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Thank you so much for this, René
This will be a great resource for everyone as a continuous thread!
Have you sat in economy comfort on a330-300 international flight? Can’t decide if I should book 10a&b or 11a&b. 10 is front row but next to galley. But row 11 will have 10 reclining into it. Just wondering if you had a preference. Got my info from seat guru . . .thanks
@Mike – Yep. It is very much like the 767 EC seats front row:
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/06/24/delta-air-lines-767-300-business-class-economy-comfort-international-seats-review/
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The exit row is also VERY nice but bathroom close and VERY cold near door. Get an extra blanket (or two)
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/09/18/a-18000-point-delta-mileage-run-the-run-to-sweden-embracing-delta-coach-travel/
Love this! So with Delta’s new enhancement as a Diamond my Skyclub membership will be downgraded to individual on March 1st.
Other than picking it as a benefit what options are there to go to Excutive?
@Delta Segment Flyer – $695: a $100 Diamond Medallion discount is available until March 1, 2015 or 80,000 miles
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https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/airports-and-aircraft/delta-sky-club/membership/membership-fees.html
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SOOOOOOOOO not worth it. Get a non-Delta AMEX Platinum card and then pay for the add on card for +1-3
Can you upgrade an economy award seat to economy comfort? A generous family member has given me and my husband enough economy miles for a RTW trip (it was booked before 12/31/14) but I am very tall and worried about the long trans-Atlantic flight and trans-Pacific flight in economy. Thank you.
@Kay – http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/in-flight-services/amenities-information/economy-comfort.html
I am considering gifting my $60k AMEX Reserve MQM bonus to a friend in need. I just reached the threshold with my statement that posted a few days ago. I know that if I select them for myself, they get credited to 2014. Is this the case if I gift them as well?
@Kevin- MQMs are ALWAYS for the year year earned them no matter keep or send. (E31) http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Hi Rene,
I’m still trying to get my arms around how this works. I’m a PM with a Delta Reserve Amex.
Let’s say I’m looking at a ticket that costs $500 total. If I buy the ticket with cash, I obviously get all the MQMs (for the actual mileage flown), and then $500 x 9 (Platinum medallion multiplier) = 4,500 points
I think I’m pretty clear that if I pay with miles, I still get the full credit of MQMs; my question is about the regular points.
For example, if I buy the ticket for $250 cash and $250 worth of PWM, do I still get the 4,500 points, or only 2,250 points for the actual dollars spent?
Thanks in advance for your help!
@Rom – See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/19/delta-sorta-fixes-pay-miles-pwm-pricing-bug-still-work-progress/
Rene — this one’s driving me nuts. Trying to book travel to Asia. I go to delta.com and key in outbound DFW to DPS (Bali) with the return CNX (Chiang Mai) to DFW. Outbound June 10 and return June 28. Up pops several $1255 fares — great deal!! I go thru the whole process even to the point of inputting my Am Ex security code. After declining to input a stateside contact, a screen pops up saying my fare has changed — jumped from $1255 to $5853. Wow! I call Platinum line and the guy makes it sound like I should have known that the “partner airlines” would not go with a $1255 fare. So, why show it at all, Delta? If it doesn’t exist, why indicate that it does? Your kind thoughts, Rene?
@Allen – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/06/12/many-ways-delta-will-play-price-ticket-reminders/
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and
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/07/21/hucb-dont-take-no-for-an-answer/
Hi. Just took my first Delta flight of the year, then looked at details in my SkyMiles account. Yikes. I am a Platinum member. I can follow the new Base Miles and Bonus Miles calculation (base fare x (5 + 4)). But I don’t understand the MQMs. One the outbound portion of the trip, I got MQMs for the actual mileage flown. But on the return portion, they have me a “50% MQM Bonus”. (No upgrades because my wife was travelling with me on a free companion ticket.)
1. Last year I got a 100% MQM bonus on all flights. That’s gone now?
2. This time, why no bonus one way and 50% bonus the other? Only thing I can think of is: Fare class was V outbound and T return.
@Wrecks – Your math is off. MQMs have not changed:
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/21/rookie-wednesday-planning-2015-delta-mileage-runs-less-good/
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MQM bonus is based on fare class
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http://www.delta.com/components/help/apps/booking/fare_class.jsp
Rene,
I am doing something this summer I vowed to never do, taking the family on an airplane. I am trying to get the most for my effort, money
I have delta amex reserve, so I get a free companion ticket, I have 300K+ sky pesos.
I am trying to basically get my ducks in a row prior to calling Delta.
I want to fly from CHS to MIA, can I combine and basically pay for my ticket, get the reserve ticket, then pay for 2 more tickets with sky pesos all on the same itinerary? I was going to buy a FC ticket with cash to get the corresponding comp ticket and then 2 tickets for sky pesos in coach and me and the boy sit in the back and wife/daughter get good seats. I can go ahead and buy FC seats with sky pesos as well.
Basically, I don’t know the best combination here, I have called Delta once and asked and I think I scared the lady on the phone. Any advice would be welcome.
William
@William – See these posts:
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/10/rookie-wednesday-get-amex-buy-one-get-one-free-bogof-certificate/
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/03/19/rookie-wednesday-use-bogof-cert-strange-rules/
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/09/25/rookie-wednesday-reader-chris-asks-about-linking-delta-reservations/
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The last one is important since you will end up with many PNR’s.
How do you suggest using regional upgrades? Calling Delta and asking to apply them when booking? I did this for 2 tkts ABR-LAS and they told me I would have to wait until closer to the flight date….??There is at least 9 open seats on both segments that I wanted….why wouldn’t they be applied immediately?
@Pam – See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/14/rookie-wednesday-delta-regional-global-upgrade-certificates-medallions/
Good morning, Rene’, did you see this article in Travel Skills daily yesterday regarding seating assignments for DL Medallions on Virgin Atlantic?
http://travelskills.com/2015/01/20/sit/
If true as the writer/flyer states, it is a better deal to get upgrade and early boarding on Partner airlines, i.e. KL and AF, than on an airline that is owned 49% by DL – Virgin Atlantic!
@Rick – I did. You never can trust partners even KLM etc. That is why you edit KLM AF seats with their PNR on their web site. You can NOT trust Delta. As to VA, well, I will only book in biz and it will be a non-issue. Or fly Delta metal. #SeamlessTravel – HA!
RE: Pay With Miles. As a Platinum or Diamond, I understand that I can book an award ticket and change it at no cost/ loss of points. I also understand that there is a hefty fee if I change my itinerary on a ticket paid with cash/ credit card. Am I also correct, in that a ticket paid with a combination of miles and dollars (“pay with miles”) will be treated as a paid ticket and not an award ticket, with respect to changing the itinerary or dates with a hefty fee? Thanks !
@JDW – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/28/delta-sure-has-shaken-things-up-with-the-new-spend-skymiles-math-for-2015/
Is KLM twitter support useless for DL ticketed KL flights when asking for seat assignments? I have a trip to CPT in March, but can’t select Economy Comfort seats on DL.com or KLM.com and their only response is to recheck for seats during check-in. KLM.com shows my non-status FB # instead of my DM status on the ticket which may be the problem.
@Arthur H – Sorta. You are better off opening a Flying Blue account, get KLM PRN, then tweet with that and CONFIRM change on KLM.com. http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/27/my-klm-april-flying-blue-book-came-saturday/
You will live to regret this! Your advise is too good and you just added an hour to your day keeping up with our questions. But we thank you!!
Rene’ I have and amex card and i just found out you can only transfer 250,000 points to delta. I need at least 280,000 points for the tickets i need. Can i get an the delta sky miles card get the 30,000 bonus points then transfer my points for the tickets?
thanks and i am a rookie and i love the sight
@Tracy Rich – that way an idea they changed once the new agreement with AMEX was signed. Here is the link at Delta.com saying they are NOT doing that.
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Transferring Points From SkyMiles Partners
Looking to transfer miles to your SkyMiles account from our partners? We’ve got good news.
As part of our continued partnership with American Express, we will no longer implement a 250,000-mile transfer limit for American Express® Membership Rewards®. The 250,000-mile transfer limit will also not be implemented for any other SkyMiles partners.
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http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/news-and-updates.html#
Hi Rene- Love your blog and being able to commiserate regarding the dreadful non-stop enhancements of my Gold Medallion benefits and perks. Anyway, I just booked one of the 1200 dollar Business Class round trips from Budapest to JFK and back. I’ve got a 10 hour layover in Paris on my Air France outbound and then a month later an 8 hour layover in Rome on my Alitalia return to Europe. I’ll position both ways by flying to and from Frankfurt where I have friends and I’ll sightsee my way to and from Budapest to reach my positioning flights. I’m excited to fly premium cabins in two Sky Team partners for only 1200 bucks, see Paris and Roma on the way to and from Budapest. I plan to book award tickets to Frankfurt and then home again from Frankfurt since I have friends there. So far availability isn’t so good and there only one day with low level coach availablilty (30K miles plus 5 bucks) for the out bound. Flying home from Frankfurt (in Business) costs 62,500 miles but also 328 euro of which 114 is for fees and taxes. So now you must pay with miles and dollars (euros) for an award ticket? Sheesh. Jeff
@Jeff – You will love them. Enjoy. Well worth the price and the reward will be sweet too.
Rene,
Been searching the web, Delta’s website, your blog – pretty much everything I can think with limited success. With the 747 showing up on ATL-HNL this summer it is a tempting trip to avoid Europe or ICN but am unsure the quality of the meal service. Is this simply an enhanced meal service on the outbound or is it a business elite lite or even a full business elite dinner? If it is not even close to a business elite (Delta One) style service I will stick to a true intercontinental trip.
Thank you
@Joe – Great question. Just a standard domestic meal. Only the seat is better! http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/15/rookie-wednesday-post-100-delta-food-options-delta-flights/
Thanks – that’s what I thought though I’ve read some reports on FlyerTalk about enhanced deserts such as ice cream and a bit more elaborate of a meal but nothing like an intercontinental experience. Keep up the great blog!
Rene, I have a trip MSP-HEL coming up next month. I can pretty much choose my flights – and It then will be booked/paid for by another company (I assume in coach). I am flush with both DL and AA miles. Do you have any idea which I would have a better chance of upgrading with miles to business class (especially for the TATL leg)? I’ve read the fine print of both programs but can’t see which would be better. I’ve never attempted to use miles in this way. TIA.
@OF – if you are talking upgrade with miles be sure to be M class or higher and Delta metal!
So which is higher upgrade status potential at time of booking online (not a later change), “upgrade requested” or “upgrade eligible?” 2 Diamond Desk agents have told me as follows:
1. Upgrade Eligible is higher, meaning you are automatically added to wait list.
2. Upgrade Requested means seats are available but you have to call to get on wait list.
Is this your experience?
@Glenn – Read this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/08/13/medallions-careful-sabotage-upgrades-details-matter/
Last year I earned 40,000 MQM, earning FO and rolling over 15,000 MQM. This year I’m trying to get DM for my wife, so I plan to gift her all MQM from my Reserve card. She then will gift me GM status.
Assume that the plan works and my wife gifts me GM in 2015. Also assume I earn another 20,000 MQM from my own flights this year, and end 2015 with 35,000 MQM. How many MQM would I roll over at the end of 2015? 35,000? 15,000? Zero?
@Charles – You must earn 50,001 & MQD spend or exempt to rollover 1 MQM.
I have two questions, if I book a ticket on Delta with Expedia, will I earn Skymiles? Will I earn MQD?
My second question, if I use the Pay With Miles option and use some cash and some miles, will I earn and Skymikes and/or MQD?
@Bluedevil – You should. Only Priceline is warned against but it can be a YMMV going forward. Safest is book on Delta.com. You SHOULD earn full points now with PWM according to Delta. See THIS post. See THIS post about non-Delta AMEX Plat fee credits.
Oh, and a third question, I just upgraded my Amex Gold Rewards to a Platinum card. If I select Delta as my airline, can I get Delta gift cards in $100 increments and have that count on my statement credit?
On a related note, would economy comfort seats count as reimbursable fees?
Rene, I actually read from your cited post to two Delta Diamond reps, and both declared the opposite – upgrade eligible trumps upgrade requested. My pre-2015 experience agrees with you, but they say no. Also, she said certs and mileage upgrades will trump free Diamond Medallion upgrades even with a Delta Reserve AMEX.
@Glenn – RU & GU do shoot you to the top(ish) of the list yes. That was the case last year too. Same goes for K+ domestic fares with miles upgrades. The Delta Reserve is just a tie breaker. The key, that you seemed to be asking about, was upgrade eligible. The post shows many are eligible but do NOT request the upgrade correctly. Clear?
Rene, I am clear except how to “correctly” request an upgrade. The ‘request upgrade’ box is checked when booking online, but the reservation screen states only “upgrade eligible’ not ‘upgrade requested.’ What else should I do? Thanks.
I guess I’m not very smart but I don’t see where I can go to sign up for this weeks’ SWAG. Is it a website or an email? if so, to whom? Rene? or Deltapoints?
@Pam – see E1 post http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
If I opt for the PM Choice benefit of $200 Delta voucher, will I be able to use that to help pay for the primary ticket when using my Delta Reserve card’s companion certificate. I read the terms on the certificate, and it wasn’t clear. Thanks Rene!
@Adam – not must use DL Amex to pay with BOGOF
will the platinum amex airline credit work for economy comfort seats on an international flight?
@Bluedevil – it should, yes. just about anything Delta should work. but for gift cards stay at $50
My wife (a Delta 1 million miler) and myself (a Delta 3 million miler) have both been Diamond since the inception of that status on Delta. As we tend to purchase higher level seats, we are not sure of what the changes in the Skymiles program will mean to us). We have seen a marked increase in the price of flights, despite the marked decrease in oil prices. My question: I’m about to become a 4 million miler. Is there any info on the perks for receiving that status, and do 3 or 4 million millers receive any higher “status” for upgrades than Diamonds with fewer miles ?? Thank you for your continued good information.
@UncleBob – as 4MM you are set! That is the highers DL will gift you and you are PM for “life-ish”.
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http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/medallion-program/million-miler-status.html
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Now Platinum is not what it once was but the info is in the link.
If i am paying the $29 guest fee to bring a guest into a skyclub with my amex platinum card, does the $29 fee need to be charged to that platinum card? Thanks!
@Chris – Yep.
I am trying to think something through and I would love your opinion. I am flying TPA-BCN and then FCO-TPA. Delta is my preferred airline (I will drop to Silver as of 3-1-15), but I also have some miles (but no status) on AA.
I can pay about $2000 for that ticket on the dates I want which according to the web site, would get me close to re-qualifying for Silver for 2016 (if my 22,000 rollover miles ever post). I could also use 130,000 miles to pay for the trip in coach.
I am a Delta Amex cardholder, but do not see the pay with miles option on this itinerary.
I could also fly a combo of US Aiwways, and BA for about $1400.
What would you do?
@Bluedevil – depends on what the status is worth to you. for your card, take it out out your profile, log out, log back in, put that card as the ONLY card back in, log out, clear cache, and you should be good to go for PWM.
I have a Delta MR coming up the end of the week ATL-BOS-DTW-SEA-DTW-BOS-ATL.
Question….under what situations can a flight be cancelled but still get full credit for mileage and mqm’s ? I believe you commented on this some time ago…..
@storminorm – you have to fly something to get credit
René, is it possible to pay the $195 difference from the DM individual SkyClub membership to the Executive level? It only shows paying for the next year; instead, I want to upgrade the current year.
When all these changes were originally announced, I remember seeing you post something to that effect.
@Adam – believe it was a limited offer. you can do that with a choice benefit. http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/22/rookie-wednesday-delta-choice-benefits-pick/
I searched your wonderful blog but can’t find a post about seat selection on different Delta metal. I’ve looked at SeatGuru, but I’m wondering what BE seats (or ONE, how confusing) you think are best on a B767-400ER, 76D? Thanks for all your help!
@la – you can look at the 767-300er as a comparison as they are similar http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/06/24/delta-air-lines-767-300-business-class-economy-comfort-international-seats-review/
Rene, Thank you for your Delta-centric blog! I probably missed this somewhere on your posts. Are the Delta Gold AMEX credit cards still available every 24 months or does AMEX more stringent policies apply to these as well? I recall (and used to do) alternating personal and biz cards every 12 months. If still able to, I will use your link 🙂 thanks!
@Francisco C – Thanks! The personal are 1x lifetime but YMMV. Some are reporting success with clear cache and clean browser and not logged in at AMEX but again YMMV. With business cards it is cancel, wait 365+ days, and good to go for new card bonus again. BTW all three Delta BIZ cards are now looked at as unique products 🙂
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http://www.DeltaPoints.com/bpc
Hi,
About how long does it take for the Amex platinum credit for preferred airline fees to credit?
@Bluedevil – a few days. See this post http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/12/confirmed-platinum-200-delta-airline-fee-credit-sweet-spot-50-2015/
You have probably been asked this a million times but since the site search isn’t showing up for me (I only see the explore categories up top, not sure why) I’ll ask you again here.
With the current Delta Skypesos program, in your experience, what’s the best way to get to Hawaii in first from NYC? What about to Tahiti? I have over 400k of skypesos to get rid of.
@David – That one is simple: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/14/need-award-booking-help-look-no-further-than-adam/
I’m Delta Gold Medallion this year and as I understand it, on March 1 I’ll lose the ability to pick Economy Comfort seats when I book – I’ll have to wait for them to clear 72 hours out. But I’ve already bought some tix later in March and it lets me pick the EC seats for those flights, even though the flight itself is after the 3/1 change.
So it seems to me that if I know I’m going to travel this year, I should go ahead and book flights now so that I can pick the EC seats, especially so I can bring my non-status hubby with me. Does that sound correct? Thanks for all the great info in your blog!!
@jstraussnc – book now free but if an equipment swap happens or a schedule change you will be back in coach.
Rene – Update of “upgrade eligible” vs “upgrade requested.” When booking (logged into my account, not guest), it shows “upgrade eligible.” After I pay for the ticket and view booking in Trip Details, it now says “MEDALLION UPGRADE REQUESTED.”
@Glenn – correct. you always want to see requested!
Hi,
I have a A.E. Delta SkyMiles Gold credit card. I wanted to ask if when making a Delta Reservation, do I need to pay with the Delta Credit Card to be able to get the benefits of Early Boarding, Free First Bag etc. I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card credit card and prefer to use this as my payment method to get the 2X points for Travel which I can use in the future for securing a award flight.
@Jeff – just have to hold card but make sure it is in your MY DELTA page.
Oh goodness! My head is about to explode from visiting websites and trying to figure things out. I am looking for 2 tickets from Nashville to Rome, Sept 12-27. I am looking for YBM or equivalent class that can be upgraded to Business class for around $1800. Is this unreasonable?
@Anna – Must be M class + to upgrade with points internationally and then when space is open yes. Better choice earn points and spend them for biz tickets! http://www.DeltaPoints.com/bpc
Hi Rene,
My wife and I are looking to book European flights w/ Delta points. Can she and I both send our Amex points to the same Skymiles account, so that we have enough points to book? I already called Amex and they won’t combine our amex accounts.
@Matt – You should be able to send to your wife from Membership Rewards. Add her as a card user then try and should work fine then.
I should’ve probably been a little more specific. I have 100k skymiles already, she has 100k Amex, I have 200k Amex. We just made her a skymiles account. Amex is telling me that she cannot transfer her amex to my skymiles, or transfer from her amex to my amex. We need all 300k amex to go to my skymiles to give us 400k for flights. I asked amex if i could just link both of our amex accounts to my skymiles, and he said delta would reject that.
Hope this makes sense 🙂
@Matt – again, add her as a user on your AMEX. Then, you will be able to send her amex to your amex. Clear?
She is an authorized user to a few of my amex cards. She also has an amex plat that is under a different account that I am not an authorized user on.
@Matt – She needs to be on the account you want to send points to. Clear?
Clear. I’m on Amex live chat now, and they’re saying she has to be the primary card holder of the account to send the points to. She is just an authorized user. By the way, thanks for the quick responses!
So, I am currently a silver medallion with 18500 rollover MQMs from last year.
I also have a delta amex.
I wonder – is it worth doing the 25k spend on the delta amex, to get around the spend requirements?
I’m concerned that I’m going to end up with 50k or more MQMs this year, but not actually have nearly enough spend to gain status.
I fly weekly or every other week, but mostly short-ish hops, $300-500 round trip.
Thanks!
@Zachary – I would, it is so simple to be MQD exempt and not worry about it! http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
Thanks @rene. One follow up question though. The 25k would represent essentially my entire credit card spend for all cards combined, for the year.
In light of that, is it still worth doing the Delta exemption over anything else?
@Zachary – If you are flying each week being GOLD would be very nice compared to Silver or not. Plus, do look at “other ways” to MFG spend so as to not impact you so much. See the linked post.
Hey Renee, love the blog!
I have been PM with Delta for 2+ years and dropped to silver this year. I had a plan to make Gold, but did not know I had to earn MQD AND MILES, I worked hard and spent money to get the MQD, but anyways I was very upset so I status matched to American for Platinum and immediately received GOLD.
M
My question is for my choice benefits I chose 4 system wide upgrades, but never had to use them, they expire feb22 this year. Can those be booked toward travel after feb?
As a former Delta employee and Atlanta resident it hurts to leave Delta.
@Chris – I assume you are talking Regional Upgrade certs? Systemwides are old ones. You must, per Delta.com, fly before they expire:
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“Expiration Date: Certificate expires twelve months from date of issue; all travel must be complete prior to certificate expiration date. Certificate may not be extended, reissued or returned for credit under any circumstances.”
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http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/medallion-program/choice-benefits/systemwide-upgrade-certificates.html#
René,
Here is my question for you…
I have to take my son to Portland Oregon two or three more times before June. I am GM on DL.. If I book our seats before the new seating plan goes into effect, will I be able to change the seats to Economy Comfort at time of booking?
Thanks,
@Gregg G – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/22/day-delta-reminders-bunch-little-bits-check/ aka rules at the time matter.
René –
It’s been quiet on the Mileage Run front…
Hoping you are looking at finding something soon, especially in light of the ‘supposed’ air fare sales coming this week for Spring travel?
~Hopeful in Seattle
@john Delta – Yep hard to hit my targets for 2015. Get close many days but not at target levels.
This is a very basic question, Rene. If I book award travel on DL, do I have 24 hours to cancel it with no penalty? I have no status with them. I looked on their website but couldn’t find the answer.
@April – yes applies to award tickets also. See this links that says:
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“For SkyMiles Award Tickets, please call Delta Reservations to request cancellation.”
