Flying in comfort is a priority for many travelers, and Delta Air Lines offers several ways to upgrade your seat. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a special trip, understanding the upgrade process can enhance your travel experience. In this article, we’ll explore how to get on Delta upgrade list, covering various options available to passengers.

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Types Of Delta Upgrades

Delta Airlines provides various upgrade options for passengers who wish to fly in a higher class:

Using Miles to Upgrade: SkyMiles members can use their miles to upgrade to Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, First Class, or Delta Comfort+® on eligible flights within the U.S. 50. You can do this while purchasing a ticket on delta.com or through Delta Reservations.
Upgrading a Booked Flight: Easily upgrade your seat using miles through the My Trips section on delta.com or the Fly Delta app. If online upgrades aren’t available, Delta Reservations can assist with seat upgrades on most Delta-operated flights and select partner-operated flights.
Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades: Medallion Members and one travel companion receive unlimited complimentary upgrades to First Class and Delta Comfort+. You are allowed to upgrade on most routes within the U.S., Central America, Northern South America, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Additionally, Medallion Members can now select their Seat Preferences for Delta Comfort+ Complimentary Upgrades on eligible future flights.
Global Upgrade Certificates: Global Upgrade Certificates can be used to upgrade eligible international flights during the booking or ticketing process. It is redeemable for First Class, Delta Premium Select, or Delta One experiences.
Regional Upgrade Certificates: Eligible for Delta-operated domestic flights and select short-haul international flights. Covers First Class and domestic Delta One experiences.

How To Get On The Upgrade List Delta?

Delta Airlines allows passengers to upgrade their flights by staying on the priority list of the upgrade queue. If you have any elite status, you will get priority while upgrading your seats:

Attain A Medallion Status

Delta’s Medallion Status program provides elite benefits to loyal travelers. Here’s how to achieve it:

Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs): Earn Medallion Status by accumulating MQDs through spending on Delta flights, Delta co-branded American Express cards, and Delta Vacations packages.
Tiers of Medallion Status: There are four tiers: Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver. Each tier offers different benefits, including Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades to First Class and Delta Comfort+.
Upgrade Certificates: Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members receive Upgrade Certificates as part of their Choice Benefits. These certificates allow you to prioritize your upgrades.

Use Delta Upgrade Certificates

Delta offers two types of Upgrade Certificates, which you can use to upgrade your seats to the higher class:

Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs):

Eligible for Delta-operated domestic flights and select short-haul international flights.
Covers First Class and domestic Delta One experiences.

Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs):

It can be used for any Delta-operated flight and some partner airlines.
Redeemable for First Class, Delta Premium Select, or Delta One experiences.

Delta Upgrade With Miles

You are allowed to upgrade your experience using miles if you have any additional miles to spend in your account:

While Booking:

Log in at delta.com and select your ticket.
If eligible, choose the “Upgrade with Miles” option during booking.
Upgrade to Delta One, First Class, Delta Premium Select, or Delta Comfort+.

After Booking:

Use your miles to upgrade on delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
Select seats for money or miles, including Preferred Seats or Exit Row Seats.
If needed, contact Delta Reservations for assistance.

Understanding the Delta Upgrade List

The Delta upgrade list prioritizes passengers based on several factors, starting with elite frequent flyers and moving down to fare class, with higher-paying passengers given preference. The priority order is as follows:

Elite Status: Diamond, Platinum, and Gold members enjoy higher priority.
Fare Class: Passengers who have purchased higher fare classes are prioritized.
Time of Request: The earlier the Delta request upgrade, the higher the priority.

Medallion Status Upgrade Timeline

Medallion members can expect a free upgrade from Delta in the following order:

Diamond Members: 5 days before departure.
Platinum Members: 5 days before departure.
Gold Members: 72 hours before departure.
Silver Members: 24 hours before departure.

How To Increase the Chance of Upgrades?

If you wish to increase your chances of getting upgrades by submitting a Delta request upgrade, this is how to get on a Delta upgrade list faster:

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Consider opening this card to enhance your upgrade odds. It offers bonus miles and Medallion Qualification Dollar waivers, speeding up your path to elite status.
Avoid Basic Economy Fares: Basic Economy tickets are excluded from upgrades. Opt for regular economy fares to remain eligible for seat enhancements.
Timing Matters: Avoid peak business travel times and mainline routes. Upgrades are more likely during off-peak periods.
Pay for Upgrades: Use cash or miles to upgrade your ticket. Delta allows upgrades on various ticket types, including companion tickets issued with select Delta SkyMiles credit cards.

Summary:

The answer to the question- “how to get on Delta upgrade list?” is simple and answered briefly above. The upgrade options cater to both frequent flyers and occasional travelers. Whether you’re using miles, benefiting from Medallion status, or considering credit card perks, understanding the process ensures a more comfortable journey. So, next time you fly with Delta, explore the upgrade possibilities and elevate your travel experience!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How does Delta upgrade list work?
Delta upgrades work for all fares except for basic economy. If you are a member of Delta Airlines Club or premium clubs, you will get preference over other members according to the tier of your membership.

2) What if I’m not a SkyMiles member?
Non-SkyMiles members can purchase comfort upgrades during or after booking, buy discounted upgrades at check-in, or offer to give up their economy seat in exchange for an upgraded seat on the next flight when it’s oversold.

3) Can I upgrade a flight I’ve already booked?
Yes! You can easily upgrade your seat using miles through the My Trips section on delta.com or the Fly Delta app. If online upgrades aren’t available, Delta Reservations can assist with seat upgrades on most Delta-operated flights and select partner-operated flights.

4) How do I prioritize my upgrade request?
Upgrade certificates prioritize your request over a complimentary Medallion upgrade. However, they don’t guarantee an upgrade. Depending on available classes of service, you might end up on a waiting list.

How To Get On Delta Upgrade List