delta standby list for seat assignment

Vacation Rentals
Restaurants
Things to do

What does it mean to be on Delta standby list? - Air Travel Forum

Tripadvisor Forums
Air Travel Forums

What does it mean to be on Delta standby list?

United States Forums
Europe Forums
Canada Forums
Asia Forums
Central America Forums
Africa Forums
Caribbean Forums
Mexico Forums
South Pacific Forums
South America Forums
Middle East Forums
Honeymoons and Romance
Business Travel
Train Travel
Traveling With Disabilities
Tripadvisor Support
Solo Travel
Bargain Travel
Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
Air Travel forum

I am traveling to NYC tomorrow evening. I bought Delta Basic Economy, and I know that seats are assigned at the gate.

I haven't flown in yet in my adult life (only 24), so I don't know what any of this means. But give it to me straight — am I likely going to be bumped from this plane since I am on "standby"? What does all of this mean? I plan to get to the airport 3 hours early tomorrow, btw.

Instead of asking here, why not phone Delta and ask the representative?

I had the same experience in October flying BE with Delta. I got seat assignments at the gate, which is fine. I certainly didn't see anything when I booked indicating that "BE passengers are first to be bumped--" which would certainly inhibit people from booking that fare!

It means your seat will be assigned at the gate.

BE fares do not let you choose your own seat, they are assigned at the gate, after the higher fare class passengers have chosen or been assigned their seats. Usually middle seats, but ultimately depends on which seats are left.

Seating charts can be misleading, as they hold some seats in reserve for gate assignment or to handle seating issues. As these reserve seats aren't available for advance seat selection, the airlines simply display them as occupied.

Standby is the list you're on until you get your seat. Everyone on a BE fare is on the standby list until their seat is assigned. It does not mean you're going to be bumped. It means you're standing by for your seat assignment. Your seat will be assigned when you arrive at the gate.

Once you arrive at your gate, depending on the airport, there may be a screen that will list all standby passengers under "awaiting seat assignment" -- Same list as you see on the app.

The gate agent will systematically assign seats and when that occurs, it will update on the screen and app and passengers will get called up and given a new boarding pass. There is usually an announcement to that effect as well.

For future reference, purchase Main Cabin next time and do not purchase Basic Economy. Or read the small print before clicking purchase.

No time loading my first leg of my trip and just now realized it.

I’m traveling to Canada so I’m thinking that might have something to do with it.

Boarding 1 day before visa validity 1:06 pm
Is Priceline reliable? 1:02 pm
Travel Insurance 12:46 pm
Questions about China Southern 12:43 pm
Top Travel Agencies for Your Next Trip 12:36 pm
internal flying in the uk 11:55 am
Ryanair Airport Parking 11:43 am
Ryanair flights from Newcastle to Gdansk gone 11:38 am
General Question Regarding Skiplagging 11:21 am
Best Travel Agencies for International Trips 11:21 am
Flying with Qantas with American Airline. Seat advice 11:02 am
Heathrow to Jamaica with Virgin - comments on economy? 10:43 am
Delta 757-300 seats 28 d&e 9:18 am
Is Booking.com reliable for flights 9:13 am
++++ ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada) requirements for visa-exempt foreign nationals ++++
++++ TIPS - PLANNING YOUR FLIGHTS +++++++
Buy now or later? What's with these screwy ticket prices?
Around-the-world (RTW) tickets
All you need to know about OPEN JAW tickets
Beware of cheap business class tickets (sold by 3rd parties)
++++ TIPS - PREPARING TO FLY +++++++++
TIPS - How to prepare for Long Haul Flights
TIPS - Being Prepared for Cancellations and Long Delays
TIPS: EU261 Compensation (cancellations/delay) due to crew sickness
TIPS - How to survive being stuck at an airport
Flights delays and cancellations resources
How do I effectively communicate with an airline?
Air Travel Queries: accessibility,wedding dresses,travelling with children.
Airline, Airport, and Travel Abbreviations
Connecting Flights at London Heathrow Airport
Covid-19 Coronavirus Information for Air Travel
TUI Airways (formerly Thomson) Dreamliner - Movies and Seating Information
++++ COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION ++++

The world's best hotels. Get the list .

