Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
GUIDE
How to use Delta Global Upgrade Certificates
Delta Global Upgrade Certificates are upgrade certificates in the Delta SkyMiles programme that members can apply to Award Travel tickets, to Miles + Cash tickets on Delta-operated flights and to Pay with Miles tickets, with Delta Basic experiences excluded in each case. [3]
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Delta's SkyMiles programme rules name three ticket types that a Global Upgrade Certificate can be applied to: Award Travel tickets, Miles + Cash tickets on Delta-operated flights and Pay with Miles tickets, in each case except Delta Basic experiences. [3]
- Award Tickets are not eligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards, but the rules allow Global or Regional Upgrade Certificates to be used with them. [3]
- Selling or bartering upgrade certificates is prohibited, and certificates obtained that way are void, invalid for travel and confiscated. [3]
- Unused upgrade certificates can be cancelled while an account is under audit, and are cancelled if membership is terminated. [3]
Where can you use a Global Upgrade Certificate?
Delta's SkyMiles programme rules set out the ticket types a Global Upgrade Certificate can be applied to, and the same sentence names Regional Upgrade Certificates alongside them. [3] In every one of those three cases, Delta Basic experiences are excluded. [3]
| Ticket type | What the rules set out |
|---|---|
| Award Travel tickets | Global or Regional Upgrade Certificates may be used, except with Delta Basic experiences. [3] |
| Miles + Cash tickets | Certificates may be used with Miles + Cash tickets on Delta-operated flights, except with Delta Basic experiences. [3] |
| Pay with Miles tickets | Certificates may be used with Pay with Miles tickets, except with Delta Basic experiences. [3] |
| Delta Basic experiences | Excluded in each case above. [3] |
The certificate route is separate from upgrading with miles. Award Tickets are not eligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards, and Award Travel of any kind cannot be upgraded with a separate award or by paying an additional fee. [3] Mileage Upgrade Awards are instead valid only for upgraded one-way travel in certain markets and carriers other than Delta-operated and Delta-marketed flights, which is why the ticket type decides which tool applies. [3]
What each eligible ticket type involves
Award Travel. Award Tickets may be issued only by Delta, and only on Delta ticket stock. [3] Taxes and fees are the passenger's responsibility and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. [3] Award seats may be limited and may not be available on all Delta Connection or airline partner-operated flights. [3] Name changes are not permitted once an Award Ticket has been issued, and Award Tickets are nontransferable once issued. [3] For travel originating in the United States and Canada, members may change the origin, destination, routing, date and time, or cancel an Award ticket without a redeposit or change fee, excluding Delta Basic experience fares, for which a change fee applies if changes are permitted. [3]
Miles + Cash. Miles + Cash is a redemption option on Award Tickets offered during the booking process on select round-trip flights, letting a member pay with a combination of miles and dollars. [3] Tickets bought that way are Award tickets and carry all the limitations of Award tickets, including being ineligible for mileage accrual, and Miles + Cash may not be available in all markets or on all flights. [3]
Pay with Miles. Pay with Miles lets members pay for eligible tickets with miles, money or a combination of both, and is an exclusive benefit for SkyMiles members who hold an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card. [3] Those redemptions can only be made when booking a trip on delta.com. [3]
Exceptions and limits
- No sale or barter. The sale or barter of miles, vouchers, Award Tickets, upgrade certificates, Medallion Status, Medallion benefits or any other benefit by SkyMiles members, or the attempt to do so, is prohibited. [3] Upgrade certificates obtained through prohibited sale or barter are void, invalid for travel and confiscated, and anyone trying to use them will not be permitted to travel unless they buy a new ticket from Delta at the applicable fare. [3] Delta may also terminate or deduct mileage from the account of a member who breaks this rule. [3]
- Account audits. Delta reserves the right to audit accounts at any time and without notice. [3] While an account is inhibited during an investigation, any outstanding Award Travel, upgrade certificates or other redemptions will be cancelled, and cancelled certificates must be surrendered to Delta on request. [3]
- Terminated membership. Termination results in loss of all accumulated mileage credit, cancellation of any unused Award Tickets or upgrade certificates, and loss of all other SkyMiles benefits. [3]
- Which rules govern. All SkyMiles benefits are conditioned on the member's acceptance of and compliance with the Membership Guide and Program Rules, and unless otherwise stated the rules in effect at the time of travel or of the request for a benefit govern that transaction. [3] Delta has the sole right to interpret and apply those rules. [3]
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a Delta Global Upgrade Certificate on an award ticket?
Yes. Delta's programme rules say members may use Global or Regional Upgrade Certificates with Award Travel tickets, with Delta Basic experiences excluded. [3]
Can a Global Upgrade Certificate be used on a Delta Basic ticket?
No. Delta Basic experiences are excluded from each of the three ticket types where certificates may be used. [3]
Can I sell or barter a Global Upgrade Certificate?
No. Sale or barter of upgrade certificates is prohibited, and certificates obtained that way are void, invalid for travel and confiscated. [3]
What happens to unused certificates if my SkyMiles account is closed?
If membership is terminated, any unused Award Tickets or upgrade certificates are cancelled along with accumulated mileage credit. [3]
Are Award Travel tickets eligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards?
No, Award Tickets are not eligible for Mileage Upgrade Awards, but Global or Regional Upgrade Certificates may be used with them instead. [3]
Sources
Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. Regional Upgrade Certificates, Medallion complimentary upgrades and the upgrade instruments of other airline programmes are not covered here; see the Delta SkyMiles upgrade guide for the wider picture.
- Delta SkyMiles Membership Guide and Program Rules, checked 18 October 2026