Delta frequent flyer members eligible for unlimited upgrades

Starting April 1, 2018, Delta SkyMiles Medallion members will be eligible for unlimited day-of-departure complimentary upgrades to the Delta One cabin (their name for business class) on all domestic flights, including Hawaii. This is the airline’s latest move to simplify its SkyMiles frequent flyer programme.

However, being eligible is one thing. Finding available upgrades on the dates you want them and then being able to claim them is another thing entirely!

So what, you may ask, is Medallion status. SkyMiles in the name of their frequent flyer programme (not to be confused with SkyTeam, which is the name of the airline alliance to which they belong). Status within the programme is known as Medallion status and Delta offers four tiers – Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver. They can be achieved by flying a certain number of Medallion Qualification Miles or Medallion Qualification Segments between January 1 and December 31 each year.

Medallion Members will be eligible for Complimentary Upgrades in:

• All US 50 Delta One cabins on the day of departure
• All First Class cabins worldwide (beginning up to 120 hours/5 days prior to departure depending on Medallion Tier)
• All Delta Comfort+ seats worldwide (beginning at booking a ticket depending on Medallion Tier)
• Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members may also use Regional Upgrade Certificates on any flight that is eligible for Complimentary Upgrades, including all First Class and U.S. 50 Delta One flights. These certificates are available through Delta SkyMiles’ industry-exclusive Choice Benefits program.

What is Delta One?

The Delta One cabin is the equivalent of business class and includes flat-bed seats, elevated amenities and a refined dining experience. First Class service may be available on alternate flights on the route. Delta is launching its Delta One experience on key long-haul domestic routes, starting April 1, 2018 on the following domestic USA routes:

• Boston - Los Angeles
• New York JFK - San Diego Seattle
• New York JFK - Seattle
• New York JFK - Las Vegas (starting May 1, 2018)

Delta One will also become the premium offering April 1, 2018 on the following routes with one scheduled daily flight each:

• Atlanta and Honolulu
• Minneapolis and Honolulu