Using Global Upgrades on Delta (GUCs) post 2/1/2022 Changes
May 15, 22, 12:53 am - Wikipost
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Feb 8, 22, 10:53 am
#61
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Join Date: Sep 2006
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Hoping this was a misinformed agent. I'm going to try calling back later but will stink if this is the new policy seeing I have a few GUC's booked that I did on 1/30 under the old policy that required layovers.
Flying DTW/MSP/LHR this summer and originally had a 3 1/2 layover which was longer than I wanted but the later MSP flight would have only given me about 45 minutes and I didn't want to cut it that close since it's the only flight to LHR from MSP
They changed the Departure time from 6:15 PM to to 8:35 PM meaning I'll have almost a 6 hour layover.
There's two other flights that will get me in at 5:16 or 7:06 at MSP and I called Delta and was told that if I wanted to change the flight I'd have to move into PS and be waitlisted on the GUC for Delta one.
This is crazy that they make these certs super difficult to use and then won't allow me to move to a later MSP flight.
Flying DTW/MSP/LHR this summer and originally had a 3 1/2 layover which was longer than I wanted but the later MSP flight would have only given me about 45 minutes and I didn't want to cut it that close since it's the only flight to LHR from MSP
They changed the Departure time from 6:15 PM to to 8:35 PM meaning I'll have almost a 6 hour layover.
There's two other flights that will get me in at 5:16 or 7:06 at MSP and I called Delta and was told that if I wanted to change the flight I'd have to move into PS and be waitlisted on the GUC for Delta one.
This is crazy that they make these certs super difficult to use and then won't allow me to move to a later MSP flight.
Feb 8, 22, 11:32 am
#62
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: DL DM 1MM; IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 90
Originally Posted by jamesteroh
Hoping this was a misinformed agent. I'm going to try calling back later but will stink if this is the new policy seeing I have a few GUC's booked that I did on 1/30 under the old policy that required layovers.
...
This is crazy that they make these certs super difficult to use and then won't allow me to move to a later MSP flight.
...
This is crazy that they make these certs super difficult to use and then won't allow me to move to a later MSP flight.
I have a flight booked in August that I snagged upgrade space and got the ticket reissued prior to 2/1....I'm fully expecting shenanigans as the itinerary gets closer.
(I did e-mail Delta a couple weeks ago asking for clarity on the official policy for Delta-initiated schedule changes, but haven't gotten a response yet).
Feb 8, 22, 12:00 pm
#63
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ATW
Programs: Delta Skymiles Diamond Medallion, Delta Amex Reserve, Marriott Rewards Silver, HH Diamond, IHG Spire
Posts: 224
Originally Posted by WannabePBA
This seems to be the new policy since middle of last year and not misinformed agents, as referenced in the other thread. It is borderline bait-and-switch in reality. I have never had a flight that was >4+ months out that DIDN'T have a schedule change. So you plan your summer/fall vacations and book a flight because you find upgrade space (and now with the new rules, maybe you pay a premium for PS because you want guaranteed upgrade space), and then they change the flights and you lose the space. Meanwhile, your domestic 1.5 hour connection cleared into FC with the new rules and the certificate is considered used. Then you are told "sorry, there has to be space on the new flight" and you are hosed. Yes the new rules are kinda crappy (mainly having to buy PS to not waitlist on D1), but I would be more accepting of them if our upgrades are protected by Delta-initiated schedule changes; how are we supposed to know that there will still be upgrade space in 4-5 months when we are deciding what flights to purchase and apply certs to? Especially since we now have to put more money out of pocket.
I have a flight booked in August that I snagged upgrade space and got the ticket reissued prior to 2/1....I'm fully expecting shenanigans as the itinerary gets closer.
(I did e-mail Delta a couple weeks ago asking for clarity on the official policy for Delta-initiated schedule changes, but haven't gotten a response yet).
I have a flight booked in August that I snagged upgrade space and got the ticket reissued prior to 2/1....I'm fully expecting shenanigans as the itinerary gets closer.
(I did e-mail Delta a couple weeks ago asking for clarity on the official policy for Delta-initiated schedule changes, but haven't gotten a response yet).
"11. Flight Irregularities: In the event of flight cancellation or itinerary change, previously confirmed upgrades are subject to cancellation.