Travel Forum
GreenLeaders

Get the Reddit app

Use your upvote/downvotes; spammers will be banned.

Confirmed ticket and check in but on standby list

I have a confirmed boarding ticket and was able to check in but it says my seat will be assigned at the gate and I cannot select a seat on the seating chart. Does this mean that I am flying standby?? even though i paid full value for a ticket. Thank you guys

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

Who Goes First? Delta Air Lines Standby Priority List

We may earn a commission if you buy through some of the links on this page, at no cost to you. Advertising policy

Standby Priority Guide for Both Non-Frequent Flyer Passengers and SkyMiles Members

This list is intended as a general guide only; not all passenger types have been included, and it certainly has some inaccuracies. In fact, many of the codes may be obsolete, especially given the recent major changes Delta made to its SkyMiles program.

However, based on your frequent flyer or other status and your fare type, the list should give you a pretty good idea of why you ended up where you are on the standby list – that’s it, and nothing more.

Please share your experiences flying standby on Delta, your opinion of this list, or anything you feel we left out by using the comment form below – or if you prefer, by contacting us confidentially.

Delta Standby Codes and Priority

1. HKFR – Confirmed first class pax for whom there is no available seat in the first class cabin, who is also an Executive Partner (or Delta 360 status – see code key below) or a SkyMiles member with elite status, including Million Miler.

2. HKF – Confirmed first class pax who is not a SkyMiles member with elite status, for whom there is no available seat in the first class cabin.

3. HKCR – Confirmed business class pax for whom there is no available seat in the business class cabin, who is also an Executive Partner (or Delta 360 status – see code key above) or a SkyMiles member with elite status, including Million Miler.

4. HKC – Confirmed business class pax who is not a SkyMiles member with elite status, for whom there is no available seat in the business class cabin.

5. HKDL – Confirmed crew member or mechanic without a seat assignment.

6. HKI – IRROPS pax. On some lists, the order of #6 and #7 are reversed. However, recent pax experiences on Delta indicate that IRROPS pax are given priority over elite status economy class pax.

7. HKR – Confirmed economy class pax for whom there is no available seat in the economy class cabin, who is also an Executive Partner (or Delta 360 status – see code key above) or a SkyMiles member with elite status, including Million Miler.

8. HK – Confirmed economy class pax who is not a SkyMiles member with elite status, for whom there is no available seat in the economy class cabin.

9. HKV – Confirmed pax who is willing to give up his or her seat.

10. DM – Diamond Medallion on discount fare confirmed in economy class and desiring upgrade

11. PM – Platinum Medallion on discount fare confirmed in economy class and desiring upgrade

12. GM – Gold Medallion on discount fare confirmed in economy class and desiring upgrade

13. FO – Silver Medallion on discount fare confirmed in economy class and desiring upgrade

14. SM – Non-elite SkyMiles member on discount fare confirmed in economy class and desiring upgrade – also alliance partner upgrade

