Yes! Passengers can upgrade their Delta Airlines seat; however, it depends on various factors. The fare type/ SkyMiles Medallion status/ seat availability/ route decide your chances. It is also not always guaranteed to get an upgrade on Delta flights.
Everyone wants to experience a first-class flight journey with Delta Airlines. However, due to a limited number of seats, many are left to travel in lower cabin classes. Also, many travelers find Delta First Class much more expensive. It is where the Delta Airlines seat upgrade option comes into the picture. Travelers are given various options to upgrade their flight seats from a lower flight cabin to first class. From complimentary upgrades to miles upgrades, travelers can choose various ways to switch to a higher cabin class. If you are someone who is looking forward to upgrading your Delta flight, this blog will help you clear all your doubts. Travelers will get to know different types of upgrades available, along with the upgrade hierarchy on this page.
What is the Delta Airlines Seat Upgrade Process?
Delta travelers should be happy to know that they can get seat upgrades to first class with relative ease compared to many other top Airlines. Delta offers Economy to First Class upgrades by purchasing them via cash/ miles after booking. Medallion members may also get free upgrades on their Delta flights. You can also apply for seat upgrades using the upgrade certificates. Delta offers the seat upgrade option on its official website as well as on its Fly Delta app. The good part is that you can select your preferred seat (aisle/window) using the Delta seat map.
Which Key Points to Consider for Delta Airlines Seat Upgrade?
Flyers should keep certain things in mind before they apply for the Delta Airlines seat upgrade to First Class. We have outlined those crucial go-throughs below.
- You should buy a high-tier ticket to increase your chances of being upgraded to first class. For example, you can get an easy upgrade to First Class from Business Class rather than Premium Economy.
- Paid upgrades are not available for the Delta Airlines Basic Economy tickets. Even Medallion members can’t upgrade their Basic Economy fares.
- You cannot upgrade your Delta Premium Select fares for free (outside the US).
- Delta Airlines does not provide complimentary upgrades to any passenger (whatever the status) after they have boarded the flight.
- Passengers cannot upgrade their Delta One seats for free using their Medallion Status. It applies to all flights leaving or bound to the US.
- You can get complimentary upgrades on eligible award tickets and Pay with Miles fares.
- Higher Medallion status puts you above in the priority list for an upgrade.
- You will get priority in the upgrade process if you have a Delta Reserve American Express Card.
MFP Tip: You should request a seat upgrade on the flight if you have Diamond or Platinum status. Delta Airlines instantly reassigns such Main Cabin members to Delta Comfort (if space is available). Call MyFlightPolicy travel agents at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 to make your Delta flight reservations from the comfort of your home.
What are the different types of upgrades available on Delta Airlines?
Delta offers various types of upgrade options to its passengers. Usually, you will get the following seven upgrade choices on a Delta Airlines flight.
| Delta Seat Upgrade Type | Who Is Eligible | Key Details / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Complimentary Companion Upgrades | Passengers traveling on the same reservation (as Medallion Elite members) | Applies when flying together with an eligible Medallion Elite member |
| Miles Upgrade | Any eligible Delta passenger with sufficient miles |
|
| Global Upgrade Certificate | Diamond Medallion Elite members | Allows a one-cabin upgrade on international, regional, or domestic flights |
| Complimentary Upgrades | Delta One members and Medallion Elite members | Available on most routes within the 50 U.S. states; upgrades to Comfort+ or First Class |
| Mileage Upgrade Awards | Passengers booked in Y/ B/ M/ H/ Q/ K fare classes | Mileage awards can be applied to an existing booking (for seat upgrades) |
| Regional Upgrade Certificate | Platinum as well as Diamond Medallion Elite members | Valid for one-cabin upgrades (on domestic/ select regional Delta flights) |
| Same-Day Standby Upgrades | Passengers on specific routes (North America/ Caribbean/ Cancun) |
|
How can I apply for a Delta Airlines Premium Seat Upgrade?
You can apply for a Delta Premium Select upgrade by purchasing it with cash/ miles. You can do so using the “My Trips” section on Delta’s website/app. Travelers can request it during booking or after the reservation is complete. If you are a Medallion member, you can opt in for automatic upgrades or add yourself to the standby list at check-in. The Delta Airlines Premium Seat Upgrade is available based on flight route/ Medallion status. Travelers can use online/ offline methods to upgrade their Delta Airlines flight seat.
What is the Online Upgrade Method of Delta Seats?
- Go to the My Trips section of the Delta Airlines website/ app.
- Travelers will have to enter their reservation number. You will access the specific booking.
- Eligible passengers will see the “Select Seats” option. Such seats are eligible for upgrades.
- Flyers will have to use the Delta Airlines Seat Selection process to choose their desired first-class seat for the upgrade. You will get the Delta Airlines seat map to choose your specific seat.
- Pay the required charges using cash/ miles to complete your upgrade.
How to Upgrade from Delta Economy to First Class Offline?
- Contact the Delta Airlines Customer support, or you can also Call MyFlightPolicy travel agents at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004.
- The representative will ask you about the trip information after the call connects.
- You will have to provide them with your booking details (e-ticket number/ last name).
- The Airline official will tell you about your seat upgrade eligibility along with the applicable prices.
- Flyers can complete their upgrade with cash or miles (if available in their account).
- You will get the Delta upgrade confirmation at your registered email address.
Note: Delta Airlines Passengers can upgrade their seats both during and after the booking. You will have to use Miles when you want to buy the upgrade during ticket booking. After the ticket is booked, a Delta Airlines seat upgrade can be purchased with cash or miles.
