People who frequently travel by flights and prefer comfort always consider Delta Air Lines. Here, they get top-notch experience that makes their journey comfortable and hassle-free. But what would be your reaction if you got the chance to upgrade your Delta flight?
Many people constantly look for ways to upgrade their Delta flights, but get mixed up. The reason is the lack of reliable information, and every source gives different information. To overcome these issues, this guide presents an easy insight to upgrade your Delta flight. So, sit comfortably and scroll to learn more.
Understanding Delta Flight Upgrades
Delta offers a loyalty program for its dedicated customer who frequently travel through their airlines. This program includes statuses allotted to customers based on their engagement with Delta flights. A lot of perks come with all these status levels, but the best one is complementary upgrades.
Anyone would appreciate a one-class ticket getting upgraded to a higher class without extra cost. This is where Delta makes a difference from other airlines. Further, you must understand that it is quite hard to find free upgrades, but they are available. Keep scrolling and check how you can upgrade your Delta flight and what is on their priority list.
Complementary Delta Flight Upgrades
Delta members with Medallion elite status are eligible for unlimited upgrades even on the day of departure. Passengers can have a first-class experience across flights within the U.S.
Delta has increased the bookings for first-class seats to maximize revenue. However, this puts the brakes on the availability of first-class seats for upgrades. As a result, only a few slots remain for complimentary upgrades.
Here is the list of Delta products that are eligible for complimentary upgrades.
- Delta Comfort + (this is offered on selected Delta and some international flights)
- First Class (available on Delta flights and for nearby places in the US)
- Delta One (available on some domestic flights and international flights)
In the Delta flight upgrades system, the top-tier Diamond Medallions enjoy greater access and priority to upgrades than others. If upgrades are available, the booking of Diamond and Platinum Medallions gets instantly upgraded.
Further, there are certain time limitations for Gold and Silver Medallions, which are 72 and 24 hours, respectively. Once cleared, you get a complimentary upgrade to Comfort+.
In case you don’t get any advance information about the upgrade, don’t worry, there are still chances to get cleared at the gate. If the update list is pending at check-in, the list automatically gets updated to the airport’s standby list.
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Delta Flights Complementary Upgrade Order
The complementary upgrade priority list follows this order:
- Medallion status: Top topmost priority is given to Medallion status levels. It is maximum with the Diamond class.
- Cabin purchased: Higher fare class tickets get priority over cheaper fare class tickets.
- Million Miler status: Those who have achieved this status get priority over non-status passengers.
- Holders of Delta’s top-tier credit card: Those with Delta’s American Express card get priority over those who don’t have one.
- Delta corporate travelers: Corporate traveler tickets get priority over normal tickets. It must include the employer’s corporate ticket designator.
- Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) earned in the current year: The amount of MQDs earned in the current year also affects the changes in upgrade priority.
- Time and date of upgrade request: First-come, first-served method is followed, if time and date are considered.
Further, the destination of your journey also plays a key role in determining the priority to upgrade your Delta flight.
Use Of Upgrade Certificate In Delta Flights
Upgrade Certificates are the instruments that can be used to upgrade your Delta flight. These certificates are mainly available to Platinum and Diamond Medallion class members. This instrument can be used for Delta flights and other associated partners.
Delta flights offer types of upgrade certificates – regional upgrade certificates and Global upgrade certificates. But how can you get a Delta upgrade certificate?
Your Medallion status decides which type of status you will get. For Platinum Medallion status members, only 4 regional upgrades are allotted. While Diamond Medallion members enjoy greater flexibility. They can choose either of the following options:
- Four global upgrades
- Eight regional upgrades
- Two global and four regional upgrades
Delta Air Lines has a partnership with over 15 airlines. This allows the facility to access upgrades when you are flying with these partners. For this, you can use a global upgrade certificate.
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Exclusions on Delta Flight Upgrades
The complementary upgrade features are not accessible to everyone. If you want to upgrade your Delta flight, you must check out these exclusions:
- Basic Economy tickets are excluded from complimentary upgrades. No matter what your medallion status is, you will not get any upgrade benefits.
- For flights outside the US, no complimentary upgrade is available to Delta Premium Select fares.
- Further, Delta One seats are not eligible for an upgrade if they start and end outside the US boundaries.
- Basic economy fares are not eligible for upgrade until they are from Pay with Miles tickets or award tickets.
- Companions who have changed their destination and are not following their high-class Medallion will not be eligible for an upgrade through the member’s window.
You should consider these exclusions before you book a ticket or apply for an upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Getting a free upgrade for your Delta flight is always amazing. However, it is not possible all the time due lack of upgrade availability or other factors. Through all this information, the advantages of Delta’s Medallion ranks must be clear. So whenever you go to book a Delta flight ticket, always check upgrade availability. You can also take the assistance of flight booking experts like Delay Flights. It is a genuine platform that offers low-cost flight tickets with upgrade advantages. Our services are available across various airlines. All you need to provide are your travel details, and we’ll leave the rest to us.
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FAQ
How can I upgrade my Delta flight?
You can upgrade your Delta flight by becoming a Delta SkyMiles member, using upgrade certificates, or through Delta’s American Express credit card.
Does Delta upgrade on international flights?
Delta follows a structured order of priority while upgrading international flights.
How do I upgrade international flights on Delta Air Lines?
You can upgrade your international flights on Delta Air Lines using a global upgrade certificate. This certificate is only accessible to Diamond Medallion members.
Why is my Delta flight not complimentary upgrade eligible?
If your flight fares belong to the exclusion category of Delta’s upgrade Check-in Policy, then they are not eligible for complimentary upgrades.
How much does it cost to upgrade your seat on a Delta flight if available at check-in?
The cost to upgrade at check-in depends on various factors. This may include your region, type of flight, availability for upgrade, etc.
