Does Delta Follow it’s Own Upgrade Rules
#31
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Obviously no proof, but I believe this is the case. Maybe I am a conspiracy theorist here but I think that there is a much more technical algorithm for complimentary upgrades that Delta simply cannot publish without lots of backlash. If delta always went by the book, Platinums would very very rarely get any upgrades, and lose faith in the system. Also if Diamonds always got upgraded they will have no incentive to ever buy first class. Delta has much incentive to go outside the published system once in a while when Platinums upgrade success on certain routes falls below a certain percent to keep them happy. I also believe that Diamonds traveling with a companion DRASTICALLY reduce their upgrade chances.
#32
Join Date: May 2015
Programs: Delta Diamond and 2 Million Miler
Posts: 18
I posted on another thread-- this happened to me. I used an Amex companion certificate to fly with my friend ATL-LAX. I am Gold, she is Silver. I purchased the ticket and I accrued miles; her ticket did not. That route is full of medallions so I didn’t check the upgrade window. Upon boarding, I was in front of her and gate agent took my ticket. She was behind me, and the “new” ticket came out that gave her a Delta comfort window seat. I sent a complaint to Delta. Gentleman from Delta called me and said since she had been “upgraded” to my status as Gold, the deciding factor “was probably” that her last name was alphabetically before mine.
On the flight home we were both upgraded to middle seat comfort class. However, upon check in, the agent asked if ONE seat became available for an upgrade, would we be willing to split for one person to go to 1st? We had no chance of getting the 1st class upgrade so it was a non-question. But she did ask! My friend does have the black Delta AmEx (I have platinum) so maybe that is a deciding factor they haven’t told flyers about?
That, and I think there may be Shena.
On the flight home we were both upgraded to middle seat comfort class. However, upon check in, the agent asked if ONE seat became available for an upgrade, would we be willing to split for one person to go to 1st? We had no chance of getting the 1st class upgrade so it was a non-question. But she did ask! My friend does have the black Delta AmEx (I have platinum) so maybe that is a deciding factor they haven’t told flyers about?
That, and I think there may be Shena.
#33
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: IWA
Programs: DL, AA
Posts: 4,363
Did you purchase a first class seat? No you didn't so quit complaining that you did't get upgrade, it's not a right. Now retired whenever I travel more than three hours, I purchase a first class ticket, business class on international. It's so sad watching these self entitled business travelers complain to the customer service agent that they didn't get upgraded. One flight a gentlemen was all upset because he got upset and his wife didn't. When he complained to the Delta F/A she stated he could either switch with his wife or go back and sit with her. Of course he didn't give up her seat.
#34
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,423
Did you purchase a first class seat? No you didn't so quit complaining that you did't get upgrade, it's not a right. Now retired whenever I travel more than three hours, I purchase a first class ticket, business class on international. It's so sad watching these self entitled business travelers complain to the customer service agent that they didn't get upgraded. One flight a gentlemen was all upset because he got upset and his wife didn't. When he complained to the Delta F/A she stated he could either switch with his wife or go back and sit with her. Of course he didn't give up her seat.
#35
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However I don't agree with it as a sneering response at people who legitimately ought to have been upgraded but weren't.
If a store publishes a promo of "visit 9 times and the 10th visit is free" and then on the 10th visit they say "sorry we know this is your 10th visit but we're going to make you pay anyway" would anyone tell the customer they're an entitled whiner and if they want the service they should be willing to pay for it?
#36
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. / Washington, DC
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Did you purchase a first class seat? No you didn't so quit complaining that you did't get upgrade, it's not a right. Now retired whenever I travel more than three hours, I purchase a first class ticket, business class on international. It's so sad watching these self entitled business travelers complain to the customer service agent that they didn't get upgraded. One flight a gentlemen was all upset because he got upset and his wife didn't. When he complained to the Delta F/A she stated he could either switch with his wife or go back and sit with her. Of course he didn't give up her seat.
