Delta’s top flyers can now save themselves a phone call (and maybe a headache or two).
The Atlanta-based carrier began rolling out a much-anticipated new feature on its website this week that allows Diamond and Platinum members to apply for an upgrade certificate in the process. reservation process.
If you’re a Delta top flyer, you’ll now be able to claim an upgrade using any card that hasn’t expired. Regional Upgrade Certificate or Global Upgrade Certificate when making a new reservation.
A new “Certificate Upgrade Request” window appears during checkout on Delta.com. Depending on the flight you book, you will be able to choose the type of certification you want to apply for. (Note that RUCs can only be applied on certain routes.)
From there, you’ll complete the checkout process, and you’ll then receive an email and push notification in the Fly Delta mobile app confirming your upgrade request and whether you’ve been assigned a new seat or not. added to the waiting list.
As long as you’re signed in to your Platinum or Diamond account, you’ll be able to check upgrade availability before booking on Delta’s website — a feature that first launched in March year 2021.
The ability to redeem your upgrade certificate online is limited to new flights booked on Delta.com. The airline plans to roll out this feature on the My Trips page in the coming months, and they also plan to bring the functionality to the Fly Delta app soon.
While the feature is still in its infancy, Delta is addressing a major hitch for Medallion top-tier members who previously needed to call Delta to make upgrade requests. After accounting for the time it takes to wait for a representative (and find someone who is adept at redeeming upgrades), this manual process is a major drawback to Delta’s upgrade system.
In a statement confirming the new feature, Delta spokesman Drake Castañeda shared that:
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We are delighted that our customers are starting to experience this much-anticipated improvement. Delta continues to invest in the SkyMiles Program, listening to member recommendations and developing experiences to exceed member expectations and enable more seamless travel.
first plain tease this new feature back in October, same time when it came out higher medal threshold Because income status in 2024 and more. Delta originally promised to roll out the ability to redeem online upgrades early next year, so the airline is finalizing the plan several months in advance.
This is just the latest in a string of changes Delta has made to the upgrade process. It starts in early 2021 when the airline adds upgradeable space search capabilities directly on Delta.com. Back then, the only way to find upgrade space was to call Delta and ask an agent to manually check routes and dates for you.
Needless to say, this is a time-consuming process that upsets many Delta top-flight flyers and clogs up Delta’s phone lines.
However, the news isn’t all about the improvements. Earlier this year, the company officially changed the way GUC works. As of February 1, 2022, the Global Upgrade Certificate will help you level up with only one service layer. If you book an economy class ticket, you can only confirm your upgrade to Premium Select during the booking.
Upon confirmation of passing the Premium Selection, elite members will be added to Delta One’s waitlist 24 hours prior to departure, so there is still a (albeit smaller) chance of an urgent upgrade. pair.
As part of the new one-cabin rule, Delta now promises ultimate seat upgrades in long-haul premium economy and short-haul domestic and international first class. That said, many Diamond members were disappointed with Delta’s decision to take control of the upgrade, especially compared with American Airlines and United Airlines, both of which offer top passengers the ability to confirm upgrade to business class on a three-cabin plane from the start. time of booking.
Speaking of Delta’s competitors, the airline is catching up with United, allowing Premier members to apply PlusPoints — United’s Upgrade Coin — for both new and existing bookings on United.com and through the mobile app.
While you can look for system-wide upgrade possibilities on the American website, you still need to call to apply for a new or existing booking.
While Delta Medallions will certainly appreciate these improvements, perhaps the biggest winners are those planning to call Delta — the airline’s customer service phone number will be significantly less busy. with the launch of a new online upgrade function.
For more on how to upgrade with Delta, be sure to check out:
