Feb 2, 2022, 10:25 pm
Last edit by: bgriff
For discussion of same-day change on an itinerary with an RUC applied, see: SDC while using Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUC) Definitive Thread
FEB 1, 2022 New GUC/RUC Inventory Rules
*****GUC*****
Flight has First Class
MC/C+ = Purchased
First = Last Seat J (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has DPS only
MC/C+ = Purchased
DPS = Last Seat (GUC=P / RUC=G) (Old Policy = RY)
Flight has D1 with no DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
D1 = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has D1 with DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
DPS = Last Seat (GUC=P / RUC=G) (Old Policy = RY)
D1 = OY @ T-24h15m
Flight has D1 with DPS
DPS = Purchased
D1 = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Note: If GUC applied to domestic flight, it has better inventory than RUC (better chance for D1 transcon or to Hawaii)
*****RUC*****
Flight has First Class
MC/C+ = Purchased
First = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has D1 with no DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
D1 = OY (no change in old policy = OY)
Delta is using public inventory buckets J Z P G (and non-public bucket OY in some cases) to determine GUC/RUC availability. However once they have confirmed you the system converts the segment in your reservation to a different bucket. Here is the class mapping:
GUC Usage
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to DPS / P class needed / Books into RV (Clears at T-24.15 into D1 as OX if OY available)
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to D1 (no DPS) / Z class needed / Books into OK
DPS purchased / Upgrade to D1 / Z class needed / Books into OK
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to FC (no D1/DPS) / J class needed / Books into OV
RUC Usage
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to DPS / G class needed / Books into RX (Clears at T-24.15 into D1 as OX if OY available) ****THIS AIRCRAFT CONFIG MAKES NO SENSE DPS IS NOT SOLD ON RUC ROUTES, MAYBE THIS IS FOR FUTURE PLANS?****
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to D1 (no DPS) / OY class needed / Books into OX
DPS purchased / Upgrade to D1 / OY class needed / Books into OX ****THIS AIRCRAFT CONFIG MAKES NO SENSE DPS IS NOT SOLD ON RUC ROUTES, MAYBE THIS IS FOR FUTURE PLANS?****
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to FC (no D1/DPS) / Z class needed / Books into OL
New Delta.com Upgrade Availability Indicators that appeared 2/1/22 and what they mean
Dom D1 Tag meaning:
Global Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Z (OY = 0 for RUC)
Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Z /or/ RUC in OY both available
Dom F Tag meaning:
Global Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Last Seat J (Z = 0 for RUC)
Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in last seat J /or/ RUC in Z both available
Example D1 Flights from JFK - LAX (flight numbers are fictitious)
DL 01
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J5 C4 D4 Z3
Hidden Availability: OY2
Website indicator: Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (2 RUC (OY) open, 3 GUC (Z) open)
DL 02
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J5 C4 D4 Z3
Hidden Availability: OY0
Website indicator: Global Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (OY) open, 3 GUC (Z) open)
DL 03
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z0
Hidden Availability: OY0
Website indicator: No flag - neither is available GUC (Z0) and RUC (OY0)
DL 04
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z1
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (1 RUC (Z) open, 3 GUC (J) open)
DL 05
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z0
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: Global Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (Z) open, 3 GUC (J) open)
DL 06
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J0 C0 D0 Z0
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: No flag - neither is available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (Z) open, 0 GUC (J) open)
I’m not able to check-in online for a flight where RUC/GUC was applied.
The problem is most likely that your upgrade cleared but your ticket has not been re-issued. Call to request a manual re-issue of your ticket.
__________________________________________________ __
PRE FEB 1, 2022 WIKI
More information and discussion about using same-day change after applying regional upgrades can be found in this thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delt...ve-thread.html
While the RUC process is almost entirely opaque, there are a couple of "hints" of a correctly applied waitlist.
1a) When viewing a waitlisted segment on the DL.com web site (not the app), there may be two seat maps for the same flight. The first seat map shows the coach seat you are currently in, and the second seat map for the same flight says "you may not select seats for this flight" or something like that. This second seat map corresponds to a part of the waitlist process, and indicates that at least one step of the multi-step process to add an RUC waitlist was actually done. Unfortunately, this does NOT indicate that the other manual steps of the RUC waitlist process were successfully completed by the agent (i.e. even if you see the second seat map, there still could be something wrong. There is simply no way for the customer to tell.)
