Can I upgrade on Delta after check in?

Any time after a ticket is issued until 3 hours prior to departure or until the check-in window has closed, customers can upgrade from Main Cabin to Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, First Class or Delta Comfort+®, or from Delta Comfort+ to Delta One®, Delta Premium Select or First Class.



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Complimentary Upgrades are not available for selection by any passenger while onboard the aircraft regardless of Status or fare class. For Companion Upgrades, both passengers must be ticketed, and upgrades must be requested at least three hours before the scheduled departure of the flight.

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So while you shouldn't expect a free upgrade on a flight, you can still ask for upgrades from booking till boarding — and you may be able to pay your way to a much more comfortable seat.

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It is possible to ask for an upgrade at the airport gate, even if you have already checked-in online and booked a seat. You can ask if any upgrades are available, but when you get to the gate there will be a flat screen monitor overhead that will show you the status of upgrades and standby passengers.

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Only itineraries that are wholly operated by Delta or Delta Connection are eligible for post-purchase upgrades at this time. Additionally, Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for upgrades.

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Whether you have Delta Medallion status or not, you can easily get yourself into a Comfort Plus or First Class seat if you are willing to pay for it. Delta gives you the option to pay for an upgrade with cash, but you also have the ability to use Delta SkyMiles to pay for an upgrade.

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Holding the credit card could be the fastest way to elevate your boarding zone if you are traveling in the main cabin. These include popular cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cards.

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When airlines release their upgrade inventory closer to the departure date, they are often more willing to sell those seats at a discount in order to fill them. So, if you're flexible with your travel plans and willing to take a chance, upgrading to business class at the airport could save you some serious money.

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Discover Silver Medallion Benefits. When you reach Medallion Status, you unlock amazing benefits like Unlimited Complimentary Upgrades, Priority Boarding and waived baggage fees. Plus, enjoy benefits like a preferred rate on a CLEAR® Plus membership, Rollover MQMs and more.

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It depends on the airline you're flying with, but it is generally cheaper to upgrade to business class at the airport than it is to book a business class ticket from the outset.

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Upgrade Your Air Travel: 10 Tips to Score a First-Class Seat
  1. Join airline loyalty programs.
  2. Volunteer to be bumped.
  3. Use offers from your credit cards.
  4. Book flights during off-peak times.
  5. Check for available upgrades online.
  6. Consider late flight offers.
  7. Arrive early for check-in.
  8. Bid for an upgrade.


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It depends on the airline you're flying with, but it is generally cheaper to upgrade to business class at the airport than it is to book a business class ticket from the outset. To upgrade at the airport, you will need to ask about availability and then pay the difference in fare.

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It depends on a variety of factors, including the airline, the route, the time of year, and the availability of seats. In some cases, upgrading at the airport can be a cost-effective way to experience Business Class perks without paying full price. In other cases, it may end up being more expensive.

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Most upgrades from economy or premium economy to business start around $400 and often venture up to $1000. For flights over 7 hours that include fast track, a VIP lounge and a proper bed- $500 seems like a reasonable offer- if the number is comfortable to you.

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