You can use several methods, including using cash, SkyMiles, or elite status, to upgrade to Delta Business Class (Delta One) during booking, after booking, and sometimes at check-in or the departure gate.
Dreaming about stretching out in a lie-flat comfier seat, gourmet food, and a glass of wine on the flight with an economy ticket is not wrong at all, especially when you are flying with Delta, because you can upgrade to its business class, known as Delta One. And the best thing is that upgrading to Delta Business Class is easier than you think.
Here is the straight cut to what you really want to know how to upgrade to business class on Delta and how it might cost.
How Do You Upgrade To Business Class On Delta?
Whether you have cash, miles, or elite status, Delta has upgrade methods for all types of passengers. So choosing a Delta upgrade path depends on your eligibility, whether you have cash/miles or elite status. Let’s unpack all the options, so you know what to do to get into Delta Business Class from economy.
1. Directly Buy An Upgrade
When you choose this option to leap into the business class from the cabin you initially booked, you just buy an upgrade by paying the fare difference either by cash or using your SkyMiles. Therefore, if you have the capital or miles stacked, directly buying an upgrade is the best option ,as it allows you to take action during booking or after booking.
Cash
- After booking, log in to the My Trips account on Delta’s website or app.
- Select your flight and look for an Upgrade option.
- If an upgrade is available, select business class to see the upgrade price on the right side of the page.
- Pay the Delta business class upgrade cost to confirm your seat in the front cabin of the plane.
SkyMiles
- When upgrade-eligible business class seats are available, you’ll see a miles price next to the cash price. Check how many miles you need to upgrade.
- Use the Pay with Miles option to buy an upgrade.
At the Airport or Gate
Securing an upgrade at the departure gate on the same day of travel is very rare, but if seats are still open close to departure, Delta sometimes offers an upgrade at a surprisingly low price. To get a last-minute update at the departure gate or at the airport’s check-in counter, you can do:
- Ask at check-in, “Any paid upgrade options today?”
- Ask the gate agent politely, “Are there any upgrade offers available right now?”
- Check the last-minute upgrade offer during online check-in through Delta’s app.
Learn more: How to Upgrade to First Class on Delta?
2. Complimentary Upgrade
If you are a Medallion elite member, Delta grants you upgrades based on loyalty, but only on specific routes. For a free upgrade to Delta Business Class, you can either use your Medallion status or upgrade certificates to confirm your entry into luxurious Business Class if an upgrade seat is available.
Medallion Status
If you have Delta Medallion status like Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond, you automatically qualify and are added to the list for the Domestic Delta One upgrade, but the International Delta One upgrade is not possible with Medallion status, as you also need Global upgrade certificate with it. Delta’s upgrade system assigns you an upgraded seat at specific times depending on your Medallion tier: Diamond (120 hours before departure), Platinum (72 hours before departure), Gold (48 hours before departure), and Silver (24 hours before departure).
Upgrade Certificate
If you hold Platinum or Diamond Medallion status, you can use your Regional Upgrade Certificates for domestic One upgrade and Global Upgrade Certificates for international Delta business class upgrade. Using this method is the best way to get a confirmed upgraded business class seat without paying for it. Here you can check what you need to do to use the upgrade certificate on Delta.
- You must directly call Delta Reservations to apply an upgrade certificate.
- Tell them the exact flight and date.
- Ask if “upgrade space in business class” is open. Although the availability of business class seats for upgrade is limited, this is the best way to get a free international Delta One upgrade.
- If yes, your upgrade can be confirmed instantly, and if not, you can join the waitlist.
Credit Card
If you can’t fly enough to earn upgrade certificates or achieve Diamond status, you can instead get a Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express credit card that can reward you by adding to the complimentary upgrade list. Although you are not a Medallion member, only holding this credit card can get you a complimentary Delta business class upgrade on domestic routes. However, you will be last in the line as you clear after all Medallion members.
Read more: How Do I Add Baggage to My Delta Flight?
Important Rules You Need To Know Before Upgrading To Delta Business Class
There is no doubt that upgrading to business class will make your journey absolutely comfortable, but before upgrading, you need to keep a few things in mind, such as
- Not all fares can be upgraded, as Basic Economy fare exists in a category that is not allowed to be upgraded.
- If you have a discounted fare, you are likely to get limited access to services and amenities on the flight.
- If seats in the Delta Business Class cabin are nearly full, you hardly get an upgrade.
- Purchasing an upgrade to business class is usually non-refundable. So you can’t request a refund after buying an upgrade to business class.
- If a Delta One seat is empty, Delta would rather sell it for a lower, last-minute price than let it fly empty. Therefore, you might see an upgrade for $1,500 weeks out, only for it to plummet to $500 to $750 in the final hours.
Final Words
Upgrading to business class on Delta is not a game of musical chairs; it is all about your timing, availability of seats, Medallion status, and potential to buy an upgrade with cash or miles. By checking the open business class seat on your Delta flight till the last minute in the app during online check-in or at the departure gate, you can also make your way to Delta One at a surprisingly low price.
FAQ’s
Can I upgrade to business class on Delta?
Yes, you can upgrade to business class on Delta, but it becomes impossible when you purchase a basic economy fare.
Does Delta offer last-minute upgrades?
Yes, Delta can offer last-minute upgrades when premium seats remain empty till the last minute. Instead of flying empty, Delta would rather offer upgrades at a lower price to fill them at the last-minute.
Is business class on Delta the same as first class?
No, Delta’s business class and first class are both distinct products, as business class is available only on international routes and is branded as Delta One, while first class is available only on domestic routes and is branded as Delta First Class.
Can I upgrade my flight to Delta business class after booking?
Yes, you can upgrade your flight to Delta business class after booking if you have cash, miles, or elite Medallion status and seats are available.
How do I request an upgrade on Delta?
You can request an upgrade on Delta through various methods, including using cash, miles, or Medallion status. Inquiring with the gate agent at the airport can also help you secure an upgrade on Delta.