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http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/ticket-changes-refunds/risk-free-cancellation.html
Hi Rene. With my Am Ex Delta Reserve card, I am $1076 short of the 1st $30,000 spend required for the 1st 15,000 MQMs. (So no way for the 2nd 15,000 MQMs). I overpaid my bill in December, so Am Ex got more than $30,000 from me … I currently have a credit. I’ve called Delta and Am Ex each more than 10 times, looking for a “small” exception … each says the other can credit me with the bonus 15,000 MQMs. Any ideas? Shucks, Kathy
@Kathy – You are talking LAST year 2014. How much you pay matters not at all. Only how much you spend. Unless you got the spend posted by 31DEC14 you are out of luck and stuck and there is nothing you can do. Spend MUST be posted and done by end of year each year! Sorry 🙁
Rene,
Just finished my first international flight under the “improved” 2015 Skymiles. Last year I consistantly received 36-38K per the same trip. For my trip in January, Delta blessed me with 14,432 miles. (Though I did “receive” a 17,621 MQM credit.) You want to speculate when the rules will again change and MQM earned will mirror total miles awarded? I”m so glad Delta has changed the program based on what their loyal customers want. I so wanted half the miles I used to get.
@Dale – AA still pays out full points unlike Delta – Just say’in 🙁
I sometimes take advantage of the FTD 35x points offer which shows up around flower-powered holidays. https://www.ftd.com/34795/ Is this a good deal for something I would have spent anyways? E.g.,5,250 “miles” for $150 (2.9 cpm)
@Jeff – IMO paying for Skymiles is NEVER a good deal – EVER. There are so many ways to MFG them almost for free. Paying for MQMs is a good deal. Lastly keep in mind a Skymile is, with Pay with Miles, worth 1 cent. That should be your base to see if there is value for other things. To “buy” Skymiles I would never pay more that 0.5CPM that is 1//2 a cent per Skymile!
Was wondering if its true you can no longer cacel a delta card and then reapply 12months later and get welcome bonus? thanks
@David – Correct. That only applies to the business cards now.
I am sorry what do you mean @David – Correct. That only applies to the business cards now.
? Does that mean you can get the welcome bonus for business accounts if you open and shut? Or if you have a personal account and later open a business account you could get 2nd bonus?
@David – See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/04/rookie-wednesday-perks-rules-delta-amex-cards-qa/
Hello, Rene!
I and my fiance are planning to visit LA-Las Vegas-Caccun for my honeymoon on May this year. Since we’re both working we couldn’t spare time as much as we want(I’m from Korea, and the Korean work culture is pretty tight), so we could spend at Cancun just 4 nights.
The flight from Cancun from LA was Delta which was supposed to be arriving in LA at night.. but schedule change suddenly happened… and it will be arriving in LA around 3 PM.. and that means that I have to leave Cancun in the morning and wait for another flight in LA for more than 7-8 hours…
I want refund and change to another flight.. but my ticket is non-refundable.. (“refundable” tickets are way more expensive usually..).
What can I do? Should I just waste my time? or waste money?
Thank you.
@Grace – That is enough time to cancel free if you want (or other choices). See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2012/10/09/understanding-the-power-of-the-mighty-schedule-change-rule-with-delta-air-lines/
Rene,
Do know what international business class seat is most comfortable on Delta? If the following, which is most comfortable 767-300, Airbus A330-300 of the big 747?
@Rick – All have a similar full flat seat and all are great. I ONLY dislike the 777! The 747 upstairs is amazing if you can get it and will soon go away. You will not be sorry with other two however. http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/06/24/delta-air-lines-767-300-business-class-economy-comfort-international-seats-review/
As a frequent international business traveler, I swear by the book “How to Beat Jet Lag.” Essentially, it uses light manipulation to incrementally adjust you to your destination time zone. You sleep or wear sunglasses, or stay up and seek light according to # time zones and east/west. The schedules are in the book.
Almost every flight I take to and from Europe and Asia require that I stay awake most of the flight. For example, when I fly AMS-DTW on the 10am flight, I see most passengers use their lay flat seats to sleep the whole flight. So, after boarding in the morning after a full night’s sleep, they sleep another 8 hours on the plane. Then when they arrive in the States in the afternoon, they find it hard to get to sleep that night.
I stay up during the flight and am ready for a normal night’s sleep and going to work the next morning. My point – forget which lay flat seat is better and take the flight that best fits your itinerary.
Hi Rene. I remember that there was a post about this, but can find it.
Is a 41 minute connection (via Delta ticket) realistic for Atlanta airport?
@Deltaflyer – Here you are: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/04/16/rookie-wednesday-airports-can-make-30-minute-connection-delta-minimum/
Hi. This might be a silly question but does Delta look at Diamonds in different way depending on how they made Diamond? I made Diamond for 2015 on segments and the group of people I travel with (band and crew) did it on miles. I have the reserve card. All of a sudden the upgrade situations seem to have changed even when we all have the same fare class. I used to consistently hold number one on the list but now get bounced all over the lists first 10. Definitely all feels different these days. Even my Delta friends at my home airport just shake their heads and say it’s weird. Just curious.
@Randall – There is a simple answer. Here it is: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/06/negative-impact-skymiles2015-fcm-medallion-upgrades-bad-will-2015/
When booking flights, when should I use pay with miles or is that a good choice? What about using miles to book business fares?
@Norman – Look here: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=pwm
.
Do keep in mind much of the PWM program is in flux and we do not have hard facts yet! 🙁
What strategy would you suggest for a status match to American? I’m a DM on Delta, more concerned about free upgrades than accumulating miles for free travel.
Would it be better to wait until the AA/US integration is complete?
@Kevin – I would match when it best fits your needs. I don’t think merger will have a ton to do with choice.
Yesterday no problem booking an award for my son while being logged in as a Diamond Medallion (for the free-cancel-option) – today I get the message for a similar award booking: “Because this itinerary was created using Medallion® availability, the names of Medallion passengers can’t be changed. Medallion members must be traveling to receive greater award seat availability. Learn more”
My own name is listed and cannot be changed on the itin.
Is this a new “enhanced feature” and if so, what to do now if booking an award for a family member from your own account/miles ?
@Genise – Not new. You must be traveling with them for them to get your perks!
@ René – Of course DL wanted more miles when not logged in as a DM, but it took an hour or so and IT re-adjusted with the DD to the saver award for 60k miles (to ZRH) that I was seeing, just not able to finalize booking with the usual “error” message after “complete purchase”.
Victory !!!
Rene,
I’m positioning myself to drop the Platinum Delta AmEx if things get much worse with the SkyMiles program this year. Due to an odd quirk of some large expenses, I might still spend $25,000 on the card even if I drop it by June (my renewal date). Do you know if the 25k MQD exemption will count for this year even if I drop the card before the year is out? Sorry if you have already covered this, I have read several of your articles on the topic and didn’t see it mentioned. Thanks if advance!!
@Aaron – Once you meet the spend, and it updates on Delta.com, you are done. You must NOT keep the card. More Q&A is here: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/04/rookie-wednesday-perks-rules-delta-amex-cards-qa/
yes if you spend 25K then cancel card they will count it just make sure the acct shows 25K spe4nt However they say they can change that at anytime Costco just dropped AMEX its all over news Amex stocks have fallen steeply and they have been losing airline deals so go google search its all over net this morning thanks robert
Rene, I wanted to cancel my AE Delta Platinum before paying the annual fee. The companion cert has been issued and in my wallet. CSR said I would forfeit the cert if I cancelled the card. Is that true? If it is what if I have already used it and paid for the flight?
@John – No see this post; http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/04/rookie-wednesday-perks-rules-delta-amex-cards-qa/
this may sound silly,, but could this blog show the posts in reverse order? As it continues to grow, we have to scroll past all the old Q&A to see the latest ones.
@Gregg – Ah but notice a trend, the same questions over and over. Thus look for answer on the way 😉
As you previously advised, I waited to select the GUC as my choice benefits for as long as possible, until I would be sure to use them.
Now I’m sensing that insiders seem to fear these will go away.
Do you think we (Diamonds) should speed up selecting before the new “enhanced” 2016 Medallion program is announced by Delta in all its glory – and not wait till after March 1st ?
@Genise – We can’t! http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/09/confirmed-no-delta-elite-medallion-choice-benefits-1march15/
Not even for 2015 ?
@Genise – You can pick your 2015 gifts as they should have become active as soon as you reached PM or DM last year. I would HOPE delta will not retro-change those already published (then again nowadays you never know how low they will go)!
Thanks René – exactly my thoughts and fears !
Rene,
Sorry I am confused. You say we can still find and reference award charts. Are these the 5 week calendars you can click on when dates are flexible? I’m sorta confused otherwise. Yes, I remember the charts showing that tickets will cost in miles on what days of the momth, but doesn’t the 5 week calendar do the same? I’ve try to follow the 8 different post to walk us through and had to stop of a cup of coffee halfway to clear my head. If someone wants to see an ‘awards chart’ that you speak of, what are the clear and simple steps to follow? thks
@Dale – You must search leg by leg. For example. To get to Sweden I looked until I found on Delta.com LEVEL 1 from wherever to Sweden. Then next step, from HOME to that starting point. Once all LEVEL 1 called Delta and kept calling till I found a rep to make it happen! See E7 posts: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Rene, are you a fella and if so been with Delta for many years? I may know you, Karen
@Karen – I do not work for Delta if that is what you are asking. I am a Diamond all on my own and the blog is my own.
Hey Rene,
Possible new devaluation. I’ve been taking the shuttle from LGA-ORD past 2 weeks. Instead of a snack basket, we are now only offered a bag of mixed nuts. F or Y, no choices. Still free beer and wine, though. I asked the FA about it, and she said “its all we’ve been catered with lately”
@Noah – see this and linked post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/07/correction-delta-schools-snackbasket-gate-agree-delta/
Rene, a quick question before I repeat my mistake again (and forget): if I made Diamond status in 2014, do I NEED to pick my choice benefits before 2/28/2015 ?
@Alice – If you earned status in 2014, it is the 2015 status you earned so you have till 1FEB16. See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/22/rookie-wednesday-delta-choice-benefits-pick/
Thanks for the clarification!
Should I be concerned of what might become of choice “benefits” after 2/28/15 or would this not affect 2015 status ?
As an insider, what are your thoughts on this please ?
@Alice – It is Delta 2015. We should ALWAYS be afraid and watch our backs! There is NO trust anymore. However, it would be hard for even Delta to change what is already in print now. As to next year:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/09/confirmed-no-delta-elite-medallion-choice-benefits-1march15/
Hey René, thanks for all the work on the blog! Interested in your thoughts/perspective… I am a new Diamond. I have the AmEx Platinum (Priority Pass etc) and DL Platinum AmEx (personal). Have been debating upgrading the DL AmEx from the Platinum to Reserve. Mainly for the help re UG lists/priorities – do you think it’s worthwhile/would make a meaningful impact? Other than the F companion pass I can’t think of any other real reason that would justify the increased annual fee from the Platinum. FWIW re travel, internationally company pays for J, domestically I am usually on changeable/flexible economy fares, that’s where I’d like the help, esp when connecting through elite heavy hubs.
@Bradders – It does help on UGs. Plus, you can make more MQMs per year with spend. With a little flexibility the BOGOF in 1st does pay for the card in full each year.
.
Rather that UG I would look at BIZ Reserve card then cancel persona plat for bonus MQMs from new card!
When booking business class on delta, what fare will earn me the most mqm”s? A or G or another fare? Or do they all earn the same mqm”s?
@Norman – Here you are: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/earn-miles/earn-miles-with-delta.html#
Another Q…..
When using my RUC’s, can they be used on a ATL-JFK-SFO leg flying in BE from JFK-SFO? if upgrade is available? What would be the best use of them distance wise?
@Norman – No sorry but JFK to SFO and LAX are GU certs only!
Rene
Just got this. – So why only through March 31. Seems like this could be a good policy long term. or just a test to see if they can do it?
What do you think?
GET YOUR BAGS IN 20 MINUTES — GUARANTEED.
Wherever your destination, the baggage carousel probably isn’t on your sightseeing list. So breeze through baggage claim guaranteed — or bag a bonus.
Now through March 31st, if your checked bag doesn’t arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less, you’ll receive 2,500 bonus miles. We are committed to outstanding customer service, and we’re holding ourselves accountable — down to the last bag.
Rene, is there a specific rolling carry on you can reccomend that will fit on the CRJ 145/200?
@Deltaflyer – Good question. A purse? Not sure bin hight but must be on web someplace
René,
I received a Delta offer for up to 50,000 bonus miles for staying with Marriott and having my stays credited to Delta. every other stay will get me 2500 bonus miles.
I am Plat @ Marriott and currently have about 350k Marriott points.
I do use points to stay at properties for personal use when the cash price of a room is high.
Trying to understand which is a better deal.
Gregg
@Gregg – Well if you also have a Delta AMEX card you can use those 50k as Pay With Miles so worth at LEAST 1 cent each so $500. Use that as a base price. After that it is what SkyMiles is worth to you. If you want to use for business class award may be worth more to you.
Hi Rene, In applying for Amex credit cards (personal SPG & business SPG), I understand that I shouldn’t apply for both in the same day. But, to avoid calls to customer service about why I need a 2nd card, in your experience, when is a good time/how long should I wait for the 2nd card app (i.e. the day after the 1st app? 5 days later?)?
René in the News:
http://blog.credit.com/2015/02/delta-hot-seat-frequent-fliers-108302/
René de Lambert of the blog Delta Points wrote, “Delta does not respect you enough to tell you what it should cost for an award ticket anywhere in the world. They do not want you to understand that you are very possibly overpaying for those valuable SkyMiles…”
Delta spokesman Anthony Black told Credit.com the decision to remove the chart from the Delta website was due to a lack of interest from users.
“There is a segment of people who rely on award charts, but the overwhelming majority doesn’t look at the charts,” Black said.
Thanks for the quick response.
Not looking for a purse, just a good rolling bag that works well for an overnight trip that doesn’t have to be checked planeside in most cases. I fly almost exclusively Delta. I thought that you probably have some reconditions.
Maybe it’s a good question for a swag Saturday 🙂
@Deltaflyer –
Two suggestions:
I do have practical experience with this aircraft and these two bags:
#1 Travelpro Crew 10 20in Expandable Business Rollaboard
http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bags/Travelpro-Crew-7-Chestnut-Rolling-Carry-on-Tote/5606740/product.html
#2 Ciao Carry on Under Seat Rolling Bag
http://www.amazon.com/Ciao-Carry-Under-Seat-Rolling/dp/B00EOE56CU
Hi Rene’
I have been reading your blog for a couple of years now. I also met you at the Chicago Seminars in the fall of 2013. Keep up the great blog.
I have a question for you. My wife and I used 500,000 Delta miles to fly business first from ORD to JNB via ATL. We arrived home Feb 17.
We were supposed to leave JNB at 8:55 PM. The incoming flight from ATL had to make a medical stop enroute to JNB to drop off a sick passanger. That caused the crew to go past their alloted time and they needed more rest in JNB. Our flight that was scheduled for 8:55PM did not take off until 4:00 AM, 7 hours late. That caused us to miss our connection to ORD in ATL. When we finaly ariived in ATL it took a while, but they rebooked us on a later flight, in coach not the First we had originally had, and we arrived to ORD at 7:00 PM. Not the 8:30 AM we were supposed to arrive. That caused other ripple problems for us.
What would be your advice as what we should do as far as asking for some sort of compensation? What are we legally entitled to? What do you think we deserve? We did use points, but we had earned them. We do not have status with Delta at this time.
Thank you,
Joe Dunne
@Joe Dunne – Ouch. Legally not much (this is NOT Europe) You can get the miles back difference from BIZ to coach at least if not much more. Beyond that, next time, PLEASE use ADAM as you WAY over paid in points: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/14/need-award-booking-help-look-no-further-than-adam/
Rene,
I have the Reserve card and was able to spend over $30k on it so far (thanks RedBird). My next statement closes March 9, and my next flight is March 11. The MQM I earned will bump me up to the next level, which I obviously want to do before my next flight.
I have a few related questions:
1) how long after my statement closes will the MQM post?
2) any way to expedite the MQM? Would I talk to amex or delta about that?
3) once I get my MQM and earn silver (or gold if I meet the next threshold too), will I be able to request an upgrade, even though the ticket was purchased before I had any status?
Thanks very much!
@Bob – as soon as you see the RDMs post your MQMs are there. It takes 1-3 days after statement close. No way to speed up. Status will update 1-2 days after MQMs. – Rene
@René –
Doesn’t he have to wait for an email from Delta or American Express to post his MQM’s to his account?
And after that then his status is updated for the bonus MQM’s he receives for his bonus Amex spending.
I thought that was a procedureto it.
Isn’t that correct?
@John – No. See essentials tab post.
Thank you for the information, Rene and John. Although I am disappointed, I apprecaite it!
@ Bob Unlike Delta AMEX Platinum which posts MQMs directly to your FF account, Delta AMEX Reserve gives you the option to gift or keep the MQMs. In my experience, you first have to go to https://www.delta.com/deltareservemqm/mbrLanding.action and select “Add the miles to my account.” Then they will show up.
EDIT:Rene’s input. SEE E18 posts: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Hi Rene, one of the few perks that’s still of good value for being PM is the special phone line and the more-helpful-than-average reps you get on the other end of the line. Many a travel quandry have they helped me solve. Sometimes I’ll ask for their help with my wife or a family member’s reservations as well, especially if they are connected with my own travel plans. But what about calling and asking their help on behalf of a friend with no status, whose reservation has nothing to do with me? I’m away on business at the moment and a colleague has trouble with his return ticket tomorrow. Is it okay to call the PM line and ask for help with his reservation? Or is that sort of thing ‘simply not done’, or otherwise crossing some sort of line? I’m a stickler for propriety. 😉
@Jamey – You can do it. I do this now and then but DO NOT ABUSE IT. Do keep in mind they do not get your perks. I never ask for EC seats but do try for EXIT and often get that. Again, I doubt I do this more than once a year for family or a close friend.
Thanks so much for this wealth of info. Quick question: Once you’ve signed up for a new credit card and harvested the nice mileage bonus, do you cancel the card before you get hit for the next year’s annual fee? Thanks. And sorry if you’ve already addressed this but I couldn’t find it.
@Phil – See the E13 post in Essentials tab: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
@René –
What has happened with your EU (EC) 261/2004 claim with Delta?
@John – Still in process. http://www.GetAirHelp.com is now looking if they (we) can take KLM or Delta to court over it.
Hi Rene, is there a place on your blog that might help me better understand the options I have with companions traveling with me as a PM? I am particularly interesting in the benefits of joining a companion to my reservation or splitting them off to get my PM upgrade priority.
Thanks!
@ED – See the rookie posts on upgrades: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/29/rookie-wednesday-a-look-back-on-what-we-have-covered-so-far-and-beyond/
@René –
Do we have plans for the MSP dinner yet? What did you think of my idea to dine at a restaurant within the Mall of America?
LOTS to discuss on #SlyMiles (not a spelling error)
@John Delta – Will have a post in about 2 weeks or so. Still almost 2 months away.
Hi Rene, have you had any luck with the Hertz/Presidents Circle upgrade? I requested 10 weeks ago and have not been upgraded.
Thanks
@Ed – No see this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/20/delta-hertz-elite-promo-a-case-study-how-to-upset-your-target-audience/
.
My understanding is we have to keep waiting but will advise.
Hello,
should I book a Delta awards trip now or after March 1st? I found RT MSP – Bangkok for 80,000 miles this fall. Will this go up after March 1st?
thanks!
@Blair – There are no more award charts so we just do not know! http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/06/confirmed-delta-will-no-longer-display-award-charts-award-tickets-keepdescending-move-year/
How to determine a good value for MQMs..
I need to take my son to PDX from FLL again. I can get a ticket for about $387 FLL-ATL-PDX, PDX-DTW,FLL and 3080 MQMs for for $447 RT I can get FLL-ATL-PDX, PDX-SEA-DTW-FLL for 3554 MQMs.
I used http://fly.qux.us/smcalc/ to find the MQMs. In this scenario the MQMs for the difference are about $.1266 per MQM. The travel time does not change per se, as I would get home the same time either way.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Gregg
@Gregg – For a pure MR you want to stay sub 4CPM weekdays in coach. See this post http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/21/rookie-wednesday-planning-2015-delta-mileage-runs-less-good/
Have not received my 2015 Platinum package with luggage tags, etc. yet. Any idea when these were sent out.
@Joey – I don’t have mine yet so… just wait.
got mine Wednesday, so I guess they’re going out this week.
@René,
I understand on a mileage run, I want to stay as cheap as possible. The question more is what is reasonable to add more MQMs to an a non mileage run, do you have a preferred formula that you would use to justify the cost of the extra leg?
Thanks,
Gregg
@Greg – I always try to add more MQMs if price is the same or I can get more for the prices talked about. Personal choice.
Rene
Received our Gold cards and tags this week. My wife noticed that the ‘expiration date’ was 1/16. Last year it was 2/15. They have taken another month away. Keep Descending strikes again.
@John – This change was announced about a year ago: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/news-and-updates.html
I’ve got 80K Skymiles that I want to use for an upcoming trip some time in April 2015. My wife and I will be flying from either BHM or ATL going to either LAS or SFO. Got any tips on the best way to maximize my reward booking two first class tickets?
Thanks!
@KF – I would have ADAM see what he can do to help you get MAX value! http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/14/need-award-booking-help-look-no-further-than-adam/
Hi Rene,
You are a brilliant columnist and I am a regular reader. This isn’t a question as it is more of a statement of experience. I have a paid first class trip on DL and I just called DL reservations to see if I could change the date without a “change” fee. Well, to my surprise, the res agent told me that on my paid first class itinerary, it would cost $200.00 each to change. I then asked if there would be a change if I were a GM member and I was told yes.
I guess my point is that at AS, there is no change fee on “paid” first class tickets. Also, as an AS gold member, there are no change fees on any ticket class. Why can’t DL do the same?
Keep up the great column, I enjoy reading it.
@Steve – Yep. Those are Delta rules. They ONLY thing you can do is a SDC or same day change free in 1st class as medallion but even then it must be same day not another day. If there were a HUGE schedule change you could maybe get it done free.
In regard to 767-400 BE, where do you generally board this plane, at cockpit area or between BE and coach or is it an airport or gate decision? Just curious
@Norman B – It depends on the airport and jet bridge. Clearly better to board and turn left!
Hi, Rene. I made 2 reservations using Skymiles right after Christmas when the miles needed were much less than they are now. The flights are: MSY-LAX-YVR (DL and AS) for 12,500 points and ANC-SEA-PHX for 12,500 points. The MSY-LAX flight has changed by almost 2 hours (earlier) which is fine, but it makes a long layover in LAX even longer (5 hours). The SEA-PHX leg has changed by over an hour. I know I can’t make the changes online, so I will need to call Delta. Do I have the right to ask for an earlier flight out of LAX without it requiring more Skymiles? Do I have the right to ask for an earlier flight out of ANC so we could make an earlier flight out of SEA? Thank you for your advice.
@Kathy – NEVER click online. Call. Get what you want.
Can I request any flight available and get it without any additional points?
@Kathy D – I have no idea what you are asking about.
Rene, thanks for answering my question yesterday. Wow, I can’t believe that DL doesn’t waive the change fee for “f” and “p” fares.
I have one last question for you. We will be flying DL to UVF in first class. On non-meal flights, what can I expect? I have seen references to a first class snack basket, an enhanced snack basket and a basic snack basket. I did read your snack basket blog from January 5th.
