Looks like I will hit Platinum Medallion this year (Delta)

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it's hard to score free upgrades on any of the big 3 airlines when you fly out of their major hubs since you are essentially competing with the entire program

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I have platinum status (3rd tier out of 4) on AA and fly out of DFW... I think the only flights I've ever been upgraded on are on the small regional jets to a smaller airport (Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Baton Rouge, etc..) and typically its only on the way to those places. The return flight is usually packed and I don't get it because of all the people connecting through DFW.

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What will be my chances to sometimes get First Class upgrades? I almost always fly out of Atlanta.

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10% - Lot's of Diamon and 360 now, but the biggest reason is cheap upgrade offers for non-status members.

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I have platinum status (3rd tier out of 4) on AA and fly out of DFW

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Technically 3 of 5 with EXP and CK. With that being said, AA uses rolling LP so even as a Platinum you could be at the bottom of that list.


TL:DR - A lot of it depends on route, cabin size, time of day, etc. I am EXP with AA and have had 100% months and 0% months depending if I choose to take a 321 on a Tuesday evening first a 737 on a Monday morning.

Less the 50%. I’ve been platinum for the last 2 yrs. I’d say I get upgraded to comfort about 80% of the time tho. So many platinum members in ATL.

Thanks everyone, that is about what I expected.

Congrats on Platinum! Just means you fly too much and the hassle will be less.

Seriously..

I had that for a couple of years and it makes the lifestyle a little more bearable.

ATL. Uggh. Major Hub City. Just about you and everyone else is Platinum Medallion.

My take: Upgrades out of ATL will be better than Gold — you clear at 120 hours out instead of 72 — but don't expect them consistently since ATL is a Diamond/Platinum-heavy hub with a lot of competition. Your best move: use your 4 Regional Upgrade Certificates (a Platinum Choice Benefit) strategically on flights you care most about — those clear far more reliably than complimentary upgrades. (RUCs are one-way vouchers that confirm you into First Class and are prioritized ahead of complimentary upgrades in Delta's queue — as a Platinum, you receive 4 per year as a Choice Benefit, plus 6 more annually if you hold the Delta Reserve Amex card.)

Avoid Basic Economy fares and you'll be in good shape. (Basic Economy fares are completely ineligible for upgrades — no complimentary First Class, no RUCs, regardless of your Medallion status. Always book Main Cabin at minimum or you're leaving your best Platinum perk on the table.)

If you ever fly out of smaller Delta hubs like Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, or Cincinnati (a former hub with lighter Medallion traffic), your upgrade odds are noticeably better since you're competing against far fewer Diamonds and Platinums than at ATL.

I am diamond and don’t get many out of Atlanta.

I was 4th out of 45 on a recent trip to Dallas (for 2 seats).

Connecting out of SLC or others is more likely.

I doubt you'll get upgraded often out of ATL. Aside from the RUCs if you can use them, it is nice to get the auto upgrade to comfort plus even on international flights as a platinum.