Delta quietly improves companion upgrade policy
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Who doesn’t love a free upgrade?
One of the best perks of elite status is the promise of complimentary, space-available upgrades on most domestic flights. Pre-pandemic, battling for the few remaining available premium seats was always stressful.
Now, Delta has made a positive change to its companion upgrade policy that’ll hopefully reduce some of that uncertainty.
Stay up-to-date on airline and aviation news by signing up for our brand-new aviation newsletter.
Delta’s companion upgrade policy
Delta revamped the companion upgrade policy in 2016.
Since then, if a Medallion member is flying with a companion on the same reservation, both passengers would clear upgrades based on the higher of the two status levels. This applies to both first-class and Comfort+ upgrades.
For example, a Diamond Medallion traveling with a Silver Medallion would be eligible for first-class upgrades beginning 120 hours prior to departure. Both passengers would also be upgraded to Comfort+ shortly after ticketing.
However, Delta wasn’t nearly as generous if you were flying with a companion who was booked on a separate reservation.
If you and your companion were booked on separate paid reservations for the same flights, you could “link” the tickets by calling the Delta SkyMiles desk (800-323-2323). Then, your companion would become eligible for upgrades. However, the upgrade priority would work differently.
For domestic Delta One and first class, upgrades would clear based on individual elite status. Using the example above, a Diamond would clear beginning 120 hours prior to departure and a Silver member would clear beginning 24 hours prior to departure. However, if an elite was traveling with a non-status companion on a “linked” reservation, the non-status companion would become upgrade eligible no more than 24 hours prior to departure. The Medallion’s upgrade would still clear at the respective window.
For Comfort+, only the Medallion member will clear an upgrade at the respective window. Non-status companions booked on separate reservations can’t partake in the Comfort+ upgrade benefit.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta
What’s changing?
Effective immediately, Delta is improving the companion upgrade policy for those booked on separate reservations that have been linked.
Going forward, if a Medallion and non-status companion are booked on separate reservations, the non-status companion will clear domestic Delta One and first-class upgrades beginning at the Medallion member’s upgrade window. Delta confirmed the recent change that’s aimed to enhance the upgrade experience with TPG.
That means that a Diamond member and the member’s non-status companion will both be eligible for bumps to Delta One and first beginning 120 hours before departure. This is a massive improvement compared to the old policy since the non-status companion would have only become eligible the day before departure.
However, if a Diamond and Silver are traveling together on separate reservations that have been linked, the Diamond will clear at the Diamond window and the Silver will clear at the Silver window.
The companion upgrade policy for Comfort+ remains unchanged as part of today’s news.
Related: Delta rolls out extended Medallion status well ahead of schedule
Bottom line
Delta has quietly updated the upgrade window for elites traveling with non-status companions. Previously, a non-status companion on a separate reservation could only clear upgrades beginning a day before departure.
As part of the change, Delta will now upgrade the companion at the same time as the Medallion member.
Of course, this is a double-edged sword. If you’re a Diamond or Platinum who frequently travels with a companion, this is likely great news. But if you’re a Gold member who travels alone, you likely won’t be happy that a Diamond’s companion booked on a separate reservation will now get the upgrade ahead of you.
Either way, there will likely be many more unsold premium-cabin seats post-pandemic improving everyone’s shot at an upgrade.
Featured photo by Alberto Riva/The Points Guy
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer ends 8/3/2022.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer ends 8/3/2022.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.