14. Changes: Voluntary changes in reservations on ticketed itineraries are permitted only pursuant to the rules of the fare purchased, but upgrade is not guaranteed and will depend on availability and these terms and conditions. Where permitted, changes may require payment of a change fee and/or any difference in the applicable fare. All reissues must be completed by Delta Reservations. If you are re-accommodated on another carrier you will be seated in the originally purchased class or service. Voluntary changes, refunds, or cancellations will not result in the loss of the Upgrade Certificate. If a voluntary change is made to an existing reservation where an Upgrade Certificate has been applied and the upgrade confirmed, Delta Reservations must assist in the reissuance of the Upgrade Certificate to the new flight, if desired. If an Upgrade Certificate is applied to a reservation that is later canceled by the Member, the Upgrade Certificate will be reopened in the Member's account no later than 2-3 weeks.
18. Rule Changes: Delta reserves the right to change its contract of carriage, fare rules, rules and regulations and the SkyMiles Membership Guide and Program Rules at any time and without notice. Without limitation, Delta reserves the right to modify or eliminate the Global Upgrade Certificate program or change the rules for certificate usage. This certificate is the property of Delta Air Lines and must be surrendered or returned upon request."
In reality the average user would view the cert as purchasing and therefore confirming a business seat and should be protected as such (myself included). If Delta makes a change which punishes us - pushing schedules out of our desired window or downgrading aircraft in which the purchased class is not available (CRJ700 to CRJ200 for example), they should be obligated to rebook. Now if the system rebooks legal connections they could argue they have and any further changes are voluntary. Not customer friendly but possibly technically right.
In the end, past process was to be able to move around on schedule changes with almost no limitations. Now Delta seems to be saying any request to change from the booked itinerary or rebooked one by them is a voluntary change and thus upgrades no longer valid. Good way to anger loyal customers but probably useful in long term consumer behavior. As mentioned above, perhaps these are more useful as Super-RUC now. Only way to get improvement is for the bottom line to be affected, but without business travel returning full bore for sometime, probably a very limited subset of us using these in the way they have been with the pool shrinking and new users going how nice I can spend 800 dollars for MC and have a nice PS seat for nothing extra.
Feb 8, 22, 12:32 pm
#64
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 14,902
Originally Posted by WannabePBA
This seems to be the new policy since middle of last year and not misinformed agents, as referenced in the other thread. It is borderline bait-and-switch in reality. I have never had a flight that was >4+ months out that DIDN'T have a schedule change. So you plan your summer/fall vacations and book a flight because you find upgrade space (and now with the new rules, maybe you pay a premium for PS because you want guaranteed upgrade space), and then they change the flights and you lose the space. Meanwhile, your domestic 1.5 hour connection cleared into FC with the new rules and the certificate is considered used. Then you are told "sorry, there has to be space on the new flight" and you are hosed. Yes the new rules are kinda crappy (mainly having to buy PS to not waitlist on D1), but I would be more accepting of them if our upgrades are protected by Delta-initiated schedule changes; how are we supposed to know that there will still be upgrade space in 4-5 months when we are deciding what flights to purchase and apply certs to? Especially since we now have to put more money out of pocket.
I have a flight booked in August that I snagged upgrade space and got the ticket reissued prior to 2/1....I'm fully expecting shenanigans as the itinerary gets closer.
(I did e-mail Delta a couple weeks ago asking for clarity on the official policy for Delta-initiated schedule changes, but haven't gotten a response yet).
I have a flight booked in August that I snagged upgrade space and got the ticket reissued prior to 2/1....I'm fully expecting shenanigans as the itinerary gets closer.
(I did e-mail Delta a couple weeks ago asking for clarity on the official policy for Delta-initiated schedule changes, but haven't gotten a response yet).
What has me concerned would be if the LHR flight would have gotten pushed back before my connection into MSP lands. Would have Delta told me since I have to go on a new connection flight I'll have to waitlist for D1 now?
Or if they change the flight time by five mintues does that mean I'll lost the upgrade on the international flights?
Feb 8, 22, 12:43 pm
#65
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: DL DM 1MM; IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 90
Originally Posted by whooperatw
I fear this text from the terms would be construed to fit the current actions - how it would hold up in court would be interesting.
"11. Flight Irregularities: In the event of flight cancellation or itinerary change, previously confirmed upgrades are subject to cancellation.
...
In reality the average user would view the cert as purchasing and therefore confirming a business seat and should be protected as such (myself included). If Delta makes a change which punishes us - pushing schedules out of our desired window or downgrading aircraft in which the purchased class is not available (CRJ700 to CRJ200 for example), they should be obligated to rebook. Now if the system rebooks legal connections they could argue they have and any further changes are voluntary. Not customer friendly but possibly technically right.
