V-Flyer

One benefit of the VS/DL tie-up (for me, anyway) has been the automatic upgrade to DL First Class on US domestic flights for VS Au pax.

The magic words are, of course, "pending availability".

I don't know whether the precise order of 'seniority' on the upgrade listing has changed (i.e. whether VS Au has been pushed up), or whether I've just been lucky, but I've been upgraded on the last five DL flights.

I've never been number one on the list (the highest I've been is two), but I've also rarely been bottom of the list.

I'm impressed with the automation too. You just enter your VS FC number when booking/checking-in, and that't it really.

NYLON

Good to hear NYLON.

Had my first 2 First experience domestically on DL, and it's a good service, especially if free upgrades... I've never drunk so much decent bourbon on a 1 hour flight as the one from BNA to DTW 2 weeks ago. Full finger measures times 6 I think it was.... The woodford Reserve is definitely my DL First drink of choice.

As am now AU for next year, so hoping to repeat your luck on my domestic legs (and maybe fly DL a little more!)

Ha! I know what you mean, starquake.

It's a pity FC Au doesn't get you anywhere on DL's Business Elite product, which is really very good indeed.

Looking at my previous five flights, I think you can maximise your chances on DL by taking flights in the middle of the day, and not on Mondays or Fridays.

It's such a strange lottery, isn't it? Arriving at the gate and seeing your initials up there (or rather the first three letters of your surname, and first name initial), then wondering if you're going to be usurped at the last minute...!

From what I hear from some of the DL platinum top tier flyers met on my last flight - being that doesn't = free TATL or other BE upgrades.

DL BE is for those paying, or redeeming ( plus ocasionally 2 or 4 certificate based upgrades).

That said, BE is a very good product, I think sleep wise, I prefer VS now (reminds me need to write a TR). VS is more comfortable to me than DL. Day flight though, I'd pick DL now due to the food/experience being best I've had in years. Partnership is therefore deemed good, as I'll be trying for DL out, VS back for next few work trips.... well if the head beancounter says Yes.

I'd also comment DL have resulted in my only bag-loss then recovery incident in last 5 years of travel (ie, a 1/10 sectors record when I work it out) (and managed same for my work colleague on a different routing a month ago) - where VS have a 0/40 sectors record to date, and BA similar.... I would say they handled it reasonably though - bag back in hands 32 hours later, couriered to back-of-beyond in suffolk. It was hilarious when the DL baggage courier phoned from LHR and said "there in 2 hours" - I said, "no you wont, think 3.5"... and was 4.

Yes, I think BE is a great product. Here's a TR I did for LHR-JFK: http://v-flyer.com/forum/index.php?f=21 ... =viewtopic

I just took another DL flight (DCA-LGA) and was upgraded again. That's six in a row now! I was third on the list this time...

The DL/VS tie-up really suits my travel purposes. Mind you, I'm fairly certain VS Au is still at the very bottom of the DL "Complimentary Medallion Upgrades" (also dependent on Y bucket), but maybe I'm wrong and it isn't anymore. Is there an easy way to find out?