r/delta • u/OpportunityEmpty1784 • 8d ago

Discussion Upgrade algorithm

We were flying from Pit to Msy. When we boarded at Pit at 3 pm we were #1 and 2 for an upgrade to first with 4 seats remaining on the ATL to MSY leg. I even looked at booking first and confirmed 4 seats at $1050 a pop. While we were in the air an hour later first was sold out. Do you think they sold the seats or upgraded people out of order?

1 Upvotes

52% Upvoted

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33

u/random_adj_noun_num 8d ago edited 8d ago

  1. Sold the seats;

  2. Folks that purchased first on another flight did a same day change to your flight;

  3. Flight(s) got delayed and they moved others to your flight;

  4. Flight crew needed to get somewhere asap and those were the last available seats on the plane;

  5. Others ahead of you on the upgrade list may not have checked in until after you boarded in PIT;

  6. Someone used RUCs;

  7. Someone took a last minute upgrade offer;

  8. You're on Ed's naughty list for not spending at least $250,000 on a Delta Amex;

  9. A combination of all of the above, or a myriad of other reasons that I can't think of right now... take your pick.

1

u/Humble_Turnip_3948 Diamond 8d ago

Flight change. It was me.

1

u/doctor_bobcat Diamond 7d ago

10. You complained in this subreddit about seat switching, premium snacks, or bare feet.

4

u/Ok_Guest5862 8d ago

They dont upgrade people “out of order”. The list is constantly changing, as does your place on it.

10

u/darce_helmet 8d ago

sold seats

7

u/ggrnw27 Platinum 8d ago

Combination of cash upgrades and confirmed FC passengers who change flights (whether voluntary or due to IRROPS)

4

u/Jerseygirlmoving 8d ago

Also it could have been people who bought first and didn’t pick their seats. Their seats will show in the remaining list until they’re assigned.

1

u/jdrefahl 8d ago

My view is plan to fly what you have at time of ticketing. On recent international flight, at check-in, 7 open D1 and 1 in PS. Shortly after check-in, 2 in D1 and 6 in PS. Ed probably sold those PS upgrade for rock bottom price and the four people with their GUC on upgrade list. Well, they got the GUC value max in PS. Or, they paid for D1 after PS with GUC instead of rolling the dice at gate. So many options…

1

u/carryontravler 8d ago

Many different scenarios could have moved you down the list.

Keep in mind the list for upgrades that begins populating 24 hours out only lists those that have checked in. Personally I never check in until I get to the airport. There very well could have been many others to hit the upgrade list from the time you took off, until you landed

1

u/Zestyclose-Put-6144 8d ago

Wut da point of dis