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You have to have some level of status (minimum Silver). Being a member is not sufficient.
Most people get status by direct spend on flights. You’re not going to get there on 4 flights a year unless you’re buying very expensive fares.
You’re also unlikely to get upgraded until you have Platinum / Diamond (no, Comfort+ is not a cabin upgrade no matter how much Delta tries to spin it). I wouldn’t bother if I were you since your flying frequency doesn’t warrant it. Just take the buy up opportunity on the 4 flights you take
At 4x a year you’re better off paying for the seat you want. The lowest level of delta status technically gets you access to upgrades but you’re at the bottom of the list. You need to spend $15k+ a year to have a decent chance at first class.
The delta platinum Amex does give you a $2500 MQD bonus which gets you half way to the lowest status.
Fly it a lot. Use a Delta card that amasses points and status.
I’ve been everything from Silver to Platinum. Silver rarely gets upgrades, Gold 50/50, Platinum I almost always get at least Comfort+ unless it’s a very in demand overbooked flight with lots of standby.
I’m curious what airline would upgrade you with 4 flights/year?
If those 4 flights cost $20k a pop
American is my primary airline. I fly maybe 15-20 round trips per year. I have the AA card with lounge access and spend ~$150k. I also use the AA site to book some of my hotel stays, and the AA shopping site for some online purchases. Last year I earned 285,000 loyalty point which got me Executive Platinum level status. I get the first class upgrade for free about half the time and got 6 system wide upgrades which I used last year for upgrades to/from Europe from the west coast for my family. That perk alone was probably worth $15k. I have 2 system wide upgrades sitting on my flight this week (with SO) flying cross country. Fingers crossed.
I’m a million miler and have been diamond for the last decade. I get upgraded about 50% of the time. My advice is that if you want to fly first class, buy a first class ticket.
Makes sense, thanks all. I had no illusions of first class upgrades but interesting that 1/3 of the flyers have some sort of elevated status.
I get zone 5 which is usually just good enough to not need to gate check my carry-on.
Do not live in Atlanta. Do not fly anywhere important if you do. Do not fly on Monday or Friday.
Those are the only tricks.
Agree with most of the comments, plus most airlines only count paying tickets. So using miles doesn’t usually count towards getting status