Upgrades
How to get upgraded on Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers 4 upgrade paths into a premium seat: Complimentary (elite status), Miles + copay upgrade, Cash upgrade (bid or gate), SkyMiles Award upgrade. For most travelers, achieving elite status is the most reliable route — or use the bid upgrade option on any fare class.
Upgrade options on Delta Air Lines
- 1Complimentary (elite status)
- 2Miles + copay upgrade
- 3Cash upgrade (bid or gate)
- 4SkyMiles Award upgrade
Elite status upgrades
Silver: T-72 hours domestic; Gold: T-72 hours; Platinum: T-72 hours; Diamond: T-72 hours (all tiers clear at T-72 if space exists, Diamond clears first). In 2026, approximately 13% of Delta's first-class seats are filled by complimentary upgrades — competitive but achievable on off-peak flights.
Upgrading with miles or points
Miles + Cash upgrade: bid a fixed miles amount + small cash copay (typically $35–$75) on eligible flights. Delta prices mileage upgrades at roughly 1.07 cents per SkyMile — a $60 upgrade costs ~5,600 miles. Book at delta.com/upgrade or in the Fly Delta app.
Cash & bid upgrades
Delta Upgrade with Cash: offered via email or the Fly Delta app before departure. Prices vary by route — typically $50–$300 one-way. Also available at the gate (space permitting). Monitor the app starting 72 hours before departure for bid invitations.
Who gets upgraded first
Diamond > Platinum > Gold > Silver (within each tier, sorted by flight segment history). Paid first class passengers board first regardless.
Best tip to maximize upgrade chances
Book early morning or non-stop flights — fewer elites competing for fewer seats. Friday and Sunday night flights also tend to have more upgrade availability.
How do I get upgraded to first class on Delta Air Lines?
Delta Air Lines offers several upgrade paths: Complimentary (elite status), Miles + copay upgrade, Cash upgrade (bid or gate), SkyMiles Award upgrade. The most reliable approach for most travelers is to achieve elite status and monitor upgrade availability at the complimentary upgrade window. Book early morning or non-stop flights — fewer elites competing for fewer seats. Friday and Sunday night flights also tend to have more upgrade availability.
What elite status do I need for free upgrades on Delta Air Lines?
Silver: T-72 hours domestic; Gold: T-72 hours; Platinum: T-72 hours; Diamond: T-72 hours (all tiers clear at T-72 if space exists, Diamond clears first). In 2026, approximately 13% of Delta's first-class seats are filled by complimentary upgrades — competitive but achievable on off-peak flights.
Can I upgrade with miles on Delta Air Lines?
Miles + Cash upgrade: bid a fixed miles amount + small cash copay (typically $35–$75) on eligible flights. Delta prices mileage upgrades at roughly 1.07 cents per SkyMile — a $60 upgrade costs ~5,600 miles. Book at delta.com/upgrade or in the Fly Delta app.
How does the upgrade bid work on Delta Air Lines?
Delta Upgrade with Cash: offered via email or the Fly Delta app before departure. Prices vary by route — typically $50–$300 one-way. Also available at the gate (space permitting). Monitor the app starting 72 hours before departure for bid invitations.
More Delta Air Lines guides
Upgrade policy data verified . Elite upgrade windows, miles requirements, and bid pricing are subject to change — confirm current terms at Delta Air Lines's official website before flying.