Here is what Delta says about meal service:
First/Business Main Cabin
SLC to JFK Refreshments, Complimentary Refreshments and Premium Snacks for Purchase Complimentary Refreshments and Premium Snacks for Purchase
What are premium snacks and do I really have to pay for them in first class?
I read your C+ f/a instructions, do DL f/a’s really only had out one peanut or one pretzel or one cookie? Do they use tongs or their hands to dole out the single nut, pretzel or cookie?
Thanks for clearing these up for me. You write a stellar column and DL gives you plenty to write about.
@Steve – Very light snacks. If you want food – bring it or yes you can pay for food off EATS menu if loaded.
Has Delta Done it again? I have been planning a short trip to Madrid to meet friends. I was under the understanding that we now got points with “Pay with Miles
” (RDM cash value + medallion bonus) and full MQM’s). I have been looking at flights and up until today when I used the “pay with miles” option I always got the screen showing how many miles (RDM’s and MQM’s you would get) yes the RDM’s went down but the MQM’s stayed the same. Today you get a WHOLE different screen when you use this “pay with miles” option. Apparently now you get nothing. Your great! love following you.
@David – PWM is good only on DL metal.
Rene – Do you know what the specific parameters are for the 20-minute bag delivery guarantee? What starts and stops the “clock”? I was just denied on my claim for bags that made it to me 45 minutes after the captain turned off the fasten seat belt light upon landing.
@JP – the promo is a total joke. I have not even blogged the promo because they are just denying claims. Total #FAIL
I got notified to update my delta app at the app store. I have an iPhone 6. I did that and have not been able to log on since then. Every time I try to log on I get the same error message. It says: “Sorry, that didn’t work. An error has occurred. Please try again later.”
I have tried deleting the app and reloading it. Same thing. I am so frustrated because I use(d) this app all the time. Please help
@Donna – You need to talk to Delta. There is nothing I can do. I do not work for Delta.
Hello Rene , I just had a horrible experience with Delta at Manchester NH….anyway I told them I loved Delta but in this case the Delta agent just lost control and could not handle the situation…I asked for compensation and said that I filmed the agent going nuts. I told Delta they do not want me posting this on Youtube.I ended the complaint with “I feel sorry for the agent and Im normally happy with Delta”My question to you is.. do you think I went overboard telling them that unless they do something I will post this embarrassing video?
@Billy – Yes. IMO too far.
thanks Rene they just really upset me!…i wont post the video but they need to know that there staff could not handle this situation.
Thanks, Billy
Rene,
If I spend $60,000 on my Reserve card within one billing cycle, how will that work when claiming my MQM? Do I have to click through the process twice?
Thanks!
@Bob – not 100% Sure but as you can see gift more is option so i would think have to do twice
Rene
did you see this about taking pictures on a United flight? Should we beware on Delta flights? http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/02/22/united-airlines-throws-travel-blogger-off-flight-for-taking-pictures/
@John – Delta has no such dumb rules
@Rene – Possible blog post for you… probably not a major thing but another disappointment to me.
Delta companion passes/tickets from the DL Plat Amex (and presumably others) were previously able to be used for anyone. This was pretty useful for moving family around for us. July 2014 I successfully booked for others. Went to do the same a couple days ago and the web site now forces the primary passenger to be the holder of the certificate.
For us, that’s a real devaluation to the value of the Amx DL Plat & Reserve cards.
Went from 80% Delta back in 2010-2013 to less than 20%. Mostly flying AA/US and a bit of WN these days. Just another disappointment.
@Bryce – I am already on this one and am just waiting to hear back if a bug or a change.
Hi Rene:
Sadly, I have been downgraded to lowly silver medallion this year on Delta and am traveling to Heathrow in July. We have a 4-5 hour layover and want to access a skyclub but I dont see anything that I can access. I have an Amex/Delta Skymiles Platinum card. Can you point me in the right direction for a club that 4 of us can use – even if we have to pay for it? Love your blog! Fran
Hi Rene, How long does it takeDelta to respond to a complaint?..Thanks, Billy
@Billy – A few days
Rene,
My amex 15k mqm bonus from last year finally hit my account this month. And bumped me to Platinum (which I didn’t want as I anticipate having a hard time getting back to Gold with travel this year). Last year my mqm bonus hit in February, but they never applied it to my previous year’s mqm status. Do I have any control over this? They don’t seem to be applying these miles evenly from year to year. And how can I get my Platinum package now that I have already received my Gold package?
Another question: any way to sell or get any value out of my amex bogo certificates? I now have four straight I have been unable to use/cost the same as buying two first class tix out right. Anyone else have trouble with these? Travel from MEM 🙁
Thanks!
Barry
@Barry – See Essentials post 31 http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
I am a Delta Platinum and have the Delta Platinum Amex card and a FlexPerks Visa card. However, since some of the places I am going in Austria soon will only take MasterCard I need to add that to my cards. I wondered if you have a recommendation as to which ones I should consider. I have looked at Barclay’s and it seems to offer good benefits but are there others I should compare it to? Thanks.
@Betty – Yep. Hard to go wrong with Arrival+ card.
On the last couple of occasions when I have tried to book round trip flights between DUB & ICT on Delta.com the flights I have wanted have not appeared in the search results (both simple & advanced search). I have been able to find the flights on KLM.com (on Delta metal) and book with Delta by phone.
If I decide to book on KLM.com do I suffer any disadvantages other than not getting double Skymiles for using my DL AMEX? Will KLM.com give me access to free EC seats as a PM?
@Keith – Yes you can tweet (via DM) to KLM and get EC free as PM.
Rene, why doesn’t Delta honor and clear global upgrades when you call and request they apply to a flight? I’ve always been put on the wait list, even when there are +20 seats open on first class. Is this something we might push and ask for?
@Dale – Book much further out and you can get it instant. They are holding as many seats as they can to sell even to the day of travel. It really is all about selling every seats possible.
I have always been upgraded immediately on system-wide upgrades … even just a month before flying. It depends on how many they choose to save for possible future sales, variable for each flight.
@Kathy – So what is your question?
Flying Delta 767-400 from FCO to DTW. I purchased Econ + already and am in 15A&B. IT’s first row, bulkhead seat, but now I’m nervous no foot room. Have you sat here before? I can’t find any good info on it and seat guru says it could be bad. We like the idea of no one reclining in front of us.There are still available seats in E+ I can change to. Thanks for your help.
@Mike – It is much like the 767-300. I would take that seat in coach anyday for leg room but sides are not movable. See photos: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/06/24/delta-air-lines-767-300-business-class-economy-comfort-international-seats-review/
Ok, thank you for the quick post. I read some negative reviews about that first row in E+, but then also positive but can’t find any good pics of the actual seats on the 767-400. Travelling with my wife so hopefully she’s ok with the sides not moving. Thanks again.
Hi Rene,
I know the SDC change rules for platinum and diamonds. Recently Delta has been saying first class award travel must be in same fare class or they will make you pay more miles. I told them and read them the rules that fare class only pertains to coach. First class as long as there is a seat you may change no fees 24 hour in advance of your original flight. I read them the rules. They say no. When I bought the tickets on Diamond line they said the correct rules . As long as a seat is there in first no more miles taken. They are changing or rewriting rules not posted in their rule booklet. Am I wrong can you tell me I have to call in one hour for this again and for a 15 minute flight im not paying additional miles for first class original seat what is the truth. Delta again OMG thanks so much Rene!!
@Robert – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/07/21/hucb-dont-take-no-for-an-answer/
Hi Rene,
In the Medallion Benefits charts it shows and as before when you call it says “You have reached the Diamond medallion line” or “You have reached the Platinum medallion line” However it now really says you have reached the Elite line????? so all 4 elites go to one line now? Why
@Robert – Any reps can help elites now. Diamonds mostly get SLC.
So if I PWM I get full mqm credit and no miles but if I book award seats nothing? No miles or mqm’s.
.
@Normal – Award tickets earn nothing.
I recently booked an award ticket (First Class) and then was notified by Delta that equipment change eliminate my First Class option (Delta Mainline flight changed to Regional carrier). What do you think I should do…contact Delta and ask them to refund part of my Skymiles?
@Mark – Ask for a free change to other flights
@René –
Would you comment and do a post regarding the “demotion” of Alaska from a “Group 1 Partner” to a “Group 4 Partner” with Delta?
Of course, this has to be one of the last “shots across the bow” before the dissolution of the DL-AS partnership! This move is meant to discourage ALL SkyMiles members from even CONSIDERING flying on Alaska Airlines.
Alaska looks towards VA Ave & Atlanta and says “Where is the love, my old friend?”
Reference here:
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/earn-miles/earn-miles-with-partners/airlines.html
@John Delta – Just time till its all over with them
FYI –
All Alaska Airlines marketed flights, even if ticketed by Delta (ticket number begins with “006”), are not eligible for Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).
my small total (14,500) Skymiles is expiring and I’d like to redeem rather than lose entirely. Can I get anything other than magazines? It seems the ‘marketplace’ requires an American Express card I don’t want.
Thanks so much for your expert, objective help to Delta flyers.
@Lisa – Skymiles never expires unless you die.
Hi, I am trying to book domestic travel for my family using skymiles. Online the cost is 30,000 miles each way but I was able to find individual segments for the minimum 12,500 per ticket using some of your suggestions. I called Delta to try to book the flights (4 segments each way) in hopes of taking advantage of the schedule change rule to change to more reasonable flights later. The rep I talked to said that is called “point to point travel” and that Delta does not book such tickets. Do I just need to call back and hope for a better rep next time?
@Ross – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/07/21/hucb-dont-take-no-for-an-answer/
Rene, I have an executive sky club card that my wife and I use. We will take our 14 yr old grandson with us Monday , will I have to pay for him to enter?
Always enjoy and learn so much from your blog.
@Remy – With the full membership you can bring your family
Hi René. Quick question for you re: the upgrade “tiebreaker” that the Delta Reserve card can serve as. Let’s say I have multiple AMEX Delta cards, say the Platinum and the Reserve, both of which are properly linked, etc. For the Delta Reserve to serve as a tiebreaker (which I still have seen happen to the contrary), does the Delta flight being flown have to have been charged on said Delta Reserve card? For example, let’s say I’m working on hitting my MQM threshold spend on the Platinum, as I’ve already hit it on the Reserve, hence putting spend for that Delta flight spend on the Platinum. So my question is: Does the charge for the Delta flight in which I want the AMEX Delta Reserve card to be able to serve as a “tiebreaker” if need be have to actually be charged on that Delta Reserve card? Or is just having it linked enough?
Thanks so much and keep up the great work!
@Jarrett – No. You just have to make sure it shows up in your “My Delta” for it to work. I would set it as your primary card or ONLY card in your wallet. See THIS post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/07/15/tips-to-look-for-on-your-my-delta-page/
Hi Rene,
under Skymiles 2015 do you receive miles for cancelled tickets that are not used? Or if you pay the change fee to change your flights, does that fee count towards your total MQDs and earned miles?
@Ryan – You have to fly something to get credit at all. Change fee’s do not count no.
Hi René!
Before I apply for the Amex Reserve (maybe both), could you please confirm that MQM earned from credit cards will rollover ?
While doing my research I came across a remark from a PM that his MQM miles earned from spending on his card were subtracted as rollover miles.
@Genise – Thanks for using my links first off (links inside)! 😉
.
http://www.DeltaPoints.com/dlgold
.
Yes! I earn 30-60,000MQMs on cards each year and ALL my MQMs rollover always! But you MUST make sure you make it to at least SILVER Medallion and either spend $3000 in MQD or spend $25,000 on a combo of your two Delta Reserve cards to rollover any MQMs. Clear? – Rene
I suppose this requirement – at least Silver status – is also required for the RECEIVER of gifted MQM’s ?
@Genise – Not to get them but to roll them over YES! If they have say 10,000MQMs and $1000 MQD spend then ZERO MQMs rollover.
Rene,
With the new skymiles enhancement where you can no longer have stopovers. I am trying to figure out a way around it. I have found where I can fly from SLC-ANC-SEA-ANC-DLG with each flight pricing out at 12.5K with no stops over 4 hrs. But is it alright to go from ANC to SEA and then right back to ANC?
@Chris – You can have an open jaw, sorta, as you can do two one way that is go SLC-ANC-SEA and then home SEA-ANC-DLG but you can not stop in ANC no. You can only stop in SEA.
747 vs 777? I’m burning through my SkyRubles this year while I can. So my GF and I are taking a trip to Japan, business elite! The question is – I have booked a flight back for both of us in a 747 flying NRT-DTW and a 777 flying NRT-JFK. Which would you suggest as the better BusinessElite experience? We’ll be sitting in the adjacent middle two seats in order to chat with one another.
@Moe – Oh I HATE the 777! Worst Delta ONE seats IMO. 747 any day 100% not even close!
Thanks for the quick response. 747 it is! I can’t wait, it’s her first international trip traveling business/first.
@Moe – You bet. Upper deck is amazing. Enjoy (I wish I was riding along)
Rene,
I’m not one of these it-benefits-me-therefore-i-like-it guys, but I have to say that you should get what you pay for. MSP to DTW is typical an $800 flight for me. I travel there all the time for a lousy 528 MQMs one way. I have to say — I think Delta will most likely award MQMs in the future based on airfare value, which is how it should be in my mind. If you pay more — you get more. After all, Delta is in the business of making money, right? Two trips to Detroit cost me about $1500 (2-day travel during the week) and that’s enough for round trip ticket to SYD, which yields 18,000 MQMs. Now let me ask you: does that sound right to you? I’ll hit Diamond this year, but I’m currently PM…
@Steve – No! 🙂 BTW if you pay for 1st or even high end coach class you DO get bonus MQMs so just pay a little more.
Rene – looks like the VR program is changing for the negative. Have you noticed the proposed changes?
@Tim – VRs are over (or will be very soon). Move on to VDGCs.
I have a question about Delta One. If all long haul international flights now have Delta One, why does my reservation still say Business? I’m flying on a 767-400. Thanks!
@MB – Delta will be updating the wording. It will take a while. We are talking Delta IT after all 😉
Rene, thanks for the awesome blog. Last night I found out that Delta has a bags on time promotion. If your bag does not arrive within 20 mins on the carousel, you can be awarded 2,500 bonus miles. This promotion seems to be only from Feb 19 – March 31. http://www.delta.com/bagsontime
Has Delta ever done this kind of promotion before? My home airport is Logan which is notorious for late bag arrivals. I just found out about it last night and Im bummed that this is the one and only time I will get the 2,500 miles. If you have heard of this promotion before, let me know.
@Kamila – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/03/11/delta-bags-on-time-promise-simpler-to-find-deltas-award-charts-on-delta-com-keepdescending/
René, in your opinion, what’s the best use of SkyBonus points? (I obviously know this could be subjective.) Keep up the good work!
@Jarrett – Very subjective. If you pay for K+ class then UG certs are nice. If you have someone who can use Silver Medallion status there is real value there. http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=skybonus
I redeemed Skymiles for a main cabin award ticket. Is there a way to upgrade that ticket to Comfort+? (I’m FO, in case it makes a difference.)
@Charles – Yep for free at 24hr mark if space is open.
I want to book a delta flight from SJC to GRB May 18-22
When I checkedaward flights on Alaska web site I got itneraries with a 2 stops and total travel time 12 hours
Is this typical or which is the best place to search for award space on Delta metal
@Raghu – Not if you want to use SkyMiles. See the E7 posts on how to search for LOW LEVEL Delta awards! http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
How often does the AmEx SkyMiles offer jump to 50,000? I had gotten a card earlier this year for 30,000 and the next week it went to 50,000. Looking to get a card for the husband but the offer is back to 30,000 from what I can tell.
@PizzaKat – in the past it has been September each year (or late August) for the biggest bonus deals.
Thanks. So any recommendation for a card giving good bonus miles/points that I can transfer to Delta?
@PizzaKat – My personal favorite choice is the non-Delta AMEX Platinum card. After spend you end up with 43,000 points you can send over to Delta plus all the perks pay for the hefty $450 first year fee (i.e. $200 credit this year and next for incidentals and you can buy 4x$50 Delta e-gift cards and that works, and you can do it again after 1JAN16 – GOES $100 credit and on an on)!
Thanks Renee. Another question. If I have Skymiles in my account can i book tickets with miles for my wife and son travelling ( I am not travelling)
Raghu
@Raghu – Sure. You can book for anyone you want even if you are not flying with them.
Renee
Thanks for the education out there. I keep reading about Schedule Change working in our favor. Question is, how often does this happen. Also on 3 leg journey from SJC-LAX-MSP-GRB , I want the schedule change to happen either at SJC or LAX for me to get some benefit. Does this happen always? What are the chances
Raghu
@Raghu – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2012/10/09/understanding-the-power-of-the-mighty-schedule-change-rule-with-delta-air-lines/
Thanks!
Would you think about sorting these posts so the newest are on top? That way frequent readers can see the latest posts without having to scroll all the way down.
@FBO – No, as this question has already been answered and if readers take the time to look they will often find their answer above (aka like yours) 🙂
Hi Rene, booked a trip as a PM traveling with a companion. I split the PNR, and we now have two confirm #’s. I now upgrade at my status window. My companion keeps the C+ seat, but loses Sky Priority and her PNR no long shows “Medallion Upgrade Requested” she also doesn’t show up on the upgrade list at the gate. This has happened twice. I am sure you know that Delta.com says that she should clear no sooner than 24 hours. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks in advance.
@ED – See these post:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/09/25/rookie-wednesday-reader-chris-asks-about-linking-delta-reservations/
and
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/08/13/medallions-careful-sabotage-upgrades-details-matter/
Hi, I tired to use my regional upgrade to fly from BHM to my home airport – LAX. I was on the phone with delta for 45 minutes as they tired to use it. The person on the phone said there was a change in policies as of 2/01/2015. She didn’t tell me what they were. I emailed delta, and the delta agent told me that people can no longer use regional upgrades when they are flying into LA – regardless on the city of origin. (I wasn’t flying through JFK. I was flying from BHM to ATL and then to LAX. Here is the response from delta.
“However, please know that effective March 1 the regional upgrade certificate cannot be used for travel to Los Angeles.”
I still haven’t seen this in any of the restrictions or published policies regarding regional upgrades. Have you heard anything about this?
@David – That would be flat our wrong and you need to HUCB! If you get an agent like this again, please have them read the T&C above all the bullet points that says:
.
This certificate entitles you to a complimentary one-way Delta One™/Business/First Class upgrade with the purchase of a published applicable Main Cabin fare for travel in markets where Medallion Complimentary Upgrade are available.
OK, getting close to 2 million miler mark, about 30K away. Any suggestions for a domestic route to pass over the 2 million mark? I know it’s a pretty open question but want it to be special and respect your input. I am thinking via DTW because that is the airport I have spent the most time in over the past decades. The second most visited domestic airport would be LGA (lived in New York for a few years) but it is not going to be included in this run.
@Christine K – Try to route via MSP or DTW or ATL or LAX so you can get special treatment and let Delta Assist know ahead of time including PNR! http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/08/19/delta-does-care-about-million-milers-micheals-story/
Hi René! I have been following your posts for a few months now. I really enjoy some of the great insights and techniques you have mentioned and wanted to try some for my last family trip before we move to Europe this summer. I’m wanting to fly from RIC to SJU on 17 Jun and wanted to treat the family (4 of us total) to at least 1st/Bus class, one way. (I only have 150,000 miles and am willing to pay for the flight back…especially since I was given a recent “bump” voucher for $600 on a trip back from Hawaii)
When I input oneway RIC-SJU for 17 JUN I get 37,500 per person with a layover in ATL. Not bad I guess. When I try one way from RIC-ATL I get 30,000 each and then with same connection flight as the previous search from ATL-SJU , I get 30,000…. Should the flight actually only be 30,000 points per person total from RIC-SJU? When I tried the multi city search RIC-ATL and then ATL-SJU, it game me 55,000 per person. Which is the correct calculation? Thanks!
@Brian – Low level biz is 30k on way to Caribbean See the link here: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Will do Rene and thanks for the link.
Thanks for the info René. I see in my upcoming trip, a call to customer service is probably going to be the preferred route in order to save on miles for the family trip. I appreciate your site and posts!
Hi René,
Thanks for all your great advice and insights. My fiance and I are in the process of booking our honeymoon flight to Japan (SYR to NRT, NRT to JFK) using Skymiles and have been told by both Delta and Korean Air that our Skymiles will only get us into their “Prestige Class” and not their “First Class”. We can get First/Business on our Delta flight from SYR to NRT, but coming back, since we heard such great things about Korean Air’s “First Class” cabin, that’s what we wanted to do…but we can’t get in there with our miles. Is there a work-around to this or is this an actual hard-and-fast rule that Korean Air will not “sell” First Class seats to Delta Skymiles award tickets?
Thanks,
-Josh
@Josh – Correct. Delta does not have “real” First class like Korean and Air France (so they can not offer like product to trade). Delta has something the “call” 1st class but that is only domestic business class. See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/27/whoever-came-ofcmb-seats-delta-get-p-n-k-slip/
Thanks René, that’s unfortunately what I figured.
Rene,
I have a strange situation coming up and can’t seem to get an answer from anyone at the Delta. I am currently an FO with a flight booked next week with my non-status fiance. I will reach gold in the next few days which is well before my trip. My strategy to get us both on the upgrade list was the following: I booked a PWMT for my flight, booked my fiance on a revenue ticket (sep reservations) and called to link us together. My thought is that in the next few days when I reach gold I can call Delta and request to be added to the upgrade list. In addition, my non-status companion should be elgible for an upgrade as well considering the fact that she is on a revenue ticket.
Do you see any flaws in my thinking?
Thanks!
Max
@Max – Looks good. However, do keep in mind it takes 1-3 days for your status to upgrade after you reach it. That may be the ONLY issue I see in your very smart planning!
Thanks Rene! You made my day. I read your blog twice a day.
@Max – Sure! PS 3x a day is better for your frequent flyer health 😉
I’m a lowly FO and followed the posts about the new Medallion benefits. Somehow I missed the fact that Silver Medallions no longer get a discount on domestic Comfort+ Seats. There’s a 25% discount on International, but not on domestic. So today I was disappointed when booking SAV-SAN … and I don’t want to wait until 24 hrs before the flight to hope that two Comfort+ seats remain. Thanks for allowing me to vent…
@Carol – It is free on BOTH domestic and international but yes you must wait till 24hr mark. http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/08/delta-re-brands-seat-names-adds-perks-downgrades-gold-medallions/
Rene: I am considering getting the AMEX PLAT card, but I am concerned that since I already have a DELTA PLAT AMEX card, I will not receive the bonus offer, per the T&C: “If we identify you as currently having an American Express® Card account, you may not be eligible for this welcome bonus offer.” Any idea if the bonus will be withheld?
Thanks. Love you blog.
@Aaron – If you are talking now getting the NON-Delta AMEX plat you should have no issue but I would do this.
1) Clear your cache
2) Txs for using my link: http://www.DeltaPoints.com/amexplat
3) DO NOT log in to AMEX before you apply.
.
René –
If I purchase two tickets using FlexPerks Rewards, one for myself and one for my companion made as two separate purchases….can I get the $25 credit for a Delta purchase twice (one for each passenger)?
