One of the biggest benefits for Delta elite members is the complimentary domestic upgrade. On elite heavy routes Silvers and Golds have little chance for an upgrade. Even Platinum members can find their name way up in the double digits on the upgrade list.

So make sure you remember to check a few things before you fly that will ensure you’ll have a chance for the upgrade.

Reminder To Check Upgrade List

First check to see that your reservation’s automatic upgrade has been requested. Then check to make sure your name is on the upgrade list before you fly.

You can use the Fly Delta mobile application or go to the website. The technology is great because having that information at your fingertips is powerful. But just check to make sure your name is actually on the list, and here is why.

Last night on my short 12 hour layover at home, I checked to see what position I was on the upgrade list for this morning’s turn around leg. There were 14 available seats for upgrade so I felt there was a good chance.

After I checked my reservation, it showed the upgrade was requested, but something was missing. My name wasn’t showing on the 46 person long upgrade list.

So I called the Delta Elite member line and they investigated the missing name. The agent came back and confirmed my upgrade was requested automatically but that the system never automatically added my name on the list. I’ll say that this is not a common occurance and on 99% of my flights the upgrade is requested properly. But the agent did say this isn’t the first time she saw this happen and that Delta should probably get IT to work on this. I said I’d be more than happy to fill out the IT helpdesk ticket and we laughed.

She was able to manually add my name to the upgrade list. Apparently she added a few others or the system did around the same time. Here is a before and after screen print of the upgrade list.

Heading to the airport this morning was a breeze. The TSA Pre line took all of 5 minutes and then I was in the club lounge enjoying a diet coke with a view.

But alas, the upgrade didn’t clear from position number 28 on the upgrade list and I find myself out of luck not because I missed the upgrade, but because I landed in the row behind economy comfort due to an aircraft change.

I take comfort knowing the window seat is always better than the middle. Atleast I had a shot at the upgrade, and if you follow a few simple steps you can too.

BEST TRAVEL DEAL EVER GIVE AWAY

Make sure you come back by Points, Miles & Martinis around 8 PM for the announcement of the BEST TRAVEL DEAL EVER give away and the first of two ways to win thousands of airline miles.

Sign up to have blog posts sent directly via email, join us on Twitter and Facebook or check back with us at Points, Miles & Martinis

Le Club, Accor Hotel’s loyalty program has partnered with Delta to offer 1,000 bonus SkyMiles per stay. They’ve also partnered with Aeroplan to offer 1,000 bonus miles. The offer is valid through May 31 on eligible stays at over 2,400 Accor hotels around the world. How To Earn 1,000 Bonus SkyMiles With Accor Hotels You… continue reading

This is dangerous, and please don’t tell Mrs Weekly Flyer, but you can shop for free online at Amazon while flying Delta. Delta Airlines has partnered with Gogo and Amazon to bring you free wifi onboard when you shop at Amazon.com. Get Online And Shop For Free All you have to do is select the… continue reading

As a business traveler who travels every week, we are always looking to save time getting from point A to point B. So we jumped at the opportunity to check out the check in process at the world’s busiest airport. We visited the new international terminal at Hartsfield International airport to experience the SkyPriority check… continue reading

The first flight has arrived into the Hartsfield International terminal. Delta flight 177 from Dublin Ireland arrived on time. We’ll have more coverage later from the activities today including terminal curbside, check-in, terminal, SkyClub Cannon Hose for first departure 777 to Tokyo from on top of gate F1, and of course one of Delta’s signature… continue reading

It’s very exciting to be here as the first flight leaves the new International Terminal from Harstfield International airport. The flight is scheduled to leave at 1:15 pm and appears to be on schedule. The first flight out of the new International Terminal at Hartsfield International Airport is oversold. Delta flight 295 from Atlanta to… continue reading

Delta’s social media lab opened in 2010. They saw the need for a social media team and implemented a large team to participate in the space. The lab consists of a control room, conference room, and social media lab pods where the team members do their work. The multiple pods cover Delta in social media… continue reading

The Delta museum preserves all types of airplanes. Like the Northwest Waco 125 from 1928. This is Delta’s only open cockpit and bi-wing plane. The airplane was donated to Northwest Airlines by a ex-pilot, Daniel Neuman in memory of his wife, Vona Jean Neuman. Until last year it has been hanging in the MSP airport… continue reading

The Hartsfield International Terminal is opening it’s doors today. On our way to the opening day event we saw the first sign of the new terminal. Check out the new interstate signs that were uncovered today. We feel privileged to be able to bring you live blog reports from the opening day activities. First stop,… continue reading

Delta’s low level business class award to Australia has been elusive. They hide that availability well, but it can be found. In this post, we’ll share a step by step approach on how we found a low level business class award on Delta from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia for only 150,000 SkyMiles. If you can’t… continue reading