A Guide to Platinum Medallion Upgrades: International vs Domestic Flights

As a Platinum Medallion holder for the rest of this year and 2024, you may be wondering about your chances of upgrading on your international or domestic flights. This article provides insights into the likelihood of receiving an upgrade based on various factors, including seat availability, travel dates, and flight class preferences.

International Flights

Upgrading on international flights is significantly more challenging, given the high demand and limited availability of seats. As most flights are full, the number of standby passengers can be quite limited. Delta Airlines does not upgrade passengers to Business Class or Delta One on international flights, making the chances even slimmer.

There are rare occasions where an upgrade might occur. If a seat opens up at the front of the aircraft and Delta needs to fill a coach seat, there may be a chance for an upgrade. However, this is highly dependent on your priority status. While a Platinum Medallion holder might be considered, a Diamond Medallion holder would generally take precedence. Thus, the likelihood of an upgrade is extremely low, around 0.1%.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights offer better opportunities for upgrades, although the chances still depend on various factors. Unlike international flights, there is usually more overbooking and a higher likelihood of seats becoming available.

Between domestic and international flights, upgrading on domestic routes generally has a higher probability. My experience is that I have managed to get bumped up to First Class about 25% of the time, and I often get an upgrade to Economy Plus. This is particularly true for flights where fewer business travelers are present, which occurs more frequently on midweek Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Days near popular holidays may also present better opportunities as family travelers typically opt for lower class options, although these flights tend to be more expensive.

Strategic Planning for Upgrades

To maximize your chances of upgrading, consider the following strategies:

Fly on Lesser-Traveled Days: Flights that are less congested with business travelers often have more seats available for upgrades. Midweek Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less busy. Consider Alternative Itineraries: For flights like SLC to JFK and on to CDG, you might qualify for a possible upgrade on your first leg. Use Miles for Domestic Tickets: Purchasing your domestic ticket with points from about three years ago can sometimes be a ticket to an upgrade, depending on your position on the upgrade list.

Conclusion

No matter your choice of flight, remember that being a Platinum Medallion holder does not guarantee an upgrade. However, with strategic planning and a bit of luck, you can increase your chances. Safe flying and good luck!