Can you get a free upgrade on Delta?

Eligible Card Members will be eligible to receive complimentary upgrades for Delta One® (within the 50 United States), First Class, and Delta Comfort+® after Medallion Members. Basic Economy (E) fares are not eligible for Complimentary Upgrades, regardless of Medallion or other elite status.



People Also Ask

Be a Delta Medallion Member – If you are a Delta Medallion member, you are automatically on the upgrade list for first class, Delta One® and Delta Comfort+® seating. The higher your elite member status, the higher your upgrade priority to a premium cabin.

MORE DETAILS

Delta One seats on flights that start or end outside of the United States do not qualify for a complimentary Medallion upgrade. Complimentary upgrades are not available for selection by any passenger while aboard the aircraft regardless of status or fare class.

MORE DETAILS

7 ways to get upgraded on a flight
  1. Earn airline elite status. ...
  2. Fly with someone who has airline elite status. ...
  3. Ask an elite member for their unused upgrades. ...
  4. Volunteer for an oversold flight. ...
  5. Purchase upgrades with the right credit card. ...
  6. Use miles to upgrade. ...
  7. Pay for a last-minute upgrade.


MORE DETAILS

Low Fare with Restrictions. Save with Basic Economy, but please remember refunds and upgrades are not available at any time. Basic Economy is best for those traveling by themselves with firm travel plans.

MORE DETAILS

Upgrading a new Delta booking with a certificate Look for the Upgrade Certificate Request box and select the flight you'd like to upgrade. Then, select the type of upgrade certificate you'd like to use. The upgrade certificate will be automatically applied when you complete your booking.

MORE DETAILS

So, is Delta Comfort Plus worth it? The answer is entirely up to you. If you value extra legroom, space for your luggage and complimentary booze, then yes, it's worth spending the extra money.

MORE DETAILS

On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

MORE DETAILS

Simply Ask to Upgrade Hotel Rooms The best time to ask is at check-in. Ask the hotel staff if they can give you a free room upgrade and provide them with a context or reason for your request. As previously mentioned, it may help to bring up a special occasion. It also helps to ask for a specific upgrade.

MORE DETAILS

These tricks and ground rules are worth keeping in mind as you try to land that elusive free upgrade.
  1. Be a seriously loyal customer. ...
  2. Get an airline credit card. ...
  3. Dress neatly. ...
  4. Check in online at the earliest possible time. ...
  5. Be on time, and have good timing. ...
  6. Ask politely and directly. ...
  7. Be reasonable.


MORE DETAILS

In addition to the benefits of a Main Cabin ticket, you will also have extra legroom, earlier boarding and deplaning, and dedicated overhead bin space just for your items. With Delta Comfort+, you can stretch out, settle in and enjoy the ride. Fly in comfort with an upgraded experience.

MORE DETAILS

There is never an empty seat in Delta Air Lines' first-class cabin. They are diligent to fill unsold first-class seats by upgrading passengers.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Free business class upgrades are pretty rare. If you really want to fly business class on the cheap, one way to guarantee it is to contact us for a deeply discounted airfare. If you already have your ticket, here are 8 tips to help you turn an economy airline ticket into a luxury business or even first class seat.

MORE DETAILS

Upgrades are allocated based on the following criteria in order of highest priority:
  1. Medallion Elite status.
  2. Fare class.
  3. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Cardmembers.
  4. Delta corporate travelers.


MORE DETAILS

The key to purchasing an upgrade—either using miles or cash—is doing so in advance. The sooner, the better. Initially, passengers can contact their airline post-booking a flight to check for any paid upgrade availability. The next best option is to ask at the check-in desk of your flight.

MORE DETAILS

Therefore, before a flight starts boarding, you can check with a gate agent to see if this scenario is playing out on your flight. And if so, tell them that you're interested in paying for an upgrade. For a final try, if that also fails, you can ask the lead flight attendant or flight attendant at the boarding door.

MORE DETAILS

Generally speaking, it is usually cheaper to upgrade your flight in advance online or over the phone than at the airport before checking in. However, if you wait until you get to the airport, there may be last-minute deals available that could save you money.

MORE DETAILS

If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option. You may even get lucky and score a free upgrade.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

There's a lot to love about flying Delta Premium Select, but it doesn't get high marks for everything. Most importantly, the seats are a significant upgrade from economy: wider, more legroom, better padding, and more recline to help you sleep.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Fare cost. With a first-class fare, you'll receive a premium level of service on board, which means you can expect to pay a higher price than Delta Comfort Plus. Although Delta Comfort Plus provides additional convenience, it's still considered part of the main cabin.

MORE DETAILS