Upgrading a Delta Airlines international flight to Premium Select or Delta One can enhance your travel experience with greater comfort, premium amenities, and exclusive services. The process depends on your ticket type, fare class, SkyMiles Medallion status, and available upgrade options, such as using miles, cash, or certificates. For personalized assistance with your specific flight, contact Delta’s customer service at
877-297-0699. Below is a detailed guide on how to upgrade, adhering to your instruction to avoid mentioning links and providing comprehensive information based on the current date, July 24, 2025.
1. Understand the Cabin Options
Before pursuing an upgrade, familiarize yourself with the cabins:
- Delta Premium Select: A premium economy cabin on select international routes, offering wider seats, greater recline, adjustable footrests and leg rests (on certain widebody aircraft), enhanced dining, and Sky Priority services (faster check-in and boarding).
- Delta One: Delta’s business-class cabin, featuring lie-flat seats, premium dining, access to Delta Sky Club lounges (on select routes), and a more private, luxurious experience, ideal for long-haul international flights.
- Availability: Not all international flights offer both cabins. For example, Premium Select is available on routes to Europe, Asia, and Latin America on specific aircraft (e.g., Airbus A350, Boeing 767). Confirm cabin availability for your flight by calling 877-297-0699.
2. Eligibility for Upgrades
- Ticket Type: Most Main Cabin (Classic), Delta Comfort+, and refundable tickets are eligible for upgrades. Basic Economy tickets are generally not eligible for upgrades, requiring you to purchase a new ticket in a higher cabin.
- Fare Class: Higher fare classes (e.g., Y, B, M in Main Cabin) have better upgrade priority than discounted fares (e.g., T, U).
- Flight Type: Upgrades are possible on Delta-operated flights and some partner-operated flights (e.g., Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic), but partner policies may limit options.
- Medallion Status: SkyMiles Medallion members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) have priority for complimentary or certificate-based upgrades. To check your ticket’s eligibility, call 877-297-0699.
3. Methods to Upgrade to Premium Select or Delta One
Delta offers several ways to upgrade, each with specific processes and requirements:
a. Complimentary Upgrades for Medallion Members
- Eligibility:
- All Medallion members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) are eligible for complimentary upgrades to Premium Select on international flights, subject to availability.
- Delta One upgrades are prioritized for Diamond and Platinum members, with Silver and Gold having lower priority.
- Priority is based on Medallion tier, fare class, booking time, and other factors.
- Process:
- If you’re a Medallion member, you’re automatically added to the upgrade list when booking.
- Check your upgrade status in “My Trips” on Delta’s website or app, or call 877-297-0699 to confirm your position.
- Upgrades are processed closer to departure, often within 5 days for Platinum/Diamond or at check-in for lower tiers.
- Tip: Higher Medallion tiers (Diamond, Platinum) have better chances for Delta One. Ensure your SkyMiles account is linked to your reservation.
b. Global or Regional Upgrade Certificates
- Eligibility: Diamond and Platinum Medallion members earn Choice Benefits, including Global Upgrade Certificates (valid for Delta One or Premium Select on most international flights) and Regional Upgrade Certificates (primarily for domestic First Class but may apply to Premium Select on select international routes).
- Process:
- Access your SkyMiles account, go to “My Wallet,” select the certificate, and apply it to an eligible flight before check-in.
- Certificates have priority over complimentary upgrades but are subject to availability.
- Call 877-297-0699 for assistance applying certificates or checking availability.
- Tip: Use Global Certificates for long-haul routes (e.g., U.S. to Asia/Europe) to maximize value, as Delta One seats are highly sought after.
c. Upgrading with SkyMiles
- Process:
- Check for mileage upgrade options in “My Trips” on Delta’s website or app, or call 877-297-0699.
- Costs vary by route, demand, and fare class. For example:
- Main Cabin to Premium Select: 20,000–50,000 miles one-way (e.g., U.S. to Europe).
- Main Cabin to Delta One: 50,000–100,000+ miles one-way (e.g., transatlantic or transpacific).
