Delta Upgrade Certificates are one of the most valuable Medallion Choice Benefits. This guide explains the key differences between Global Upgrade Certificates (GUC) and Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUC) — including who can use them, where they work, how to apply, and how to decide which is right for your travel in 2025.
Part of the Delta Upgrade Certificates Guide.
Quick Look
What is a GUC
Global Upgrade Certificate for Diamond Medallions that can move you up one cabin on eligible Delta-operated and select partner flights, including long-haul international routes. View eligible routes.
What is a RUC
Regional Upgrade Certificate for Platinum and Diamond Medallions that upgrades one cabin on eligible U.S. domestic and short- to medium-haul international routes (such as Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America). Check eligible regions.
Who gets them
Platinum Medallion may select RUC; Diamond Medallion may select GUC, RUC, or a combination as Choice Benefits.
Validity
Certificates must be flown by the end of the Medallion Year tied to your selection. For benefits selected for the 2025 Medallion Year, they are generally valid through January 31, 2026.
Delta Upgrade Certificates: GUC vs RUC Basics
Both certificate types provide one-cabin upgrades on eligible fares and flights. Space can be confirmed at booking when available, or you may be waitlisted based on Medallion priority. Certificates are not valid on Basic Economy and must be used by the expiration date tied to your Medallion Year. Each certificate generally covers a one-way journey in a single direction (including eligible connections). Official details here.
GUC vs RUC — Quick Comparison
| Feature | GUC (Global) | RUC (Regional) |
|---|---|---|
| Medallion Level | Diamond Medallion | Platinum & Diamond Medallion |
| Where It Works | Delta-operated flights worldwide plus select partners (Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico, Korean Air on eligible routes). | Eligible U.S. domestic routes and select regional international routes (such as Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and some northern South America markets) on Delta-operated flights. |
| Eligible Cabins |
One-cabin upgrade. On long-haul flights with Premium Select and Delta One, you can move:
• Main Cabin or Comfort+ → Premium Select (with the ability to be waitlisted for Delta One where permitted) • Premium Select → Delta One on eligible routes |
One-cabin upgrade on eligible routes. Typical examples include:
• Main Cabin or Comfort+ → First Class or Delta One (domestic) where offered • Main Cabin or Comfort+ → Premium Select or Delta One on select shorter international routes within the RUC region |
| Partner Airline Support | Yes, on select partners (Air France, KLM, Aeromexico, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic) when eligible fare classes and routes are available. | No — RUCs are valid only on Delta-operated flights. |
| Best For | Long-haul international and premium partner itineraries where Delta One or Premium Select seats are available. | U.S. domestic, transcon, and North America / regional international travel where First Class or domestic Delta One is offered. |
Eligibility and Earning
- GUC (Global Upgrade Certificate) — Diamond Medallion only via Choice Benefits.
- RUC (Regional Upgrade Certificate) — available to Platinum and Diamond Medallion members via Choice Benefits.
- Typical Diamond selections — 4 GUC, or 8 RUC, or 2 GUC + 4 RUC.
- Typical Platinum selections — 4 RUC as one of the Choice Benefit options.
- Validity — certificates must generally be flown by January 31 following the Medallion Year tied to selection (for example, 2025 Medallion Year selections are typically valid until January 31, 2026).
Where You Can Use Them
GUCs are best for long-haul international itineraries and premium partner flights where you can move into Premium Select or Delta One. RUCs shine on high-frequency routes within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America where First Class or domestic Delta One cabins are sold.
Use the Delta Upgrade Certificate search page to see current eligible routes, partner availability, and supported cabins. Delta periodically updates these rules, so always confirm before you book or apply a certificate.
How to Apply Certificates
You can apply certificates when booking or after ticketing. In most cases:
- Use the Upgrade Certificate portal to search for eligible flights and confirm upgrade space.
- Contact Delta Reservations if you need help applying a GUC or RUC or if you’re working with partner itineraries.
- Use the Fly Delta app or Delta.com “Manage Trips” to request an upgrade on existing reservations where certificates are eligible.
If upgrade inventory is available at booking, your seat can confirm immediately. Otherwise, your certificate is placed on the waitlist and will clear based on Medallion priority, fare class, and cabin demand.
Author’s note: I’m based in Seattle and have used both GUCs and RUCs on routes like SEA–TPE, SEA–ICN, and SEA–HND, as well as domestic trips such as Seattle–Cleveland, Seattle–Boston, and Seattle–Las Vegas. From my own experience, GUCs offer the biggest value on long-haul international flights when upgrades into Premium Select or Delta One are available early, while RUCs tend to clear more reliably on high-frequency domestic routes. Upgrade space is never guaranteed, but this real-world difference is what guides most travelers when choosing between the two certificates.
Strategy — Which Should You Choose
Frequent international flyers benefit most from GUCs since they unlock access to Delta One and Premium Select — especially on long-haul flights where cash prices are high. If most of your travel is domestic or within North America and nearby regions, RUCs provide strong value and typically higher confirmation odds on routes with multiple daily frequencies.
Think about:
- Where you actually fly — long-haul vs domestic / regional.
- How far in advance you book — early bookings see more confirmable space.
- Your flexibility — can you shift flights to chase confirmable upgrades?
- Partner usage — if you regularly fly Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico, or Korean Air, GUCs can be especially valuable.
Compare your specific routes using the upgrade eligibility tool.
For details on how upgrade certificates work on award tickets, Pay With Miles, Miles + Cash, and companion fares, see my guide: Do Delta Upgrade Certificates Work on Award Tickets?
FAQs
Do Delta upgrade certificates expire?
Yes. Delta Global Upgrade Certificates (GUCs) and Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs) expire at the end of the Medallion Year in which they are selected. Travel usually must be completed or at least begin before the expiration date (typically January 31 following the Medallion Year).
Can I waitlist a GUC or RUC?
Yes. If a premium cabin isn’t available when you request the upgrade, Delta will place your certificate on the waitlist. Upgrades often clear close to departure depending on demand, fare class, and Medallion status. A certificate does not guarantee an upgrade — it simply gives you higher upgrade priority when space opens.
Can upgrade certificates be used on partner airlines?
Global Upgrade Certificates can be used on certain partners such as Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico, and Korean Air on eligible routes and fare classes. Regional Upgrade Certificates are valid only on Delta-operated flights.
Do certificates work one-way or round-trip?
Each upgrade certificate is applied per one-way trip in a single direction, but it can usually cover eligible connecting segments on that itinerary. A round-trip typically requires two certificates (one for each direction), assuming both directions are eligible.
Can I use upgrade certificates on Basic Economy tickets?
No. Basic Economy fares are not eligible for GUC or RUC upgrades. You’ll need an eligible Main Cabin or higher fare class to use certificates.