Do Delta SkyMiles members get free upgrades?

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Basic Card Members have access to Upgrade Priority within the Delta SkyMiles Complimentary Upgrade Program. Eligible Card Members who are SkyMiles Medallion Members have priority over other passengers within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping.



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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.


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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.

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You can use miles to upgrade to Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, First Class or Delta Comfort+® for eligible flights within the U.S. 50 while purchasing a ticket* either at delta.com or with Delta Reservations. If your reservation is eligible for an upgrade, you'll see the option to upgrade in your Trip Summary.

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The Rollover MQMs benefit is exclusive to Delta, and only for our Medallion Members. Here's an example of how Rollover MQMs work: You reach Silver Medallion Status by earning 45,000 MQMs and $8,000 MQDs during the 2023 calendar year – giving you Status from the day you earn it through January 31, 2025.

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The lounge benefits available to cardholders of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express are still generous compared to other options.

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Those with Delta elite status can buy an annual membership to access Delta Sky Clubs. A standard membership costs $695 (or 69,500 miles) and lets you enter a Sky Club lounge every time you fly Delta. You can bring up to two guests for an extra $50 per guest (or 5,000 miles) per visit.

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Miles don't expire. MQMs reset each calendar year as you track toward a new year of Status. Delta follows the same policy as American for its “Medallion Year,” meaning that your status will be valid until January 31 two years after the calendar year in which you earned it.

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Delta Silver Medallion members do not get lounge access. This perk is reserved for Gold-level members and above flying internationally. That said, elite status isn't the only way to gain Sky Club access. Anyone can buy an annual membership for $695.

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At airports which do not have a dedicated Silver Medallion check-in lane, Silver Medallion Members are permitted to use the Sky Priority check-in lane.

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Silver Medallion Members who hold an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card will receive a second bag free (up to two free bags at 70 lbs. or 32kg each) for travel within the U.S. and Canada. Baggage size must not exceed a length + width + height for a total of 62 linear inches (157 cm).

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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.

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If economy class has been overbooked and there are seats in business, make sure you're quick to offer (this helps when you're sitting in the first couple of rows). You might also get an upgrade if there is a problem with your seat or your neighboring passenger.

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