A Delta flight upgrade can make your journey more comfortable by giving you access to additional legroom, premium seating, priority airport services, and enhanced onboard amenities. Depending on your fare type and eligibility, you may upgrade using SkyMiles, cash, Upgrade Certificates, or complimentary Medallion benefits. Understanding how each option works before your trip can help you choose the upgrade that offers the best value.

If you need assistance understanding your available upgrade options or reviewing your booking, you can contact travel support at +1-844-522-6968 for guidance before making travel decisions.

Also Read: Delta Missed Flight Policy 

Delta Upgrade Options: Compare Every Cabin

Delta offers four primary cabin upgrade options, each designed to provide a different level of comfort and service.

Delta Comfort+

Delta Comfort+ is ideal for travelers looking for extra comfort without moving to a premium cabin. Benefits may include extra legroom, dedicated overhead bin space, priority boarding, and complimentary premium snacks and beverages on eligible flights.

First Class

Available on most domestic and select short-haul international routes, First Class provides wider seats, additional recline, Sky Priority services, dedicated flight attendants, premium meals on eligible flights, in-seat power, and an upgraded onboard experience.

Delta Premium Select

Designed for long-haul international travel, Delta Premium Select offers larger seats with additional recline, extra legroom, enhanced dining, premium amenity kits, priority services, and two complimentary checked bags on eligible itineraries.

Delta One

Delta One is the airline's most premium cabin available on select long-haul international and premium domestic routes. Depending on the aircraft and route, travelers may enjoy lie-flat seats, luxury bedding, premium dining, lounge access where eligible, and personalized onboard service.

Choosing the right cabin depends on your route, travel budget, and the type of experience you're looking for.

How to Upgrade a Delta Flight

Delta provides several ways to upgrade an eligible reservation. The available options depend on your ticket type, route, Medallion status, and seat availability.

Upgrade with SkyMiles

Using SkyMiles is one of the most popular ways to upgrade a Delta flight. Eligible travelers can redeem miles to move from the Main Cabin to a higher cabin when upgrade inventory is available. Some partner-operated flights may also qualify, although eligibility varies by airline and route.

Basic Economy tickets generally aren't eligible for mileage upgrades.

Upgrade During Booking

When booking an eligible flight through Delta's website or the Fly Delta app, sign in to your SkyMiles account before completing your reservation. If your itinerary qualifies, you'll see an "Upgrade with Miles" option during the booking process.

Upgrade After Booking

If you have already purchased your ticket, visit My Trips on Delta's website or open the Fly Delta app. Select your reservation and check whether an upgrade is available. If eligible, you can redeem SkyMiles or choose another available upgrade option.

Upgrade by Phone

Passengers who prefer personal assistance can contact Delta Reservations to check upgrade availability using SkyMiles.

Keep in mind that mileage upgrade availability is limited and depends on your fare type, destination, and remaining premium cabin inventory. Upgrades purchased with miles generally follow the fare rules associated with the upgraded reservation.

Complimentary Medallion Upgrades

One of the most valuable benefits of Delta's SkyMiles Medallion program is complimentary upgrades for eligible members.

Depending on your Medallion status and seat availability, you may receive complimentary upgrades to:

  • Delta Comfort+
  • First Class
  • Delta Premium Select (on select routes where eligible)
  • Delta One on certain eligible domestic flights

Upgrade eligibility is determined automatically for qualifying reservations, although availability is never guaranteed.

Who Qualifies?

Complimentary upgrades are generally available to eligible:

  • Silver Medallion Members
  • Gold Medallion Members
  • Platinum Medallion Members
  • Diamond Medallion Members

Award tickets, eligible paid tickets, Pay with Miles bookings, and Companion Certificates may also qualify, provided they meet Delta's upgrade requirements.

Basic Economy fares generally don't qualify for complimentary upgrades.

How Does Delta Prioritize Upgrades?

Many travelers wonder why some passengers receive upgrades before others. Delta considers several factors when processing upgrade requests.

