2025 at a glance: Delta Global Upgrade Certificates
Last updated: October 6, 2025
- Who gets GUCs: Diamond Medallion Choice Benefit. Choose 4 GUC, 8 RUC, or 2 GUC + 4 RUC.
- Validity: Certificates expire at the end of the Medallion year tied to your selection. Example: 2026 selections are usable until Jan 31, 2027.
- Eligible tickets: Delta Main (Classic or Extra), Comfort+, or Premium Select. Basic is not eligible. Award and Miles + Cash can qualify on Delta-operated flights.
- Attaching the certificate: Online attach may appear for some Delta flights when logged in, but it is not guaranteed. If you do not see it, book an eligible fare and contact Delta by phone or chat to attach it. Contacting Delta is usually required for partner flights.
- New fare experiences: For travel on or after Oct 1, 2025, Main is split into Classic and Extra. In upgrade priority, Extra ranks ahead of Classic.
- Partners covered: Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, Aeroméxico. Rules vary and partner space must be open at ticketing.
Jump to: How to use • Who gets them • Partners • GUC vs RUC • FAQ
Table of Contents
Delta Global Upgrade Certificates are one of the most valuable Diamond Medallion benefits. This guide explains who gets them, how to apply them on Delta and partners, how Classic versus Extra affects priority, and practical ways to get upgrades confirmed.
How to use Delta Global Upgrade Certificates (step by step)
Short answer: log in, check for confirmable upgrade space, book an eligible fare, attach the certificate, and watch for instant confirmation or a waitlist.
- Search while logged in.
On Delta-operated flights, confirmable upgrade space can appear during booking. Seat maps are not a reliable proxy. For partners, availability is not shown online. Call or message Delta to verify before you pay. - Book an eligible ticket.
Delta Main Classic or Extra, Comfort+, or Premium Select. Basic is not eligible. Award and Miles + Cash tickets can qualify on Delta-operated flights. - Attach the certificate.
If the option appears during checkout while you are logged in, attach it there. Otherwise book your eligible fare and contact Delta by phone or chat to attach it. For partner flights, contacting Delta is usually required. - Understand how clearing works.
One certificate covers one one-way itinerary that can include multiple segments. Clearing is segment by segment. If an intermediate cabin like Premium Select is available, you may confirm into it from Main and then be waitlisted for Delta One, if applicable. - Watch for confirmation.
If space is open you should receive an immediate confirmation. If not, you may be waitlisted and cleared later if space opens. - If plans change.
If your upgrade does not clear and you change or cancel, the certificate remains valid until it expires. Reattach it to a new flight through Delta.
How do you earn a Delta Global Upgrade Certificate
- Eligibility: GUCs are a Diamond Medallion Choice Benefit. Options include 4 GUC, 8 RUC, or 2 GUC + 4 RUC.
- Expiration: Certificates expire at the end of the next Medallion year tied to your selection. Example: a 2026 selection is valid until Jan 31, 2027.
- Companion tickets: Companion Certificate tickets can be eligible to use GUCs on Delta-operated flights when all other rules are met.
- Selection window: Delta notes a single upgrade certificate selection across the 2025 and 2026 windows.
For a complete comparison of Delta Upgrade Certificates (GUC vs RUC), check out our 2025 guide that explains eligibility, usage, and strategy.
Partners that accept Delta Global Upgrade Certificates
You can request upgrades on select partner flights. Space and fare rules vary, and confirmation usually requires contacting Delta.
| Partner | Typical upgrade path | How to confirm | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air France (AF) | Economy to Premium Economy, or Premium Economy to Business | Contact Delta to verify partner space | Often requires a long-haul connection on the itinerary. Pure intra-Europe segments without a long-haul connection may not qualify. |
| KLM (KL) | Economy to Premium Economy, or Premium Economy to Business | Contact Delta to verify partner space | Similar long-haul connection considerations as AF. Check marketing and fare details. |
| Virgin Atlantic (VS) | Economy to Premium, or Premium to Upper Class | Contact Delta to verify partner space | Valid systemwide when eligibility rules are met. Equipment changes can affect inventory. |
| Korean Air (KE) | Economy or Premium Economy to Prestige | Contact Delta to verify partner space | Generally valid systemwide; release patterns vary by route and season. |
| Aeroméxico (AM) | Economy to Clase Premier | Contact Delta to verify partner space | Valid on Delta-marketed, AM-operated flights. Confirm fare eligibility before purchase. |
Full rules: Delta Upgrade Certificates
Best uses and common routes
Availability depends on season, aircraft, and demand. These patterns are common but never guaranteed.
- High value targets where GUCs often clear
- USA to Europe: LAX to LHR, JFK to AMS, ATL to CDG
- Transpacific: SEA to ICN, LAX to SYD (seasonal)
- Latin America: ATL to GRU, ATL to EZE
Pro tip: On domestic routes, GUCs may clear into unsold Domestic Delta First or Domestic Premium Select seats on request, which makes domestic PS or transcon routes strong candidates.
Global vs Regional Upgrade Certificates — quick compare
| Feature | Global Upgrade Certificate (GUC) | Regional Upgrade Certificate (RUC) |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets them | Diamond Medallions via Choice Benefits | Platinum or Diamond via Choice Benefits |
| Best use | Long haul and Delta One | Domestic, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America |
| Upgrade path | One cabin above the ticketed cabin | One cabin above the ticketed cabin |
| Eligible fares | Delta Main Classic or Extra, Comfort+, Premium Select | Delta Main Classic or Extra, Comfort+ |
| Basic eligible | No | No |
If you want to lock in domestic upgrades, read the companion guide: 2025 Delta Regional Upgrade Certificates Guide.
Tips to increase your odds
- Prefer Main Extra when prices are close. Extra has enhanced upgrade priority compared with Classic.
- Be flexible on dates and aircraft. Some routes release premium space in the two weeks before departure.
- Use Delta agents for partner itineraries. They can verify space and attach certificates correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Global Upgrade Certificate on an award ticket?
Yes on Delta-operated flights. Partner usage varies and usually requires contacting Delta. Space must be available at ticketing.
Which Delta fares are eligible?
Delta Main Classic or Extra, Comfort+, and Premium Select are eligible. Basic is not eligible for upgrades.
Do GUCs work on partners?
Yes on select partners including Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, and Aeroméxico when space is available and rules are met.
How long are my certificates valid?
They expire at the end of the Medallion year tied to your selection. For 2026 selections, that is January 31, 2027.
Does one certificate cover multiple segments?
One certificate covers a one-way itinerary that can include multiple segments, but each segment must clear individually. If one segment does not clear, you may still travel in your ticketed cabin for that segment while the certificate remains attached to the itinerary under Delta’s rules.
Are Companion Certificate tickets eligible?
Companion Certificate tickets can be eligible to use GUCs on Delta-operated flights when all other rules are met. Mileage upgrade programs are different from upgrade certificates.
Last updated — October 6, 2025
I keep this page current. If Delta updates its policies, I update this guide.