Upgrades on DL flights as a VA Frequent Flier

[oliverd]

Hoping for some feedback/insights from the community (I'm a long-time VA Platinum domestic traveller, but only recently ventured away from QF for int flights and I'm finding it way more complex to navigate than OneWorld!...)

So: SYD/LAX on 24/March and LAX/SYD on 27/March.
VA have said currently no J upgrades available on either date on VA or DL flights.
I could book "Freedom" Y fares on VA, which would also get me 80 SCs in each direction and hope an upgrade comes through (didn't work last trip)
Or, I'm leaning towards booking Comfort+ fare on DL, giving me 120 SCs each sector but no upgrade option. This is cheaper than the VA Freedom fare for a marginally better seat.
(Called VA and was told it's impossible to book DL a Comfort+ seat on a VA ticket.)

Other than general feedback, I'd like to know if I book via DL using my VA (Plat) FF number, could I upgrade with Skymiles?

TIA for your help

 

[CPMaverick]

I'd like to know if I book via DL using my VA (Plat) FF number, could I upgrade with Skymiles?

No you cannot upgrade with Delta miles unless you have your Delta Skymiles number on the reservation.

Additionally, Delta doesn't have a set upgrade miles cost. It's dependent on the cash fare difference. So you have to call, and it can be quite high.

The Delta option is a good way to earn additional SC. I am 4/5 for VA upgrades to J on Freedom Fares, so I definitely prefer that option, with EconomyX as a fallback. But yes, significantly fewer SC.

 

[serfty]

...
(Called VA and was told it's impossible to book DL a Comfort+ seat on a VA ticket.)
...

I did once - it was a couple of years ago.

About 2 months out from the flight VA had cancelled my economy flight to SYD and put me on the VA*DL codeshare.

I had the DL booking reference and was able to do set selection online which included the possibility of upgrading to C+ for UD135.

OK, I went through the process, entering CC details etc. but right after the final payment commitment it errored out.

However, I noticed my CC had been charged and the seat I selected stuck. I left it at that and travelled two months later.

 

[clipped_wings]

VA Elevate booking in Y+ comes out just over $1900, compared to DL at over $2000 for those dates, except you have to transit via BNE. You could still get the offer to bid for an upgrade on the way back - our kids flew Getaway and were offered bid option both ways.

I think the return sector for such a tight turnaround trip would be the preferred option for a better seat (or bed).