1b) The status for a waitlisted segment should say something like "Upgrade Waitlisted"
2) Assuming the waitlist does not clear prior to check-in, the second hint is the upgrade waitlist. If the RUC waitlist request was coded correctly, you should show up at or very near the top of the upgrade waitlist that you can see on DL.com or the app. If you find yourself at your "usual" spot on the upgrade waitlist, this is a clue that the RUC waitlist request was not coded correctly.
3) The RUC is a form of "payment". Until the RUC clears, it remains "unused" so a waitlisted RUC will still show in your wallet as "open".
You may also wish to peruse the wiki for the GUC success thread as some of the considerations/logistics are similar between RUCs and GUCs.
FEB 1, 2022 New GUC/RUC Inventory Rules
*****GUC*****
Flight has First Class
MC/C+ = Purchased
First = Last Seat J (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has DPS only
MC/C+ = Purchased
DPS = Last Seat (GUC=P / RUC=G) (Old Policy = RY)
Flight has D1 with no DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
D1 = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has D1 with DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
DPS = Last Seat (GUC=P / RUC=G) (Old Policy = RY)
D1 = OY @ T-24h15m
Flight has D1 with DPS
DPS = Purchased
D1 = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Note: If GUC applied to domestic flight, it has better inventory than RUC (better chance for D1 transcon or to Hawaii)
*****RUC*****
Flight has First Class
MC/C+ = Purchased
First = Z (Old Policy = OY)
Flight has D1 with no DPS
MC/C+ = Purchased
D1 = OY (no change in old policy = OY)
Delta is using public inventory buckets J Z P G (and non-public bucket OY in some cases) to determine GUC/RUC availability. However once they have confirmed you the system converts the segment in your reservation to a different bucket. Here is the class mapping:
GUC Usage
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to DPS / P class needed / Books into RV (Clears at T-24.15 into D1 as OX if OY available)
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to D1 (no DPS) / Z class needed / Books into OK
DPS purchased / Upgrade to D1 / Z class needed / Books into OK
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to FC (no D1/DPS) / J class needed / Books into OV
RUC Usage
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to DPS / G class needed / Books into RX (Clears at T-24.15 into D1 as OX if OY available) ****THIS AIRCRAFT CONFIG MAKES NO SENSE DPS IS NOT SOLD ON RUC ROUTES, MAYBE THIS IS FOR FUTURE PLANS?****
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to D1 (no DPS) / OY class needed / Books into OX
DPS purchased / Upgrade to D1 / OY class needed / Books into OX ****THIS AIRCRAFT CONFIG MAKES NO SENSE DPS IS NOT SOLD ON RUC ROUTES, MAYBE THIS IS FOR FUTURE PLANS?****
MC or C+ purchased / Upgrade to FC (no D1/DPS) / Z class needed / Books into OL
New Delta.com Upgrade Availability Indicators that appeared 2/1/22 and what they mean
Dom D1 Tag meaning:
Global Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Z (OY = 0 for RUC)
Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Z /or/ RUC in OY both available
Dom F Tag meaning:
Global Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in Last Seat J (Z = 0 for RUC)
Upgrade Certificate Available = GUC in last seat J /or/ RUC in Z both available
Example D1 Flights from JFK - LAX (flight numbers are fictitious)
DL 01
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J5 C4 D4 Z3
Hidden Availability: OY2
Website indicator: Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (2 RUC (OY) open, 3 GUC (Z) open)
DL 02
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J5 C4 D4 Z3
Hidden Availability: OY0
Website indicator: Global Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (OY) open, 3 GUC (Z) open)
DL 03
Dom D1 flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z0
Hidden Availability: OY0
Website indicator: No flag - neither is available GUC (Z0) and RUC (OY0)
DL 04
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z1
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (1 RUC (Z) open, 3 GUC (J) open)
DL 05
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J3 C2 D2 Z0
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: Global Upgrade Certificate Available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (Z) open, 3 GUC (J) open)
DL 06
Dom First flight
Actual Availability: J0 C0 D0 Z0
Hidden Availability: n/a
Website indicator: No flag - neither is available
Actual decode: (0 RUC (Z) open, 0 GUC (J) open)
I’m not able to check-in online for a flight where RUC/GUC was applied.
The problem is most likely that your upgrade cleared but your ticket has not been re-issued. Call to request a manual re-issue of your ticket.