15. SBUP – Paid standby upgrades

16. A2 – death / emergency

17. B1R – Inconvenienced or mishandled by Delta, Medallion status pax

18. B1 – Inconvenienced or mishandled by Delta, all other pax

19. C – Inconvenienced or mishandled by another airline who paid Delta the full Y fare

20. Confirmed pax desiring a same-day flight change

21. S (S1A, S1B, etc.) – non-revs (non-revenue pax): airline employees, Buddy Pass travelers, etc.

General rules when all else is equal (> = have priority over) : – SkyMiles members > non-SkyMiles members – Medallion members > non-elite members in this order: Delta 360, DM, PM, GM, MM, FO (with the last two perhaps switching order in some instances) – Full-fare pax (F,J,Y,B) > discount fare pax (all other fares, more or less) – Order of booking class priority: – – First class: F, P, A, G – – Business class: J, C, D, I, Z – – Premium economy: W – – Economy: Y, B, M, S, H, Q, K, L, U, T, X, V (E is not eligible) – – Award travel: R, O, N – IRROPS pax on connecting legs > IRROPS pax on first leg of trip – Older timestamps > newer timestamps (refers to time and date of ticketing, either original or re-issue). – Booking class E is not eligible for standby – Rebooked tickets are issued in the same fare class as the original ticket (if you move up to fare class Y on the rebooked ticket, you got lucky)

Code Key EP = Executive partner – from Delta’s former top-tier, “secret” Executive Partner program. Like the program itself, this code is likely obsolete – maybe replaced by a new code for Delta 360, the new elite invitation-only tier. PM = Platinum Medallion DM = Diamond Medallion GM = Gold Medallion MM = Million Miler FO = Silver Medallion IRROPS = disruptions or delays to flight schedules: weather, maintenance or staffing issues, etc. pax = passenger or passengers

Track and exchange Delta SkyMiles – swap miles and points with other loyalty programs (service provided by Points.com)

Cancel Delta Air Lines flights and request a refund

How to cancel Delta flights and request a refund

Reach more destinations with Condor's partner airlines

What airlines does Condor partner with?

Expedia flight credits and how to use them

Learn how to cancel Travelocity flights and get a refund

Need to cancel Travelocity flights and request a refund? Here’s how

All Articles
10xTravel Team
Credit Card Reviews
Reader Success Stories
Two Card Trips
Weekend Getaways
Award Booking
All Credit Cards
Best Credit Cards (September 2024)
Best Airline Credit Cards
Best Hotel Cards
Best Travel Cards
Best Business Cards
Best Cash Back Cards
Award Space Alerts
Award Booking Service
Credit Repair
Luxury Hotel Program
Travel Insurance
Trip Planning Service
Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet
Transfer Bonuses

Navigate the Delta Standby List for Last-Minute Travel

Updated: April 9, 2024

How to Navigate the Delta Standby List for Last-Minute Travel

10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Note: Some of the offers mentioned below may have changed or may no longer be available. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. You can view current offers here .

Loading table of contents …

Even the best of travel plans go awry.

Whether you decide you want to squeeze a few more hours out of your vacation or need to travel earlier than planned, Delta Air Lines has a few smart options for you.

If you’re on an eligible domestic flight, you can opt for the Delta standby list to help you secure a different flight on the same day. What’s more, the service is free of charge.

However, there is some small print to read carefully when it comes to making a same-day Delta standby change.

Let’s dive into the Delta standby list meaning, its pros, cons and when you’d be better off going for a same-day confirmed change instead.

What Is the Delta Standby List?

The Delta standby list enables you to make same-day changes to your flight plans, as long as there is seat availability.

Perhaps you want to arrive at your destination earlier than planned or maybe you were bumped from your original flight due to overbooking.

You can opt to be on the Delta standby list, putting you next in line when a seat is available on your desired flight.

The only caveat with being on the Delta standby list is that you’re not guaranteed to get a seat on the flight you want to be on, so be prepared to gamble.

Same-Day Confirmed vs. Standby

It’s easy to confuse a same-day confirmed flight change with a same-day standby change. However, these types of changes carry different levels of risk, so it’s essential to understand the distinction. Likewise, these changes are also different from when you want to upgrade your Delta flight .

A same-day confirmed change happens when you want to rebook a confirmed seat on a different flight departing on the same day. In this case, you’re assigned a seat at the time of booking, guaranteeing that the plane will leave with you onboard.

For Delta same-day confirmed changes, a fee starting at $75 applies. That said, you may be able to avoid the fee if you have a refundable ticket or if you’re a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion member.

