Delta Fares

How can I get upgrade certificates when I travel on certain airlines?

Example: If I travel on Delta (my favorite airline---loyal to them), can I get upgrade certificates by purchasing a certain fare class, asking, paying extra, etc. How do I do it?

Public Comments

1. You have to fly often enough to qualify. A friend of mine flies every week. He gets upgraded to first class almost every flight he takes. If there is no first class he gets his choice of seats from the emergency row or bulkhead seating so he has plenty of legroom.
2. In order to get upgrade certificates you need to enroll in the airline's frequent flier program. If you're not enrolled in the program then the airline doesn't track your travel and thereby won't consider you for upgrades. In addition you need to fly enough to move through the program's various tiers. You advance through the tiers by flying a set number of miles a year. Delta does offer upgrades for purchase at the airport on some flights. It depends on how booked the first class cabin is and they aren't offered all the time. However, if you are a Medallion level frequent flier you can request an upgrade as early as 2 to 3 days prior to departure. You have a better chance of getting an upgrade this way then taking a chance with Delta offering them for sale at the airport... Plus Medallion upgrades are free...