__________________________________________________ __
PRE FEB 1, 2022 WIKI
More information and discussion about using same-day change after applying regional upgrades can be found in this thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delt...ve-thread.html
The clock begins ticking on RUC expiration when you make your choice benefit selection, so it's possible to time your selection when there is a specific need to use them.You can select your 2017 choice benefit as soon as DL recognizes your Plat status. Certificates expire 12 months from date of issue. 2019 choice benefits (earned based on how much one flew in 2018) must be selected by Jan 31, 2020.- If you select certificates as your choice benefit late in your Medallion tenure, it will still be valid after your status expires -- so for example if you earn Platinum Medallion in 2018, which is valid through Jan 31, 2020, but then only earn Silver Medallion in 2019, which becomes effective Feb 1, 2020 when your Platinum Medallion status expires, RUCs selected in January 2020 would be valid through January 2021 and could be used once you were only a Silver Medallion member, giving you a much higher upgrade list position on those flights where you attempt to use them.
- If you request to use a RUC on a flight and do not receive the upgrade, it is returned to your account for future use, but check your account to make sure.
- RUC may be redeemed for the named Medallion member and up to one travel companion traveling on the same flight (the companion officially no longer needs to be in the same reservation, though that rule was not actually enforced even when it was the official rule). The named member and the companion will each require a separate certificate.
While the RUC process is almost entirely opaque, there are a couple of "hints" of a correctly applied waitlist.
1a) When viewing a waitlisted segment on the DL.com web site (not the app), there may be two seat maps for the same flight. The first seat map shows the coach seat you are currently in, and the second seat map for the same flight says "you may not select seats for this flight" or something like that. This second seat map corresponds to a part of the waitlist process, and indicates that at least one step of the multi-step process to add an RUC waitlist was actually done. Unfortunately, this does NOT indicate that the other manual steps of the RUC waitlist process were successfully completed by the agent (i.e. even if you see the second seat map, there still could be something wrong. There is simply no way for the customer to tell.)
1b) The status for a waitlisted segment should say something like "Upgrade Waitlisted"
2) Assuming the waitlist does not clear prior to check-in, the second hint is the upgrade waitlist. If the RUC waitlist request was coded correctly, you should show up at or very near the top of the upgrade waitlist that you can see on DL.com or the app. If you find yourself at your "usual" spot on the upgrade waitlist, this is a clue that the RUC waitlist request was not coded correctly.
3) The RUC is a form of "payment". Until the RUC clears, it remains "unused" so a waitlisted RUC will still show in your wallet as "open".
You may also wish to peruse the wiki for the GUC success thread as some of the considerations/logistics are similar between RUCs and GUCs.
Using Regional Upgrades on Delta (RUC) post 2/1/2022
Nov 15, 2022, 9:59 am
#661
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: DL DM, National EE, Hertz PC, IHG PL, Bonvoy Amb
Posts: 1,342
The agent is right, they need to look for OX space. OX is set to mirror Z on the back end, but you don't get upgraded directly to Z, so if it's not lining up for some reason in your case, there's not much they can do.
Is this a nonstop flight or connecting? The availability indicator on Delta.com has been known to be wonky for connecting flights.
If you have an EF account or can share your route and travel date, you can see if Z is in fact open or whether there might be some even bigger issue with the Delta.com availability indicator.
Is this a nonstop flight or connecting? The availability indicator on Delta.com has been known to be wonky for connecting flights.
If you have an EF account or can share your route and travel date, you can see if Z is in fact open or whether there might be some even bigger issue with the Delta.com availability indicator.
I would not be surprised if this is the issue with nomiiiii as well.
Nov 15, 2022, 9:59 am
#662
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,610
The agent is right, they need to look for OX space. OX is set to mirror Z on the back end, but you don't get upgraded directly to Z, so if it's not lining up for some reason in your case, there's not much they can do.
Is this a nonstop flight or connecting? The availability indicator on Delta.com has been known to be wonky for connecting flights.
If you have an EF account or can share your route and travel date, you can see if Z is in fact open or whether there might be some even bigger issue with the Delta.com availability indicator.
Is this a nonstop flight or connecting? The availability indicator on Delta.com has been known to be wonky for connecting flights.
