Hi -

I'm having a bit of trouble unwinding the best way to accomplish what I want so I was wondering if I laid out my objectives if anyone could help.

Criteria:

- I fly 5 or so international round trips and 15 or so domestic
- I want my probability of flying first to be in the 90%+ category. Willing to pay what it takes but want to mitigate cost with the tools I have.
- I have delta platinum medallion and 1 million miles in my delta sky miles.
- I always travel with a companion, assume she has no status or silver status with delta. I can probably cajole a higher status out of hers but not platinum like me.
- I have Amex platinum.
- I have delta reserve amex
- I always want her to fly up front with me.
- I am flexible on my dates and times to fly

So I've got a bunch of options.. I can do Amex free companion which saves a bunch and ensures first and is refundable, but is often still pricey.

I can book and try to get upgraded but her status holds me back, no?

One idea I had is book one set of flights full fare first w companion, then another set full fare coach and if upgrade succeeds get the first tickets refunded. If upgrade fails, eat the cost of the coach tickets or get them refunded or switch them to a placeholder trip in the future.

Maybe there is a huge hole in my plan, maybe there's a simpler or better way?

Given the criteria laid out, how would you approach?

Thanks!

Welcome to FT! To get good advice here, it would be good if you let us know where you usually fly to and from, both internationally and domestically.

Also, how far in advance you usually arrange these trips...the further in advance you usually book then, the more options open up for upgrades.

NYC based, usually on a whim but flexible to book in advance. Destinations all the typical travel spots of interest, particularly Europe.

the only way to fly in first 90% of the time is to buy a ticket in first class. NY is very elite heavy, and very premium cabin heavy.
Booking two sets of nonrefundable tickets and canceling one repeatedly is a good way to get kicked out of Sky miles. I've flagged for moderators to move to the Delta forum where you'll get better advice.

I'll offer just one narrow comment. Delta has space-available unlimited domestic upgrades, but not international. No airline gives international business or first-class upgrades simply because you have high status. I don't know Delta's rules but I think they, and most airlines, offer a limited number of systemwide upgrades per year.

Even as a diamond Medallion you probably wouldn't hit 90% domestic upgrades. Most carriers are selling more discount F fares, preferring to get some money for them rather than giving them to elites for free.

First class international trips on Y fares will not happen, no matter what status level. You'd have to pay business fares to play in that league. I'd say 'bust'

WFBF
Want first buy first