I booked 3 1st class award tickets atl to bzn 4/2 and back 4/9 several months back for 80,000 each. I then reached Silver medallion status. There are plenty of open seats out and back in 1st. Had I known Delta was going to give me silver status I could have perhaps booked economy for fewer points and then upgraded. Anyway to change this and try it now? Any other ideas for benefiting on this trip from the medallion status?
I believe this is incorrect. Silver Medallions are also eligible for upgrades on award tickets, but it's unlikely to happen, especially with 3 people on the reservation.
No FO do not get upgrades on award tickets: http://www.delta.com/skymiles/about_skymiles/benefits_at_glance/index.jsp You must be GOLD or better.
Award ticket upgrades is one of the big differentiators designed to have people go for Gold rather than settle at Silver.
So true. And award ticket redeposit fee waivers is one of the big differentiators between Gold and Platinum. Too bad the logic doesn't extend to offer Diamonds a working award calender or booking website.
I don't see it as a huge loss to Silvers, and certainly not a big carrot to go gold, at least for me. It's more one of those things that you feel bad that you don't get, but if you had it it would rarely work anyway. Silvers don't get upgraded that much (although the routes where they do have good upgrade success may often be ones people would want to redeem on). Also, without credit-card miles etc they're redeeming once a year at most (or drawing down their balance) - not an everyday benefit. Gold is all about priority security, free same day changes, and better upgrade chances for me. The mile bonus is good too (and combines well with the ability to upgrade award flights if you decide to spend on domestic trips), and eliteplus for any international trips.
