How to Upgrade to First Class on Delta​?

You can upgrade Delta flight to first class in two ways: securing a complimentary upgrade with your loyalty status or buying a paid or guaranteed upgrade with cash, miles, or certificates. Whether you are not satisfied with the experience of Delta’s economy seats or captured by the allure of the luxurious first class cabin where seats are bigger, premium drinks are free, and boarding is quicker, the Delta first class upgrade is the ultimate goal for you. As said, there are different ways to upgrade to first class on Delta Airlines, you can use any method as per your convenience and eligibility. Therefore, this guide explains all the Delta upgrade methods, so you can decide what option is best for you.

How Do You Upgrade To Delta First Class?

When you decide to move to Delta First Class from Main Cabin, there are two types of options in front of you, either you can get the complimentary upgrade, which is free but requires loyalty status, or you can buy the upgrade with cash, miles, or certificates. Let’s see how you can use these Delta first class upgrade methods.

1. Delta Complimentary Upgrades

It won’t be wrong to say that Delta complimentary upgrades are the most coveted upgrades, as you are automatically added to the upgrade waitlist that too without any request or action, provided you are a SkyMiles Medallion member. However, Delta also offers complimentary upgrades to first class to the one companion of the Medallion member if they are traveling on the same reservation, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders.

Here you can check who is eligible for Delta complimentary upgrades:

Since you are placed on the waitlist for complimentary upgrades to First Class on Delta, your upgrade will be confirmed once seats are available and you clear the waiting list based on the Medallion tier priority. The higher the Medallion tier, the earlier your upgrade will be confirmed. Here, check how Delta upgrade list priority works and how early before departure, Medallion members’ complimentary upgrade on Delta is confirmed:

Learn more: How Do I Add Baggage to My Delta Flight?

As of now, you understand who is eligible for Delta complimentary upgrades and how early Medallion members’ upgrades are confirmed. Still, you are yet to know how the Delta complimentary upgrade works or how Delta assigns complimentary upgrades to eligible passengers with the same status on the waiting list. There are several factors that Delta considers to decide who will clear the complimentary upgrade waiting list first. Check below:

1. Medallion status level: Higher-tier passengers beat lower-tier passengers. For example, a Diamond passenger is prioritized over a Platinum passenger, and a Platinum passenger is prioritized over a Gold passenger.
2. Fare class: Between the two eligible passengers, whoever purchased the higher fares gets priority. Usually, higher-priced fares beat discounted fares.
3. Million Miler: A passenger who has higher lifetime miles flown gets higher priority.
4. Delta SkyMiles credit card holders: Having a Delta SkyMiles credit card can also get you priority.
5. Medallion Qualification Dollars: In last, the total earned Medallion Qualification Dollars in the current year are calculated to decide who will clear the waitlist first.

Once you clear the Complimentary upgrade waitlist, Delta will inform you via email or app notification that your seat has been upgraded to first class from your initially booked cabin.

2. Delta Paid Upgrades

Securing Delta paid upgrades also has its own benefits, as you don’t need to be a Medallion member to upgrade to first class, and you also do not need to wait for an upgrade clearance, as you can grab the guaranteed upgrade when you see it which means if Delta first class seats are open for upgrade, you can instantly confirm your upgrade by paying for it either by cash, miles, or certificates, during booking, after booking, or at the departure gate.

Upgrade Delta With Cash

When you are flying on Delta Airlines as a non-status flyer, it is better to choose this option as it allows you to secure a guaranteed upgrade anytime from booking a flight to before check-in. However, you are going to see dynamic pricing of the Delta first class upgrade as the price constantly changes with seat demand, route, and availability. To find a paid upgrade with cash, you check it on My Trip on Delta’s website and app, and at check-in or the gate.

Here is what you can do to buy a Delta upgrade to first class with cash:

• During Booking: While booking your Delta flight from the website or app, choose your seat and check if there is any upgrade option available; if not, directly select the First Class cabin type and purchase the ticket.
• After Booking: Go to My Trips on Delta’s website or app and select your flight. Now, find the Upgrade link and change your seat to first class and pay the applicable fee.
• At Check-in or Gate: If you decide to upgrade to Delta first class on the day of travel, head to the check-in counter as soon as you arrive at the airport, or ask the agent at the departure gate politely if upgrading to first class is possible at the last minute.

Read more: Does Delta Do Same Day Flight Change?

Upgrade Delta With Miles

Using Skymiles to upgrade to first class on Delta can be the ideal method if you are stacked with thousands of miles, which you can check in your Delta SkyMiles balance. When you purchase an upgrade with miles, Delta values $1 for 100 miles, which means if the Delta first class upgrade fee is $200, you will need 20,000 SkyMiles to pay. Here are the steps to use miles to buy a guaranteed Delta first class upgrade:

1. Log in to your SkyMiles account and go to My Trips.
2. Select your Delta flight that you want to upgrade.
3. If seats are available, you can see the Upgrade with Miles option. Use it.
4. Choose the first class upgrade and confirm it.
5. Redeem your miles required for the upgrade fee and confirm your seat in Delta First Class. 

Delta Upgrade Certificate

This one is probably the most powerful method of securing a guaranteed upgrade to first class on Delta Airlines, but it can only be used by Choice Benefits program members with Diamond and Platinum status. To use the RUCs (Regional Upgrade Certificate) for short and domestic flights and GUCs (Global Upgrade Certificate) for long and international flights, you need to:

1. Book your Delta flight in an eligible fare class that can be upgraded.
2. Contact Delta’s agent on call or chat to apply the certificate to buy an upgrade.
3. If a First Class upgrade is available on your Delta flight, your upgrade request will be confirmed instantly. If an upgrade is not available, you can also opt for being placed on the waitlist.

Final Thoughts

Your best chance to sit in Delta First Class is just one step away. Upgrade your ticket and enjoy the luxurious lie-flat seats with all premium amenities and services. Whether you are a status flyer or a non-status flyer, you have an option to move from Delta Economy to First Class during booking, after booking via My Trips, or at check-in or gate. By choosing the right method to upgrade to Delta First Class, you can save both your money and time.

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