Do Delta Elites Get Upgrades on Transcontinental Flights?
TPG reader Alyssa messaged me to ask about Delta upgrades:
"What's the deal with Delta upgrades on transcontinental flights? Do Diamond or Platinum Medallions get upgraded anymore?"
Sadly, the official answer is no. As of December 2013, Delta no longer offers complimentary upgrades to Diamond or Platinum Medallion members on premium transcontinental Delta One flights.
I typically rag on United for copying Delta, but in this case, Delta copied United. For years United has had flyers use upgrade certificates or miles to upgrade on the airline's premium transcontinental routes like JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO, and Delta has followed suit.
Diamond Medallions on paid tickets with no companions on their reservation should be added to the upgrade list and cleared at the gate if there's space available, but Platinum Medallions will typically be out of luck. Diamond Medallions can also use an upgrade certificate if they have selected that as a choice benefit.
Another option is to upgrade on a K fare for 12,500 SkyMiles each way, which could be a decent value (depending on how much you paid for the K fare). See Leigh Rowan's post on Upgrading Delta Transcontinental Flights for more information.
Unfortunately, the four regional upgrades given to Platinum Medallions can't be used on transcontinental flights. Delta has made it harder to upgrade, but to give the airline a little credit, its product is pretty nice on those routes. Using your SkyMiles for these kinds of upgrades could be worthwhile.
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
[card card-name='Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express' card-id='22034414' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
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.