A Delta Airlines upgrade is on every traveler’s list to make a signature on the journey, from the on-ground experience to the in-air adventures. Travelers secretly plan for a Delta flight upgrade until it becomes a reality. The paid upgrade is one way of showing your love and appreciation for Delta. The SkyMiles upgrade or the Complimentary Medallion upgrade rewards the customers for their loyalty and preference over other airlines. We will discuss all aspects of the Delta Airlines upgrade.
Call the experts at +1-888-592-4114 for upgrade-related queries. Visit the Safe Flight Tips for an in-depth analysis of trending topics.
Delta Airlines Upgrade: Enriching and Uplifting Experience
Travelers should know the benefits of each cabin class: Delta Comfort+, First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One. Plan your Delta Airlines upgrade by gathering information and comparing each class to one another. You should put a value on your ticket and journey.
A summary of the four cabin classes:
- Delta Comfort+: Enjoy priority boarding (seamless boarding & deplaning), dedicatedly assigned overhead bin space, additional legroom to stretch your body (up to 3 inches), and a palate-enriching menu of snacks and beverages.
- First Class: Delta pins its hopes on First Class to transform short-haul flights on domestic and selected international routes. The airline explicitly targets domestic and short-haul international travelers. Experience Sky Priority services, a deeper recline (up to 5.4 inches), and spacious seats with extra legroom (up to 8 inches). Access to in-seat power, in-flight entertainment, personalized flight attendants, chef-made meals, and exclusive snacks.
- Delta Premium Select: Enhanced personal space with spacious seats, Sky Priority service, Priority boarding, premium amenities, two free checked bags, a dedicated crew, and an exclusive in-flight entertainment system. The option to pre-order meals proves a winning strategy in customer satisfaction initiatives.
- Delta One: Lie-flat seats, premium bedding, Delta One lounge access, Delta Sky Club access, a selection of handpicked wine, noise-cancelling headsets, meals curated by chefs, and Delta Studio. Spoil yourself in luxurious surroundings with Delta Airlines upgrade.
How to Upgrade a Delta Airlines Flight?
Travelers have several options to upgrade their Delta flights. Each upgrade type has a unique offering and eligibility process.
The SkyMiles Upgrade
Delta Airlines upgrade offers flyers a unique proposition to upgrade to a higher cabin on most of its operational routes. It also qualifies for a few selected partner airlines, such as Air France, Aeromexico, and Virgin Atlantic.
Note: Basic Economy fares do not qualify for this offer.
How to Book an Upgrade on Booking
- Access the website or app and log in to your SkyMiles account. When you select a main cabin, the system will display the “Upgrade with Miles” option in the summary section.
How to Book an Upgrade after Booking
- Visit the official website or open the Fly Delta app. Check your reservation and pick “Select Seats” to see if an upgrade is available. If an upgrade is available, you can use miles to make it.
How to Book an Upgrade Over the Phone
You can call Delta Reservations to process a flight upgrade.
Note: Passengers should know the upgrades purchased with miles are non-refundable and non-changeable if you decide to cancel the flight for individual reasons. What happens is that you can’t carry the upgrade forward to the next flight.
Complimentary Medallion Upgrades
Delta Medallion Elite members enjoy exclusive benefits. All Silver, Gold, Platinum, & Diamond members are eligible for complimentary Medallion upgrades for domestic flights: Delta Comfort+, First Class, & Delta One.
Note: The upgrade is subject to availability.
Eligibility
Basic Economy tickets do not qualify for the upgrade. Travelers can make the upgrade on Delta and Delta Connection flights. They can use award tickets, paid tickets, Companion Certificates, pay with Miles, and Miles+Cash options.
Process
The system qualifies Medallion members for default upgrades at the time of booking. The airline allows you to change the preferences in My Trips.
What is the condition for the Companion Upgrade?
Delta Airlines upgrade qualifies the Medallion member or SkyMiles member for a companion upgrade on the same reservation. The rule also applies to partner airline elite members.
How does the airline prioritize the companion upgrade?
The airline prioritizes upgrades based on Medallion status: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. There are other contributing factors, such as fare class and timing aspects.
Note: We recommend checking with your partner airlines about their respective policies.
Cash Upgrades
Passengers can upgrade their flights using cash. They can either do it at the time of booking or after purchasing the ticket.
Eligibility
The airline offers the upgrade on all Delta and Delta Connection flights within the 50 United States. It also qualifies a few pre-selected international routes. Note: Basic Economy fares do not qualify for the upgrade.
How to Book an Upgrade on Booking
Pick a Main Cabin ticket and select an upgrade in Trip Summary.
How to Book an Upgrade after Booking
Visit the official website or the Fly Delta app. Select the concerned reservation, highlight ‘Select Seats,’ and confirm if it’s available.
How to Book an Upgrade at the Airport
Approach the team at the airport counter and discuss the upgrade request with them.
Paid Upgrade Costs
Delta Airlines upgarde considers fare type, distance, and route.
Domestic (Alaska + 48 States)
Full-Fare Economy Tickets
$49-$329
Main Cabin, Discounted Main Cabin, and Highly-Discounted Main Cabin fares
$119-$399
Hawaii Routes
Main Cabin Economy
$239-$329
Others
$269-399
International Flights
$50-$350
Important Tip
We suggest calling customer service to have updated and accurate information on paid upgrade costs.
Upgrade Certificates
Delta Airlines allows Platinum and Diamond Medallion members to select Upgrade Certificates.
Regional Upgrade Certificates
The Platinum and Diamond members can upgrade to all four cabins: Delta Comfort+, First Class, Premium Select, or Delta One, based on the geographical radius they pick. They can fly on Premium Select or Delta One within the U.S., or they can select Delta Comfort+ or First Class and choose any of the destinations: Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the U.S., and Northern South America.
Global Upgrade Certificates
The Diamond members can upgrade one cabin to Delta Comfort+, First Class, Premium Select, or Delta One. They can upgrade on all Delta and partner airlines.
Same-day Standby Upgrades
Travelers can request the same-day standby upgrade by paying a standard fee. The airline allows standby upgrades on a few selected routes in the Caribbean, Cancún, and North America.
Eligibility
Delta Airlines offers a same-day standby upgrade to all traveling passengers, which is subject to availability.
Process:
Flyers should ask for an upgrade at check-in. The airline charges a fee of $50-$350.
Note: Travelers should not keep high hopes, as there is a low probability of booking a same-day upgrade.
Delta Airlines Upgrade: How to Make the Decision
Passengers should evaluate their prospects before booking an upgrade. Ideally, you shouldn’t be looking for excuses to fly in comfort and luxury. You should consider the journey length, the purpose of the journey, cost vs. benefits, and alternatives.
Ask yourself if you can benefit from the upgrade and if it will add value to the overall journey experience. One way to do this is to weigh the benefits against the costs. An ideal upgrade personalizes your stay with the airline, on the ground, and in the air.
Points to Know
- Enroll in SkyMiles. The SkyMiles members can use miles for upgrades, no matter their membership status.
- Manage your travels in the off-peak season. You have more chances of booking a better upgrade easily.
- Travelers booking high-class fares have a higher probability of earning an upgrade eligibility.
- Corporate ticket booking may improve your upgrade eligibility status.
Conclusion
Delta Airlines upgrade decorates your flying experience with an unmatched experience. Travelers should read a bit about all types of upgrades. Learn about the different types of upgrades and their benefits. The upgrade opens you to a world of flying you never knew existed. Make Delta the official airline partner of your life’s most cherished moments.