@John Delta – Yes you can ask and they often ask YOU if it was for two. Try and worst case you get only $25.
René – So what is my best answer? Yes, I purchased two tickets for the same day and each passenger made a separate charge eligible for their “travel allowance” (in truth, I am purchasing two $50 Delta E-Gift cards, per your recommendation)
Their T&C states: “Get up to a $25 airline allowance with every award travel ticket good towards baggage fees, in-flight treats and more.”
So they ARE separate travel tickets…
@John – You do not need to buy two. Just one $50. Then mention two tickets when you call for credit.
I am considering redeeming an embarrassing amount of miles to fly in business to Australia in June. 350,000 roundtrip!( Should have planned further in advance!)
My question is should I be able to get decent sleep on the Delta LAX-Sydney flight in business? Anything I should be aware of?
Hi Kate – Please NO! You are way overpaying! Please have ADAM help you!
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/14/need-award-booking-help-look-no-further-than-adam/
.
You should not pay more that 160k RT biz class!
Matrix isn’t giving accurate information. Last week it showed flights from TVC to PHL for $745. When I went to book it was $1200-$1400. I just searched flights from TVC to LGA that showed $269 and when I went to book the cost was $498. Seems like a waste of time using Matrix. Where else besides the Delta website can I research flights?
@Judy – Google Flights. https://www.google.com/flights/
AF is showing low level award business availability from DTW to MUC (via CDG) on a date I want. It is not showing up at all on DL.com. DL is showing me the same low level business for CVG to DTW, but AF will not show that or allow me to route from CVG-DTW-CDG-MUC. Will calling Delta or AF allow me to book the whole thing as a low level business award? DL won’t even let me route that way and pay it, much less award it.
@Brian N – No. Must see leg by leg low level space on Delta.com. Delta does not care what AF is showing on their site.
Is there an easy formula for when you have access to the skyclub? Status, layovers, international, ticket type, etc?
@Kamila B – Not really. But see this:
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/04/15/rookie-wednesday-nope-you-are-wrong-sorry-the-delta-stuff-so-many-get-wrong/
.
Then if you are GM+ and Skyteam lounge any class ticket.
Thanks for that. I saw the latest article which prompted my question. I am a new 2015 platinum elite. I fly domestically only and mainly on the east coast. I can take advantage of any lounge?
@Kamila B – Nope. I would get the non-Delta Platium AMEX card and then you are good on Delta and others as well.
Is there such a thing as legal routings when it comes to SDC?
I’ve gotten routings with ITA matrix that when I attempt to SDC I’m told by the reservation agent that they have to be legal routings.
I have an MR that is ORD ATL SFO DTW ORD. ITA matrix shows an option for ORD ATL JFK SFO JFK ATL ORD all flights are same 24 time frame. Delta.com only shows an ORD JFK SFO JFK ORD as an option they would sell. I understand the SDC fare class rules and other restrictions. So was the agent giving me a line or are there some routings that aren’t “legal”
thanks
@Andrew G – It is up to Delta and the fare details what is “legal”. My best suggestion is search on Delta.com and if you find a route there it is legal.
Hi Rene – How can I upgrade using SkyMiles? It’s a V-class fare. Thank you for your time.
@Aes – You can’t: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/04/15/rookie-wednesday-nope-you-are-wrong-sorry-the-delta-stuff-so-many-get-wrong/
Rene can you help me with this trip:
For an open jaw and stopover, i’m having a hard time wrapping my head around the concept. So is this the correct way of implementing it?
The wife and I want to go to athens, venice and paris with a side trip to sorrento leaving from atlanta in early fall.
ATL-NAP, VCE-CDG-ATL. Am i maximizing my points that way? Also when i look these up on delta multi-city it tends to charge me for the VCE-CDG. also the business class seats are i think 247K each. I did find the 30K mile one-way flights but they go quick.
@CJ – With the change to no stopovers you can only do open jaw as you are talking about. I would call Delta to have them plug it in. Delta.dumb is so broken to the point of worthless and if they want to charge you a phone fee tell them you can not do it on Delta.com so wave fee.
I have a Global Entry Number,am a silver elite. Frequent flyer, and am an 83 year old professor. My profile is correct. Why Cani I get TSA prechck on Delta? What do I need to do for my trip from San to Atl ?
@Herbert – No need for e-mail, see this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2012/12/31/known-traveler-number-on-the-new-delta-com-know-where-it-is/
Awaiting answer by E mail
This may be a little off-topic, but can’t find info anywhere else. Flying Delta from DTW to MEX where we catch Aeromexico flight to SJD. Reading the “carry on rules” flying Aeromexico, I’m getting conflicting information about knitting needles and hair curling irons. My question is, once I go through TSA checkpoint in DTW, do I have to do that again in MEX? With four flights, I really don’t want to check and…I need to knit on the plane to keep my sanity.
@Judy – I really have no idea. Sorry. I would ask Delta on twitter!
@Judy,
Although your knitting needles are permitted on US domestic flights and are approved by the TSA the fact is that the Mexican TSA has different rules.
First, they are considered sharp and potentially dangerous items. Mexico authorities can subject you to a random search at which point the needles could easily be confiscated.
Returning from Mexico you certainly face a greater chance of having them confiscated.
Best course of action would be to pack them; otherwise you face a trip without your needling.
We have done SJD, MEX, PVR & CUN
Can you shed any light on Delta’s status challenge? I submitted for my husband almost 2 months ago.
Thanks for all the work you do on your blog!
@La – I would email Delta and ask. Should not take that long!
Rene, Here’s a stickler for me. What would you do?
1. I’ve got 1MM SkyBonus points that will expire when my 3-person company gets kicked out on Dec 31.
2. I’ve got 4 Global Upgrade certificates from DM.
3. I will travel alone to China 2x this year and to Europe with my wife 1x.
4. My current 2015 MQM are 25K and I will get 40K from Delta AMEX this year.
So, should I burn 700K Sky Business points and forgo the MQMs to China on trip 1 or pay $1800 to buy coach and use Global Upgrades?
@Glenn – Personal choice. I am all about the MQMs. I will end the year again over 200k. I would use GU and earn but again that is me. SkyRubles never expire but the do drop in value 😉
Heyy Rene!!
I am new to Delta points so was wondering if you could help me!
I have 62K delta points and 51K Amex Membership points, so I could transfer 8K points to delta to get the 70K required to get to India in business class….Obviously I would love to maximize my redemption….which carriers should I be looking at?
Thanks in advance!!
@Rachit – I would be either calling Delta to see what dates are open or use ADAM to help you find seats:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/14/need-award-booking-help-look-no-further-than-adam/
.
Also I would NOT send points over until you find seats as MR points move over almost instantly.
Rene: My wife and I and two guests are traveling thru Heathrow in July and have a 4 hour layover. I am silver medallion but a skyclub member and am looking for access to a skyclub at LHI. Can you give me any suggestions as there does not seem to be a Skyclub at LHI.
Thanks
@Fran – I think you mean LHR and yes there are Skyteam choices
.
http://www.skyteam.com/en/Why-SkyTeam/SkyTeam-Lounges/SkyTeam-Branded-Lounge-London-Heathrow/
.
Rene,
My nephew is flying from Amsterdam to Detroit and Delta seems to have the most direct flight. Where should he credit his miles if he chooses this flight? He is thinking of crediting to Alaska but would he get revenue miles or flown miles? If flown miles, would it be a percentage? Thanks!
@Glenda – AS miles are more valuable that SkyMiles so not a bad choice even at lower earnings. There are no GREAT choices I hate to say.
Rene’, just double checking, I am Gold (ST Elite+) and will be flying DTW-AMS-PRG. I just want to verify that my wife will get free entry with me to the DTW SkyClub (in case I have to “educate” the dragon).
@Mark R – Yep. But only departure & connecting in AMS not at arrival in PRG.
KLM Club when connecting in AMS: Note there are 2 clubs, one on the international side and one on the intra-European side. If you are flying into AMS and connecting to PRG, you are supposed to first clear immigration and then head to the intra-European club. Makes sense time-wise and KLM on the international side may deny you entry since you have completed the international leg of your journey.
hi!
I have read previous posts, but I am not quite sure I understand things exactly, so I figured I’d ask the expert.
First, some background. I am currently a silver medallion and would like to be gold again. I have 36,7510 miles currently thanks to rollover and will need to qualify for the spend waiver with my credit card because I will be nowhere near the MQD for gold.
I need to buy a ticket to Europe. On the spend screen, it said I would earn 10244 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs).
If I use pay with miles for some of this ticket, will I still earn all of those MQMs? That would get me really close to gold with several months go to to qualify. Would earn redeemable miles based on the amount paid with cash?
As you can tell, I am more concerned with qualifying for status rather than redeemable miles?
Thanks!
@Bluedevil – Here you are: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=pwm
Great site. Question about ticket issuer – I have a couple of flights on Air France coming up. Unfortunately, the ticket numbers start with 057, not 006, and thus I’ll only be eligible for a percentage of the MQDs I’d get if it was a Delta-ticketed flight. Is there anything I can do about this after the fact, e.g., getting Delta to reissue the ticket with a 006 ticket number so I can claim the MQDs?
Thanks!
@John – Ouch. Doubtful. My guess is you got it on AF web site or paid with a site outside the USA or used a foreign credit cards? The only other thing, and I have not check what is best, is credit to Alaska for possibly more redeemable points vs less MQMs your way?
Rene and John
I was able to convince Delta to change some KLM coded flights to Delta coded flights – I think last year. Can’t hurt to do the phone rep shuffle. My excuse was the inability to see my flights easily and make special request, seat changes etc.
Hello Rene, been enjoying your blog!
My wife and my 3yr old son would like to travel to Thailand yearly, we reside it Atlanta. In the past we just relied on our asian travel agent and she always booked us Korean Air. I’ve been doing a lot of research on travel hacking and points and now have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Amex Everyday Preferred and the Capital One Venture. Would you suggest filling my Delta Acct with the Amex or should I continue with filling my Korean Air with the Sapphire? I am now thinking Delta may be the better deal, your thoughts?
@Robert P – I found low level biz on Korean no problem using SkyMiles but I booked 6+ months out. As long as you are booking a long way out you should be able to find some decent space on KE. Thanks for supporting the blog btw http://www.DeltaPonts.com/bpc
Rene, The Delta IT folks are at it again. Just did a search OMA-GFK RT May 30 – Jun 3 2015 with flexible dates. I got different results when I logged in vs not logged it. $404 not logged in. $419 logged in.
Rene, I booked 5 low level award tickets from SLC to MCO back in Sept.. I added a one way to SFO. If my wife and decide to go alone what will Delta do about the other 3 tickets? Will they charge me if the kids don’t show up?
@Eric – Uh, yes? Unless you cancel and redeposit
Hi Rene…..first of all, great blog on Delta….one of the few things i track regularly! So I was a UA Global Services when my job changed to Portland and suddenly i found Delta was my company’s travel agency choice selection because they regularly undercut UA by thousands (I am talking heavy int’l travel in booked J class). Fast forward 2 years to 2015 and I am rewarded with Club 360 status….very nice indeed! But starting in 2015, now Delta is 30% or more higher than UA! I have some flex in my travel booking but I am talking Delta being an extra $4k to $7k higher on each quoted itinerary! As much as I want, i am forced to UA! Disappointing….a shame that there is nothing Delta can do to win my business back….I don’t mind expensing $8 or $9k for a trip if it is competitive, but cannot justify $14k (last quote for trip to Italy/France). Thoughts from you, the expert? thank you,
@KevinY – Perhaps tinker with Y-ups and Y fares plus points?
Rene, I forgot to say that we flew from SLC to MCO back in January. so all we have left is the one way to SFO
@Eric – They will charge you MORE than you have already paid if you fly or don’t fly.
Good morning Rene, how do I use my skymiles to book flights on air france or alitalia? specifically greece to venice.
As a followup to my previous question, were you saying that I can no longer book a stopover through the delta website? ATL-ATH, VCE-CDG, CDG-ATL, is this the proper way to do a stopover?
@CJ – Call ☺
Hi Rene,
I’m a GM and my wife has no status. Is it possible for me to purchase a cash ticket and then use miles (not PWM) to buy her a ticket on the same flight, link the reservations, and then both be eligible for upgrades (or at least EC)?
Thanks!
@Bob – No. All must br GM+ for PWM
Earning points/rewards for paying my mortgage has been getting harder and harder and now it’s impossible. I had a Bluebird- lovely when I could load it with vanilla reloads up to 5K a month and pay my 2K mortgage payement with the Bluebird bill pay. Vanilla beans went away so I switched to Serve and had to settle for 1K per month loading using my Barclays Arrival card- at least I got 2 points per dollar to pay half my mortgage. Then Serve and Bluebird stopped accepting anything other than American Express cards for credit card load. OK, no problem, I’ll use my Delta Skymiles Amex reserve to load the 1K credit card limit on my Serve. – at least it will help me meet my 30K spend on the Reserve and I’ll get my 15K Skymiles and Qualification Miles bonus and be exempt from Medallion Qualification Dollar requirement. WRONG!! I just spoke with customer service- I knew you didn’t get any SkyMiles for using the Reserve to load Serve but I read that it does count toward annual spend. When I got my Amex reserve statement after using my Reserve to load Serve for the first time in April-not only did I not get any Sky Miles for that (expected) it did not reflect the 1000 dollars I loaded to my Serve in the annual spend count. I called Amex and they confirmed that it doesn’t count. At least there was not cash advance fee charged.
But something is strange, when I go to Delta.dumb and check my annual spend, it says 12-13K spent when the statement I go says 11.1 K spent year to date. I only have 200 bucks in charges since the statement closed so it looks like the Delta website is giving me credit for the 1K load but the reserve statement says otherwise. What is going on?
@Jeff – keep in mind Amex, if you call, says Amex GCs don’t count but they do
I signed up to be notified about follow-up comments. Can you take me off of that notification. Thanks.
@glenda – it should be at the bottom of the email
Rene: I am thinking that one could gauge your likelihood for an upgrade based on how low a price delta offers you to FCM after purchasing a ticket. For instance, I have been offered a lower price when I am more competitive across the medallion pool (so lower FCM offer = higher upgrade chance). Any thoughts on this? I’m not gonna buy an upgrade anyways, but it would be a pretty sneaky way to squeeze a few more dollars from medallions looking to ride upfront.
Rene,
Thanks for the response. I think I worded my question poorly: neither ticket would be PWM; one would be an award ticket, and the other would be paid for with cash. Can I link those and then be eligible for upgrades?
Thanks again.
@Bob – I think so. I would call but sounds right.
Where is the group?
Hello,
My flight from CDG to JFK on American Airlines was cancelled and I was forced to fly home the next day. The flight was originally delayed due to mechanical issues. Once they were resolved, we boarded the plane and started out on the runway. However, by then so much time had passed that the crew was had surpassed their time limits and were no longer able to fly. No other crew was available and the flight was cancelled.
I submitted a claim to AA for 600 euros compensation per EC 261/2004. After a two month delay in responding, AA finally responded by saying that because the flight was cancelled due to an issue with the crew, which they consider “exceptional circumstances” that my claim was denied.
I sent another e-mail and told him I would continue to pursue this.
I just received another response saying I am not eligible for any compensation because I do not reside in the European Union.
Rene, please tell me if this is correct? My understanding is I am eligible even though I am American. Any advice?
Many thanks, Kelly
@Kelly – I would NOT give up on this one. I would reach out to AIRHELP for help.
.
Here is the link: http://www.DeltaPoints.com/AIRHELP
P.S. I realize your blog is about Delta, not about AA, but I am just wondering if you know if American citizens are eligible for compensation under EC 261/2004. Guess I could have just asked that and left out all of the details! Sorry and many thanks.
I would like your advice on the following issue.
We are hoping to fly VS from NYC to LHR and then connect to LHR to EDI (possibly). We want to fly during the day – VS has a day flight from NYC to LHR.
We need 3 tickets.
We currently have 120K delta points (my husband and I each signed up for delta gold, personal and business so 30K x 4).
Problem is how can I get another 60K delta points and fast?
Also, right now delta.com is not showing any VS availability. Is it too late or too early for late August?
@Susan – Membership rewards transfer instantly (almost) to Delta. A non-Delta Platinum card with some spend will just about do it. Or one each and you are there http://www.DeltaPoints.com/AMEXPLAT
I am going to be travelling from ICT to DUB (in economy), via MSP and JFK. I am PM and the Skyclub access rules say “SkyTeam Elite Plus® (including Delta Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® Members) traveling in any cabin on a SkyTeam international flight* or a SkyTeam domestic flight connecting to/from a same-day international flight (includes same-day travel on a Delta domestic flight connecting to an international Delta—or any other SkyTeam partner—flight). If traveling on a international itinerary, please show a physical frequent flyer credential for lounge access. Note: SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits are provided only at the departure airport and not at the arrival airport unless connecting to a qualifying SkyTeam flight.”
Since I have an international itinerary will I be allowed access with a guest to the Skyclub in MSP and JFK?
Thanks.
@Keith – Yes as long as connecting to another Skyteam flight same day.
I recently read where AA/US offers military personnel FREE access to admiral clubs when traveling with them while on orders. I read through the Skyclub info but couldn’t find if Delta extends the same offer. Do you happen to know?
Thanks
@FB – Do not think so. Delta charges for everything but AIR!
Rene:
United question, but you’re an expert on US Bank’s Flexperks.
I have a $491 ticket I’m buying on United via 30,000 Flexperks points. (PHL – DEN). Any idea how to get more value and approach the $600 level – especially since United gives miles based on ticket price?
@Larry – Check for higher fare class routes or call for higher
I flew KLM metal on a DL ticketed overseas flight at the end of January. I do not care about RDMs, but rather only MQMs. It was a mistake airfare, meaning it was extremely inexpensive.
I did not receive any miles with Delta and was repeatedly told that Skymiles had to manually enter them and just to be patient. In mid-March I was told that the ticket did not quality. I was then told by another supervisor that I would get the miles. She “guaranteed” it, she told me. I had her put that in my record. She made a request to Skymiles on March 25.
I spoke to a supervisor last week who told me to be patient and that it could take 6 to 8 weeks.
Another supervisor told me today that the ticket does not quality and offered me the miles as a good will gesture, but only as RDMs, not MQMs. Everyone I talk to gives me conflicting information.
Any thoughts/suggestions, Rene? Just accept the RDMs and call it a day, or should I pursue the MQMs? Thank you.
@Kelly – Try here: http://elliott.org/company-contacts/delta-airlines/
I fly approx 8x/year, mostly routes to places like TN, ID, TX. Due to health issues, I do much better when I fly first/business class. I am starting at square one, so could you give me a plan to make this happen? Thanks for your time.
@Rholmes27 – You have inspired me. Stay tuned for a Rookie Wednesday post this week or next at the latest! Thanks for the idea. 🙂
I’m looking forward to it. Thanks.
Rene, when trying to find international flights i have read to look for the connections then go from there. For instance others suggested flying through amsterdam to get to italy. Or rather searching for amsterdam to rome then going from there. This is the part i dont get. I search for a flight from ATL and see a flight with a connection/layover in amsterdam but not sure what difference that makes. Why search amsterdam first?
@CJ = See the E7 posts for how to! http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
From reading your blog I’ve gleaned mileage runs for 4-5 cpm seem to be good values. What’s considered good value for international trips. I’m about to hit gold on Delta and am considering a trio to Dubai. I can fly coach for 650 and get 16,000 MQM (4 cpm ) or business class for 3,000 and get 25,000 MQM (12 cpm). Obviously coach is cheaper but then I have to fly coach and fly another 9,000 to reach platinum, which I likely wouldn’t do organically, so I’d have to try a mileage run.
So, is PM meaningfully better than GM? What’s a good value for biz class flights? I just returned from a trip to SE Asia and it was challenging in business class, so although 650 is a great price for dubai to NYC, not sure I want to be uncomfortable that long.
I’m a leisure traveller based in NYC and fly to Florida, Vegas, DC, and international, hence my choice of Delta as my primary airline .Great blog and thanks for the advice.
@DS2 – The price / value / goal price is the same no matter where you go. 4-5 coach & 8-9 biz to me is real value for the MQMs. If you don’t mind coach for that long – go for it! If you can stand 12CPM in biz then enjoy. No right and wrong here it is just a personal choice.
Thanks for the quick reply. International business class (Europe and Asia) is almost always more expensive than domestic however, correct? At even 10c a mile, NYC to London wolud be 700, which is unheard of. Ive seen values in coach such as this fare to Dubai, but are you suggesting a sale fare in biz class for Europe or Asia could be less than 10cpm?
How much more valuable is PM than GM in your estimation? Part of my calculus is if I want to get PM and fly coach to Dubai, I’d have to do another 9,000 MQM and spend 2,500 more. Or, if I fly biz class on this trip, I reach MQD and MQMs immediately and start enjoying PM status sooner,
Thanks again, keep up the great and informative work.
@DS2 – If you value being able to have almost unlimited award redeposit flexibility is can be VERY valuable to be PM or DM!
Hi Rene, I have many Sky Bonus points but have not yet redeemed any. It seems complicated. Can you recommend a place that gives a good explanation of how to manage Sky Bonus redemptions with helpful hints? We will no longer be eligible for this perk after next year so want to use the points before they are gone.
Thanks.
@CJR – I have a number of Skybonus posts but few on redemption. Let me work on that for a post and get back to you. Txs – Rene
Delta is killing SkyBonus at end of 2015 for smaller-than-5 verifiable employees. With over 1MM SB points, it is hard to use them. All US and international upgrade certificates can only be used with full fare coach seats which are often close in price to discounted business fares. This could be useful if your company permits only coach travel. SB points are better used for award coach or business class tickets. I just burned 700K for a roundtrip business to Asia. The loss is Delta’s as I would have preferred to pay for coach (and get MQMs) and use SB to upgrade, if they had not forced my hand by canceling the SB program.
Rene,
Those of us who read you regularly know you love Delta food. My assumption is that most of your food is ‘up front’. As I usually ride in the cheap seats and do some international travel, I have routinely ordered a special meal to get served faster. Could you work up a post on the different types of special meal offers and what they may usually contain. for example, the low fat international breakfast usually is a box of raisins and an egg white on thick toast sandwich (not that good). Thank you
Hi Rene, along with the many disappointing things Delta has done I just found out that Delta is said to be the main transporter of hunting trophies out of South Africa and has zero restrictions . They have not responded to a petition to stop as other airlines have. That is truly sad and wrong that they consider making a buck that important. Hunting beautiful animals as trophies is obscene.
Hi Rene,
How would a lower level medallion (SM) find out ahead of time how many MQMs he’ll get from a PWM ticket? Specifically, PDX to ATL (nonstop)
Thanks,
D
@David – The quick simple way is do a fake booking on Delta.com and never buy the ticket. Make sure you have the same fare class selected as higher coach and business class do yield higher MQMs. Or, you can use the tool at CWSI.net but ignore the SkyMiles as they are PRE-2015 that is just focus on MQMs (they are very close to spot on).