If you have an EF account or can share your route and travel date, you can see if Z is in fact open or whether there might be some even bigger issue with the Delta.com availability indicator.
Okay, so some mapping issue, I guess I'll try HUCA a few more times but if its wonky its wonky.
Nov 15, 2022, 10:33 am
#663
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: AF/KL Gold, DL Diamond, Hertz PC, Bonvoy Gold Elite; Hilton Gold
Posts: 997
This is nonstop OGG - SEA, first class when buying in cash (not delta one). I don't have expert flyer but I did check that Z class is available for purchase through ita matrix for that flight for two people.
Okay, so some mapping issue, I guess I'll try HUCA a few more times but if its wonky its wonky.
Okay, so some mapping issue, I guess I'll try HUCA a few more times but if its wonky its wonky.
Nov 15, 2022, 11:58 am
#664
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,419
I can see "First available with Upgrade Certificate" on delta.com for two people (the cash sale is for First I class, so not sure if underlying Z class is available or not). Chatting with agent they insist I cannot apply RUC on this because they're not seeing OX space.
I told them to check for Z space but they can't be bothered (saying that Z space for RUC is only for Delta partner flights, not Delta metal flights). I can see Z class available for sale through ita-matrix for that flight even though its not available for sale on delta.com
Is there a documented place which I can tell them that Z place is for Delta metal domestic flights for RUC also? From what I can tell in terms and conditions its only for partner flights, but then delta.com does say "first available with upgrade certificate" and discussion above suggests it can be used through HUCA lottery.
I told them to check for Z space but they can't be bothered (saying that Z space for RUC is only for Delta partner flights, not Delta metal flights). I can see Z class available for sale through ita-matrix for that flight even though its not available for sale on delta.com
Is there a documented place which I can tell them that Z place is for Delta metal domestic flights for RUC also? From what I can tell in terms and conditions its only for partner flights, but then delta.com does say "first available with upgrade certificate" and discussion above suggests it can be used through HUCA lottery.
In practice this should equal Z class, but an agent looking at inventory should be able to identify OL.
OX is required for a Delta One marketed flight.
Nov 15, 2022, 12:42 pm
#665
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: ANC
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 1,856
Had to call in this morning to get my ticket reissued as my return segment cleared for tomorrow, and thus wasn’t able to check in online. Got a very good agent who did it quickly, and was able to clear the shorter connecting segment too since lots of F seats opened up overnight. Checked in now and received F BPs for both segments tomorrow.
A few hours later I booked a one-way single segment for travel later this month. Booked U class, saw there was Z availability. Called in, got another great agent who promptly confirmed the RUC, booked into OL, and took it upon herself to go ahead and reissue the ticket without me asking to avoid checkin issues.
I’m still undecided on if I’m going to choose RUCs again for my choice benefit next year. Still way too much micromanaging required IMO.
A few hours later I booked a one-way single segment for travel later this month. Booked U class, saw there was Z availability. Called in, got another great agent who promptly confirmed the RUC, booked into OL, and took it upon herself to go ahead and reissue the ticket without me asking to avoid checkin issues.
I’m still undecided on if I’m going to choose RUCs again for my choice benefit next year. Still way too much micromanaging required IMO.
Nov 15, 2022, 12:55 pm
#666
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,610
Still no go, even though delta.com keeps showing its available.
This is DL 328 OGG - SEA on 5th February btw, and from my reading this thread might be the first (only?) instance of a nonstop domestic where the website says Upgrade Available (not global), I see Z class available on ita-matrix, and still the agent cannot see OL/OX classes to upgrade. Instead the agent was being dismissive of me saying that even though the website says "Upgrade Available" since it does not explicitly says "Regional Upgrade Available" I must be incorrect.
Last edited by nomiiiii; Nov 15, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Nov 15, 2022, 2:07 pm
#667
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: NYC/LAX
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 391
One of the changes happening in 2023 is the ability to apply RUC's without having to call in. Hopefully this makes things smoother down the road.
Nov 15, 2022, 2:27 pm
#668
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
You may get the answer more quickly but the answer will still be wrong.
Nov 15, 2022, 2:34 pm
#669
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,050
Thanks, tried a different chat agent and made sure they are checking for OL and not OX.
Still no go, even though delta.com keeps showing its available.
