What does “upgrade requested” mean on Delta flights?

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What does “upgrade requested” mean on Delta flights?

 

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The Waiting Game: What "Upgrade Requested" Actually Means on Delta

That “Upgrade Requested” status can be the most suspenseful part of a Medallion member’s flight! I’ve been there—staring at my phone 120 hours before departure, willing the status to change.

What It Means: You're In The Queue​

In short, "Upgrade Requested" means the Delta system has acknowledged that you (or the agent you spoke to) have an active request for a complimentary upgrade to a higher cabin (usually First Class or Comfort+).

It's basically your place in the line for a free upgrade.

Here’s the thing: it does not mean the upgrade is confirmed, nor does it guarantee you'll get it. It just confirms the process has started. Delta upgrades clear based on a strict hierarchy:

1. Medallion Status: Diamond clears before Platinum, Platinum before Gold, and Gold before Silver.
2. Fare Class: Within the same Medallion tier, passengers who bought a more expensive Main Cabin fare (like a Y or B) get priority over cheaper fares (like an H or Q).
3. Delta Reserve Card: Having the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card acts as the tie-breaker.
4. Date/Time of Request: If all else is equal, the person who booked the ticket earliest gets the spot.

When does it clear? That’s the tricky part, and it depends entirely on your status and when Delta decides to release the unsold seats for upgrades. For First Class, Platinum/Diamond typically start clearing 5 days out, Gold at 3 days, and Silver at 24 hours (if the seats haven't been sold for cash first!).

My Personal Experience with the Waiting Game​

A few years ago, I had a critical flight from Atlanta to Seattle. I was Gold Medallion at the time (so my window was 72 hours). I needed a seat in Comfort+ to get some work done, but the flight was packed with business travelers.

I watched that reservation like a hawk. 72 hours out: "Upgrade Requested." 48 hours out: "Upgrade Requested." The seat map showed two open Comfort+ seats, but they still hadn't cleared the list. I started to panic because I knew the flight was going to be full.

I checked the website, and it suddenly showed a ridiculous cash price to buy the Comfort+ seat. The complimentary upgrade wasn't moving. Frustrated, I decided to take action beyond just refreshing the app.

I called a specific flight modification and assistance line, which I now keep saved because it deals with complex issues fast: 888-217-3324.

I told the agent, "My status upgrade request isn't clearing for Comfort+, but I see open seats. Can you manually check the inventory?"

The agent explained that while the seats were physically open, the upgrade inventory hadn't been officially released by the revenue management team yet. However, because I called, she was able to see a slightly earlier time when a block of seats was briefly released for upgrade and she had the power to confirm one for me manually since I was within my Medallion window and high on the priority list.

She confirmed my Comfort+ seat instantly right over the phone, bypassing the automated system that was holding out for a cash sale. It was a huge relief and a great lesson: the automated system is just a machine, but the people who use the 888-217-3324 line can sometimes get things done when the computer says no.

Your Step-by-Step Guide​

1. Understand Your Window: Check Delta's website to confirm when your specific Medallion tier is eligible for an upgrade to clear.
2. Monitor the App: Check the Delta app/website for your position on the upgrade list (it appears within 24 hours of departure, after check-in).
3. Call for Manual Intervention (If Urgent): If you are inside your clearance window (e.g., Gold inside 72 hours, Platinum/Diamond inside 120 hours) and the flight is close to departure with open seats, the best way to instantly book, cancel, or modify flights, including pushing a stuck upgrade through, is to call this dedicated line: 888-217-3324.

Good luck! I hope your status changes from "Requested" to "Confirmed" soon!