Delta Airlines is running a new limited time promotion where you can upgrade from your coach fare (Y, B, M fares only) to Business Elite by using 1 mile per one way. This upgrade award usually costs around 15,000 miles each way to Europe via the Atlantic or 12,500 to Asia via the Pacific. Delta is in the process of upgrading all of their 767 Business Elite seats to lie-flat, see a recent trip report for details of the new seats. This promotion is probably due to the decreased international travel demand in a premium class.

This is only a good deal if you find a cheap Y, B or M fare or were already planning on purchasing that type of fare. These fares are mostly likely to be significantly more expensive than the lower L, U or T fares.

The upgradeable ticket must be purchased and the upgrade must be requested by July 13th, 2009. Only available on Delta or Northwest operated flights and upgrades are not available on all flights. While these fares earn you miles in your Y, B, or M coach fare, they are the most expensive coach fares out there.

Promotion

Dear Mr. WeeklyFlyer,

We’re so convinced that you’ll love our BusinessElite® service, that we’re offering a one-way international upgrade for only one mile. You can now upgrade to our award-winning BusinessElite cabin for one mile each way when you fly internationally on a paid Y, B or M Economy fare between June 30 and September 15, 2009. Availability is limited for these premium seats, so hurry! Call Delta Reservations at 1-800-323-2323, or the phone number listed on the back of your SkyMiles® membership card, now through July 13th to confirm your upgrade, or to purchase a ticket and take advantage of this fantastic offer. Be sure to provide your SkyMiles account number and PIN when prompted. Then sit back, relax and enjoy our full range of premium BusinessElite products for a comfortable, relaxed and productive in-flight experience.

Terms and Conditions

Eligible Fares/Booking: All taxes, fees and blackout dates are governed by the rules of the Y, B or M economy class fare purchased. Additional upgrade tax may apply. SkyMiles members can request a one-way upgrade Award for 1-mile for paid tickets purchased in Y, B, or M economy class between the continental United States, Alaska, and Canada and any international destination that offers J class fares (BusinessElite) where upgrade class of service is available on Delta or Northwest-operated flights only. SkyMiles members must call a Delta reservations representative for upgrades. Tickets: Must be purchased and upgrade requested no later than July 13, 2009. Travel Period: Travel must be completed by September 15, 2009. Restrictions: Availability of one-way upgrade inventory is limited and may not be available on all flights. Some markets may have more availability than others. Members may reissue existing tickets to be eligible for upgrade offer, but will need to pay applicable fees. Customers may combine this upgrade Award with other one-way upgrade Awards. Upgrades not available on Air France and KLM or any other SkyTeam® or codeshare partner operated flights. Tickets are nontransferable. SkyMiles accrual will be for class of service originally purchased. Miscellaneous: All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Fares, taxes, fees, rules, and offers are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Please refer Delta reservations representative to 970222.

Bottom Line

This promotion requires you to purchase an expensive Y, B, or M coach fare in order to upgrade using the 1 mile option. However if you were planning on purchasing a last minute coach ticket or a Business Elite ticket check the pricing on Y, B or M fares to see if it the cost is not far off and use the 1 mile to experience Business Elite.