Delta has been testing a program where SkyMiles could upgrade with miles to First Class when purchasing their ticket.
This is different than Pay with Miles as you still have to purchase the regular coach ticket price and then whatever the difference in fare to first class, you can use your miles at a 1 cent per mile value to upgrade. They launched this in a few markets, but recently they have expanded to all domestic itineraries.
Here are some examples of how this prices out:
A one-way Phoenix-Minneapolis flight you could upgrade in advance to First Class for 9,900 miles, and would earn 150% miles and MQM’s on this ticket.
A one-way New York (LGA)-Ft. Lauderdale flight you could upgrade in advance to First Class for 9,900 miles, and would earn 150% miles and MQM’s on this ticket.
A one-way Los Angeles-Columbus, OH flight you could upgrade in advance to First Class for 18,400 miles, and would earn 150% miles and MQM’s on this ticket.
A one-way New York (LGA)-Denver flight you could upgrade in advance to First Class for 15,900 miles, and would earn 150% miles and MQM’s on this ticket. 
Bottom Line
As Medallion upgrades can be harder and harder to come up, it might make sense to consider upgrading with miles at the time of booking to confirm yourself in First Class, and not have to worry about getting an upgrade.
The other great thing about doing upgrade with miles vs. Pay with Miles, is these tickets earn full miles including the class of service bonus for first class. So you would be earning 150% SkyMiles as well as Medallion Qualifying Miles on these tickets.
This is only available when you make the reservation at the time of booking and is on the last page in the booking process online.
Have you used the Upgrade with Miles feature yet with Delta? What are your thoughts on it?
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How can I get this for my reservation. I cant seem to find where to do this.
Thanks
Just to be clear: I cannot call delta and use this on an upcoming mileage run I booked last month? Any wiggle room? Would be nice to score some extra MQMs.
Hard to take advantage of when you have to book through corporate travel. Hope there’s an expansion of availability with this at some point. I’d have to at least consider it on flights of 3 hours or longer.
are these upgrades available to any passenger in coach on any Delta flight for at least cash, if not for miles?