Rene, I have a Delta Gold Amex which is due for renewal. I also have a PRG, CSP and Arrival+. I’m planning my current europe trip for this fall which will wipe out my skymiles and MR points. I dont fly often but for work and just got a southwest companion pass status. Do i need to keep my Delta Gold? Will this benefit me at all while booking my award flight? I may use award booking service also, if that matters. Thanks.
@CJ – If you are going to keep flying Delta I would do this – upgrade to the Delta Platinum card or switch for the bonus points to the Delta business Platinum card. Here is why, the BOGOF cert and the rest of the perks from the card. Yes it is $195 per year vs the Gold card but after you get to year two and onward the BOGOF cert can pay for the card fee for years at a time. Plus you get the free bag and Zone 1 boarding etc. If you are going to keep flying Delta, sad to say, you need to have some kind of Delta AMEX card. Does this help?
Rene thanks for the suggestion and I just may do that after my current spending finishes. Are you suggesting a card upgrade or should i close and reapply for the platinum? I’ll pay the fee now though just in case. Thanks.
As gm is it possible to ask for ( and actually get) same day confirmed change from 2 segment flight to 3 segment flight for example for purposes of increasing mqm ?
@Marvin – Officially no but unofficially yes 😉
Rene,
I am a GM, and whenever I see saver space (12,500 miles one-way…yes, I still do see it reasonably often, believe it or not), it says that these are not upgrade eligible. What gives?
Hi Rene,
Thank you so much for the great blog! I truly enjoy reading it.
I recently made a trip from MCI to LAS. My flight from MCI to ATL was delayed and made it impossible to make my connection at ATL. I had to work the next day and there was no way I spend a night in Atlanta so I changed my flights to MCI-MSP-LAS. Everything went well except I earned less MQM and so I asked Delta Assist about it and they told me they can’t do anything about MQM since it was a voluntary change. I apologize if you have covered this in your blog but was there anything I could have done to earn the original MQM?
@Hibiki – Press them. Yes voluntary change but due to Delta delay you should get route credit.
Hey Rene,
I am planning on flying to Paris in December and am looking to purchase Premium Economy seats with the hope of upgrading them to Business Class? On the Delta site, Premium Economy is not an option since Air France runs the flight. Do you know of a way to select Premium Economy on Delta? Also, is there a way I can find out how many points are needed to upgrade from Premium Economy to Business?
Thanks Mark
@Mark – See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/05/20/rookie-wednesday-the-craziness-of-delta-skyteam-seats-just-what-are-we-allowed-to-choose/
Hi René. If I buy the economy comfort upgrade at the time of purchase, do I increase my chances of being moved to business class? Thx
@Aes – Nope (assuming you are talking international that is as domestic is per elite and fare class etc). What does help on oversells in coach and free upgrades on international is again being Diamond or Platinum Medallion
I don’t usually fly Delta, but I’m going to accumulate enough flights to be just short of Gold Medallion this year. Should I make the effort to achieve Gold though? Since it’s not likely that I’ll achieve status next year, should I let my miles rollover so that I can achieve Silver with little effort?
If Delta provides a soft landing for status, it’s a no brainer, but I cannot find any information as to whether Delta provides hard or soft landings. Do you know?
@Brian – Gold is nice but Delta does not do soft landings.
I am a gold medallion and plat Amex holder. I am flying round trip from msp – fnt and both flights will be on crj-200. Since there is not upgrades or economy comfort on this plane, is there any harm in booking a basic economy ticket and saving $20 from a regular economy ticket? I don’t really care about seat choice as their aren’t really any good seats on this plane and all luggage will be plane-side checked anyway.
@Scott – Sure. Who cares if 2xCRJ200! Now just as an fyi, as a DELTA Amex Plat holder you still get ZONE 1 even on E class tickets 🙂
Thanks for the assistance on my earlier question. I have an additional question about Air France/Delta.When selecting the Premium Economy option on Air France’s site, it states that the Delta leg of that flight would also be Premium Economy. Since Delta does not offer Premium Economy, what would be the comparable Delta class?
@Mark – None. See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/05/20/rookie-wednesday-the-craziness-of-delta-skyteam-seats-just-what-are-we-allowed-to-choose/
Rene – Have you ever had luck with last minute award travel changes? I am DM with three family members traveling tomorrow (within 72 hour deadline). We have 4 tix at 20k each (cheap by new delta standards) but need to now stop in ATL instead of continuing on the next leg. I have HUCB but they keep telling me that the legs are married and a reissue will be double. I know the rules but hoping for an exception for common sense. Thank you.
@Bob – Much much much simpler on paid tickets. Very hard on award plus all must be GM+
In your post today you say that as a Diamond you get both DM and PM choice benefits (and, thus, can get PM regional upgrade certificates and DM global upgrade certicates). I have never heard about getting PM as a DM. Where is that option on the Delta website?
@Allen – See link in post http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/22/rookie-wednesday-delta-choice-benefits-pick/
I hope you can help me with a boarding pass/pre-check question. I have booked flights (DL booked and HA codeshare for last leg) for me and family STL-ATL-HNL-LIH. When I went to print boarding passes, all were ok except non of the family BP showed up for the HA flight. I was the only one–we are all on the same reservation. Any idea why or what I can do?
Lastly, on the return flights, I have a KTN and does Delta share that with HA as a codeshare partner so I get Precheck in LIH?
Thanks. Love your forums.
@Bruce – Setup a HA award account and enter you KTN there and try to print boarding pass with their PNR (you can call Delta to get it). Txs – Rene
Hi ..I have booked a Cancun vacation through Delta and are sitting in economy seats. Am I am able to upgrade my tickets using points?
@Erin C – No.
Thanks, @Rene. I went ahead and signed up on HA with my KTN. Any idea why the boarding passes to to LIH (DL codeshare) did not show up on the DL site when I checked in? Only my BP showed up for that leg; all other travelers on same reservation were not available for the LIH leg only.
@Bruce – They are no longer close partners (really not at all) or more than 3 legs or they want to be able to charge you for a bag fee 🙁
Thought you’d be interested – I struck Gold last week and this Thursday/Friday as well. As PM w/AmEx SkyMiles Business I get my fair share of RUs but last week i went 6 for 6: RIC-ATL-MCI-MSP-DEN-ATL-RIC and this week RIC-LGA-RIC confirmed RUs That’ll make it 8 for 8. Impressive – not glamorous mind you because there are relatively short hops, just impressive.
I’m currently at 27K MQM, and 6.4K MQD. I should have around 47K MQM by the end of the year. Is it worthwhile going for GM status? If I stay at FO, I would roll over around 22K MQM, nearly enough to requalify for FO status for 2017. If I get GM, however, I’d roll over almost nothing, making it hard for me to keep silver in 2017, let alone gold.
Low-level status is always better than no status, and the differences between FO and GM don’t seem as significant as they used to be.
What do you think René? Is GM really that much better, or would I be better off knowing that I’d keep Silver for 2017?
Note: my travel mainly consists of hops between DCA and CVG (direct or connecting), 2-3 longer haul domestic trips, and a paid Delta One RT to Europe each year. I’m also willing to do mileage runs, as long as the prices are right.
@William – If it was got for PM vs GM I would say no brainier and go for PM. As you say, the cut in GM perks makes is less of a simple choice that it once was. Getting C+ choices 3 days vs 1 day for FO is not all that much better. Plus, as you also point out rolling over FO is very nice. I am sure you UG shots at GM will not be that much better as a GM and out of DCA all UGs are hard. I can not tell you what to do but if FO works for you sticking with FO could be a nice spot.
I work for an organization that books 4-8 group flights of 25-35 people per year on DL. I am one of two or three people with decision-making capabilities and access to the reservations. Very few people traveling on these flights take advantage of SkyPesos and enter in their FF information.
Other than it being completely dishonest, could I theoretically punch in my FF number under every name in my reservation and receive mileage and segment credit? If I fly from one coast to the other and I have one stop on each leg of my trip, I’m looking at anywhere from 100-140 segments per trip, and 100k-140k miles per trip.
@IA – No. See SkyBonus for some more points: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=skybonus
I’m finding today, delta is blocking the view of open first class seats on my future flights when accessed through either the DeltaApp or on-line. But, if I attempt to make a purchase, I can see the open seats. Same for you, or a temporary glitch?
@Aaron – May be a new or similar bug to this: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/04/19/from-enhancement-to-shenanigans-delta-is-now-blocking-seat-map-choices-a-bug/
@AAron & @Rene –
This week’s screenshots on the blocking of seats:
https://twitter.com/laptoptravel/status/606295973610975232/photo/1
and
https://twitter.com/laptoptravel/status/605894785962893314/photo/1
Regarding your post today on AX cards and bonuses, I have a Platinum business card. If I sign up for a Platinum personal card, will I receive the 10,000 MQM bonus? Thanks.
@Scott – As long as you NEVER have had it before EVER yes.
@Scott – As long as you NEVER have had it before EVER yes. PS txs for using my links in advance!
Got a question about batch applying for credit cards, what do you do with the cards after you get the bonuses? Cancel the cards? Suppose they have annual fees? Can you keep you doing this with AMEX cards or can you only get the bonus miles ONE time…forever?
Great Site, THANKS!
@Michael – Amex personal cards are 1x ever yes. Biz card are once every 2 years (or there about). I tend to not cancel ever if I don’t have to. Often use retention calls (See E13) or I downgrade to no fee type card and into sock drawer.
Hi Rene. New to points/miles, so a question. Suggestions for getting from Phoenix to Delhi India mid October 2015 using points and least amount of $$. I have a Delta Amex, but only 23k, as well as an IHG MC with 70k. Also have a new Alaska Visa on the way. Will I need another card, and best option? Thanks!
@John – You are going to need a BUNCH more points. Start here: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/rookie/
I don’t get it. My Skymiles profile says 1 more MQS or 3846 MQM’s until silver. I am gold right now…so 1. why would it drop to silver? and 2. how come it doesn’t tell me how many more until platinum? Thanks in advance for your reply.
@Lisa – What is your MQD or Medallion Qualifying Dollar spend so far? If you are under $6,000 you are only Silver no matter how many MQMs and MQSs you have. The simpler way is to be MQD exempt: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
Right now I have 5439 MQDs
@Lisha – Thus you are just short so just Silver. Need over 6k plus MQMs or MQSs.
sorry to keep bothering you. but are you saying that once i have over 6k of MQMs i will be platinum? (I’m on a flight right now!), MCO-DTW-MSN. and next week I will be going from MSN-ATL-SJU. then in July MSN-MSP-DFW.
@Lisha – Please see this post and chart (and yellow arrows): http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
I have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. Can I get the 60K Skymiles 10K MQM sign up bonus if I apply for the Skymiles Business Platinum? I hope so because I was just accepted and I know that Amex considers the business cards separate products and I’ve never had a business Platinum. Did I screw up here?
@Jeff – You should be fine. All my instructions are telling me the biz Delta products are all 3 views as unique products! Enjoy the MQMs.
Thanks- I NEED the MQM, I’ll ENJOY the Skymiles- I still seem to be able to get Level 1 TATL Business Class tickets when I need them. Also, my total spend on the Reserve will of course be added to my spend on the new Platinum and when I cancel the Reserve and when I hit 25K spend I’ll both get MQM exempt and another 10K MQM from the Platinum bonus, right. 25K spend is easy for me, 30K is a bit of a stretch.
Rene, with the recent upgraded bonuses on the AMEX Delta cards is it a good idea for a couple to have both? Is it a hassle with Delta separate reward reservations for two people with accounts as opposed to all points from one account?
@CJ – You know, that is a GREAT rookie question. I love it. Will answer you this week on Wednesday so you and others can benefit and will link back here then.
Rene,
I already have a gold Delta AmX. Can I upgrade to Platinum and get the mileage bonus? If yes, do my YTD charges transfer to satisfy MQD? Thank you,
Pam
@Pam – No. This deal is for NEW cards only!
.
http://www.DeltaPoints.com/DLPLAT
I have looked all over for this information. There is a lot of advertising about Delta’s 10,000 flights. How to I find the flights that fly out of Boston?
@Nancy – Limited markets where Delta must compete more. Keep in mind Delta is not one to give out MORE information than they think you should have 😉
Rene, have you noticed that sometimes the seat map online is different from what is on the app screen or in real life? Case in point we are going to LAX tomorrow and as a Gold I can’t get C+ seats at booking anymore, so I was hoping to snag some at the 72 hour mark but with our little ones I decided to buy it instead this weekend to make sure we could get the IFE for them to keep them occupied on the 4hr flight. However now I notice that online the seats that we gave up (row 13 on a 737-900ER) which on my App were not C+ are listed as C+ online at delta.com This is just bizarre and did I waste money on C+ seats I all ready had? I may call Delta today and double check b/c this is outrageous if I had C+ seats to begin with. Have you experienced this or is this a bug people have encountered? Thank you for your time.
Jamie
@Jamie – See this post from yesterday: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/06/07/better-skyclub-drinks-more-delta-suntrust-downgrades-hidden-delta-seats-more-updates/
Rene,
Thank you. I did call Delta and sure enough I had C+ seats originally and the Delta App was incorrect….and I asked for a refund of what I paid and they gave it back to me, and couldn’t explain why there was a difference. Maybe a plane change? I am still confused but happy I got my $200 back.
Hello,
I have two questions.
1. After years of flying I finally achieved DM last year and fortunately I achieved DM already this year for 2016. Question is why have I not been notified of my gifting ability of Silver & gold yet. I made PM end of February and DM end of April this year. Last year when those levels were achieved I received options to give away SM & GM. Do you only get to do this once?
2. Did delta do away with the free cocktail vouchers and vouchers for the flight attendants? I haven’t received any of those this year either.
Thanks.
@Randy – REG Choice Benefits see this blog serach:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=choice+benefits
&
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/06/05/rookie-wednesday-what-is-the-best-choice-for-an-elites-choice-benefit/
.
REG HOOU’s, they come in your DM kit that takes forever nowadays! Ask redcoats or in skyclub for some as a DM who has not yet got packet! 😉
Hi Rene, I can’t thank you enough for your blog – it has been life changing (I don’t say that lightly)! Thanks for highlighting issues with the Delta website. I am trying to book an award flight in business class. ATL-BOM via LHR on 7/29. While there is low-level award space for each segment, when you try to add it all up using the multi-city option, the space disappears and I get an error message.
@PM – You have to call. http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/07/book-low-level-delta-award-saved-award-charts-old-ways-still-work-just-fine/
Hello Rene,
Thank you for this great site! I have a question for you. I live in SLC, a Delta hub. However, I rarely, if any, see a mileage run deal with SLC involved. Is it real or is it just my wrong feeling? Do you have any suggestion for people based in SLC to take more advantage of the mileage run deal? Thanks.
@DC – Hub runs are never as common but where you start does not matter. I almost never start a run from SBN but position. But here are a few SLC runs in the past: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=salt+lake
Currently I am a GM, will be PM once my Delta Platinum statement closes later this month. If I book an award ticket while I am GM, but then once I become PM, will the PM benefit allow me to freely make changes to the award which was booked before I became PM?
@Skor – Yep! See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/09/04/rookie-wednesday-answering-the-question-should-i-go-for-insert-medallion-level-here/
.
Do keep in mind it takes about a few days for AMEX MQMs to be sent over to Delta then also it takes a few days for your status to change from GM to PM on Delta.com. Lastly, make sure you have enough MQD spend or are MQD exempt via $25,000 spend on your Delta AMEX card (that is sounds like you have done).
Hi Rene,
I am a PM who was a DM last year, and used one of my rewards on the 4 Global Upgrades. I am trying to cash those in. I read your post here: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/14/rookie-wednesday-delta-regional-global-upgrade-certificates-medallions/ , but my question is a bit more in depth. After talking to DL via phone (including a supervisor), they informed me there was no open “upgrade eligible” seats for the flights I was looking at (BNA-ATL-HNL, use the GU’s on the ATL-HNL leg). What would you recommend my strategy be to utilize these and be able to book the flight far enough in advance that the cost doesn’t go up too much, but I could also guarantee the ability to use these, since DL does not disclose the number of seats they make “upgrade eligible” in a scenario like this?
Thank you for any insight you may have!
@Clint – You can be wait-listed and be #1-ish for upgrades. No guarantees but if you fly off days you are more likely to clear. Sorry wish I had better info for you. 🙁
Thanks Rene! BTW, when are you coming to ATL next? 🙂
Do you have any insight into IATA’s recommendation about reducing the size of carry-on bags? This would be a royal pain, especially since my wife and I have invested in nice high-quality Brigs & Reilly carry-ons.
Any thoughts on how Delta will respond to this and what we can do to voice our opposition to this proposal?
Thanks in advance for your help!
@Ron – Delta does their own thing. We should be fine. 🙂
Hi, i’m trying to purchase 2 direct flights from ATL to LON first week in August. For my ticket, I want to pay for the ticket, but use miles for my traveling partner’s ticket. I’m finding better options/prices on Kayak.com, but when it re-directs me to delta.com, i’m perplexed at how i pay for one of the tix with points. I assume i have to purchase the tickets separately, in order to use the points for one and not the other (i want the MQMs from my ticket, which is why i want to pay $$ for mine). But even when i go in and act like I’m buying just one ticket, i’m still not able to pay with points. And when i search on delta.com, it says the flight is pay with miles eligible. Am i missing something???
@Ker – You are spot on. First for paying KAYAK.com is often better and the best place to start:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/04/17/rookie-wednesday-never-ever-book-your-ticket-on-delta-com-for-now/
.
Then, yes, be ready to pay a TON of points to get on the same flights. You may want to compare the lowest point seats, book those, then book the paid ticket. OR, if you want to be really cheap on points fly other flights that get in about the same time.
When using Kayak or some other third party service do you lessen your chance for a complimentary upgrade on Delta? I am Platinum with a Delta Reserve Business AmEx.
Barry
@Barry – No should not but I always log in to Delta before I send over from Kayak to Delta
Thanks Rene.
You provide each of us with a great service with this column. Thanks for so freely sharing your expertise.
Barry
Hi Rene,
Do you know if Delta will be installing split-scimitar winglets on all of their Boeing 737-932ER fleet? Thanks!
@Ivan – No idea but they sure are neat to see: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/05/18/some-of-my-favorite-non-published-delta-travel-photos-for-april-may-enjoy/
Rene, I’m sure you’ve posted this somewhere, but,I can’t find it. I may not hit Diamond level this year as I usually do….butt in seat for the segments, so, I’m looking to get MQM’s anyway I can. I have the Delta platinum american express personal card, but, no business cards. Would that be the way to go? Also, is it possible to get the MQM’s on multiple cards?
Thanks for you help, as always!
@PJ – Yep you can bet BOTH the BIZ AMEX Plat and the BIZ AMEX Reserve as they are both unique products to AMEX (not the same with personal cards fyi). You do have to wait 90+ days between the apps and you need to NOT have had either of those two cards for 365+ days to get bonus again.
AMEX has a limit on the number of cards you can hold. My Delta Platinum Business Card application was just denied because I had too many AMEX cards. I had to cancel two and ask for a review on the new card application.
@Glenn – The limit is 4 credit including biz cards. Charge cArds do not count toards that total.
Stupid question that I can’t find the answer anywhere: Does the SkyClub Lounge at ATL Terminal F provide free bottles of water? I’m sure the answer is “no” and that it’s just glasses of water but I had to ask. If “no”, do they sell bottles of water? Thanks a lot!!
@Janet – They have large bottles but not for you to take. I would bring an empty and fill yours up.
@Glenn, re: your post from a while back on Delta SkyBonus points having to be used by the end of the year, specifically “I’ve got 1MM SkyBonus points that will expire when my 3-person company gets kicked out on Dec 31.”, keep in mind that you only have to order the certificates by the end of the year, you then have a year to use them. So order wisely! 🙂
Rene, I have researching using skymiles for a trip this weekend to SFO (one-way departure on 6/19). I am based in DTW. Looking at my options, it seems Delta is charging more skymiles to hub flyers than those with connections through the hub on the same flights. For example, look at DTW – SFO vs. LAN – SFO. Another example is ATL – SFO vs. BHM – SFO. You will see when you add on a connection, the price drops. Something odd seems to be going on here. I am not sure if this is a topic worth highlighting in your blog.
@John – Yes this is common and has been talked about. Much like $$$ ticket prices are HUB higher. You can look at hidden city prices with sites like https://skiplagged.com/ and then see if they have lower award prices leg by leg.
Just had a Delta flight I booked with MR points change by more than an hour. If I elect to cancel, do they give me a Delta voucher (and when does it expire?) or can they refund the initial purchase tender (MR points here)? (It was well over 24 hours ago).
Also, it’s an international flight to Istanbul, leaving from Ithaca via Detroit, in case the int’l park makes a difference.
@Eric – My guess is a paper voucher for 1 year only spendable on Delta and only in your name.
Said they could refund the original tender and suggested I contact Amex travel. Amex travel said they would give me the money back in cash.
Rene’, I’m a Delta Platinum and I “bought down” a first class ticket to a few hundred bucks. After the trip I see that I didn’t get full credit for my miles. I called the Delta Premium line and they said I do not get full credit when I buy down but they calculate the miles as the amount I pay times 5. Based on your blogs, my understanding was a buydown from first would still get me all the miles. What’s up?
@Joel – Please explain bought down and full credit. Full credit, as I have explained and shown, on 1st class tickets, and PWM is for MQMs. SkyMiles is based on ticket price paid with cash not points. Plus, who cares about SkyMiles from tickets. Also as I have said flying is a horrid way to earn SkyMiles – there are much better ways to earn SkyMiles than flying! 🙂 Flying is for earning MQMs!
Hi
I recently booked a First Class ticket on delta. There are two legs, one on a 757 and the other on a CRJ-900. Upon checking my flights today, I noticed that my second leg has been changed to the dreaded CRJ-200 (no F, obviously). I called Delta and they told me that they would waive a change fee but that was all. Does Delta really owe me NOTHING besides for a waived change fee after this significant downgrade?
Thanks.
@Siggi – You could get your money back free or change to another flight with 1st class free.
I flew DTW-ATL and back yesterday. First time this year in Comfort + (or whatever they are calling it now). On both flights, no “Enhanced Snacks” were offered. Is this too short a flight (595 miles) to expect this service, or is this a “Fail” on the part of both crews?
@Steve – See this post and the FA instruction sheet: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/27/i-take-it-back-i-do-have-to-talk-about-the-new-delta-fa-comfort-plus-instructions-sheet/
So it would seem when you are booked in coach and go to change your seat Delta is now not show taken or open seats in FC anymore. They shoe FC but no seats open or taken, just all blank. What a PAIN to what flights even have seats in FC for a possible upgrade. But I used this site in the past (see below) and it quicker than doing a FC booking process just to see what seats are open. I did (email) complained to Delta about a few days ago, nothing as of yet. I will post the usual “cookie cutter” response I get.
Thanks for all you do for us FF!!
Bill
Hi René !
Delta lost our bags between AMS & ARN for 6 days last month ( en route to a wedding).
As a DM, can I politely ask/suggest them to throw us some miles – and in which way, email or letter ?
If so, do you have an example complaint ?
