Travel is not simply about arriving at your destination; rather, it is about enjoying every minute of the trip to arrive there. For example, when flying to an important meeting, a long flight can make a business trip difficult if you don’t have a comfortable seat with enough legroom. On the other hand, flying to an exotic location for a vacation will also depend on having a comfortable seat, and with the many options available to travel on Delta Airlines with an upgrade from a standard ticket, having the option of better amenities, more legroom, or a lie-flat bed are critical in determining how comfortable you will be when traveling for leisure or pleasure. Understanding Delta Airlines seat upgrade options is critical if you have booked a standard flight but now find yourself wanting to upgrade. If you are having trouble selecting your upgrade option, you can contact Delta’s customer service at 1 (800) 221-1212, where they will help you choose the best upgrade to fit your travel plans.

What is Delta Airlines Seat Upgrade?

Delta Airlines offers Seat Upgrades, which allow you to move into a higher class of service or a more comfortable seat within your original booking. Upgrading is available for most Delta flights, from the Main Cabin to the Delta Comfort+, First-Class, Delta Premium Select, or Delta One Cabin, depending on route and aircraft.

Upgrades are intended to provide you with advantages during your travels, such as:

• Larger Seat with increased Leg Room
• Priority Boarding
• Food and Beverages of a higher quality
• Increased Baggage Allowance
• More Reclining and Privacy

Types of Upgrades on Delta Airlines

Delta has a variety of upgrade types depending on the type of ticket, route, and whether or not you are a member of the Medallion Program (Elite status) and/or have status within the Medallion Program (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond).

1. Complimentary Upgrade

Complimentary upgrades are offered to eligible Medallion Members on most domestic flights and on some short-haul international flights without charge. 

Typically, the following upgrade(s) are offered:

• From Main Cabin To Delta Comfort+
• From Main Cabin or Comfort+ to First Class (where available)

2. SkyMiles Upgrade (Mileage)

You may also use your Delta SkyMiles to upgrade your seat to an eligible ticket that has been booked through Delta. The SkyMiles upgrades may be applied in the following ways:

• At the time of booking, if the upgrade is available
• After booking, request an upgrade via My Trips on the Delta website/app.
• Occasionally, at the time of boarding, based on availability and fare rules.

3. Paid Upgrades (Miles and Cash)

You can pay (with cash or Miles) for an upgrade after you book your original ticket by logging into the My Trips section of the Delta website or the Fly Delta mobile app and checking to see if upgrade seats are available by looking at the seat map and price list on these same platforms.

4. Using Upgrade Certificates

Delta provides its highest-ranked Medallion members (Diamond and Platinum) with the opportunity to upgrade their travel experience through the use of Upgrade Certificates.

• Regional Upgrade Certificates – may be redeemed for domestic and short-haul international travel.
• Global Upgrade Certificates – can be used for international or long-haul travel; they only apply to eligible fare classes for travel on Delta.

The Upgrade Certificates are chosen as Choice Benefits by eligible Medallion members and are limited in availability.

How to Upgrade Your Delta Seat

1. Through the Website (Online):

The airline’s website provides the fastest and most common method of upgrading your seat.

To upgrade your seat via the airline’s website:

1. Go to the website www.delta.com
2. Click on My Trips or Manage Booking.
3. Enter your booking reference number and last name.
4. Look to see if your flight is eligible for an upgrade.
5. Choose your upgraded seat/cabin preference when you book.
6. Make your payment with cash, miles, or credits (if available).
7. Receive email confirmation of your upgrade.

2. Via Customer Service

The customer service option is a very good option if you would like assistance interacting with human beings or have special requests concerning your flight.

To upgrade your seat via customer service:

1. Call Delta’s customer service number at 1 (800) 221-1212.
2. Provide the representative with your booking details.
3. Ask the representative about seat upgrade availability for your flight.
4. The representative will then inform you of the options for upgrading your cabin and the cost and policies associated with upgrading your cabin.
5. Once you confirm the upgrade, the representative will collect your payment if required.
6. You will receive confirmation of your upgrade either by email or SMS.

3. Airport Method

If you don’t have the time to call customer service, you can ask for an upgrade at the airport on the day of travel if available. The best places to ask for an upgrade are:

• Airport check-in counters
• Self-service kiosks
• Departure gate desks

To upgrade your seat at the airport:

1. Arrive at the airport early.
2. Ask the agent at check-in or at the departure gate about available upgrades.
3. Review the fees for the upgrade or the eligibility for an upgrade.
4. Provide payment to the agent at check-in for the upgrade (if necessary).
5. Specifically request an upgrade to your boarding pass.

Delta Airlines Seat Upgrade Fee

• Delta Comfort+ – which offers additional legroom on domestic flights – has upgrade fees typically between $20 and $129.
• Delta First (Premium seats available on domestic flights) typically have upgrade fees between $70 and $400+, depending on route and demand.
• Delta Premium Select (Enhance comfort on International Flights) upgrade fees for long-haul routes typically run between $250 and $850+.
• Delta One (Business Class internationally) – offers upgrade fees from $600 to $3,000,+ depending on whether Business Class offers fully lie-flat or premium seating.

Factors That Affect Upgrade Fees:

Route and Distance – Long-haul routes typically have and cost, especially for flights that experience high demand.

Timing – The closer you get to your flight date, the upgrade prices can change due to being in a Dynamic Pricing environment.

Seat Availability – When the number of premium seating options decreases, the prices increase.

Conclusion

Delta’s policy for seat upgrades provides various options to improve your flight experience — whether through cash, miles, elite status, or certificates. The secret to achieving successful upgrades is understanding your eligibility, keeping an eye on availability, and utilizing the resources Delta offers (such as the Fly Delta app). With thoughtful preparation and a touch of fortune, you can greatly enhance your in-flight experience, transforming lengthy trips into more enjoyable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are complimentary upgrades guaranteed for Delta?

Complimentary upgrades are not guaranteed. The availability of seats and Medallion status will determine whether or not you are eligible for a complimentary upgrade.

Can I use my SkyMiles for international upgrades?

Yes, you may use SkyMiles as payment for upgrades on international flights into the Premium cabin. Dependent on your route to destination and your chosen “Cabin,” the number of SkyMiles required will vary greatly.