Some Fineprints of the Delta Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy
Flyers need to understand the exclusions and fine print of the Delta Airlines seat upgrade to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
- The seat upgrade is available up to 72 hours prior to the Time of the Delta flight departure.
- You will see that the upgrades have low prices, but in normal cases, they will either remain the same or be a little cheaper than the original seat price difference.
- Availability is dependent on the plane type criterion as well as whether the plane ticket has been purchased.
- Delta Airlines does not usually allow changes or cancellations to a purchased seat upgrade.
- Being a member of any of the Delta Airlines programs enables a person to upgrade their Delta seats.
- Passengers should have hard copies of the boarding cards that will help them complete the Delta seat upgrade procedure.
MFP Tip: Delta Airlines will redeposit your Miles in your account if you cancel/ change the seat upgrade before the check-in window opens. Travelers can use these redeposited Delta Miles for their future flight reservations. Call MyFlightPolicy customer support agents at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 for easy bookings.
How much does a Delta Seat Upgrade Cost?
Delta seat upgrade costs vary widely. It can range from $30- $100 for domestic Comfort+ to hundreds or thousands for First Class/Delta One. It depends heavily on route length/ booking time/ demand/ Medallion status. Travelers can expect to pay $100–$300+ for domestic First Class. The Delta Airlines seat upgrade international can be much higher (sometimes over $1000).
| Delta Airlines Cabin Class/ Service | Average Upgrade Cost |
|---|---|
| Delta Comfort+ (Domestic) | $30 – $100 per segment |
| Domestic First Class | $100 to $300 or more; $50/hour benchmark |
| Premium Select/Delta One (International) | From a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 |
Passengers should always confirm the latest charges on Delta’s website or by calling its customer support number.
What is the Priority Hierarchy for Delta Airlines Seat Upgrade?
Delta Airlines follows a multi-tier system to offer seat upgrades. We have listed the priority hierarchy (from highest to lowest) below.
- Medallion Status (Diamond > Platinum > Gold > Silver)
- Cabin Purchased (Delta One > Delta Premium Select > Delta Comfort+)
- Million Miler Status (360° > 5MM > 4MM > 3MM > 2MM > 1MM)
- Tier of Travel Experience
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Cardholders
- Corporate Travelers of Delta Airlines
- Medallion Qualification Dollars earned
- Date and Time of the upgrade request made
Are Delta Free Seat Upgrades available for all Cabin Classes?
The Delta complimentary seat upgrades are available on select fares/ classes. We have tabulated the cabin class available for a complimentary upgrade below.
| Service Level | Typical Availability |
| Delta Comfort+ |
|
| First Class |
|
| Delta One |
|
How to improve your chances of a Delta Airlines Seat Upgrade?
Smart travelers can increase their chances of a Delta Seat Upgrade by adopting smart strategies, such as earning Medallion status. We have listed some useful tips below to ensure a successful upgrade with Delta Airlines.
- Have a higher Medallion status (Diamond/ Platinum/ Gold). It receives priority during the upgrade.
- You should set upgrade preferences on the Fly Delta app.
- The Delta seat upgrade chance increases when flying solo (when compared to a group).
- Flyers should fly on off-peak days. It includes Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Saturday.
- Avoid Monday mornings/ Friday evenings because of business travelers.
- Book flights with more open First Class seats
- Passengers need to choose less-busy routes.
- You should be polite to the gate agents.
- Use the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, as it will give you priority on upgrade lists.
- Opt for Last-minute upgrades. These can be available at a discount during check-in, or even within the app in some cases, where a same-day standby upgrade is available.
- Use miles to upgrade your Delta Airlines flight.
- You should avoid Basic Economy seats. These fares are ineligible for upgrades.
- Flexibility with your itinerary also helps in smooth upgrades. No checked bags/ different flight times/ days will help you get an upgrade.
In a nutshell
Delta is lenient when it comes to offering an upgrade to First Class. Every passenger (except the Basic Economy) can apply for the Delta Airlines seat upgrade. You can upgrade your seats both during and after the Delta flight reservation. Your upgrade chances increase if you have a Medallion Status (with Diamond members having the highest priority). Fares eligible for upgrades will show the “Select Seats” option. You can choose the best higher cabin seat using the Delta Airlines Seat Selection. You should avoid Economy seats if you want to apply for an upgrade. Being flexible with your itinerary also helps you bag an easy upgrade. Make sure to follow the expert tips for improving your seat upgrade chances.
Call myflightpolicy.com customer support at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 to receive further help with flight-related queries. Our expert travel agents will help you fully with flight bookings/ cancellations/ refunds/ changes/ other related services. You can reach us at the given helpline number 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Passengers with Medallion Status can receive a complimentary upgrade on their Delta Airlines flight seat. Gold/ Platinum/ Diamond Medallion members have a higher chance of receiving an upgrade. You may also get a free Delta seat upgrade with the Delta Platinum American Express Card.
You should make it a point to upgrade yourself to the Delta First Class on long flights. Delta Airlines provides increased space/legroom within their premium flights, ensuring a convenient journey to the destination, especially if one is taller. One might not think it is worth upgrading to on short flights within their country.
Delta Airlines provides last-minute upgrades. It is beneficial for Medallion Status members. Passengers can also opt for an upgrade during the check-in process. It is available online as well as at the airport (before boarding). Flight attendants can offer the passenger a seat upgrade (after boarding the aircraft) if the first-class seats are not sold.
The Delta Airlines fare class primarily affects the upgrade eligibility. The Basic Economy flight tickets are not upgradeable on most Delta routes. Other factors influencing the Delta seat upgrade are medallion status (Diamond/ Platinum/ Gold)/Time of upgrade requests.
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