Bi-Coastal Commute

I have been flying Delta's shuttle for the last five months, sometimes four times per week. I have just become a gold level member of their frequent flyer club. Starting in August, my weekly commute will change from the shuttle-based DC to NYC, to LAX to NYC.

My question is this: SkyMiles has an auto-upgrade program. Does it work well? And, is there a lot of competition for upgrades? Do you have any advice for me regarding how I might best get upgraded to business or first class, from a purchased coach class ticket?

Thanks in advance,

Tom

Hi Tom,

Congratulations on reaching gold status with Delta. Wow—your commute is certainly going to get longer.

The answers to your questions are yes and yes. Delta’s Automated Upgrade Process works fairly well, and can be competitive. The program confirms tickets based on seat availability, time prior to departure, fare class purchased and SkyMiles level.

Having gold status will give you an edge. However, if a Platinum Medallion member and you have the same confirmation window and fare basis, priority will be given to the Platinum member.

The real secret to clearing the automated system is paying the right fare. Fortunately, NY to LA is an extremely competitive route, consequently fares are fairly low.

On Delta on this route, I have found it worthwhile to pay a 10 to 15 percent premium over the discounted coach fares. By doing this, I am usually confirmed in first class at time of booking, and earn additional Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQM’s).

For example, on a recent flight I had a choice between a deeply discounted coach ticket earning only 2,952 MQM’s and waiting for an upgrade or paying the slightly higher fare with confirmed first class seat and 9,900 MQM’s.

Do the math. If you pay an average of $100 extra per ticket, after 10 trips or $1,000 you have 99,000 MQM’s, 1,000 miles shy of platinum status (100,000 MQM’s), versus 29,52 MQM’s.

In exchange for your $1,000 you’ll receive complimentary membership in Delta’s private airport lounge, for the current year and the entire next year (up to a $475 annual value), the highest priority for upgrades and Six Platinum Medallion Upgrades, which can be used for upgrading international routes (up to a $5,000 value per upgrade).

Enjoy your flights between JFK & LAX—perhaps I’ll see you up there.

Joel