This is DL 328 OGG - SEA on 5th February btw, and from my reading this thread might be the first (only?) instance of a nonstop domestic where the website says Upgrade Available (not global), I see Z class available on ita-matrix, and still the agent cannot see OL/OX classes to upgrade. Instead the agent was being dismissive of me saying that even though the website says "Upgrade Available" since it does not explicitly says "Regional Upgrade Available" I must be incorrect.
Still no go, even though delta.com keeps showing its available.
This is DL 328 OGG - SEA on 5th February btw, and from my reading this thread might be the first (only?) instance of a nonstop domestic where the website says Upgrade Available (not global), I see Z class available on ita-matrix, and still the agent cannot see OL/OX classes to upgrade. Instead the agent was being dismissive of me saying that even though the website says "Upgrade Available" since it does not explicitly says "Regional Upgrade Available" I must be incorrect.
Nov 15, 2022, 4:38 pm
#670
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,419
Yeah, flight is Z1, website says (obviously incorrectly) "Upgrade Available" even if I search for 9 pax, pushing the revenue fare to C.
Nov 15, 2022, 5:46 pm
#671
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. / Washington, DC
Programs: AA PPro/DL PLT, PPass, Marriott / Hilton Gold, JetBlue Mosaic, Hertz Presidents Circle, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,630
Called to waitlist a flight that was showing Z=0 yet an agent was able to grab 2 seats in OL. Am I missing something?
Nov 16, 2022, 5:54 am
#673
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM/2MM Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond,
Posts: 8,907
DM here...recently booked 2 three hour domestic flights within the 5 day window, both showing "First Class available with Regional Upgrade Certificate". I checked the box for Medallion Upgrade in both cases. I have quite a surplus of RUCs expiring in January 2023, so I decided to call and apply them. The agent informed me that both flights had already been upgraded without the certificates .
Nov 16, 2022, 2:17 pm
#674
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Posts: 762
Thanks, tried a different chat agent and made sure they are checking for OL and not OX.
Still no go, even though delta.com keeps showing its available.
This is DL 328 OGG - SEA on 5th February btw, and from my reading this thread might be the first (only?) instance of a nonstop domestic where the website says Upgrade Available (not global), I see Z class available on ita-matrix, and still the agent cannot see OL/OX classes to upgrade. Instead the agent was being dismissive of me saying that even though the website says "Upgrade Available" since it does not explicitly says "Regional Upgrade Available" I must be incorrect.
Still no go, even though delta.com keeps showing its available.
This is DL 328 OGG - SEA on 5th February btw, and from my reading this thread might be the first (only?) instance of a nonstop domestic where the website says Upgrade Available (not global), I see Z class available on ita-matrix, and still the agent cannot see OL/OX classes to upgrade. Instead the agent was being dismissive of me saying that even though the website says "Upgrade Available" since it does not explicitly says "Regional Upgrade Available" I must be incorrect.
Air Availability OGG - KAHULUI > SEA - SEATTLE Sun, 05 Feb
1 DL 328 OGG - KAHULUI --> SEA - SEATTLE 32Q 5h 39min J9 C9 D6 I4 Z0 W9 S0 Y9 B9 M9 H9 Q9 K9 L9 U9 T9 X9 V9 E9
Delta Air Lines 05FEB, 09:40 PM 06FEB, 05:19 AM
Nov 18, 2022, 3:35 pm
#675
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 6
Called today to waitlist a RUC in January but I think the phone agent screwed it up.
Flying JFK>SEA>YVR. Asked to waitlist for JFK>SEA segment and not the SEA>YVR segment (though she said that could clear right away when I wanted).
Now in the app I see the SEA>YVR segment is listed as First Class (OL) while the JFK>SEA is still main cabin. On the website I do see Upgrade Waitlisted for the JFK>SEA.
Any suggestions on what to do next? Want to make sure I don't waste a RUC on a short flight if I don't get the longer leg.
Flying JFK>SEA>YVR. Asked to waitlist for JFK>SEA segment and not the SEA>YVR segment (though she said that could clear right away when I wanted).
Now in the app I see the SEA>YVR segment is listed as First Class (OL) while the JFK>SEA is still main cabin. On the website I do see Upgrade Waitlisted for the JFK>SEA.
Any suggestions on what to do next? Want to make sure I don't waste a RUC on a short flight if I don't get the longer leg.
Last edited by psuflyer17; Nov 18, 2022 at 3:43 pm