#37
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,954
I posted on another thread-- this happened to me. I used an Amex companion certificate to fly with my friend ATL-LAX. I am Gold, she is Silver. I purchased the ticket and I accrued miles; her ticket did not. That route is full of medallions so I didn’t check the upgrade window. Upon boarding, I was in front of her and gate agent took my ticket. She was behind me, and the “new” ticket came out that gave her a Delta comfort window seat. I sent a complaint to Delta. Gentleman from Delta called me and said since she had been “upgraded” to my status as Gold, the deciding factor “was probably” that her last name was alphabetically before mine.
On the flight home we were both upgraded to middle seat comfort class. However, upon check in, the agent asked if ONE seat became available for an upgrade, would we be willing to split for one person to go to 1st? We had no chance of getting the 1st class upgrade so it was a non-question. But she did ask! My friend does have the black Delta AmEx (I have platinum) so maybe that is a deciding factor they haven’t told flyers about?
That, and I think there may be Shena.
On the flight home we were both upgraded to middle seat comfort class. However, upon check in, the agent asked if ONE seat became available for an upgrade, would we be willing to split for one person to go to 1st? We had no chance of getting the 1st class upgrade so it was a non-question. But she did ask! My friend does have the black Delta AmEx (I have platinum) so maybe that is a deciding factor they haven’t told flyers about?
That, and I think there may be Shena.
#38
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 148
A companion on the same PNR as you will have the same upgrade priority as you. If you check-in together, you will only upgraded together. However, if you check-in separately, you can be upgraded independently. I suspect that your companion likely checked-in prior to you and therefore had a higher upgrade priority (rather than it being alphabetical). At any rate, your example appears to have very little to do with OP's case.
#39
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: ATL - DL DM/3MM - HH Lifetime Diamond - Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 3,119
Did you purchase a first class seat? No you didn't so quit complaining that you did't get upgrade, it's not a right. Now retired whenever I travel more than three hours, I purchase a first class ticket, business class on international. It's so sad watching these self entitled business travelers complain to the customer service agent that they didn't get upgraded. One flight a gentlemen was all upset because he got upset and his wife didn't. When he complained to the Delta F/A she stated he could either switch with his wife or go back and sit with her. Of course he didn't give up her seat.
#40
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 913
Did you purchase a first class seat? No you didn't so quit complaining that you did't get upgrade, it's not a right. Now retired whenever I travel more than three hours, I purchase a first class ticket, business class on international. It's so sad watching these self entitled business travelers complain to the customer service agent that they didn't get upgraded. One flight a gentlemen was all upset because he got upset and his wife didn't. When he complained to the Delta F/A she stated he could either switch with his wife or go back and sit with her. Of course he didn't give up her seat.
#41
Join Date: Jan 2010
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#42
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Seattle
Programs: Delta 1MM/DM, *wood Lifetime Gold
Posts: 285
Did you purchase a first class seat? No you didn't so quit complaining that you did't get upgrade, it's not a right. Now retired whenever I travel more than three hours, I purchase a first class ticket, business class on international. It's so sad watching these self entitled business travelers complain to the customer service agent that they didn't get upgraded. One flight a gentlemen was all upset because he got upset and his wife didn't. When he complained to the Delta F/A she stated he could either switch with his wife or go back and sit with her. Of course he didn't give up her seat.
#43
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. / Washington, DC
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#44
Join Date: Feb 2004
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when I fly with my partner (who is GM), I always show up on the list above him even though I am FO and my last name is alphabetically after his.
#45
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All of the indications we have on this topic are consistent, both people on the PNR will get the priority of the member with the higher medallion level. The system itself doesn't differentiate between the "real" member and the lower-status companion, the algorithm sees them as equals so the other tie breakers come into play. Since they're on the same PNR, most of those tiebreakers are necessarily going to be equal also and it's going to come down to some really obscure, unpublished criteria (which everyone suspects is alphabetical name)