Upgrading at airport
 

I am flying DL this week in Y from JFK-GIG. typically on the app I get an upgrade to J for 1329 price. Do they ever do better at checkin…either online or in person? I’m not specifically looking for someone who knows GIG pricing…more curious if online checkin or in person ever offer better than what the app typically offers?

I have not seen upgrade offers at check-in in years, only the advance upgrade offers either online or in the app.

If you check-in at the desk in person, they'll only be able to offer the cost to reticket in biz which will likely be huge bucks as it'll be a walk-up same day fare at whatever inventory is available for sale.

Long ago I used to see upgrade options at the kiosk, or even when asking agents. But that's more than 10 years ago now.

It seems the online/app upgrades are by far the most value, and they try to book upgrades this way, well in advance. Even when there are still seats open, I think the airlines assume that last-minute requests will be willing to pay more, and price accordingly now.

it’s interesting how different airlines do it…my return is on AA and the upgrade price changes constantly..with DL it has been pretty consistent. I keep hoping it will go down a bit more!

once online checkin o-ens will the app offers go away?

Yes, once you check in you can't upgrade. If you're flying out this week then upgrade offers will likely go away any day now. Almost certainly won't get any lower this close in.

yes tomorrow night!

I volunteer at msp, mostly working in departures. People routinely get upgrade offers at the kiosks there

Remember that to preorder your meal, you must be upgraded at least 24 hours in advance of scheduled departure.

In my experience this is for domestic travel; Delta sometimes sells off FC inventory for low prices on the day of departure, rather than giving upgrades away for free to elites. The OP was asking about international flights; I have not seen international upgrades offered at the Delta kiosk for ages.

interestingly the online offer is still there day of travel. Looks like tons of business class seats but coach looks pretty full, so maybe that’s why. I wish they’d lower the price a bit!

Assuming you're talking about DL29 today JFK-GIG. Flight is wide open in J, and even showing Z9 so you're not going to get any better upgrade offers. C+ is full and PE only has 3 available.

Looks like a good trip for non-revs to get their upgrades up front.

yea it’s funny premium economy upgrade has been between 1600-2500 when J is 1329. I wonder if anyone ever does that…clearly a computer that sets the prices.

I don’t think I’ll jump on 1329…my flight home on AA is about 1000 to upgrade and ill probably do it, but the last 329 just seems to steep for a 10 hour flight.

I'd probably take the offer, especially if your econ ticket was pretty cheap.

Typically my target for 'good value' upgrades is $1/min for domestic F and 2-3x that for international D1 especially if its a redeye. That route is typically 9.5hrs+ which is closer to the 2x side of my range.
And you'd get to use the JFK D1 lounge for a nice dinner/beverages prior to the flight if you want to get to the airport a bit early.

yes…it’s the exact pricing that leaves me torn! 1100 I’d do for sure. 1500 definitely not.
…and I read somewhere DL 767 J not quite as nice
…and yes 500 ow y fare so about 1800 J to upgrade (1300+500).

$1800 is a very reasonable price for a ten hour flight in business class.

If you just buy an upgraded D1 seat (vs refaring or using a GUC), do you get D1 lounge access? I don't think you would if the GUC were still waitlisted to possibly be upgraded at the gate. OTOH, purchasing the upgraded business class or domestic FC seat does mean that you get a free checked bag.