Delta does away with middle-seat 'upgrades'
If you're a Delta Medallion member, the days of being "upgraded" into a middle Comfort+ seat may be over.
After almost a year of testing, the airline has updated its upgrade request process. A new option now allows all elites to specify what kind of seat they're willing to be upgraded into.
Once your itinerary is ticketed, passengers who qualify for complimentary upgrades can specify if they'd like to be upgraded into a aisle, window and/or middle Comfort+ seat. The automatic upgrade will only happen if their chosen preferences are available.
"Following nearly a year of testing, Delta is launching the ability for all Medallion Members to choose their seat preferences on a flight-by-flight basis for complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+, ultimately resulting in a better upgrade experience for this loyal group of customers," the airline said in a statement.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more airline news!
Related: Delta's CEO explains why your Sky Club is so crowded
Upgrades to a Comfort+ middle seat have long been a major complaint for SkyMiles Medallion members.
Delta started experimenting with solutions to passenger complaints as early as 2017, when the airline started allowing elites to choose their seat once a Comfort+ upgrade cleared, or reject the upgrade if they'd prefer to stick with their original selection. This option will still be available with the updates, according to Delta.
The airline began testing selections to upgrade only if window or aisle Comfort+ seats were available in 2018, and some users started seeing the option to customize even further earlier this year.
Delta said it's received positive customer feedback throughout the tests, and that the new upgrade system "will offer more choice, flexibility and control" for its elite frequent fliers.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.