In the end, past process was to be able to move around on schedule changes with almost no limitations. Now Delta seems to be saying any request to change from the booked itinerary or rebooked one by them is a voluntary change and thus upgrades no longer valid. Good way to anger loyal customers but probably useful in long term consumer behavior. As mentioned above, perhaps these are more useful as Super-RUC now. Only way to get improvement is for the bottom line to be affected, but without business travel returning full bore for sometime, probably a very limited subset of us using these in the way they have been with the pool shrinking and new users going how nice I can spend 800 dollars for MC and have a nice PS seat for nothing extra.
"11. Flight Irregularities: In the event of flight cancellation or itinerary change, previously confirmed upgrades are subject to cancellation.
...
In reality the average user would view the cert as purchasing and therefore confirming a business seat and should be protected as such (myself included). If Delta makes a change which punishes us - pushing schedules out of our desired window or downgrading aircraft in which the purchased class is not available (CRJ700 to CRJ200 for example), they should be obligated to rebook. Now if the system rebooks legal connections they could argue they have and any further changes are voluntary. Not customer friendly but possibly technically right.
In the end, past process was to be able to move around on schedule changes with almost no limitations. Now Delta seems to be saying any request to change from the booked itinerary or rebooked one by them is a voluntary change and thus upgrades no longer valid. Good way to anger loyal customers but probably useful in long term consumer behavior. As mentioned above, perhaps these are more useful as Super-RUC now. Only way to get improvement is for the bottom line to be affected, but without business travel returning full bore for sometime, probably a very limited subset of us using these in the way they have been with the pool shrinking and new users going how nice I can spend 800 dollars for MC and have a nice PS seat for nothing extra.
I think the other thing that makes these no-change-allowed policies difficult to swallow is looking at your itinerary and seeing the word CONFIMRED on your premium seat itinerary. "Yes, you have this seat!" (Most) any other time that Delta makes a schedule change and downgrades you, you are due downgrade compensation, but they treat these differently (I guess that's where the OY/OK/OV comes in instead of them booking us into A/J/F/etc). And its not like these certs are "free;" you have to be in their most loyal tier to earn them, so this policy is only affecting their most loyal customers, which is a weird move. Yes, I know that loyalty is only a one-way street, that has been discussed before but still...
Feb 8, 22, 12:51 pm
#66
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: DL DM 1MM; IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 90
Originally Posted by jamesteroh
Thing is I'm just asking for the domestic portion to be changed. Guess I'll just hang out at the skyclub for about the same length of time as my flight or go to Mall of America.
What has me concerned would be if the LHR flight would have gotten pushed back before my connection into MSP lands. Would have Delta told me since I have to go on a new connection flight I'll have to waitlist for D1 now?
Or if they change the flight time by five mintues does that mean I'll lost the upgrade on the international flights?
What has me concerned would be if the LHR flight would have gotten pushed back before my connection into MSP lands. Would have Delta told me since I have to go on a new connection flight I'll have to waitlist for D1 now?
Or if they change the flight time by five mintues does that mean I'll lost the upgrade on the international flights?
The 5-minute question is a good one, because that would an incredibly minor change to make. I would think that wouldn't happen since there should be no logical reason why there would be no upgrade space with a 5 minute change (and that would be a punch in the face, not a slap in the face). But their revenue management can basically do whatever they want at any time I guess.
Edit: re-reading your post, I think you meant that if you want to switch your domestic flight, you'd have to re-waitlist for D1 on the international leg. Others have said that they can't re-price just one leg and they have to reprice the whole itinerary. So yes, if you are requesting a change to your domestic flight they could be saying there is no upgrade space available on the international leg now and you'll have to waitlist (same would be true with the return on the same itinerary). I also have a hard time with that because your seat that you cleared in is still your seat. Even if they have to reprice the whole itinerary they are dropping one OK/OV/OY seat and immediately giving it back to you...but that's not how they see it.
Feb 8, 22, 1:08 pm
#67
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The 'rule' is broadly open to interpretation and really says nothing about involuntary (ie carrier initiated) changes. Entirely agree that a flight irregularity is something that occurs shortly before or during the trip, not weeks/months prior.
Feb 8, 22, 2:02 pm
#68
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
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Originally Posted by WannabePBA
That actually makes even less sense because with the new rules if there is an FC (not D1) seat available on a domestic flight you should have free access to that seat with a GUC.
The 5-minute question is a good one, because that would an incredibly minor change to make. I would think that wouldn't happen since there should be no logical reason why there would be no upgrade space with a 5 minute change (and that would be a punch in the face, not a slap in the face). But their revenue management can basically do whatever they want at any time I guess.