Although the exact process may vary, upgrade priority generally depends on:

  • Medallion status
  • Fare class purchased
  • Upgrade certificate usage (where applicable)
  • Time of upgrade eligibility
  • Seat availability on the flight

Meeting these criteria doesn't guarantee an upgrade, as availability ultimately determines whether an upgrade can be confirmed.

Who Is Eligible for a Delta Upgrade?

Eligibility varies depending on the upgrade method you choose.

You may be eligible for a Delta upgrade if you:

  • Purchase an eligible fare.
  • Have enough SkyMiles for a mileage upgrade.
  • Hold Medallion status and qualify for complimentary upgrades.
  • Receive a paid upgrade offer for your reservation.
  • Have an eligible Regional or Global Upgrade Certificate.

Most Basic Economy tickets have limited upgrade options, so reviewing your fare rules before booking is recommended.

Can You Upgrade a Delta Flight After Booking?

Yes. In many cases, eligible passengers can upgrade their reservation after purchasing their ticket if premium seats remain available.

Depending on your booking, upgrades may be available through:

  • My Trips on Delta's website
  • Fly Delta App
  • Delta Reservations
  • Airport check-in counter (subject to availability)

The available upgrade methods may include cash, SkyMiles, or an Upgrade Certificate, depending on your fare and eligibility.

If you're unsure which upgrade options are available for your reservation, you can also speak with our travel support at  +1-844-522-6968 for assistance in understanding your available choices.

Cash Upgrades

Passengers who prefer an immediate cabin upgrade may purchase one using cash whenever eligible upgrade inventory is available.

Paid upgrades can often be purchased:

  • During the initial booking process
  • After booking through My Trips
  • Using the Fly Delta app
  • At airport check-in, if seats remain available

Unlike complimentary upgrades, paid upgrades don't depend on Medallion status. However, availability still depends on your route, fare purchased, and the number of premium seats remaining.

How Much Does a Delta Upgrade Cost?

There isn't a fixed cost for upgrading a Delta flight.

Upgrade prices are dynamic and may vary based on several factors, including:

  • Route and destination
  • Original fare purchased
  • Travel demand
  • Remaining premium cabin availability
  • Time remaining before departure

Because upgrade offers can change until departure, it's a good idea to check your reservation periodically through My Trips or the Fly Delta app to see whether new upgrade options become available.

Upgrade Certificates

Delta offers Regional and Global Upgrade Certificates as part of its Choice Benefits program for eligible Medallion Members. These certificates provide another way to move to a higher cabin without purchasing a full-fare premium ticket, subject to availability and applicable fare rules.

Regional Upgrade Certificates

Regional Upgrade Certificates are available to eligible Platinum and Diamond Medallion Members. They may be used on eligible Delta-operated flights within the United States and on select international routes, including destinations in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Northern South America.

Depending on the route and fare purchased, travelers may upgrade to:

  • Delta Comfort+
  • First Class
  • Delta Premium Select
  • Delta One on eligible domestic routes

Global Upgrade Certificates

Global Upgrade Certificates are an exclusive Choice Benefit for Diamond Medallion Members. These certificates can be used on eligible international and domestic flights, including select partner-operated routes where permitted.

Availability depends on the fare purchased, cabin inventory, and the applicable upgrade rules at the time of booking or after ticket purchase.

Does Delta Offer Upgrades on International Flights?

Yes. Delta offers upgrade opportunities on many international routes, although the available upgrade options may differ from domestic flights.

Eligible travelers may upgrade through:

  • SkyMiles
  • Paid upgrades
  • Global Upgrade Certificates
  • Regional Upgrade Certificates on eligible routes

Complimentary Medallion upgrades are generally limited on long-haul international flights and are not available on every international itinerary. Availability depends on the route, fare type, aircraft configuration, and premium cabin inventory.

Before your trip, it's worth checking your reservation to see whether upgrade offers are available, as they may change before departure.

Delta Comfort+ Upgrade

If you're looking for a more comfortable journey without paying for a premium cabin, Delta Comfort+ can be a practical upgrade.

