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First Delta A220 jet!
Yesterday Delta went PR blitz crazy about the first newly painted Delta A220 (was the CS100). Many blogs simply re-posted the stock info about the jet provided to them (yawn). To be sure, this jet will be a real game changer. Delta is buying what looks like one of the best jets ever built and will be a really comfortable travel experience.
Worth it? Maybe!
In conjunction with the above, Delta has put up 4×2 packages to be some of the first non-press or non-industry folks to see the jet in a special way via SkyMiles Experiences (maybe – see below). Take a look at THIS auction that is starting at 40,000 SkyMiles (but likely will go for a HUGE number):
“This Airbus A220 package includes:
Two (2) Delta Air Lines complimentary travel certificates. Each certificate is valid for one (1) roundtrip main cabin flight within the continental United States (US48)/Canada*
A two (2) night stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal Airport checking in on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, and checking out Friday, October 19, 2018 in Québec, Canada
Transportation for two (2) to and from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal Airport and Airbus A220 facility in Mirabel, Québec (Canada)
Access for two (2) to an exclusive Delta preview of the Airbus A220 aircraft on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the Airbus A220 facility in Mirabel, Québec (Canada). This Airbus A220 facility visit also includes the following: Private tour and overview of the Airbus A220 Final Assembly Line. Flight simulator experience. Onsite complimentary catered lunch.”
Well does that not sound very interesting. If it could be had for 40,000 SkyMiles I can see some real AVgeek value. I personally value my SkyMiles at 1.5-2 cents each so this is not bad – at the starting price. My guess is they will go for about 200,000-300,000 each package and that is just way too much. Oh and notice the fine print that is also included:
“This experience does not guarantee guests will be able to step onboard the aircraft and is at the discretion of Airbus. At the end of the site visit, attending guests may choose to participate in an optional recorded interview with a Delta representative to capture their SkyMiles Experience visit at the Airbus A220 facility. The attending guests may opt out of filming and photography if desired.” – bold mine
Ah. You may not get to see the inside of the jet – and that to me would be one of the main reasons to do this in the first place.
So should you bid on this? Well I am not and here is why. First off, the week chosen is also the week of the Chicago Seminars and Thursday night the 18th I am having a points meet-up dinner in Chicago (email me if you want to join us). Next, I really like the inaugural flight experience as with the A350 and may shoot for that vs. the above that, as mentioned, will likely be WAY over priced when it ends.
What do you think? Is this one of those, like the Delta Jet Drag experience, that is worth burning your SkyMiles on? – René
