Thread: Will DL upgrade nonrev from another airline?

I think they would be more likely to upgrade revenue pax to C, then the OAL nonrev would get that seat instead. They used to be good about that years ago, but when nobody would extend the same courtesy to DL, it kind of went away.

I agree with spongebue. Old time policy was non-revs were boarded in the best seat in the house based on class of pass and seniority. But now with all the classes of frequent flyers making all kinds of noise about being paying customers which they are and deserve credit for keeping at the very least a small token of money going forward to paying for their seats this compounded with standby clearing at the last minute to make a on-time scheduled departure it is not always easy to filter the airport standby list to achieve the desired results. That being said as spongebue noted the reciprocal benefits of traveling on other airlines has also complicated things. The introduction of ZED fares (formerly ID 90 or 95% fares) good only in COACH is another factor - but as was noted the moving of rev frequent flyers up to the front cabin making a seat available in coach or if you are really lucky economy comfort does offer a bit of consolation. But gone are to good ole days of non-revs being spoiled rotten in First Class. Count your blessings if you get on at all and remember as each day progresses there are more and more non-revs joining the pool of pass riders not only from Delta but from the entire industry. I use the Fly Confirmed for Less quite often when I have to be somewhere like a cruise sailing BUT I sure wish they would bring back the Positive Space ID50% tickets like the days of old.

To be fair, some airlines have business class agreements on ZEDs. I don't know about other airlines so much, but on UA we'll upgrade just about any frequent flyer with a hint of status, so our odds of getting an upgrade have plummeted. But it has happened. For example, LAS-DEN tends to be filled with tourists who don't fly much. Put them on a 757 with 24 seats in F on a Saturday morning, and there's a good chance you'll get one of them. I've had a couple (short) flights where I've had F all to myself as a nonrev! But generally, that comes at a price. Even if that price is reasonable. I want to say business ZEDs are roughly double in fare.

Originally Posted by ddagencylv

. as I've said before, a smile does wonders. US Air friend of mine can't get out of DTW to CLT with US so he's zeds DL. 3x month on average he gets updraded...

We never get updraded!! teehee--couldn't resist! Actually, that sound pretty rare to even see empties in first domestically. Guess you just gotta have the right route. Cheers to DL for giving him a boost. Wonder if it's onboard or @gate?