You can use same-day confirmed changes on travel within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection® flights.

The following terms apply to same-day confirmed changes with Delta:

A seat must be available in the same fare class or lower on the flight you wish to change to. That means you could change from a Delta Premium Select fare to a Main Cabin fare, but not the other way around.
Same-day confirmed changes can’t be made on international flights.
Origin and destination, as well as same-city airport changes, are unavailable for same-day confirmed changes.
Changes from connection flights to nonstop flights are forbidden.
Basic Economy fares aren’t eligible for same-day confirmed changes.
The same-day change can be made within 24 hours of the departure time of your original flight.

In contrast, a same-day standby change enables you to wait for an open seat on a different flight departing on the same day. Same-day standby changes are complimentary, meaning there are no fees involved.

If a same-day confirmed change is unavailable, you’ll be able to opt for same-day standby. Until your seat is confirmed on your desired flight, you’ll be able to keep your original flight booking (assuming your desired flight departs earlier than your original flight).

The following terms apply to same-day standby changes with Delta:

Same-day standby flight changes can be made only within 24 hours of the original flight departure time.
Silver Medallion members, general SkyMiles members and non-members can only fly same-day standby for a flight that departs earlier than their original flight.
Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members may standby for a flight that departs at any time on the same day as their original flight.
Basic Economy fares aren’t eligible for same-day standby changes.
Same-day standby changes can’t be made on international flights or flights to and from Canada.
Same-day standby changes can be made on travel within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights.
Origin and destination as well as same-city airport changes are unavailable for same-day standby changes.
Changes from connection flights to nonstop flights are forbidden. However, you can choose standby for multi-segment flights, as long as the beginning and end airports are the same.

The main difference between a same-day standby change in comparison with a same-day confirmed change is that you’re not yet allocated a seat when waiting on the standby list, meaning that there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to take your desired flight.

Likewise, while there are possible fees involved with same-day confirmed changes, there are no extra fees for same-day standby changes.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Bonus Miles

after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

Annual Fee: $650 Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

Why Opt for the Standby List?

Opting for the standby list can give you flexibility and cost savings.

You won’t be liable to pay a fee, unlike with a same-day confirmed change. Plus, you won’t lose your original flight booking by being on the standby list. Therefore, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying to catch a spot on an earlier flight.

Potential Challenges of Being on the Standby List

Although you technically have nothing to lose by being on the standby list, keep in mind the very real possibility that you won’t get a seat on your desired flight.

You likely won’t be the only one on the standby list. And if other travelers on the list have priority over you, such as those with higher Delta Medallion status, you could be out of luck.

That means if you need to be on an earlier flight than originally planned, opting for standby should be avoided.

Likewise, being on the standby list is a less-than-ideal option for families traveling together. Even a family of just three could face problems, with perhaps only one or two members being allocated a seat. Not to mention that being on the standby list can result in longer wait times, which could prove stressful for families with young children.

How to Get On the Delta Standby List

To get on the Delta standby list, you’ll first need to get on it within 24 hours before your original flight’s departure time.

You’ll then need to ensure that your fare type and destination are eligible for a same-day standby change. Specifically, you’ll need to have a fare type other than a Basic Economy fare. Similarly, your flight can only be within the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands on Delta and Delta Connection flights.

Once you’ve confirmed your fare and destination eligibility, you can call a Delta representative, go online or go through the Fly Delta app.

During the check-in process, you can opt to make a same-day change to your flight. You’ll be given a list of flights you can make a confirmed change to.

However, if a same-day confirmed change is unavailable, you’ll be given the option to make a same-day standby change.

Keep in mind that you can only change to the same or lower fare class than you originally booked.

Tips and Strategies for Navigating the Standby List Successfully

As with all things flight-related, having a solid strategy can help improve the odds of getting what you want.

Here are some tips for maximizing your success on the Delta standby list.

