didn't clear in advance.
I messaged a rep the night before just to have him check and see if there was inventory that perhaps had not processed automatically. He had no idea what inventory I was talking about. No idea.
There were two of us involved (both DM) on this trip, so I called and spoke to an agent about the same flight. She had a hard time understanding what I was asking, but eventually pecked around and said there was upgrade inventory. I asked if she could push through the upgrade.
She went to work and appeared to have it set to go. The seat went through on my traveling companion's record but when she pushed the final button on mine, the system hiccuped and it didn't work. She came back with, "there is no more upgrade inventory available." It's within 24 hours of the flight, so I look at the upgrade list on the app, and I am #3. Which means, theoretically, that my traveling companion got upgraded ahead of two people already on the list.
I just don't understand how this sort of stuff happens.