As part of Delta’s Choice Benefits for Platinum and Diamond Medallions, you can choose Regional and Global Upgrade certificates which allow you to confirm into First or Business class at time of booking.

Previously, the only way to check this inventory was to manually call Delta to have them check over the phone. Delta has now updated its site to display upgrade certificate availability online at time of booking. You’ll still need to call Delta to process the upgrade at this time.

Some other positive changes, Delta Upgrade certificates can now be used on award tickets. Additionally, there is now no limit to the number of companions you can have. Previously, you were only allowed to have one companion on the same  flight.

As a recap of Delta Upgrade Certificates: 

• Global Upgrade Certificates, available exclusively for Diamond Medallion Members, offer upgrades on both international and domestic flights with Delta, and select flights with KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Korean Air and Aeromexico.

• Regional Upgrade Certificates, available for Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members, offer upgrades on the same routes as Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, including all flights with First Class and the domestic Delta One experience.

Per Delta Medallion Member Updates,

• To allow for easier planning, you can now check Upgrade Certificate availability for specific flights and cabin experiences in the delta.com search results before calling Delta Reservations. Once you know which flight(s) you’d like to apply your Certificate(s) towards, call Reservations with the flight and certificate number ready.

Bottom Line

I couldn’t be more pleased to see these changes Delta that is making to both Regional and Global Upgrade certificates. From displaying upgrade inventory online, to allowing upgrades on award tickets and no longer limiting to just one companion, I’m sure many Medallion members will be happy to hear these updates.

Additionally, all unused, active and/or previously expired Upgrade Certificates that were selected between March 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020 will be extended through the end of 2021 and can now be booked and flown by December 31, 2021.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below about the new changes Delta has made to its Regional and Global upgrade certificates.