Many Thanks in advance.
@Genise – You bet ya and you should have got MUCH more. See the E38 posts: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Any idea how to print a China Southern Airway boarding pass before leaving the US? I fly DTW-PEK this weekend, transferring on CSA to DAL. CSA website errors out on flight number and then wants to send info via SMA. CSA flight booked with Expedia as DL wanted $800 for add-on vs $270 on Expedia, so DL does not recognize the itinerary. However, CSA is a SkyTeam partner. Also, can anyone explain the foreign arrival and domestic departure process in PEK. Both DL and CSA use Terminal 2. Thanks in advance.
@Glenn – Humm not real good answer here. I would do this. Get the CZ PNR from Delta. You can then maybe online checking http://www.csair.com/en/online/check_in/index.shtml and print it. Sorry not more help. There are times you must wait and go to lounge or transfer desks.
I have a question about the priority for Upgrade to First Class.
Your recent review was excellent but I could not find if Million Miler status and Flying Colonel status were considered in determining upgrade from coach to first class.
I have 3 MM which gives me Lifetime Gold. I don’ know if Flying Colonel has any relevance.
Thank you,
Burton Goldstein
This is the first time I have asked this question.
Do Million Miler and/or Flying Colonel status have any influence on the consideration for upgrade from Coach to first class on Domestic Flights.
Thank you
@Burton – None and zero. Here are the factors: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/03/13/rookie-wednesday-how-to-improve-your-upgrade-chance-with-delta-air-lines/
I am a Delta platinum card member and I purchased 2 roundtrip tickets for my sister and I to vacation in Spain. My flight bound for Madrid connected in Atlanta where I was to meet my sister. Unfortunately she didn’t show up and when I called her about 2 hours before our flight left, discovered she thought we were leaving the next day. She lives 45 minutes from the airport and there was no way she could make it. I went to the Delta Sky Lounge and asked for their assistance in making the change. I was advised since the trip was international, I could not make changes but would have to rebook the tickets and pay the going rate which was about $1560, about $150 more than I originally paid. I was desperate and accepted the rebooking, same flights and times, for the following day. Looking back on it, that doesn’t seem right. Shouldn’t I at least have been eligible for a partial refund? The return flight of the round trip ticket was perfectly good and yet I was charged the fare for a new round trip ticket. Help.
@Diane – No that is the way it is. It could have been worse.
Rene,
Would it be better to fall short of Silver by 500 miles and carry those miles in to next year or go over by 1000 miles, be Silver, and only carry over 1000 miles toward the next year’s classification? Your wisdom please.
@John – Fall short of Silver and you get nothing. Nada. No rollover. Make Silver or better.
Hi Rene,
I just received my Alaska Gold MVP 75k status and as part of that got 4 complimentary one-day boardroom lounge passes. Do you know if I can use the alaska club passes to get into Delta SkyClubs?
Thanks!
@Michael – I do not think so but worth a try.
Rene, I am curious whether Delta protects a flier on an award ticket (by re-booking, etc) if a connection is missed due to weather. Last winter (when Delta still allowed open jaws, stopovers and mixed cabin awards), we were fortunate to be able to fly a low mileage itinerary of IAD-ATL-LAX-BNE-MEL, stop for 3 days, then MEL-PER, stop for 17-day cruise, then SYD-LAX-DCA. The outgoing US domestic legs were on Delta in economy, the international and domestic Australian legs were on Virgin Australia in business, and the return US domestic leg was on Alaska in economy. Our departure airport was to have been DCA, but there was a snowstorm on that date such that all the flights from DCA to ATL were cancelled. We were fortunate, indeed, that the Sky Lounge attendant found 2 seats left on a flight leaving for ATL from IAD and that we were able to catch a taxi between Reagan and Dulles in the nick of time. We had to be at LAX for an 11:30 pm flight that same evening. So, what would have happened if there had been no service between IAD and ATL (other connecting routes to LAX had no availability)? Would Delta have re-booked us the following day on the Delta and Virgin flights even though they were award tickets? At the time the award calendar showed no award availability for the next day. We only had Silver Skymiles status.
@Francine – The points don’t matter if there is Delta metal that is it is more a seat open that matters. With partners, most times the same thing when it is weather or other IROPS. They do the best they can but with flights so full it can take a LONG time. You can PUSH to be put on another airline but here is where status and a paid ticket can help more.
Question: Last night, while traveling on a first class ticket (paid), my first leg was delayed. Delta re-booked me to a later flight on my connection BUT i made the connection in time.
Of course, my seat in first class was given away. Since there were just minutes to go before the flight left, i didn’t make a stink and just got on the plane.
As the door was about to close, the gate agent came and UPDGRADED someone else on the flight.
Should I expect any compensation from Delta for this?
@Peter – Unless you were taken with the Porsche from gate to gate then you should have boarded last and pushed them to get the upgraded seat you should have had. If you DID have the Porsche ride I would have sent the Delta VIP services car rep and had them fight with the GA! 😉
Hi René
Just wanted to thank you for the blog. I made Gold for the first time last year (many thanks for posting the Hawaii-Puerto Rico Mileage Run)!
Sometimes, it’s hard to add the SJU leg to the Mileage Runs because the price goes way up, so please, do continue to add any SJU Mileage Runs that you can find. I’ve gotten hooked on my upgrades.
Thanks again!
Cristy
Hi Rene!
You’ve been a Delta “sherpa” to me for years. Unfortunately, I could use one more piece of advise. I am trying to change 3 tickets (same flight) to a different city. Since I’m not a medallion Delta wants to charge $150 a ticket (which was more than the cash price for the ticket). No agent is willing to waive the fee.
Any suggestions or do I just lose the miles?
Thank you! – Luke
@Luke – Hard unless there has been a schedule change or some other reason you can give them as an “out” to not get them in trouble.
hi
i was diamond 3 years now platinum but i did not receive he upgrade gift have they all went out?
thanks robert
Rene:
I read your blog daily and haven’t seen this latest DL take-away mentioned.
I am DM and last week I bought an “H” fare ATL-LGA on the DL website as usual. When I checked in, I noticed the comment: Upgrade Not Available at this time. I assumed it meant first class was full. Was that ever a mistake.
When I got the airport, I noticed that my name was not on the upgrade list board. I asked and was told that as a result of the so-called website “enhancements,” I needed to check the box “Upgrade Requested” when ticketing. By the time I learned this, the upgrade list had closed.
I know you have mentioned DL deselecting upgrade requests, but I think your readers would be interested to learn about this new degradation of Medallion benefits. Why in the world would a Medallion not request an upgrade? This is so insulting — the only reason is to keep some deserving Medallions from getting upgraded is for DL to make more money from FCM. (I certainly will pay a lot more attention to this matter when ticketing and check My Trips religiously.)
By the way, the nice SkyClub and DM desk folks are appalled at this latest Delta Descending slap-in-the-face. There is a tremendous disconnect between the front lines and corporate.
Thanks, Rene, for all of your helpful posts.
@Danial – See this post for the fix: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/08/13/medallions-careful-sabotage-upgrades-details-matter/
Hi Rene, I am DM MM traveling on Delta each week. I am considering switching from Delta to another airline continuing to travel each week. I only travel in the US for work. If you were going to switch airlines & rewards programs what would you chose based on your knowledge of all the programs. Which one would give you the most upgrades, treat you like a valued customer, built up the most miles the quickest? UA, AA, SW, JB, FT, etc. Thanks for taking the time to give me some advice 🙂
@Greg – You have few choices. Depending on where you live, AA is the winning choice. Clearly. IMO.
Rene,
Thanks in part to your advice, I signed up for the Centurion AMEX card, and I’m working on putting my minimum spend on the car. I got a pitch from Delta to buy American Express Business Gift Cards. I’m considering for my staff for gifts. Will they qualify for minimum spend on my credit card?
@Clint – My experience yes. But start at TopCashBack to get 1-3% back and points (warning use no codes and 2k cards max). I pay for $99/yr unlimited free s&h.
I just got approved for the Delta Business Gold and a Delta personal gold (trying to see if I am able to get the bonus even though I have the Delta platinum) and now once I’ve met the minimum spend to get the bonus, should I discontinue the cards so I may be eligible for another bonus in 365 days or does this ‘hurt’ my value with AmEx or Delta?
@Pam – Would wait at least 6 months.
Hi Rene,
I am a DM with AMS as my main hub. When I try to book awards on Delta it will cost a lot of miles, which is not uncommon. However, I learned from the blog that you can also search leg by leg and call a Delta rep. Now I have the following question, is it also possible to route my flights via a different continent and still get the same 62,500 miles in price from Europe to US? In order to join a flight on which my friend is on. (e.g. AMS-DXB-LHR-NYC)
Keep up the good work, I appreciate it!
@Jelmer – Likely will break into two tickets but check routing with charts: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/04/24/2015-delta-award-charts-that-are-hidden-on-delta-com-a-reference-post/
Hi Rene,
Enjoying the blog – thanks for all the tips. As a PM, I’m likely going to have to make a couple of mileage runs this year. Your run posts are great, but often the routes don’t work well for me. I’m wondering if you have any tips for finding routes that are good candidates without somewhat randomly choosing destinations that might generate a significant number of MQMs. Thanks
@Todd – Nope just many hours searching routes
I’m following your advice about finding the route I want on Kayak and then logging into my Delta.com account before I send the fare over to Delta. Are you finding huge changes in your fares? Mine are almost doubling. I’ve had this happen multiple times on different routes and even on different computers? The fares are mixed when I find them on Kayak. Is that the issue? Thanks in advance!
@LA – Or the fares changes since KAYAK found them. Does happen. Can happen in the middle of a STD Delta booking too.
.
See this post(s): http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/06/12/many-ways-delta-will-play-price-ticket-reminders/
Rene, really appreciate your very informative web site and advice.
As a international Delta GM, retired independent traveler from MPLS. does it make sense to status match (if I can, or were accepted) with one of these airlines: AA, UA or Turkeys Airline by the end of the year or even the Middle East carriers? If accepted would I still keep Delta GM next year.
Thank you for all your help,
@Michel – You do not loose your Delta GM status if you match another airline. Up to you if routes and airline fits your needs better. Go for it but keep in mind most are 1x a lifetime match!
@LA –
Both Kayak and Google Flights are having severe issues with “deep links complex routing” with Delta (per their teams.)
I have been working particularly with the Google/Flights team to isolate the issues (of course, Delta’s IT is no help.)
I just found what I thought was a valid fare on Google/Flights, but it could not price on Delta, found the same fare on Kayak, it DID click-through and showed the posted (Kayak) fare as well. After selecting seats and putting in payment information the fare jumped with an error statement from Delta.
After a few times, I simply called the Diamond desk and they “forced” the fare for me to match the originally posted (Kayak) fare!
Got to love the Diamond Desk for true customer care!
How do you go about finding your mileage runs – would love to be able to understand your method so I can use it whenever I please instead of nagging you on Twitter!
Thanks so much!
P.S – I don’t have a blog, nor do I plan on starting one – not trying to rip you off, originals are much better than fakes
@Rafi – Just look at all the mileage run posts in the rookie section: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/29/rookie-wednesday-a-look-back-on-what-we-have-covered-so-far-and-beyond/
Hi, Rene. Enroute home from AMS I took a bump in MSP thinking $400 would be nice. No more travel vouchers–AmEx gift card for domestic flights/Visa for international (or GCs to Target, Best Buy, Amazon, etc). So I took the Visa. You also have to wait around until the plane has boarded before agents begin to process you. So after waiting around and getting hooked up with a hotel, meals, etc. I’m still thinking, it’s okay. They send you an email to claim your GC which I (and the others who took the bump) did.
Today I get an email. The VGC is *only* for use online and only after I have to jump through another hoop of registering with the sponsor, yadda yadda yadda.
Anyone else run into this? And, really, is it worth the time and trouble Delta is putting people through with this whole thing?
Warning ! Do not rely on the Delta app when you are traveling in a different time zone!
I am Medallion Delta, and was in Sydney last week, relying on my iPad Delta app. It worked fine to get me to the airport in Sydney but when I returned to Los Angeles I didn’t realise that the app was still on Australian time (one day ahead), so I almost missed my flight to BDL today (Wednesday July 8) as the app showed it leaving Thursday July 9.
My iPad has had plenty of time to adjust to LA time as I have been using it here all week- and I had no idea that only the Delta app would not reset to the time here in the
USA!
It has cost me $125 to change my ticket, as there was no way I could get to the airport in time!
@Annie – Uh, did you reboot when entering the USA (I always do on my phone etc). Sorry, but not blaming Delta on this one. 🙁
Hello, Rene` – My husband and I took a Delta award trip in May. First leg was ATL-JFK-SVO. Delta offered an upgrade to economy comfort on the JFK-SVO flight. We paid $119 each and picked our seats.
The itinerary I ran off the night before the trip still showed the economy comfort seats we chose. But when we got to the airport the tickets we received had seats in regular economy. The gate agent said our seats were given to someone who paid for them with cash.
We were very disappointed and let Delta know – they didn’t care – just confirmed a refund of the money we paid.
Do you know if Delta does this routinely?
Many thanks.
Kay
Thanks.
@Kay – That should not happen. You can complain to Delta.com and they will give you some SkyMiles. Did you check-in at the 24hr mark and print your boarding pass with seats? I always check-in at exactly (or as close as I can) to that time to make sure I have things right and can call if something is wonkie!
Im trying to book travel with award miles Bos -> Denver for my husband and I. You had recommended someone in the past to help with getting the most bang for your buck. Can you pass that info over again. TIA!
@Kamila – Yep. Adam http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/14/need-award-booking-help-look-no-further-than-adam/
I did complain to Delta and – nothing.
I didn’t have access to a printer to print out boarding passes 24 hrs in advance. I’ll make sure I do in the future though.
Very, very surprised and disappointed Delta thinks that treating a passenger like this is okay.
@Kay – You don’t need a printer. You can use phone or tablet and do a screen shot if that is all you have or “print” to PDF and save on phone or tablet for later printing. It is for each his own with Delta now-a-days (think $kyRubles)!
Hello Rene,
This is an odd question. I applied for Delta Platinum Biz on 6/3 for the 60k miles+10k MQM. It was under consideration for a long time and was finally approved on 7/3. I knew that the offer expired on 6/30 so I am wondering if my card still has the 60k+10k MQM offer or just the 35k+5kMQM normal offer. Thanks in advance for your answer.
@DC – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/06/24/rookie-wednesday-to-earn-bonus-points-is-it-apply-by-or-is-it-approved-by-date-that-matters/
Award stopover question here…
Just curious what i should expect when i call in for this. Does delta in practice allow 24 hour stopover and 2 separate awards. Can I build in the 23 hour visit to paris on 1 award by calling in?
thanks
@Franciso – Delta no longer allows stopovers but an international connection can be up to 24hrs. They may balk at this but it is in the rules. Push it.
Hey Rene,
I know I’ve seen this on the blog before, but I’m having hard time locating it now – – if I use my Delta Platinum card to purchase a flight for my mom, does she get to check a bag for free? I will not be traveling with her so I wasn’t sure how that worked. Thanks in advance!
@Miriam – See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/04/15/rookie-wednesday-nope-you-are-wrong-sorry-the-delta-stuff-so-many-get-wrong/
Thanks Rene for your wonderful info . I was able to change my award flight to fco. It was delta then KLM to ams the another KLM to fco. Return via AF to cdg and AF to lhr and delta to lax. It cost me $186 per ticket.
I was able to change it to all delta flight. Lax to ATL then to fco and back, all on Delta metal.
don’t they owe me refund? As the award cost on Delta should he lower?
I don’t think they’ve issued refund ? Should I request it? I bought 2 tickets.
@danny – You can ask for miles back IF, again IF, the current award price is lower. If it is higher you will NOT have to pay more to change to DL metal.
@Rene, mile needed is same, but I thought reward on Delta metal will charge you less in taxes & fees?
@Danny – If taxes are lower yes you should get credit back.
Hey, Rene: I’m diamond this year and will be diamond again next year, all based on non-business travel. I have the key amex cards that give a companion ticket for first or economy. Last year, I didn’t make use of it. This year, I’m weighing the options. I’m single, and have friends I’d like to invite. However, I’m also a mileage junkie and I don’t want to compromise too much. I understand that I cannot pay with miles to upgrade on a companion fare. But what are my odds of upgrade? Am I stuck in economy if I make use of the companion pass? I’m trying to find a way to make use of this pass–otherwise, it will just expire unused like last year. Miles and upgrades are most important to me. I’d love to hear how your solo traveler readers spend these companion passes.
@Carol – You are stuck in coach. You can use the cert for yourself and book two coach seats: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/08/10/why-not-just-buy-2-delta-coach-tickets-can-you-use-with-free-companion-cert/
Hey Rene, so I just got royally screwed by Delta for the first time in a while and want some advice. I spent a nice chunk of miles on a business class ticket from TPE to RDU and back. On my return trip, I was routed through JFK and was delayed on the tarmac for so long in RDU that I missed my JFK connection. They then rebooked me on Cathay Pacific in economy (full Y nonetheless) going JFK-Hong kong (16H10M, 10th longest in the world) then to Taipei. I have been calling, tweeting Delta, talking to Cathay Pacific, everything, and no one will help. Even though I’m a PM. Say they already spent so much on the ticket etc etc. So I am stuck flying this in about 30 mins, and will receive no miles or anything since they aren’t partners, so I clearly want some reimbursement. Should I tweet or file a complaint? and how much is fair to ask? I want at least half my miles back but I’m going to ask for it all, any advice?
@Jordan – Hotel on Delta and go next day? They will blame airport and give little. Work with what is possible is my suggestion.
@Rene – I thought about that, unfortunately when I was originally delayed I told them I really needed to get out today to make a business meeting, which I do, and they put me on Cathay without directly asking. Then when I complained they said that would have been an option but it was already paid for….I told them I needed out today so they would try hard to get me out today, not rebook me in economy! So I am stuck, sitting on the plane now lol. I just hope I can get back some miles, it costs Delta nothing and I have always been a loyal flyer and advocate for them. I guess on the bright side I can check off a bucket list item I didn’t know I had, flying one of the top ten longest flights in the world :/ If only it was in business!
Hi Rene, taking your advice and found RT availability on Air France from JFK to CDG at 125k by booking through delta.com. Looks like AF has four classes of service on some flights and three on others. Safe to assume that I will end up in business class? Is there any amount of points that would put me in first? Do you have any thoughts on how to best “game” this? Thanks in advance.
@Ed – Well done and yest you you be riding in business class (great food and wine btw). See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/05/20/rookie-wednesday-the-craziness-of-delta-skyteam-seats-just-what-are-we-allowed-to-choose/
Rene – I’ve maxed out MQMs on my Delta Platinum. If I upgrade the card to a Reserve card will I then have the option to spend $30k/$60k for another round of MQMs? Thanks in advance for your help!
@Kevin – Maybe but do NOT try the UG until you have locked in the 50k spend and 50k MQMs. Then, once posted, go for it but make sure you write down the reps name, the time of the call, etc etc so if they do not pay what promised you have some hope but even then if they do not pay out the hope is just about zero. Better choice may be the business Delta Platinum or Reserve cards as anyone can get them with SSN even if you just buy and sell on ebay!
Excellent – Thanks Rene!
Hey Rene, with the upcoming devaluation should I start considering moving my mile accrual to Alaskan when flying Delta? Also if I did this, would my Delta AMEX spending roll to Alaskan or stay on Delta? Thanks.
@CJ – Maybe as AS points are very valuable. But you will NOT get DL perks
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/25/loyal-delta-elite-status-match-alaska-fury-woman-scorned/
.
And no, you will need to get a AS BofA card to get AS points (you can earn from flying but depends on fare class)
Should I even keep my delta AMEX platinum card since I will probably be switching airlines now that using sky miles or rather collecting enough of them will be a long process for international flights.
Hi. Imagine my surprise today when Delta pointed out that Premium snacks are only sent back to Comfort+ if the flights over 900 miles and select flights that are not listed.. Wow. Seems cheap. Am I the only one who finds this odd?
Premium snacks available on flights over 900 miles and select routes under 900 miles.
@Bill – See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/02/27/i-take-it-back-i-do-have-to-talk-about-the-new-delta-fa-comfort-plus-instructions-sheet/
@Bill
Grab two drinks as they come by with the drink cart, Also, I have found if you are very nice to the FAs they “may” sneak you a snack from the front’s snack basket.
Gregg G
Thanks for the replies Gregg and Rene. Saw the earlier blog but missed the “short flight penalty” the first time. They are truly stepping over $20’s to pick up $1’s these days…I”m all over them making money but I truly feel for the folks who pony up the dough to get into the deeper seats..
Rene, i have a question that I’m almost positive you had to have run into already.
So I have been deciding whether to keep my Delta Platinum Card for the companion ticket. I figured i could use my PRG delta egift cards (airline credit) to cover some of the cost of the ticket. I checked the terms and it said i could but I called to verify. I was transferred to the companion desk and the rep there told me that no other forms of payment can be used when redeeming the companion ticket. The full fare must be applied to the AMEX and my gift cards would not be allowed. Is this true?
@CJ – I have tested other Delta AMEX cards and works fine. Others say ANY AMEX works fine. BTW never call. They read the script. Ask me or others. Clear?
@Rene, thats understandable. I was more curious about whether I could use my egift cards in addition to my AMEX. By the time i want to buy my ticket i may have 3 egift cards ($150).
@CJ – You can NOT use GCs with the BOGOF no.
@ Rene, thanks for clearing that up for me. How else could I go about getting the $50 statement credit sign up offer for the Delta Gold card “delta” purchase?
@CJ – A $2 Pringles on-board should work to trigger it 😉
LOL ok, last question. Does the food purchase count on a partner flight like Air France?
@CJ – No. Only Delta. An no GoGo.
I’ve been having success with MS buying PayPal MyCash cards at CVS with my Delta Reserve card, loading them up on PayPal, and then using the linked PayPal Debit Card to load up a Bluebird card at Walmart.
Unfortunately, they’ve just frozen the PayPal account, even though there’s nothing in this process that’s a violation of the TOS.
From what I’ve read on the net, fighting this will be a losing battle, so can you point me to an article that will provide some alternatives to replace the MyCash-to-PayPal Account-to PayPal Debit Card steps in this process?
Thanks!
@MS – My blog is not a MS blog. Sure I do a bit but not that much. I would look at http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/
What’s the best use of the free companion airfare offered by the Gold AmExp each year. It’s limited to contenetial US. Any stradgy that could expand it to Hawaii , Alaska. We live in Jacksonville Fl and been flying to the west coast thinking we get the most bang for the buck.
@JJ – The Gold Delta AMEX does not have a BOGOF cert. Only Platinum and Reserve. You can only use it to/from Hawaii if you live in Hawaii.
Hi Rene,
Everything I’ve read about the EU (EC) 261/2004 indicates we are entitled to 600 Euro compensation each, but Delta has said no.
our situation: a KLM flight from OSL-AMS was late departing because they were waiting for passengers. This caused us to miss our Delta AMS-SEA connection. KLM rebooked us for the next day, and paid for hotel etc. This put us home to our final destination 20 hours late. I’ve read examples online where this qualifies.
