Delta Fare Class & Upgrade Order Guide [2023]
Delta fare classes, also known as booking codes or fare buckets, are an essential part of Delta’s pricing strategy. They are alphanumeric codes that airlines assign to specific ticket prices, each representing a different level of service, flexibility, and price. These codes help differentiate among various categories of tickets, such as Delta One, First Class, Premium Select, and Economy.
Each fare class has its own set of rules and restrictions. For example, some might allow ticket changes or cancellations without a fee, while others might offer extra frequent flyer miles. Moreover, fare classes are closely associated with inventory management; Delta adjusts the number of seats available in each fare class based on demand prediction algorithms, allowing them to maximize their revenue.
Why should you care about this? Well, if you’re looking for your chances of an upgrade on Delta or hoping to earn extra MQMs, you may want to consider your fare class.
The Different Delta Fare Classes
Delta has over 20 different fare classes which belong to various cabins and boarding zones with varying restrictions. While fare class J is typically referred to as Delta One and fare class Y is typically referred to as economy (these are full fare tickets), there are many other fare classes. The higher your fare class, the more likely you’ll receive a complimentary upgrade within your Medallion upgrade window (on domestic flights).
| Fare Class | Cabin | MQMs Earned | Boarding Zone* | Upgrade Order | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | Delta One or First | 200% | Delta One or First | – | Full Fare – No Restrictions |
| C | Delta One or First | 150% | Delta One or First | – | |
| D | Delta One or First | 150% | Delta One or First | – | |
| I | Delta One or First | 150% | Delta One or First | – | |
| Z | Delta One or First | 150% | Delta One or First | – | Discounted first class (cheapest bookable ticket) |
| F | First Class | 200% | First Class | – | Full Fare – No Restrictions |
| P | First Class or Premium Select | 150% | First or Premium | – | Premium Select on International Routes |
| A | First Class or Premium Select | 150% | First or Premium | – | Premium Select on International Routes |
| G | First Class or Premium Select | 150% | First or Premium | – | Premium Select on International Routes |
| W | Comfort+ | 100% | Comfort+ | ** | The ticket has an underlying economy fare basis code. |
| S | Comfort+ | 100% | Comfort+ | ** | The ticket has an underlying economy fare basis code. |
| Y | Economy | 150% | Main Cabin 2 | 1 | Full Fare – No Restrictions |
| B | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 2 | 2 | |
| M | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 2 | 3 | |
| H | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 2 | 4 | |
| Q | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 2 | 5 | |
| K | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 2 | 6 | |
| L | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 2 | 7 | |
| U | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 2 | 8 | |
| T | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 3 | 9 | |
| X | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 3 | 10 | |
| V | Economy | 100% | Main Cabin 3 | 11 | |
| E | Basic | NONE | Basic Economy | N/A | Most restrictive ticket. No elite earnings. Last to board. Not eligible for upgrades. |
* your boarding zone may be different if you have Medallion status with Delta (or status through one of their SkyTeam partners). For example, Gold Medallions receive SkyPriority benefits, which include a dedicated boarding zone (which is after Comfort+ and before Main Cabin 1).
** Comfort+ has an underlying economy fare basis code, which is determined for your domestic First Class upgrade priority.
Delta Upgrade Order
Through December 31, 2023, Delta processes upgrades in this order:
- Medallion Status
- Fare Class Groupings
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Cardholders
- Delta Corporate Travelers
- Card Members who earned the current year Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) Waiver
- Million Miler Status
- Date and time of upgrade request
Starting January 1, 2024, Delta will start processing upgrades in this order:
- Medallion Status
- Cabin Purchased
- Million Miler Status
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Cardholders
- Delta Corporate Travelers
- Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) earned in the current calendar year
- Date and time of upgrade request
Delta Fare Class FAQs
You will have better chances at a complimentary upgrade by booking a higher fare class. This usually means a more expensive ticket. Keep in mind, Medallion status is the most important factor so, in most cases, you shouldn’t put too much weight into this if you’re not Diamond or Platinum.
The easiest way is to view the Fare Rule summary when booking your ticket. The third letter of the Fare Code code is the underlying economy class code. You can also call Delta and ask an agent for this information.
It depends on your American Express card. The Delta Platinum requires booking class L, U, T, X, or V (Main Cabin), and the Delta Reserve includes the same classes along with I, Z, and W (Discounted First or Comfort+).
So if you purchase a C+ fare and its underlying fare class is V but is 3x as much fare cost than the current H or K class published for main, you would still rank lower when it comes to the fare comparison for UG priority since underlying code is V and is the bottom?
Hey Scott, that is correct. C+ by itself doesn’t really impact how FC upgrades are processed. I don’t recommend paying 3x the fare solely in hopes of an upgrade.