Perhaps you’ve been enjoying the perks of having obtained an elite status with one or more airlines. If so, you’ve certainly taken advantage of all the upgrades and other benefits that come with it. Some upgrades are automatic, while others can be redeemed with certificates you can apply for.
Delta Airlines reserves what are known as its upgrade certificates, specifically for upper-level Delta Platinum and Diamond Medallion elite members. It’s important to note that these certificates are given higher priority than Medallion Complimentary Upgrades and they may also be requested and can be cleared at booking.
I’m going to discuss different kinds of Delta upgrade certificates in this article and answer related questions from site visitors like you.
Let’s get going!
What Is a Delta Regional Upgrade Certificate?
Delta airlines offers two types of upgrade certificates for passengers upon request: Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs) and Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs).
A Delta airlines Regional Upgrade Certificate is a certificate that allows a passenger to upgrade their flight booking from a lower class to a higher class within a specific region. These certificates are typically valid for a specific period of time and are only valid for flights operated by Delta or its regional partners.
They can be used to upgrade to a higher class of service such as Economy Comfort, First Class, or Delta One. They can be earned through Delta’s frequent flyer program or purchased through the airline.
Global Upgrade Certificates can be used for any Delta-operated flight as well as on some of Delta’s partner airlines.
You can request and confirm Upgrade Certificates as part of your Choice Benefits whenever you book a ticket. Availability of Upgrade Certificates is not guaranteed, but Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members have exclusive access.
Global Upgrade Certificates are available for Diamond Medallion Members, which can be used to upgrade domestic and international flights with Delta and select partner airlines. Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members can use Regional Upgrade Certificates for regional upgrades. All flights with First Class and the domestic Delta One experience are included with these certificates, comparable to Medallion Complimentary Upgrades.
In addition to Delta Award Travel tickets, Miles + Cash tickets on Delta-operated flights can be upgraded using Upgrade Certificates. Companion upgrades are not limited to a maximum of three.
How Can I Earn Delta Upgrade Certificates?
There are some different options for requesting/obtaining a Delta upgrade certificate, either for regional travel or for global travel.
Delta upgrade certificates can be earned:
- Through the Delta SkyMiles frequent flyer program.
- By flying on Delta flights or by using a Delta co-branded credit card.
- By purchasing them through the Delta website or through the Delta SkyMiles Marketplace.
These certificates can be used to upgrade your seat on Delta flights. The number of certificates required for an upgrade will depend on the type of ticket you have and the route you are flying.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Being a Delta Medallion Member?
If you didn’t know, Delta Medallion is the frequent flyer program of Delta Air Lines. Being a Medallion member offers a variety of benefits such as:
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling: Medallion members are given priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling over other passengers.
- Complimentary Upgrades: Medallion members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+ or First Class on certain flights.
- Waived Fees: Medallion members are waived from certain fees, such as baggage fees or change fees on certain fares.
- Lounge Access: Medallion members have access to Delta Sky Club lounges, as well as partner lounges.
- Earn Miles Faster: Medallion members earn miles faster than non-Medallion members when flying Delta or its partner airlines.
- Elite Customer Service: Medallion members have access to dedicated Elite Customer Service lines for faster and more efficient assistance.
- Bonus Miles: Medallion members receive bonus miles for reaching certain milestones in terms of distance or number of flights.
- Choice Benefits: Medallion members have the option to select certain benefits, such as additional miles, extra baggage, or a Regional Upgrade Certificate.
Note that the benefits vary based on Medallion tier, higher level members will have more benefits.
Can I Redeem My Delta Upgrade Certificate Online?
Yes, you can redeem your Delta Upgrade Certificates online through the Delta website. To redeem your certificates, you will need to log into your Delta SkyMiles account and navigate to the “Upgrade” section. From there, you can select the flight you wish to upgrade and use your certificate to upgrade your seat.
If the upgrade is available, the certificate will be automatically applied, and the upgrade confirmed. Redeeming certificates over the phone is also possible by contacting Delta reservations.
However, it’s worth noting that the availability of upgrades using certificates can vary and are subject to change.
Delta has resolved a problem faced by many of its elite passengers. They can now apply for Medallion upgrade certificates online for new bookings. That same convenient functionality will soon be available on the Delta mobile app, too.
Can Delta Regional Upgrade Certificates Be Used for Hawaii?
Delta allows for Platinum members to choose four Regional Upgrade Certificates.
These certificates can be redeemed for an upgrade to First Class (or Delta One on transcontinental flights) within the continental U.S., as well as some flights to Hawaii, Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean.
What Is a Delta Service Request?
A Delta Service Request is a way for customers to request special assistance or accommodations while traveling with Delta Airlines. This can include requests for wheelchair assistance, special meals, or other needs such as traveling with a service animal.
These requests can be made online, through the Delta mobile app, or by contacting Delta customer service. It is recommended that these requests be made at least 48 hours before the flight in order to ensure that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Delta also have a dedicated team for Special Assistance (Delta Assist) to assist customers with disabilities or special needs.
So, What Is a Delta Regional Upgrade Certificate (RUC)?
A Delta airlines Regional Upgrade Certificate (RUC) allows passengers to upgrade their flight booking from a lower class to a higher class within a specific region.
These certificates are typically valid for a specific period of time and are only valid for flights operated by Delta or its regional partners. They can be used to upgrade to a higher class of service such as Economy Comfort, First Class, or Delta One.
They can be earned through Delta’s frequent flyer program or purchased directly from the airline. Global Upgrade Certificates can be used for any Delta-operated flight as well as on some of Delta’s partner airlines.
More about upgrade certificates on Delta.com