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Day of flight upgrades on Delta?

Seeking advice from anyone who has done this. I have always traveled in regular or premium economy, never upgraded. However this time I may consider treating myself as compensation for 3 LONG years of no travel if the upgrade cost seems reasonable.
Of course they are offering that opportunity with my existing ticket on the Delta app, but it's quite expensive...$1500 each way just for the JFK to BRU portion. By the time I would pay for that plus the original ticket price that I've already paid, it adds up to the same amount as the current advertised price for first class the entire way!
So my question: if there are still empty seats on flight day, could I typically get one for a lower price? And do I inquire about that at the checkin counter or at the gate?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can give me some input!

Posted by
10621 posts

If business class seats are still available, you could get an email asking if you want to upgrade a few days before your flight. They could be $500 and up.

Posted by
369 posts

Ah, that's a good tip, Bets. Thanks! In the Delta app, I clicked on the place that said "Upgrade list", and per your advice I will look for the email. Guess now it's just a waiting game.

Posted by
536 posts

I think what you clicked on that said "upgrade list" in the app is where the status upgrades priority list will appear 24 hours before departure. That doesn't have anything to do with purchasing an upgrade.
I just checked in for a Delta flight tomorrow and during that process I got an offer to upgrade my main cabin seat to whatever business class is called on this flight (I'm just flying to Canada). I have status, so I was able to choose an exit row seat for free when I bought my ticket, so I wasn't interested in upgrading. But watch for an upgrade offer when you check in.

Posted by
369 posts

Thanks, Kayla and Tom. I will look for that alert when checking in. Good tip!
Tom, I agree and since I mostly fly into Brussels, that's why I have never upgraded in the past. This time it's a very quick trip where I need to hit the ground running, so some extra sleep in a lie-flat bed would be much appreciated!

Posted by
10621 posts

And you said that you feel like celebrating. It’s been a rough couple of years. So enjoy. We all have different physical abilities, budgets, priorities, and no one needs to explain their choice to anyone else.

Posted by
369 posts

Thanks again for all of your support and info, Bets. Have a nice trip tomorrow. So kind of you to take the time to reply on the day before your flight.

Posted by
10621 posts

Thanks for the bon voyage, but I'm not flying over until August. Answering your question was a nice diversion from what I should be doing right now. So than you.

Posted by
1258 posts

As to the additional cost, what’s the value received? Does it matter?

I’m going biz/first next time because I feel like it.mand I am definitely worth it. I want the seat, I want the food, I want the lounge.

Posted by
2790 posts

I’m going to be the voice of doom and gloom. It’s highly possible that if they’ve sold the lotta seats the price forgot up. Generally about the best you’re gonna do is about $800 on Delta they don’t tend to go much cheaper and they can go a lot higher.

I would say the gate is probably not the best place to ask. see what they offer you when you check in, that may be your best deal. I’ve never had much success with Delta at the gate I have gotten some decent $800 offers a check in

Posted by
369 posts

Boglesan, had to chuckle at your answer! I want it all too, but only if it's reasonably priced because from the videos I have seen, Delta isn't all that special on the old 767's.
And looking at Carol's reply, I suspect it won't be that good of a deal. I'd rather save those dollars towards my trip next spring on Brussels Airlines or Aer Lingus (assuming Dublin Airport problems are resolved), both of which have much better first/business class reviews. So I will see what's offered, but I'm planning on making my nest in economy as I have always done in the past. Bottom line...We're all just lucky to be traveling again, right?

Posted by
8050 posts

I fly Delta almost exclusively; some of the trends I have noticed: Check your itinerary on the app often, there will always be an upgrade offer it seems, but the price goes up and down, if something sounds good, take it. Check in is about the last time to take an offer, I can't say there is trend that a last minute offer is so much better or worse than earlier offers, it depends much on the flight.

What you do have going for you is that on international flights, those with status (except for Diamond) are not getting free upgrades to Delta One or even the new Premium Select. However, premium seats tend to be fuller on these flights anyway for the many reasons people on here have for purchasing those seats.

Personally, Delta One would be nice on the way there if you would like a little sleep, less so on the way back. But like you, I look at the upgrade cost, in Dollars or Miles, and just see the cost of the ticket for my next trip. Frugal me just stays in the back, but due to status (for the time being) upgraded to Delta Comfort.

Posted by
131 posts

I walk directly to the Customer Service counter when I arrive at the airport to ask about available upgrades. Some won't do it within an hour of departure, so do it right away. Last December I scored a Business class upgrade from CDG to SEA for 675 euros by going to the customer service desk as soon as I got off my originating flight. Can't hurt to ask, you may get lucky!

Posted by
369 posts

Anne, I am definitely going to try your tip next time. Thanks! Business may be too rich for me, but an upgrade to Premium Select would be nice. I accidentally got this upgrade to Premium Select from Comfort+ for $145 last time when I had to change my flight. Never hurts to ask.

Posted by
7984 posts

Delta Premium Select is usually easier - I upgraded for only 11k miles on my flight to Europe in April this year. It was worth it. Right now they're wanting 55k miles for PS on my flight next year and at that price, it's definitely not.

Posted by
23626 posts

The week to ten days prior to departure, the empty seats for bus and first are released for FF awards. That is normal when we score our business class seats. You do needs some nerves of steel to pay that game.

Posted by
8050 posts

Another factor to watch for is how packed the flight is. We flew into Madrid today, the flight was packed, they turned away a half dozen standby customers,

In that case, they did offer deals for Delta One, $600 (Not bad, but $1200 buys a lot of wine and tapas in Spain) and miles were like 55,000. They did not offer deals on Premium Select, but only, I assume, because they had a number of Diamond and 360 customers to upgrade into those seats.

Posted by
4071 posts

Please know that Delta will fly with empty seats in business class on international flights. You can always make an offer and see what gate agents tell you.