Arrive Early and Time Your Request

When it comes to flying, arriving at the airport early never hurts. This is all the more so when it comes to being on the standby list. In fact, arriving late could reduce your chances of getting that flight you want.

By arriving early and registering your change with a Delta representative or through the app, you’ll have a greater chance of being higher up on the standby list. This can help give you priority over other travelers when it comes to getting a confirmed seat.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans

Being flexible with your travel plans can give you greater success on the standby list.

If you’re willing to wait longer for a new flight or have your connecting flight through a different airport, you’ll be in a better position to score the flight you want.

Stay Updated on Flight Status

Fortunately, you don’t have to stay in the dark while waiting on the standby list.

You can select your desired flight in the Delta app and click “Upgrade/Standby List.” From the Delta upgrade standby list section, you can then select the standby list and see the names and order of priority for each of the passengers on standby for your flight.

In the app, there is no difference between the Delta standby list vs. the seats remaining list. The seats remaining list shows the number of yet unassigned seats. Keep in mind that this can also include booked Basic Economy travelers who haven’t yet checked in.

Similarly, you can sometimes see the standby priority list at your gate.

Keeping up to date on the status of the standby list can help you predict the likelihood of securing a seat.

Get Priority with Delta Medallion

When it comes to navigating Delta’s standby list, loyalty pays off.

All other things remaining equal, the higher your status is with Delta, the more priority you will have over others on the standby list.

That means Delta SkyMiles members tend to have priority over non-SkyMiles members. Within the Delta SkyMiles program , Diamond Medallion members have top priority, Platinum Medallion members have second priority, Gold Medallion members have third, and so on for the remaining tiers.

Likewise, full-paying passengers have priority over those traveling on discounted fares.

Leverage Other Delta Loyalty Programs

As mentioned, elite status can help get you ahead in the line while on Delta’s standby list.

Here’s a quick overview of Delta’s status tiers and what you need to do to qualify. Silver Medallion status is Delta’s lowest status tier. You’ll need to earn 5,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD) to receive Silver status. Here are the benefits you’ll enjoy:

7X miles on qualifying Delta flights
Priority check-in and boarding
Hertz Five Star® status
Unlimited complimentary Comfort+ and first-class upgrades on domestic flights in addition to flights from the U.S. to Canada, the Caribbean and Central America, 24 hours before your departure, with complimentary preferred seating
Discounted CLEAR® Plus membership
Your first checked bag flies free for you and up to eight travel companions.

Gold Medallion status is the next tier of Delta status, which you’ll need 10,000 MQDs to qualify for. As a Gold member, you’ll receive:

8X miles on qualifying Delta flights
Hertz Five Star status
Complimentary first-class and Comfort+ upgrades on domestic flights and short-haul international flights, 72 hours before your departure, with complimentary preferred seating
First checked bag free for you and up to eight travel companions
Waived same-day confirmed seating changes
Sky Priority® suite of services including expedited baggage service, priority check-in, priority security line access, and Sky Priority boarding
Discounted CLEAR Plus membership

Platinum Medallion status is the next step on Delta’s status ladder, requiring 15,000 MQDs. In return, you’ll enjoy:

9X miles on Delta flights
One Choice Benefit of your choosing. Benefits include four regional upgrade certificates, the option to give Silver Medallion status to two members, and many more options.
CLEAR Plus membership discount
Unlimited first-class upgrades 120 hours before departure
Sky Priority suite of services
Hertz President’s Circle® status

The final public tier of Delta status is Diamond Medallion. For this, you’ll need to earn 28,000 MQDs. Diamond members will receive:

11X miles on Delta flights
Unlimited complimentary upgrades for you and a companion to Comfort+ shortly after ticketing, first class 120 hours before departure and to domestic Delta One® on the day of departure
Three Choice Benefits of your choosing
Hertz President’s Circle status
Complimentary CLEAR Plus membership

Overall, it pays to have status when it comes to the standby list.

