How do you qualify for a Delta upgrade list?

Here's how Delta will determine your spot on the upgrade list:
  1. Medallion status.
  2. Fare class groupings. ...
  3. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders.
  4. Delta corporate travelers (ticket must include your employer's corporate ticket designator).




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

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Upgrades: Yes, American basic economy fares are eligible for paid upgrades as well as complimentary upgrades with AAdvantage elite status. Ticket Changes and Cancellation: Not allowed on American's basic economy, except for within 24 hours of booking.

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

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

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

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.

MORE DETAILS

10 Legal Tips to Get Upgraded to First Class
  1. Earn Airline Elite Status.
  2. Redeem Miles and Points.
  3. Volunteer to be bumped on overbooked flights.
  4. Use an airline-branded credit card.
  5. Buy a last-minute upgrade.
  6. Follow The Crowds.
  7. Fly With a Generous Elite Friend.
  8. Travel Alone.


MORE DETAILS

In a nutshell, you earn Delta Medallion status by getting enough Medallion Qualification Dollars for each tier and either getting enough Medallion Qualification Miles or Medallion Qualification Segments.

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

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.

MORE DETAILS

10 Legal Tips to Get Upgraded to First Class
  1. Earn Airline Elite Status.
  2. Redeem Miles and Points.
  3. Volunteer to be bumped on overbooked flights.
  4. Use an airline-branded credit card.
  5. Buy a last-minute upgrade.
  6. Follow The Crowds.
  7. Fly With a Generous Elite Friend.
  8. Travel Alone.


MORE DETAILS

If the seat is available, the passenger pays for the upgrade on the flight. 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.

MORE DETAILS