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How do I Get a Free Upgrade to First Class on Delta?

Receiving a Delta upgrade is one of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling. Delta Air Lines is one of the few airlines that does not advertise update availability, making it difficult to know whether or not an update is available. You can learn everything you need to know about Delta's first-class upgrade here.

Delta Upgrade

Upgrades are available on Delta Air Lines in a variety of ways:

Same-day standby upgrades

These upgrades are available to all passengers on selected aircraft routes for a fee on the day of departure, according to availability.

Complimentary upgrades

When Comfort+ or first class is available, Medallion Elites have access to it, as well as Delta One (business class) on most domestic trips.

Global and Regional upgrade certificates

Upgrade certificates can be used for both global and regional Delta Airlines upgrades. Members of the Diamond Medallion can only upgrade to the global level, whereas Diamond and Platinum Medallion members can only upgrade to the regional level.

Use SkyMiles to upgrade

During the booking process, travelers can use miles to purchase upgrades on some domestic flights.

Complimentary companion upgrades

Medallion Elite members and passengers traveling on the same reservation are both eligible.

Mileage Upgrade Awards

Miles can be used to upgrade current tickets on a variety of flights throughout the world. International flight upgrades are only available in fare classes Y, B, M, H, Q, or K.

Delta Upgrade To First Class

When you book a ticket through delta.com or the Delta Reservation Center, you can use miles to upgrade to Delta One Business Class®, Delta Comfort Plus®, Delta Premium Select®, or First Class for eligible trips in the United States under the age of 50. The upgrade option will display in your travel summary if your reservation qualifies for one.

Delta upgrade with Miles

Upgrade with miles while you’re booking

To get started, go to delta.com and create an account.
Select a ticket.
If your reservation qualifies, you'll have the option to Upgrade with Miles in your Trip Summary before you complete your purchase.
After you've made your decision, use miles to upgrade all of the people on your reservation.

Upgrade with miles after you’ve already booked

Speak with a SkyMiles representative.
Tell the agent about your trip and request that a Mileage Upgrade Award be scheduled for you.
Pricing and availability information will be provided by the agent.
If your reservation is authorized and you have enough miles in your account, the representative can confirm your upgrade.

Note - Upgrades purchased using miles after making a reservation on delta.com are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Upgrades do not apply to new tickets in the case of voluntary flight changes. Prices are subject to change without notice and vary by market, and this option is not available on all flights. Please read the terms and conditions on the official website before making a reservation.

Delta Seat Upgrade

Please keep in mind that availability of seats does not always imply availability of upgrades. The presence of a vacancy on the seat map does not always reflect the availability of an upgrade (and may still be available for purchase).

Upgrades will be canceled promptly if a spot on the waitlist becomes available, based on your Medallion Tier. If there are no tickets available before departure, your certificate will be returned to your account and can be used on a future flight.

Changes to the Upgrade Certificate Policy in 2022

Beginning February 1, 2022, any unused active renewal certificates will be subject to the new renewal certificate requirements.

Before applying for your upgrading delta flight certificate, please read the following new rules:

For Medallion Status tied to that Choice Privilege option, all newly selected Global and Regional Renewal Certificates will expire at the end of the year.
For example, reach Diamond Medallion status on August 1, 2022. Choice Benefits will be accessible for your 2023 Status, and any Upgrade Certificates you choose will be valid until January 31, 2024, regardless of when they are purchased.
On request, Global Upgrade Certificate holders can travel in First Class or Delta Premium Select. This means that if you request it, you will immediately clear any leftover First Class and Delta airlines booking Premium Select seats.
All Upgrade Certificates can be used to book a cabin one level above the one currently booked.
Per one-way ticket, each passenger is only allowed one upgrade certificate. Upgrades to Delta Premium Select do not necessitate the purchase of any further renewal certificates. You will be added to the Delta One Business Class waitlist automatically, but you can remove yourself from it until an update is available 24 hours before departure.

Delta Seat Upgrade FAQs

Ans. Make sure to include your SkyMiles Medallion Number when booking with Delta. Delta will automatically upgrade your ticket to First Class if seats become available. Those who earn Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond medals will be given priority seating.

Ans. Upgrades for T, U, V, and X fares cost $359 and $399, respectively. The following rules apply to all qualifying Delta flights, including domestic and international. An upgraded reservation costs $50 for travel under 500 miles and $350 for travel over 3,000 miles.

Ans. After purchasing their tickets, customers can upgrade from Main Cabin to First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Delta One Business Class at any time, or from Delta Comfort+ to First Class or Delta One Business Class. Because this is an add-on product, you do not need to renew your ticket.

Ans. Look for your reservation on delta.com's Travel section in the Fly Delta app. Request the Delta Comfort+ upgrade by checking the Updates box. Then, from the drop-down menus, select "request updates" and "update only when my location settings are available."

Ans. Miles do not expire, according to SSkyMiles' guidelines. If your information is false, your delta account will be terminated. Delta has the right to do so, and the participants have requested that their accounts be closed.

Admin March 01, 2022 Travel Tips