Upgrade success on DL Domestic with VA Gold Status

[gwilli1]

I have a number of flights booked with DL during my trip to the US in Feb , all booked in Y . Im curious to hear of any success from other AFF'ers with VA Gold status, that have obtained upgrades whilst travelling on DL within the US . Are there any tips or tricks that can be passed on, or am I simply in the hands of the almighty "UPGRADE GODS" ?

 

[Boris spatsky]

No hope. Have flown over 20 sectors last year on DL Domestic and not one (not even a mention). I am VA Platinum too.

All i got was the waiver of re-ticket fee ($50) and one free bag - in 20 sectors.

 

[mella2007]

I would say probably not. With the amount of people holding upper DL status, upgrades in the US are rarer than ever these days.
Pay the extra and fly Business/First...it is worth the status credits and will get you closer to Platinum very quickly and is normally not that much different in price.

 

[Fruitcake]

Upgrades on DL, like most US legacies, are for the most part formulaic.

As a non-medallion holder, place yourself in the queue:
Where's my Upgrade? - A Guide to Complimentary Delta Upgrades | Milepoint

Here's the official DL site with the same info:
https://www.delta.com/content/www/e...limited-complimentary-medallion-upgrades.html

Essentially, all DL status holders are ahead of you. SkyTeam/VA status doesn't come into play for upgrades.

Basically, book in an expensive Y fare class, choose a route with a high F:Y seat ratio and you might have some luck.

 

[gwilli1]

Awesome Fruitcake . Great clarification on how it works . thanks for the info

Upgrades on DL, like most US legacies, are for the most part formulaic.

As a non-medallion holder, place yourself in the queue:
Where's my Upgrade? - A Guide to Complimentary Delta Upgrades | Milepoint

Here's the official DL site with the same info:
https://www.delta.com/content/www/e...limited-complimentary-medallion-upgrades.html

Essentially, all DL status holders are ahead of you. SkyTeam/VA status doesn't come into play for upgrades.

Basically, book in an expensive Y fare class, choose a route with a high F:Y seat ratio and you might have some luck.

 

[serfty]

...

Basically, book in an expensive Y fare class, choose a route with a high F:Y seat ratio and you might have some luck.

I take the luck out of it and book First/Business directly!

SFO-LAX for $195 (40 SC's as well), LAX to MCO for $565 and 140 SC's are two of my recent bookings ...

 

[gwilli1]

Have already booked mine & all are in Y ( budget constraints.. this time ) . Do DL allow you to do paid upgrades at checkin ?