Edit: re-reading your post, I think you meant that if you want to switch your domestic flight, you'd have to re-waitlist for D1 on the international leg. Others have said that they can't re-price just one leg and they have to reprice the whole itinerary. So yes, if you are requesting a change to your domestic flight they could be saying there is no upgrade space available on the international leg now and you'll have to waitlist (same would be true with the return on the same itinerary). I also have a hard time with that because your seat that you cleared in is still your seat. Even if they have to reprice the whole itinerary they are dropping one OK/OV/OY seat and immediately giving it back to you...but that's not how they see it.
The 5-minute question is a good one, because that would an incredibly minor change to make. I would think that wouldn't happen since there should be no logical reason why there would be no upgrade space with a 5 minute change (and that would be a punch in the face, not a slap in the face). But their revenue management can basically do whatever they want at any time I guess.
Edit: re-reading your post, I think you meant that if you want to switch your domestic flight, you'd have to re-waitlist for D1 on the international leg. Others have said that they can't re-price just one leg and they have to reprice the whole itinerary. So yes, if you are requesting a change to your domestic flight they could be saying there is no upgrade space available on the international leg now and you'll have to waitlist (same would be true with the return on the same itinerary). I also have a hard time with that because your seat that you cleared in is still your seat. Even if they have to reprice the whole itinerary they are dropping one OK/OV/OY seat and immediately giving it back to you...but that's not how they see it.
Feb 8, 22, 4:34 pm
#69
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: DL-DM, AA-G, SPG-G, UA-S
Posts: 248
Super ducks this is happening to people. I am hoping this is just because the agents are overwhelmed with all the changes. Once things normalize again,. Hopefully it will get back to normal.
One question I have about the new rules. On day of departure on Delta metal, if you are in coach and want to use a GUC and (1) sets are available in J but not PE (Delect), will they upgrade you to J or do they first have to upgrade and confirm you into PE and then waitlist you to J and then upgrade you. Because PE is full, they basically can never upgrade you into PE. So does the J seat go to you and your GUC or to a non rev?
One question I have about the new rules. On day of departure on Delta metal, if you are in coach and want to use a GUC and (1) sets are available in J but not PE (Delect), will they upgrade you to J or do they first have to upgrade and confirm you into PE and then waitlist you to J and then upgrade you. Because PE is full, they basically can never upgrade you into PE. So does the J seat go to you and your GUC or to a non rev?
Feb 14, 22, 4:03 pm
#70
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 17
Don't count on being able to use the flights you've booked with GUC's prior to February 1st.
I had my flight repeatedly rescheduled across different routings. Eventually it found one with an impossible -10 connection. Foolishly I called customer service. The agent found another routing, which I told her clearly was acceptable only if the booking would be in Delta One. She changed it to a Main Cabin, and repeatedly insists that I authorized that. I've been waiting for a supervisor for 40 minutes, but even with a recorded line, I doubt this is getting fixed.
I had my flight repeatedly rescheduled across different routings. Eventually it found one with an impossible -10 connection. Foolishly I called customer service. The agent found another routing, which I told her clearly was acceptable only if the booking would be in Delta One. She changed it to a Main Cabin, and repeatedly insists that I authorized that. I've been waiting for a supervisor for 40 minutes, but even with a recorded line, I doubt this is getting fixed.
Feb 14, 22, 4:10 pm
#71
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: OKC
Programs: DL DM/2.5MM, Global Entry, Titanium_Marriott, GHertz
Posts: 6,615
I have found it helps to find ug flights you will accept before calling. I say that after wading through changes to four international trips this weekend.
Last edited by Xeno; Feb 14, 22 at 4:57 pm
Feb 14, 22, 6:01 pm
#72
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 17
I usually do. The problem is that now that she's changed it to main cabin, the GUC can't be used to confirm Delta One. I spoke to a supervisor, who has promised to look at other options and call me back. I am not expecting a phone call. At this point, I think the trip will be cancelled, and the GUC will expire, worthless. I'll email a complaint about the agent to Delta, who will ignore it.
Feb 15, 22, 10:17 am
#75
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 4,517
Originally Posted by sereno6
Are there any international routes that offer D1 but not PS? If so, has anyone compiled a list?
There are also some A330-200s and A330-300s that have yet to be converted (more -300s), and those aircraft are generally scheduled to be flying European routes this summer, particularly lots to AMS and CDG as well as a smattering of other routes like ATH, BCN, FCO, and MXP. But would need to search individual routes and dates on Delta.com to see which are scheduled to operate with or without DPS -- which could presumably also change at any time.
As the number of aircraft listed as complete on the wikis in these threads increases, the routes offering D1 but not DPS will shrink.
The Official Delta A330-200/300 Cabin Mods Thread
The Official Delta 767-300ER Interior Mod Tracking Thread
