In 2026, upgrading on Delta involves several paths depending on your status and budget. Medallion Members enjoy the "gold standard" benefit of Complimentary Upgrades, which clear in a hierarchy: Diamond and Platinum members can clear starting 120 hours (5 days) before departure, followed by Gold (72 hours) and Silver (24 hours). You should ensure your SkyMiles number is in your reservation and "Auto-request" is enabled in your profile. For those without elite status, you can frequently find paid upgrades via the Fly Delta app or Delta.com under "My Trips." These can be purchased using cash or SkyMiles. If you hold a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you receive higher priority on the upgrade list within your Medallion tier and are eligible for upgrades even without status. Another pro-tip is to check the seat map during check-in; sometimes "last-minute" upgrades are offered at a discount. If you are a high-tier Medallion, you can also apply Global or Regional Upgrade Certificates, which guarantee a spot if space is available, though these usually require a phone call to Delta's dedicated support line to apply correctly.