Depending on your itinerary, a Comfort+ upgrade may include:

  • Extra legroom
  • Dedicated overhead bin space
  • Earlier boarding
  • Complimentary premium snacks and beverages on eligible flights
  • More comfortable seating for longer journeys

Comfort+ upgrades may be available during booking, after booking through My Trips, or as a complimentary benefit for eligible Medallion Members.

Delta One Upgrade

Delta One is the airline's premium cabin available on select long-haul international and premium domestic routes.

Travelers may become eligible for a Delta One upgrade through:

  • Paid upgrade offers
  • SkyMiles (on eligible flights)
  • Global Upgrade Certificates
  • Select Medallion benefits on eligible domestic routes

Because Delta One availability is limited, upgrade opportunities vary by flight and may not be offered on every itinerary.

Companion Upgrades

Eligible Medallion Members may also qualify for a companion upgrade when traveling on the same reservation.

To improve the chances of receiving a companion upgrade:

  • Both travelers should be booked on the same reservation.
  • The primary traveler must meet Delta's upgrade eligibility requirements.
  • Upgrade availability must exist in the requested cabin.

If an upgrade isn't available for both travelers, Delta may process the reservation according to its applicable upgrade rules and seat availability.

Delta Upgrade Tips

Planning ahead can improve your chances of securing an available upgrade.

Keep these tips in mind:

  • Join the SkyMiles program before booking your flight.
  • Choose an eligible fare whenever possible.
  • Check My Trips regularly for new upgrade offers.
  • Redeem SkyMiles if an upgrade becomes available.
  • Book early, especially on popular routes.
  • Travel during less busy periods when premium cabin availability may be higher.
  • Review your Medallion upgrade preferences before departure.

While these steps may improve your opportunities, upgrades are always subject to eligibility and seat availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade my Delta flight after purchasing my ticket?

Yes. If your reservation is eligible and upgrade inventory is available, you may be able to upgrade through My Trips, the Fly Delta app, Delta Reservations, or at the airport.

Can I upgrade a Basic Economy ticket?

Basic Economy fares generally have limited upgrade options and may not qualify for most mileage, complimentary, or paid upgrades. Always review your fare conditions before booking.

Does Delta offer upgrades on international flights?

Yes. Depending on the route and fare purchased, international travelers may be able to upgrade using SkyMiles, paid upgrades, or Global Upgrade Certificates.

How do complimentary Delta upgrades work?

Eligible Medallion Members are automatically considered for complimentary upgrades when seats are available. Upgrade priority depends on factors such as Medallion status, fare class, and availability.

Can I use SkyMiles to upgrade my flight?

Yes. Eligible SkyMiles Members can redeem miles for upgrades on qualifying Delta-operated flights and select partner airlines, subject to availability.

Can companion tickets be upgraded?

In many cases, eligible Medallion Members traveling with one companion on the same reservation may qualify for companion upgrades, provided both passengers meet the applicable requirements.

Are Delta upgrades refundable?

Refundability depends on the type of upgrade purchased and the fare rules associated with your ticket. Reviewing the applicable conditions before confirming an upgrade is recommended.

How is Delta upgrade priority determined?

Delta generally considers Medallion status, fare class, upgrade eligibility, and seat availability when processing upgrades. Receiving priority does not guarantee an upgrade.

Also Read: Swiss Manage My Booking

Conclusion

A Delta upgrade can make your trip more enjoyable by offering additional comfort, priority airport services, and premium onboard amenities. Whether you plan to upgrade with SkyMiles, purchase a paid upgrade, use an Upgrade Certificate, or qualify for complimentary Medallion benefits, understanding your eligibility and available options can help you make an informed decision before you travel.

Because upgrade availability may change until departure, checking your reservation regularly is one of the best ways to explore your options. If you need help understanding the upgrade choices available for your booking or reviewing your itinerary, our support is available at  +1-844-522-6968 to provide general guidance before your trip.