Want to use PMUs. Don't have any though (yet).
 

I have a TATL flight next Saturday that I would like to use a platinum upgrade certificate in order get an upgrade. I have verified with reservations that there is space for an upgrade. However, I just made Platinum medallion two weeks back and don't think I will receive my Platinum package in the mail within the next week. Based on your previous experiences, I was wondering if any of the following options were available for me to upgrade:

1) Is there a way to expedite the platinum package to me?
2) Can I use an expired certificate from last year (expired Feb 2009) to upgrade?
3) Use miles to upgrade now and when I get my platinum certificates (probably a couple weeks after the flight), use one of those and get my miles credited back?
4) Explain my situation to a gate agent and get a complimentary upgrade if none of the above are available?

I know I can use 50000 miles to upgrade round trip but I prefer not to do that.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!
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Update: Option #1 worked for another flyertalk member.
Option #3 worked for me
Option #4 worked for a colleague, but he is quite the negotiator.

1. No. The reps you speak to on the phone have no say in this.
4. NO, this is probably the least likely of all of them.

What you need to do is secure the upgrade under the assumption that you are going to use miles. Tell this to the representative, but also make sure to tell him or her that you might get your PMU's, so you do not want the miles pulled in advance. If the day of the flight arrives and your PMU's have not yet arrived, let the check in agent know, and you will need to use your miles.

You should be able to get them expedited. Email and call in requesting them quickly and for the reasons you described above.

Is there any proof this actually works? Has anyone been able to actually prove that by calling in/emailing, their PM package arrived ahead of schedule of when they would have anyway?

Happened to me last year when I was heading off to NRT.

My PM kit was put inside a UPS envelope and sent to me.

Impressive; In fact, I think I remembering you posting about needing your PMU's stat.

I thought I've read other posts about people planning to use PMUs but forgetting to bring them to the airport, so they pulled miles and then later they sent in the PMU and got the mileage credited back.

But don't delay. Do this right now because the Z class seats have a way of disappearing and securing the upgrade as set forth above will lock them in for you.

Here's the reply I got after I contacted them online:
=====================================

Dear Mr. syd999,

Thank you for your e-mail to Delta Air Lines.

I will be happy to help you with your upgrade.

We reserved seat 1A in Business Elite class from Atlanta to XXX.
When you check in for your flight, it will be necessary for you to use
your miles for the upgrade.

Once you receive your new upgrade package, we will be happy to redeposit
the miles redeemed for the upgrade on your trip to Europe. To expedite
this process, please forward your Platinum Upgrade unexpired Certificate
to me at the address provided below. Upon receipt, I will credit your
SkyMiles account and will send you an e-mail acknowledging the
transaction.

Delta Air Lines
Attn: XXX, Platinum Medallion Desk
P.O. BOX 610564
DFW Airport, TX 75261

Thank you for giving Delta the opportunity to serve your travel needs.

Sincerely,

XXX
Medallion Desk
www.delta.com

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I have to say I have been very impressed with Delta's customer service recently! ^^^^^^^ for delta

That is impressive.

+1 but if you don't like Bulkheads, change that seat!

I've done this at least 4 or 5 times when the PMUs were still in the mail. It was never a problem.

Am I just imagining, or didn't I read something on here about them now being able to do PMUs over the phone?

Apparently SMS has your PMU's on file electronically now, so you tell them which ones you would like to use when you are making your reservations.

I gave SMS PMU numbers over the phone to take care of upgrades for my last trip. Experienced none of the check in drama I've had in the past.