DELTA: “According to EU recommendations, airline passengers are entitled to compensation in case of delays longer than 3 hours of the originating flight. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include the layover time due to a missed connection on another carrier. Respectfully, we’re unable to offer the EU compensation you’ve requested since it’s not due in this instance.”
I don’t know whether to try to battle back and forth about this, or to try one of the litigation companies. How did yours turn out?
@LD – Simple Use AIRHELP to fix it for you (ie click HERE)
Hi Renee,
Have you heard this new unwritten rule?? The Lowest Delta has gone to date! I checked in online added my name to list if they needed my seat. I connected thru ATl in ATL ran to gate to board paid first class never asked about the list, if they needed my seat however before they began boarding they announce they really need more volunteers and I hear my name called. I see the Delta rep and redcoat I was on 815am flt they offer $500 and a 1245pm flt I paid $7435 first class and ask Ill be in first class correct? First I am lied to “First class is sold out” I show her my phone there are 2 seats to buy. Then she says new rules we only offer coach when you volunteer??????? I said are you out of your mind I paid $745 and you make me wait 4 hours and refuse to give me first when open no way I stay on flight. Renee that is ridiculous. Have you heard this? this is from ATL!!
@Robert – To me it was a GA that just did not want to help. ATL is the worst. Other stations are happy to rebook in 1st. ATL tends to be stingy. I have seen this before. Don’t think this is a new rule just a bad GA!
Rene, I moved to Elkhart, IN in January and have flown on Delta out of SBN probably a dozen times since then. Not one flight out of SBN has ever been equipped with WiFi. Do you know why Delta never has WiFi on flights to or from SBN?
@Roland – The SBN 1st class 1x a day service with wifi returns after or around 1 Sept. See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/06/10/a-psa-to-my-fellow-sbn-flyers-we-get-less-delta-1st-class-crj700900s-from-now-on-i-want-to-cry/
Rene, I’ve experienced an itinerary change of an hour and called Delta to see about changing the flight (this is a booking using miles). Even though the online T&C says one hour flight change, I’m being told it must be a 90 minute change. I will HUCB, but thought you should know.
I have a ton of Skyclub day passes that are expiring. In an older post you mentioned getting a visitor pass to clear security and visit a skyclub w/o having a boarding pass. Can you expound on how to achieve that and do day passes count or must I hold an annual membership?
@Pam – The problem with a visitor pass is you have to have a reason like going to a REGUS location but that can cost $50 to rent so not a great idea. The other option is buying a fully refundable ticket if you want to get in to the club with your pass for the day. Once more choice you can ask for is to exchange it for a new one – not likely gonna happen but worth asking about.
Rene: This is a question about getting millage credit after a flight delay forced me to select a direct route to avoid missing a connection. I have heard you in the past say that you could request original millage credit, but in my case, I altered the original flight to add stops (for more MQM) after a schedule change. Now, on the day of the flight I was placed back on essentially the original flight routing, so I didn’t miss a connection due to a delay in the first flight. Do I have any chance at getting millage credit for the extra legs I was ready (and planning to fly)?
Thanks.Your blog is great.
@Aaron – Nope. If you have flown the changed flights YES but not now that you are back on what you booked first. Now if you had booked the other one first and then due to an issue changed (not really your choice) then yes you could ask for original route credit. See the difference?
Hey Rene, just wanted to let you know about a fare sale going on atm to a destination I have never seen on sale, Guam. Not sure how long this will last, but atm you can get a roudtrip from JFK-GUM for $832 and 16,606 MQMs. It works out of many big cities and it looks like you need to spend at least 5 nights, sept-early december, and jan-march. So not really a mileage run but Guam is an amazing place to visit for a vacation and lots of MQMs. IMO its a better island vacation spot that Hawaii. Thought you might want to tell the readers.
@Jordan – Yeah not MR worthy as you have to stay so long. Saw this on FT and TFD. Txs anyway.
I am interested in your Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express. Is this a credit card or a charge card? That is, once I get approved and spend the minimum of $ 1,000 in first 90 days, and get my 35,000 delta miles, when I make purchases does the whole amount have to be paid off that billing cycle or else I will lose all the miles I have accumulated? Also, say in the future I decide I don’t want to use the card and want to cancel it, will I also lose my delta sky miles have accumulated? Finally, what is the value of 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles ? How do I use them? Thank you.
@Mark –
1) Credit card
2) You keep the miles as long as you live
3) You don’t have to keep the card
4) MQMs are only valuable for status, nothing else
.
Link to card is HERE: http://www.DeltaPoints.com/DLPLAT
Hey Rene,
Do you know if there is any way to get Delta Points to populate my RSS feed WITHOUT including all of the Boarding Area blogs?
@Kevin – Yep: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/feed/
Hi Rene,
Hoping you can help with a strategy to get compensated for a terrible delay/reschedule experience I had last week. I am a PM and was booked last Monday on an 8am LGA-GSO for a day trip for a meeting. After this flight was delayed 4 hours (prior flight was delayed, and then they couldn’t FIND A GATE?!! for another 2 hours…) I decided to rebook the same flights and reschedule for the next day, and spent an hour in a cab getting home. Half a day wasted.
Same deal on Tuesday, but only delayed 3 hours. Get out of my meeting to a VIPER text letting me know my flight home was cancelled and I was rebooked through ATL getting home about 5 hours later than planned. I call Delta, only to find out this flight was also delayed. Ended up going through DET and arriving about 4 hours past my original schedule.
I tweeted deltaassist and got a less than satisfactory answer. What do you suggest I do to get some sort of compensation, and what do you think is fair?
I travel frequently for business and have not experienced anything like this before on Delta.
Thank you!!
@Keri – Not much I hate to say. Maybe some $kyRubles or a $200 ETV for your problems. That’s it. Welcome to SkyMiles2015
Rene,
What are your thoughts on booking a flight from the US to LHR on Delta and then flying BA from LHR to LIS and then flying home from BCN on Delta. Basically, I came up with this to burn up my last skymiles but also because I can fly Business for about the same money (excluding the BA piece) as it would cost Economy all Delta and doing the usual AMS or CDG flight path. Also, at this time there is only 1 ticket left the more direct all Delta and I need two.
My main concerns are changing Airlines in LHR. I have not ever done this before. It appears that both Airlines use Terminal 3. So I am thinking that if we do not check luggage it should not be to tough but I am not certain of that. Do you have to go through immigration in LHR before continuing on to the BA flight? What if you did check luggage?
As an aside, I believe the flight we would arrive on would arrive at LHR at 10AM and the flight out to LIS would depart at about 3:25PM so I do not believe we would be rushed just would like to understand the process and pain we might go through to do this.
@vc3 – Sounds like a good plan. Plenty of time too. BA is very nice btw.
Hi Rene,
I was wondering if the $200 Platinum gift card gift choice will count towards MQD’s when cashed in? Not like it is a huge difference but I feel like I will be within a couple hundred of Diamond by the end of the year and it would be just enough of a perk over the 20,000 miles. Thanks!
@Mike – It should but I have not tested. I have never ever seen any kind of Delta credit not count just like cash.
Hi Rene! Love this blog! My husband and I are currently planning a trip to Italy for fall 2016. We have approximately 180,000 Delta miles each that we were hoping to redeem for round trip first class tickets to Rome. My question for you…Do you know what the “peak” versus “off-peak” months are for travel to Europe? From what I’ve read, peak months require more miles so we were hoping to avoid those in favor of saving some miles. Thanks for all you do!!
@Jessica – It takes 125k x 2 for two to fly in DeltaONE or business class to Europe. You find them by reading the E7 post here: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Hi Rene,
I’m a PM and have an upcoming PWM ticket in F, TPA-ATL-CMH. Am I able to use a SDC to make my itinerary more complicated and earn more MQM, something like TPA-LGA-DTW-CMH (which would earn twice as many MQM)? From my reading of the rules, I could do this as long as I still traveled on the same day as my original ticket, and there was space available in F on all segments. Is that correct?
Thanks!
@Bob – Yes but… It must be a “legal” route and they tend to gripe if you are adding too many legs over what you had.
Hi! I purchased my husbands ticket for a flight for work. We were a few thousand points away from what we needed to book to go to London, so I purchased 6000 miles through skymiles booster. My husbands project got moved to the week after his flight, so I had to change his dates. I just realized we never got the mileage booster I purchased. I called and was told because he changed the flight we would not get the miles and would lose our $118! I have never had to change a flight, I don’y understand why they won’t credit me back the $118. What would you do?
@Bwood – First off I would never ever ever ever pay for skymiles booster. Really bad way to get points. There are so many better ways:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/24/rookie-wednesday-will-earn-skymiles-next-year-since-flying-delta-skymiles2015-worst-choice/
.
Then, as to your issue, add-ons are for a specific flight and are non-refundable. If you do change flights you tend to loose them and can not get the money back (another reason NOT to get them btw). I would just get a Delta AMEX card personal or business and be done!
René, just to verify if DL will not try to trick me: as a DM I can cancel any award booking until 72hrs before departure – regardless for whoever the ticket is booked – as long as miles are used from my own account ?
@Genise – You have up to 72hrs if it comes from your account no matter who is flying the ticket. Correct. There is no cost for PM & DMs to cancel.
I just want to thank you for suggesting we give starbucks or other gift cards to those who shine as we go thru checkin and gates. I started doing this earlier for delta manila staff who are awesome by the way!! OMG its such fun!! And so appreciated!! I had one person call me by name this time which was odd, i asked how do you know me? She said oh we all know you because you are the only person to ever do something nice like that!!! I was floored, now i need to find a different coupon? Suggestion? Lol
@Steve – Chocolate 🙂
I live in Europe, but have Delta Silver elite and a lot of Delta miles to burn (since the devaluing…). I mostly fly KLM these days, but still get the perks of being a Delta Silver (free bags, priority check-in, etc.). Is it possible to upgrade my economy seats on a partner airfare (KLM) with Delta miles? If so, what is the best way to do this (check-in counter, calling KLM, etc.)?
@adventure-diva – KLM often offer seat upgrades for sale at gate. Check.
Rene, I’m loyal follower and a DM who fly’s to the Middle East from USA at least 6x per year. My last trip was 32hrs of misery with delays, then delta switched me to Turkish airlines to finish my journey. Long story short my 2 bags are still lost after 3 days and Delta is blaming it on Turkish and giving little help. I’ll be doing a status challenge shortly with either American Airlines, British Airways, or United since these are my only options to get me back to my small USA hub @MSY. What is your take on American as far as Mobile app, international biz class, food, so on.?
@David – I will let you know next year as I will be doing a status match with AA after 1Jan16 🙂
I bought a bargain round trip business class fare XXX-jfk and jfk-xxx with xxx being an eastern european capital. The flights are code shares operated by Delta partners. I am flying the JFK-xxx half of the trip soon. The flights are on Alitalia and there is a stopover in Rome. I’m thinking of just staying in Roma and cancelling the final leg to xxx. Will Delta penalize me- make me forfeit the miles for JFK-Rome or otherwise penalize me if I don’t fly the whole itinerary? I’ve never done it before so I’m a first offender-I am GM.
@Jeff – You only get credit for miles flown.
I’ve found an 830k rt award from mel-jfk 06/13/16-06/20/16
Hi Renee-
I will qualify for Platinum medallion for the first time ever this year. I will qualify around mid-September. Will I get to select my “choice benefits” for the 2015 year, as well as 2016 i.e 4 regional upgrade certs for 2015 and another 4 for 2016, or just 4 all together?
Thanks,
Joe
@Joe – Nope you are earning for next year. You just get status free this year.
Rene, I will be platinum soon and my wife gold soon also. When we book a trip is it best for me to book separate for a better chance to get possibly one upgrade? I believe I have read that if I book her with me that we would be brought down to her gold status rather than my Platinum. Thanks!
@Chat – Yep split for best chance for at least one of you UG – then give her your UG 😉
How many Delta Million Milers are there by
One MM
Two MM
Four MM
Thank you
Burt
@Burt – Only Delta knows and they will not tell.
Thank you for your response as to he number / % of MM.( question 636)
I now you don’t have a crystal ball but would you hazard a guess ?
Renne, you are doing a fantastic service, I am sure we are all very appreciative
Thanks for your help Renee.
Last question; do you have a favorite as far as which Choice Benefit you feel is most valuable? Keep in mind, my wife is already silver medallion.
@Joe – If you are Diamond that is simple – Global Upgrades are the most valuable gift EVER!
Not a diamond, only a platinum….
@joe – http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/22/rookie-wednesday-delta-choice-benefits-pick/
I have a trip setup, award tickets from ORD to AMS to JNB next June (2016).
They are business tickets for 80,000 miles one way, but they are in main cabin from ORD to AMS and Business cabin from AMS to JNB.
As a Delta/Skyteam Platinum Elite can I get my group of 4 (on my reservation) into Economy Comfort seats for free?
As it stands, we are hoping the Business seats open up on the ORD-AMS flights, but want to be sure to get the best seats available in case they don’t.
Thanks!!!
@Bob – Yep if on same PNR
Great.. but who do I contact, Delta or KLM?
Thanks!!!
I am now also on a VS flight from ATL to LHR. Arriving in ATL on a DL regional jet from MCI. It is all on one ticket.
Will the bags be checked through to LHR or do you have pick them up in ATL and recheck them there when checking in for the VS flight? It sounded like you did have to check in for VS in ATL (starting at 4hrs before the flight).
Trying to post again as the last did not seem to post.
I know when my wife and I did the MCI – LAX – MEL flight we had to do that for Virgin Australia.
@VC3 – Sorry I was flying Virgin Atlantic yesterday and no wifi. Your bags will go all the way. I checked mine SBN-ATL-MAN-AMS-GOT with a 6+ hour layover in ATL.
Talked to several Delta agents, all have said, and I am paraphrasing after they returned from putting me on hold to talk with actual KLM agents… “Because it is an award ticket, only I am able to select economy comfort, that KLM policy differs from Delta” and the only thing I could do was to split me from the others pnr and then I could select the economy comfort seats.
The worst thing is we are flying to JNB, in a business class fare (80,000 miles where main cabin from ORD-AMS and business from AMS-JNB) and we can’t even get into preferred seating on the main cabin leg.
Hoping that this is a mistake and we can at least get into preferred if not economy comfort seats.
Your thoughts?
Thanks again!!!!
@Bob – Setup a Flying Blue account. Once that is done pull up your reservation with Delta PNR to get the KLM PNR. Then tweet to KLM and have them assign the C+ seats on their jets as a Delta elite.
Hi Rene,
I’m looking to book a trip from SEA to Madrid in Feb using skymiles in business class for a vacation. I have never booked award travel. I am silver with a delta Amex card and 122k points. When I use the Delta app, the cheapest business class tickets are 192k points. Is this a good use of points? Would I get a better deal redeeming reward travel through a partner airline (and if so how)? When is the best time to book? Thanks in advance for your help!
@Andrew – See the E7 & E21 posts on how to find 125k biz RT tickets: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Where do I go to book this offer?
30% Off Delta Awards Between North America And Europe For Elites And AMEX Cardholders! Coach For 21K, Business For 43.5K Each Way!
@BJ – Todays post HERE: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/08/10/alert-delta-offering-42000-skymile-rt-coach-seats-to-europe-keepclimbing-less-than-level-1-awards/
Rene – I’ve heard of another change. I had a trip impacted by the schedule changes on Saturday. The change meant I would misconnect. I called the DM line. I asked to change the departure/return city in order to address the schedule change. The agent said no problem. After entering the information he needed to enter he had to get a supervisor to approve since the system wanted to charge a fee for the changes. He said it wouldn’t be a problem – and it never has before (the mighty schedule change rule).
Then he comes back – the supervisor says Delta has a new rule – no changing the city unless there is no other option. I negotiated a bit and got them to do it for me but was told this is a change that will be enforced in the future.
Have you heard of such a rule change? I would ordinarily say bad agent and HUCB – but this agent was good – he knew what i wanted to do and confirmed that he had done it many times before. He also confirmed that he had seen (but had forgotten) a memo about the rule change. If that is true it’s a big blow to the mighty schedule change benefits.
@Stephen – That has always been the rule really but there is something called co-terminals that is airports w/in 100 miles of each other. Especially for elites this can be done. It is a HUCB thing some times but it can still be done but as you say it needs to be something BIG to get that done. Thanks for the feedback.
I received a Delta email: “Get Ready for your DTW-LGA trip”. In the lower left, it shows a Delta-Platinum AMEX card and suggests that I enjoy discounted SkyClub access.
But I have a Delta Reserve-AMEX card. I previously followed your suggestion to have it as my only card in my Delta profile, and in some pages on the Delta website, such as Home>My Delta>My SkyMiles, there’s a picture of the Delta Reserve card and it says I’m a Delta Reserve Credit Card member. (Other pages such as such as Home>My Delta>My Wallet show a picture that doesn’t identify the type of AMEX card.) What does yours show?
What does it show in your preflight emails? Importantly, if mine should show the Reserve card, how would I fix that? Thank you!
Rookie readers: Holding the Delta Reserve Credit Card can increase your chances of a complimentary upgrade in some cases — that’s why I want the Delta computer to know.
@Chaz – I would call delta and ask for “dot com” support and make sure correct!
I am very confused. I have booked first/business class tickets from Kansas City to Tahiti (Delta for the domestic routes; partner Air Tahiti Nui for the international) with Pay With Miles.
Three times now Delta agents have told me I will earn no miles or MQMs on PWM. Yet you have told me I will earn miles and my research of the Delta website says: “For travel on or after January 1, 2015 (regardless of ticket purchase date): Pay with Miles tickets are eligible for MQMs and MQSs. In addition, Pay with Miles tickets will earn mileage for the portion of the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges remaining that is paid in currency after miles are applied to the ticket total.”
What’s the deal. Sure need the MQMs to keep me Platinum for another year.
Thanks for your help as usual.
Barry
@Barry – Push them if you don’t get points.
I think my skymiles reward ticket is now cheaper than I paid. (in Miles)
I have (2) multicity skymiles award ticket in a week 8/22-9/5. las,lgw,sgv,cdg,dub,ldw,las Originally paid that I paid 95000 each. They made a schedule change and opened up new seats which took me to 87500 miles with nonstop from LAS-LGW instead of DTW/LHR. It now looks like its 80,000 today. Can I get those miles credited back to me? Should I be calling to get upgrades? tmcgow1 – just hit 900m DL skymiles, athough stuck in Gold.
Some segments are with VS, AF, DL
(correction on itinerary. please update my previous post segment 1 las/lgw,segment 2 sgv/cdg/dub segment 3 lhr/lax/las)
tmcgow1
@Tom McGowan – If you can get a free change why not save the miles?!? Yes you can get the difference back. Now with no FREE change (if that is the case) then 15k back may or may not be worth change fee to you. Clear?
I had an interesting item happen to me this past Friday. I was checked in for a flight but when I got ready to board, the ticket showed not valid. Delta had already offered hotel and $800 for anyone that was willing to get bumped (3 people took this). Someone earlier had taken a $300 bump and a flight to a nearby airport with my same last name. But the agent had updated part of my ticket with the information invalidating my ticket. I did get the $800 bump and hotel but am not satisfied with that and wondered if I could get anything else as I had not volunteered to get bumped and really needed to get home. Could not fly out until 2 pm the next day so I lost like 17 hours of my weekend. Thoughts? Best time to call customer service? What are options/items to ask for?
@Darren – You could have demanded CASH (aka a check on the spot):
.
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/flyrights.htm
.
Delta has gotten in hot water for this before:
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http://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-fines-delta-violating-bumping-compensation-rules
.
File a complaint on them about this:
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http://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint
.
So it does not happen to someone again – PLEASE! Oh and ask for your money back from Delta too. This is NOT OK. Clear.
Rene,
I was rerouted yesterday from IAH-MSP-SMF to IAH-SLC-SMF due to storms in Houston. With the reroute I assume my MQMs will post based on what I flew. I would like the 700 MQMs that I would have earned as it will help me towards status (currently platinum). Does Delta ever give planned MQMs. I have actually never ran into this problem before.
@Brian – Most times, if ticket is re-issued, you get flown MQMs. I would email if you don’t get them.
I have noticed lately that when I am researching using Google Flights that the KLM price is much lower than the Delta price. This can even be in situations where it is all Delta Metal. Usually, it is the Delta to and from AMS and KLM from there to final city. Came across one today where it was Delta metal there and then KLM back. KLM price was $900 and the Delta price was $1600.
My first question is why the huge difference?
Second question, is if I were to book on KLM what are my downsides? I have no points or status on KLM but I am Delta PM.
@VC3 – You need to check if it is a value partner fare class for full rewards. See Delta.com
.
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/earn-miles/earn-miles-with-partners/airlines.html
.
Sometimes it is a better call for RDMs & the same or better MQMs but notice MQD earnings if that matters to you!
Thanks. I almost exclusively keep it Delta and KLM. Just because of the MQM issues on other partners (and things like seat selection, airports, etc.). So no issues on that front. Also, did the Credit card thing to take care of MQD. So no issues on that front.
This is specifically, a USD pricing issue. I am a bit dumbfounded how KLM can sell an all Delta Metal flight lower than Delta can. And if I end finding this issue then what happens if I book this All Delta Metal through KLM but have all the miles credited towards Delta. Further, will KLM recognize my PM status up front or what rules apply in that situation.
Thanks!!!
@VC3 – Should have no major issues with your PM status and KLM. For seats you may need to use KLM.com or tweet to KLM. Just be 100% SURE when you check-in and confirm with KLM that your Delta PM number is in the reservation.
I have 2 friends looking to book RT award tickets in Dec to join me in New Zealand. They each have about 100K SkyMiles (or Amex points) in separate Delta accounts.
The outbound is on Virgin Australia (LAX-SYD-AKL)
The return is on Korean Air (AKL-ICN-LAX)
In case of IRROPs, should they book separate RT award tickets or one-ways booked together, that way they don’t get split if something happens. I haven’t flown either airline, so not sure if they can link their PNRs.
Maybe I’m over thinking this, but want to make this is easy for them.
Thanks!
@Arthur – Linking is only hit and miss reliable on Delta. I would NOT trust to work correctly with partners.
Hi, Rene –
I’m probably a month or two away from making Platinum and I have some one way award flights already booked in international C+. Am I allowed to book another seat on the same flight for myself in business elite and wait to cancel once I’m PM?
I’m considering calling to make the changes and HUCB if needed. The only reason I don’t want to wait until I’m PM for the free changes is that the BE award has come down substantially for the dates I’m flying. Only 62k miles for a 9hr flight in BE.
I will say that I’m now seeing Delta discounting the BE for flights that are flying a bit empty. Perhaps it’s the flip side of FC monetization, better to have some fire sales on flights that are not eligible for upgrades because they are BE to South America for instance.
Thanks
@Andrew – Don’t book two tickets same flights. You can book now as GM and then change free once PM yes.
Hi Rene,
I am flying JFK-HNL via LAX.
Can you tell me what a regional upgrade can do for me?
Would it upgrade both legs, or just one? Thanks again!