Get Set, Jet: Launch Your Last-Minute Adventure with Confidence

If your plans have changed since booking your flight, the Delta standby list could save the day.

You could switch to an earlier flight without paying anything in fees, giving you more time at the pool, bar or the beach.

However, basing your plans around the standby list is a gamble. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get the flight you want to be on. So if you need to fly earlier than originally planned, bite the bullet and pay the fee for a same-day confirmed change.

And if you’re a Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion member, you can avoid this fee altogether and still have peace of mind.

If you happen to fly Delta often, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could offer you significant rewards and perks when flying Delta, without the need for Medallion status. Check out our take on the Delta Reserve to see if this card is for you.

New to the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best card to start with.

With a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. , 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

bonus cash back

after you spend $6,000 in 3 months

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

$250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75K bonus miles

after you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

bonus points

after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

American Express® Gold Card

Membership Rewards® Points

after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

Anya Kartashova

12 Minute Read

Julie Neafach

37 Minute Read

14 Minute Read

To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Delta Standby Policy: How To Get On Delta’s Standby & Upgrade List

If so, Delta allows Same-Day Flight changes through two options: Same-Day Confirmed and Same-Day Standby.

Delta Same-Day Flight Changes

Same-Day Flight changes are only valid for certain types of tickets. Other tickets, such as Basic Economy fares and tickets for international travel, are not eligible for Same-Day Ticket changes.

Options for Same-Day Ticket Changes with Delta

1. same-day confirmed.

If a seat is available in your originally purchased fare class, you can change your ticket to a confirmed seat on a new flight.

2. Same-Day Standby

Same-day confirmed rules.

When you get a Same-Day Confirmed ticket, you’ll move to a confirmed seat on a new flight. Review the following rules before you make a same-day confirmed ticket change:

Eligibility

Fees for same-day confirmed flight changes, additional rules:, same-day standby rules, standby fees, how to make same-day ticket changes with delta airlines, delta same-day standby scenarios, 1. standby rules for missed flights.

If for any reason that is your own fault, you miss your Delta Air flight, you can ask to be placed on standby as long as you are in the airport within two hours after the flight departure. You will most likely have to pay a fee (like the fare difference)—depending on the type of ticket you have or your level of membership in their rewards program.

2. Standby Rules for Bereavement (Death) or Medical Emergencies

If you need to fly out for a medical emergency or the death of a family member, your best option is to purchase a Bereavement or Medical Emergency fare. These are not available online, so you will need to call Delta Reservations. Bereavement or Medical Emergency fares are competitive as they sometimes offer a more discounted rate than tickets still available at the last minute. They also give you more flexibility in case your travel plans change.

3. Standby Rules for Non-Rev Travel (Delta Employees, Friends & Family Members)

4. standby rules for international flights.

Delta doesn’t also allow you to fly standby for international upgrades. While there used to be complimentary international upgrades for elite SkyMiles members, these things no longer exist. If you want an upgrade when flying internationally, you’ll need to redeem miles or use a global upgrade certificate (if you have Diamond Medallion flyer status).

Best Carry-On Luggage When Flying on Standby

How to standby for a cabin class upgrade, upgrade rules if you are not a skymiles member.

Upgrades for regular passengers or non-members of Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flier program are somewhat limited. It is, however, possible to get an upgrade from an economy fare ticket to a higher class service without paying the full price, although you will have to wait until 24 hours before or on the day of your flight to see if such an upgrade is available.

Rules for SkyMiles Members without Elite Status

Delta’s Mileage Upgrade Awards can be used on both domestic and international flights. You have to call Delta Air Lines reservations 24 hours before your departure and make the request. If an award is not eligible when you make the request, you can request to be placed on the upgrade waitlist. Please note that the upgrade waitlist is different from the standby waitlist. Getting one does not affect the other, and your priority in the upgrade waitlist does not carry over to the airport standby waitlist.