Delta's top-tier flyers now have the option of saving themselves a phone call.
A new feature on the carrier's website allows Diamond and Platinum Medallion members to apply upgrade certificates during the booking process.
If you're a top-tier Delta flyer, you'll be able to request an upgrade using any unexpired Regional or Global upgrade certificates.
There is a new window on Delta.com. You can choose which type of certificate you would like to apply for. RUCs can only be used on certain routes.
You'll get an email and a push notification in the Fly Delta mobile app if you've been assigned a new seat or added to the wait list after you've completed the checkout process.
You can check upgrade availability before you book on Delta's website if you log in to your Platinum or Diamond account.
Only new flights booked on Delta.com can be redeemed online. The feature will be added to the My Trips page in the coming months, as well as being added to the Fly Delta app in the near future.
This feature is still in its infancy and Delta is trying to solve a major pain point for top tier members who have historically needed to call Delta to request upgrade requests. The manual process has been a big problem for Delta's upgrade system due to the wait time for a representative and the fact that one who was well versed in redeeming upgrades was found.
Drake Castaeda shared that in a statement.
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We’re excited for our customers to start experiencing this highly-anticipated enhancement. Delta continues to invest in the SkyMiles Program, listening to member suggestions and evolving the experience to exceed member expectations and enable more seamless travel.
The new feature was teased by Delta back in October, at the same time as it announced higher thresholds for earning status in the future. Delta was supposed to launch the ability to redeem upgrades online by early next year, but the airline is beating that time frame by a few months.
Changes have been made to the upgrade process by Delta. The ability to search for upgrade space directly on Delta.com was added early in the 21st century. If you wanted to find upgrade space, you had to call Delta and ask an agent to manually check routes and dates.
This was a time consuming process that irked many of Delta's top flyers and made it difficult to get in touch with them.
The news has not all been about improvement. The carrier made a change to howGUCs work. Global upgrade certificates move you up by just one class of service You can only confirm an upgrade to Premium Select if you book an economy class ticket.
There's still a chance of a double upgrade if Premium Select is bumped, as elite members will be added to the Delta One wait list 24 hours before departure.
Last-seat upgrade availability in long-haul premium economy and in domestic and short-haul international first class has been promised by Delta. Many Diamond members have been disappointed with Delta's decision to restrict business class upgrades, especially compared to American Airlines and United Airlines, which both offer top tier flyers the ability to confirm business class upgrades as early as the time of booking.
Delta is catching up with United, which allows premier members to apply PlusPoints to both new and existing bookings on United.com.
You need to call in to apply for an upgrade to a new booking even if you can find it on American's website.
Delta's customer service numbers should be less busy with the debut of the new online upgrade feature, as Delta's Medallions will appreciate the improvements.
Be sure to check out more about Delta's upgrade program.
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