- Premium Select to Delta One: 30,000–70,000 miles one-way, depending on the route.
- Availability: Mileage upgrades are limited and not available on all flights. Book early to secure inventory.
- Tip: Compare the miles cost to cash upgrades to determine the best value. For example, a Delta One upgrade costing 100,000 miles might be worth $1,000–$2,000 in cash.
d. Cash Upgrades
- Process:
- At Booking: When purchasing your ticket on Delta’s website or app, you may see an option to upgrade to Premium Select or Delta One for a fee. Prices vary widely (e.g., $200–$800 for Premium Select, $500–$2,000 for Delta One on long-haul flights).
- Post-Booking: Check “My Trips” for upgrade offers up to 24 hours before departure.
- At Check-In or Gate: Delta may offer last-minute upgrades at check-in counters or the gate, especially if seats are unsold. For example, a Premium Select upgrade on a 15-hour flight might cost $500–$700.
- Call 877-297-0699 to inquire about cash upgrade availability and pricing.
- Tip: Monitor seat maps in “My Trips” to gauge availability, as fuller cabins reduce upgrade chances.
e. Partner Airline Upgrades
- Challenges: For Delta-marketed flights operated by partners (e.g., Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic), upgrades to Premium Select or Delta One may be restricted:
- Delta miles or certificates may not apply to partner-operated flights booked through the partner’s program.
- Partner airlines may have their own upgrade policies, requiring separate miles or cash payments.
- Solution: Book Delta-operated flights for the most straightforward upgrade process. If on a partner flight, call 877-297-0699 to clarify options or coordinate with the operating carrier’s loyalty program.
4. Steps to Request an Upgrade
- Verify Eligibility: Check your ticket type (Main Cabin or higher) and fare class. Basic Economy tickets require purchasing a new ticket. Call 877-297-0699 if unsure.
- Check Availability: Use “My Trips” to view upgrade options (miles or cash) or monitor your complimentary upgrade status (Medallion members). Call 877-297-0699 for real-time availability.
- Request Early:
- For miles or cash upgrades, request at booking or as soon as possible, as inventory is limited.
- For certificates, apply them in “My Wallet” before check-in.
- For complimentary upgrades, ensure your SkyMiles account is linked and monitor the upgrade list.
- Explore Last-Minute Offers: At check-in (online or airport) or the gate, look for cash or miles upgrade deals, especially for unsold seats.
- Contact Delta: Call 877-297-0699 for assistance with any upgrade method, especially for complex itineraries or partner flights.
5. Tips to Maximize Upgrade Chances
- Book Higher Fare Classes: Fares like Y, B, or M in Main Cabin have better upgrade priority than discounted fares (e.g., T, U).
- Travel Off-Peak: Upgrade availability is higher during low-demand periods (e.g., January–March, September–October) for international routes. Check seat maps to assess cabin fullness.
- Use Miles Strategically: Redeem miles for upgrades when cash prices are high (e.g., $1,000+ for Delta One) to maximize value.
- Leverage Medallion Status: Higher tiers (Diamond, Platinum) get priority for Delta One. Earn additional Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to reach these tiers if close.
- Be Flexible: If Delta One is unavailable, consider Premium Select for a cost-effective comfort boost (e.g., $500 vs. $2,000 for Delta One).
- Check Partner Flights: Confirm upgrade policies for codeshare flights by calling 877-297-0699, as partner rules may differ.
Conclusion
To upgrade a Delta international flight to Premium Select or Delta One, leverage complimentary Medallion upgrades (prioritized for Diamond/Platinum), use Global/Regional Upgrade Certificates, redeem SkyMiles, or pay cash at booking, check-in, or the gate. Book Main Cabin or higher tickets from the U.S./Canada for fee-free changes, and avoid Basic Economy for upgrade eligibility. Early action, off-peak travel, and higher Medallion status improve your chances. For specific upgrade options, availability, or partner flight policies, contact Delta at
877-297-0699. By following these steps and tips, you can secure a more comfortable and luxurious international travel experience.