@Ed – You can upgrade on both legs (one-way) for one cert. Space may not be open.
I already have ticket in C+ I booked in Feb. when I was still PM. I grabbed a one way to South America for 30k now BE has come down to 62k. So wanted to book BE and wait to cancel the C+ once I’m PM. I want to avoid an IT error or having my tickets cancelled because the mothership thinks I’m trying to trick them.
Thanks
Rene –
With flight(s) booked using Regional Upgrade (RU), are the MQMs earned at the economy level or are they also upgraded?
@Carol – Paid fare class MQM earnings on RUs. I know, sorry, not what you wanted to hear. Me either 😉
Hey Rene,
Will DL penalize me for not completing a YYZ-ATL-SCL-ATL-YYZ, run and getting off the second time I’m in ATL, not flying the last leg?
This is, of course, for a status run… I’d like to save myself one more trip from ATL to YYZ and back.
Any experiences with this? Thanks!
@JC – You will not get credit for the last leg you did not fly. It is unlikely Delta will make a big deal of it unless you do it often. Worst case is an IROP and they want to send you SLC to YYZ. But then you could argue you want to wait as don’t want to miss out on points.
Wanted to confirm before I earn and use GU for international travel. May want to use some Pay with Miles to upgrade on some flights, and/or use GU for mileage runs.
Also it means that if I use RUs for last minute upgrades to move to top to domestic upgrade list, I’m not really losing out on anything.
Thanks.
@ JC Was the YYZ to SCL a mileage run I missed? I’m ATL based and didn’t find anything great YYZ SCL through ATL. At least nothing compelling. Thanks.
@Andrew G
Sale was YYZ-SCL-YYZ (via ATL both ways) during select dates of September ($1.075ish on P/Z combination). About 16,000 MQMs altogether.
I found it posted on Flyertalk, on Premium Fares Deals forum.
Hi Rene!
As a Platinum, if I book award travel and cancel it for whatever reason, do I get all my points back and just lose the taxes/fees paid? I just want to confirm. Thanks in advance
@Mike – You get points and tax come back as long as you do so more than 72hrs before flight.
Rene: My wife and I both obtained American Express Platinum cards in June (through your link as I recall). We both have made the $ spend to get the bonus miles/MQMs. Through a quirk in schedules, neither of us has made a Delta ticket purchase on the card yet and probably won’t within the 90 days to get the $100 cash back. If we buy Delta gift cards, does that count/trigger the credit? Any other ideas? Thank you.
@Scott – You bet ya just keep them at $50 each. Enjoy! – Rene
Rene,
Thanks for all you do. I have tried to search and find this out to no avail as I didnt want to waste your time but I cant so I was hoping you could help…I need to go from Nashville to Belize next year in biz/first. From Atlanta-Belize R/T, its showing as 30,000 miles each way for a total of 60,000 miles which is great. The problem is I need to go from Nashville to Atlanta on the way there, and Atl to Nashville on the way back. There are several direct flights from Nash-Atl and vice versa (but I need the early morning one on the way out and an evening one back to mesh with my connection times from Atl-BZE), so when I run a search from Nash-Belize, it makes the ticket 95,000 miles R/T. The individual legs on those flights from Nash-Atl and Atl-Nash are 32,500 miles….I thought that if I pieced together the segments it would charge me 32,500 miles each way (the higher of the 2 legs) starting and ending in nashville but the computer is not going for that and I called and got the same. Is there any way to do this by adding segments or do the segments have to be the same exact amount of miles to marry them together?
@Ace – Call and explain overnight as rep must make work for 60k RT. I did just that (well for a few points more at LEVEL 2 on way out). See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/08/22/always-always-always-remember-delta-computers-work-against-you-not-for-you-when-booking-an-award-tickets/
Do you mean though that I have to stay overnight on each leg to get that though because I would prefer to fly the same day on each, or did you mean call late at night?
@Ace – No if there are no other flights that work OR if that is the way to get LEVEL 1 seats.
Hi
Have a SkyClub question for you. I am currently a Diamond Medallion and have already qualified for DM next year as well as a Delta Reserve card holder. In the past I had Executive SkyClub membership but this year just received Individual Membership.
Since I receive a membership for being Diamond and a membership for being a Reserve cardholder , shouldn’t that push me up to Executive? Or at least add a year to my membership ?
@Jeff – Nope.
Rene’, I have a question about using a companion certificate. I can use it for an economy or first class tickets. When I choose flights without the certificate, a first class ticket is $599. When I use the companion certificate link, it is $660. All the flight information is the same. Is this normal or a quirk? Is there any way to get the lower price?
@Kathy – Do screen shots of A or I class then call for match.
Hi Rene! I have a question on award tickets!
So I found a low level one way award (12.5k) from Las Vegas to Fort Lauderdale which connects in Atlanta on Novemeber 20th. I want to leave from the Los Angeles Area though. I see a Los Angeles- Las Vegas flight for only 10k miles. Could I pair the flights together and pay the low level award? And how much would it be? When I do a multi city search by putting in each individual segment, the price is super high and the flights don’t pop up correctly!
Thank you!
@Tyler – Must be a valid route. That one may not be.
Hi René – a quick question: i’m about to book an award PDX-AMS/AMS-YUL(stopover) -PDX. International destination, so 1st bag is free with no DL status.
However, when I check in at YUL (after my stopover), will I have to pay for my baggage since it’s apparently considered “domestic” North America?
@Joey – if more that 24hrs it is a stop and you can’t check all the way. Check delta .com for current bag fees.
As someone who resides in the United States, is it legal to purchase airfare on AirFrance.fr instead of AirFrance.us since it is cheaper on AirFrance.fr? Thanks
@Mark – Not illegal nor anything wrong with this or against Delta or Skyteam rules (interesting btw). You do need to check the fare code of AF vis Delta on Detla .com to make sure you are buying a fare class that is OK to earn points if that matters to you.
thanks for your reply!
I have one last question..
So, I’ve been searching for more flights, and I found SNA-ATL and ATL-EYW at 20,000 miles each. But when I piece them together on multicity it goes up to 32,500? It should be 20,000 right? Do I have to call delta?
thanks a ton!
Hi Rene, me again.
Okay so I found SNA- ATL at 20,000 miles and ATL-EYW at 20,000 miles so it should price out at 20,000 miles right? Well it didn’t on the site, so I called Delta.
When I talked to the agent, she said that it was a “married pair” and it prices out at 32,500 miles? So is there no way around this? Thanks!
@Tyler – Again, it may not be a legal route. You can check a paid ticket and see if you can route that way as a test IE if the A-B includes that option. If not you will either be out of luck or have to HUCB and see if a rep will do it.
why doesn’t klm honor my delta gold status when flying on connecting flights
@Bob – They should. They should honor all Skyteam elites at all levels.
@Mark – Not illegal nor anything wrong with this or against Delta or Skyteam rules (interesting btw). You do need to check the fare code of AF vis Delta on Detla .com to make sure you are buying a fare class that is OK to earn points if that matters to you.
Thanks Rene for the feedback, I purchased my tickets about 3 months ago and started to get worried that my tickets would be void when it was time to fly. Not sure why, but when I purchased my tixs on AirFrance.fr, I ended up saving close to $1500 instead of buying them through Delta or AirFrance.us. Just thought I would share this with everyone else as well as a way to save money when purchasing airfare.
Hi Rene! Thanks for your help!
I looked as a paid ticket from SNA-EYW, and it does pop up online. Both the SNA-ATL and ATL-EYW book into “M” class! So, should I just HUCB? Oh and I’m a bit confused on what you mean by a vaild route? A vaild route just needs to price the flights (SNA-EYW) online right, even if the price is incorrect?
@Tyler – The value route reg paid must route SNA-ATL-EYW. If it does, as once search not two, then you should be able to get it as an award as well.
Gotcha! thank you!
Yes it does route SNA-ATL-EYW on one search!
Okay so just to clarify, I should be able to get it at 20,000 miles because the SNA-ATL is 20,000 alone, and ATL-EYW is also 20,000 alone?
@Tyler – Yep but again gotta find a rep to do it for you who gets that it should show up right.
Ahh okay thanks! I will try HUCB!
In May of 2015 I was offered an upgrade from my Delta, Amex gold card, to the next level of service…I believe to be the Platinum card. Is this upgrade still available and is it a benefit to this next level of service?
@Roberta – Check to see if you have ever had the Delta Platinum before (See E2 post). Then look at choice if NEW card is better deal than upgrade (most times new card better deal – thanks for using my link btw)
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http://www.DeltaPoints.com/DLPLAT
@René – I’d love to get your advice. I travel a lot on NGO/cheap fares, mostly AF, so while I’m over 75,000 MQMs this year, I only just crossed the Gold MQD threshold. If I push the Amex spend this year (which I only got in May), I can get the waiver. However, if I hold back, I’ll be able to roll over ~40,000 miles into 2016 and ensure Gold status through 1/18. This is particularly attractive as I’m likely to be flying a lot less next year and probably won’t get enough MQMs to make Gold on my own. I will, however, be able to make the $25,000 Amex spend waiver. What are your thoughts on going for platinum in 2016 but settling for Silver in 2017, as opposed to Gold pretty much guaranteed 2016 and 2017?
Thanks so much.
@John – As always a personal choice but keep in mind even on cheap fares as GM+ you get lounge access but NOT as FO. PM you do see many more domestic UGs and you get PM Choice Benefits and I really like my RU certs. Think of how you fly, where you fly, what perks you want and for me PM does get you a year of free award ticket changes. That could be HUGE if you use it a bunch to burn point balance! Does that help?
Rene – I have never had any medallion status before, but this year I will reach DM (around November). Will I select choice benefits for PM and DM for the remaining months in 2015, and then select again for 2016. Or, will I only receive choice benefits for 2016? I’m eyeing those global RU certificates and getting 8 rather than just 4 would be great. Thanks!
@Taylor – You are earning 2016 status so you get only one PM & DM choice. You just get free status the rest of this year. I would read all the rookie posts on medallions and choice benefits: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/29/rookie-wednesday-a-look-back-on-what-we-have-covered-so-far-and-beyond/
Hi Rene,
I got the same feeling on the Delta website as your recent posts. I was looking for award flights to Asia and the whole website is just a mess! When I use flexible dates to search, there are 70k coach tickets or 140k business class tickets. However, when I clicked in, there is nothing like that available! Also, I would like to get Delta partner flights such as China Airline as part of the itinerary. However, even though I chose to include partner airlines, there are only Delta flights with more connection stops available. Is there a way for me to solve this?
Thanks!
@Danny – See the E7 posts and then call: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Rene, If one qualifies for both Platinum and Diamond Choice Benefits before the end of the year, should you wait as long a possible to select the Benefits? It seems like the wording says “1 year from date of issuance” which would be when you make your choices, right? My wife still has Regional and Global upgrades to use yet this fall, so should we wait to claim then until the end of the yearly cycle and can we wait to claim both levels of Benefits or do you have to claim Platinum before claiming Diamond? Thanks!
@Tim – See this rookie post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/22/rookie-wednesday-delta-choice-benefits-pick/
Hi René,
I just opened a Skymiles account and is the first time I’m traveling in an int’l business class trip on Delta. I’m not sure if I should credit my flight to SkyPesos or to keep crediting to Aeroméxico’s Club Premier. I was thinking about using my SkyMiles account for all SkyTeam travel since MQD’s don’t apply to me since I live in Mexico. I want to know what you think about this. Should I use my SkyMiles account or keep using my Club Premier?
Also, does my ticket in international business class ticket on Delta include access to the SkyClub in LAX?
@Martin – Your call if you want to keep crediting to Areomexico since you already have points there. You may want to look at credit to Alaska since you are already booked in business class for better value. Yes you get Skyteam access with international business class tickets including the Skyclub.
Hello Rene,
I have a question about missing flights. I live in B and want to travel to D. I cannot find low award ticket from B-C-D-C-B. However, I do find a cheap award ticket from A-B-C-D-C-B-A. Could I just miss the A-B and B-A for the whole trip? I know that for paid tickets, there may be some problems for getting miles. I am not sure whether it is find for award tickets.
Thanks.
@Dan – Skip any leg but last and tickets VOID.
I’m currently a Delta Gold Amex cardholder (personal) and just achieved Gold status in the Medallion program. I just received an email offer “to apply”for a Platinum card with 60k bonus miles, 15k MQM’s (after 1k spend in 90 days) with and additional 20 k MQM’s after $50k spend. I am just shy of the spend level now. Also, there is a time limit on the offer (I believe sometime in October).
My question is: should I apply or wait and see if I get a similar “upgrade” offer? My thinking is if it is an upgrade, I would hopefully get credit for my spend level for this year.
@KC – I can not really give you guidance on targeted offers as they are not from my links. I will say avoid UGs as much as possible as they can get you little and will void you chance to ever get a NEW card bonus again for THAT card (all 3 Delta cards are, for now, unique products).
Are you still accepting reservations for the 2015 Seminar?
@Sue – The one in Chicago? Yes there are still tickets open to buy: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/04/28/tickets-for-the-2015-chicago-seminars-go-live-on-sale-today-at-noon-et/
It looks like the “premium” food service on the Delta One transcon routes is still in place:
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/09/05/delta-767-review/
(Even if the main course in this case was something of a bust, the appetizer platter is still excellent.)
Not sure why you had such mediocre-looking food when you flew it. Were you by chance departing at an odd time, like after 8pm from JFK, in which case I think there may be a modified “supper” service instead of the usual meal? Or maybe there was just an unfortunate catering mix-up that day.
Hi there! I’m currently AA Platinum and would like to match to DL Platinum (rather than Gold). Any tips on how one could accomplish that? My argument is that there’s no equivalent AA tier, as DL Platinum is halfway between AA Platinum and AA Executive Platinum. Thanks!
@Carl – You can e-mail them and ask but I doubt it. The only thing that I think could work would be faxing or email over that you are spending say over $10,000 a year on tickets showing you would be a valuable match at the higher level!
Rene,
I’m a PM traveling internationally this week on delta metal. It appears there are quite a few business class seats still available. Any suggestions for potential complimentary upgrades? Economy isn’t close to being sold out so that probably won’t apply.
Scott
@Scott – Not that I can print on the blog 😉
I am also PM flying internationally on coach, and I did just get upgraded from Sydney to LAX on Delta. They had oversold coach and there was room in business- they said they were upgrading DM’sand PM’s- and so they did. So check the seating before you leave. You have no way of knowing how oversold they are but if coach is full and business is empty it may just happen.
I read a rumor that we can’t use the AMEX airline credits for ecerts. (I looked at your blog post from January 2015 about using AMEX Gold Rewards/Platinum airline credits for delta gift cards.) Have you heard that they aren’t being reimbursed? Thanks for your blog!
@LA – Too soon to confirm anything. I think just a slow to credit issue unless idiots calling AMEX have now tanked it for everyone and THAT is possible.
Rene,
The strangest thing happened to me last night. I had a rd trip award ticket coming up to Hawaii flying out in biz class and home in coach. (Due to a flight change I demanded they book me on the ATL-HNL in lie flats at the low level thanks to rookie posts!) As a PM I am fairly confident that I will get upgraded on the OGG-Lax flight on the way home so I have been searching for ways to book my soon-to-be wife into first so we don’t have to fly apart. I have been striking out but after my third attempt to get the phone rep to price out a first class ticket last night I gave up and hung up. But, when I checked the app before bed I have a new trip listed! The rd trip to Hawaii is still there and the seats are still the same but now I have a one way Hawaii-Lax-XXX on the exact same flights but I am booked into First (RS) code. I wasn’t charged in skymiles. The app even let me select first class seats so now it appears that I have one seat in first and one seat in econ comfort. Any idea what’s going on or what happened? WWRD- What would Rene do?
@Max – If you have two outbound booking you need to call ASAP and cancel the wrong one or Delta CPUs will just dump one of the two soon and not tell you!
Rene,
Love your blog and sage advice. Well, after following your advice (and well clicking your application links), I have spent my way to 2016 Delta Platinum status (just got the e-mail today) just in time for my trip to the Virgin Islands tomorrow. So, after sighing and saying “is that all there is?”, what do I have to look forward to as a newly minted Delta Platinum?
Thanks!
@Stuart – More UGs. Free award changes all you want up to 72hrs b4 flight. PM choice benefits for 2016 and so much more. Well done!
Hi Rene,
Love this forum. Just wondering if you knew the satellite channels that are offered on Delta? Need to fly on Sunday night and have to make sure I can watch football! I feel like I know they have NBC, CBS, Fox…..but I so rarely get the individual tv flights from Boston->Minnesota->Spokane.
Thank you
@Mike – Most times it is NYC based stations unless readers have other ideas.
Hello, I have an odd question:
In the past, I’ve always been able to piece together low-level domestic award tickets, partly because of the guides you have on this website. So if I found, for example, ord-atl and atl-jfk both at the low level with an allowable connection time, then I could purchase ord-atl-jfk for 12,500 skymiles. Conversely if I happened to search ord-jfk and find those flights for 12.5k, it stood to reason that each of those segments was also available at the low level individually.
That rule no longer seems to hold true, unless I’m missing something. I recently searched phl-pns and found several options through atl for 12.5k. But searching atl-pns for the same flights yields only 20k+ options. Try Sept 21 if you want to replicate.
Could this be the rise of hidden city ticketing using skymiles?
@Bob – You have to look at legal routes (i.e. rules or check paid fare) then find each leg at LEVEL 1 in same cabin then call.
Your reply in no way addressed the scenario I presented.
@Bob – Yes I did.
How does “check legal routes” address that scenario? If a simple search on delta.com for phl-pns brings up a ticketable route for 12.5k through atl, then it is a legal route at the low level, correct? That’s the assumption I’m going on, but please correct me if I’m mistaken.
My issue/concern is that when broken into pieces for the exactly same flights, I cannot find either flight at the low level. I.e. both flights individually price out above 12.5k each. So calling in does not apply here.
I bring this to your attention because it seems like a departure from past skymiles pricing behavior and perhaps something that you could investigate in more depth than I can. If it is business as usual, please explain why. Thank you!
Any secrets on how to get Global Upgrade Certificates.
@Tom – Sure. Make Diamond the simple way with a few cards and mileage runs!
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/category/mileage-run-deals/
Help getting Gold 2016. Currently a PM, which has been amazing. I had a business class trip to both Germany and India last year, and I was a GM in 2014. I am trying to schedule a likely business trip to Portland, but I will probably end the year about 5,000 MQMs an $200 MQDs short of GM, and I really am not going to accept silver after a year of PM. I live near DTW, and I already have the Reserve card. I do a fair amount of business travel, but that’s winding down for the year. I need cheap mileage run which must be done on the weekend, as I have no vacation time – any thoughts?
@Marlene – Just do it from home! Clearly you have not spent $60,000 yet on your Reserve card. So simple to do. See these posts:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/04/updated-guide-bluebird-load-gcs/
@rene
@marlene
Very true Rene. I have both personal and business reserve and easily spend the limit (60k mqms total) on both cards by June every year. I always get DM status for the following year by June from carry over mqms. In fact I have already qualified for DM for 2017 and haven’t even booked a flight in 2016 yet. Delta Reserve and Rene ROCKS.
Once your DM, you definately never want to go back.
Thanks for all your insight.
I am 1/18 on upgrade list for a flight tonight with no 1st class seats showing. Can I ask for a bump? I declined when checking in as there were 3 seats left but now I check in again online and it is not coming up-please advise what you would do, thnaks!
@Adam – Get to the gate early and let them know you are willing to bump. Paper list with GA tends to trump all else.
Hi Rene,
I enjoy your blog and appreciate your insight.
I have been Diamond since the beginning of the program, and have always relied on the Diamond Desk to come to my rescue should a problem arise that can’t be handled online. However, lately I have encountered problems.
My question is; Do you think the Diamond Desk is staffed by Delta’s best and brightest with the highest level of customer service as the goal?
I have a flight from Cairo to Atlanta scheduled for this December 31.
The flight connects in Paris. Recently Delta cancelled my CDG to ATL leg and placed me on a Delta flight the leaves Paris 3 hrs before I arrive from Cairo. I called the Diamond Desk where I was offered a same day flight on an Air France codeshare to ATL. I said no; I’ll spend the night and take one of the wide open Delta flights on New Years Day. (We are a party of two and enjoy our Comfort + in two by two seating.) The rep said ,”No, I cannot authorize a layover when I can offer you a seat to return the same day. ” I told her that she was offering me a different product and did not want to fly Air France. She said ” but sir you are already flying Air France from Cairo. ” I said that I have no choice but to codeshare in and out of Cairo, but transatlantic I booked and prefer Delta. She said she would do the layover but it would cost me a change fee. I asked her to check with a supervisor to waive the fee; she came back and said there was no way she would authorize a layover and reminded the the I was already flying Air Frane for part of the trip.
I was exhausted. I thanked her,hung up and called the regular reservation number. I explained my problem,and the kind lady asked me which Delta flight I wanted on Jan 1. I asked for the afternoon flight in case I wanted to sleep late. She said “let’s get you on that flight.”
She asked me if row 23 A and B were OK. I said that 10 A and B would be better. She said “Oh , that’s right; I hadn’t noticed your are Diamond .” The entire call lasted 5 min . She gave me great service because I was a Delta customer with a problem, not because I was a frequent flyer.
What do you think ?
Thanks, Frank
@Frank – HUCB can happen from anyone at any elite level. Some DM reps have real attitude. Most are good. If you can get Chisholm aka the old NWA Platinum reps you are in for a real treat. They ROCK!
Rene;
Tomorrow will flying my 130th segment on DAL this year. Not a big deal, I have been at it for many years. I have noticed though that in the past I would get TSA Pre 98 out of 100 flights but that number has dropped down significently. Now I would say I get it perhaps 75 out of 100 flights or even less. It seems that the less I pay for a flight the more likely it is I do not get the TSA Pre Check. I do not have anything other than a passport, no Global Entry. I wonder if this is another revenue enhancement program Delta is even hitting Diamonds and Multi-Million Milers with.
Thoughts ?
@Rod – See these posts:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/03/24/delta-medallions-expect-much-less-free-elite-tsa-tsa-pre%e2%9c%93-starting-in-april/
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/07/09/rookie-wednesday-tsa-pre%E2%9C%93-fly-delta-upgrade-trusted-known-traveler-number/
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2012/12/31/known-traveler-number-on-the-new-delta-com-know-where-it-is/
.
If all those are good to go then you should be good to go. I have never ever missed PRE CHECK once and I did 150 segments last year and over 70 this year.
Hi Rene!
Love the blog and appreciate your insight and advice. I’m writing this from Atlanta Sky Club in ATL (Term D)…waiting for my flight to Jackson MS.
I will get Gold Medallion soon on MQS, but I already have over 9K on MQDs….seems like Platinum is in reach before January!
I live near Boston and have thought of a doing BOS>ANC on Delta to get to Platinum. What are your thoughts on me going for it…my work sends me to the South, but not enough to the next level on MQMs or MQS.
Thanks!
Dan
@Dan – You can look at segment runs just like some do mileage runs.
Forgive me if this questions is answered above. Will I get MQMs for a flight booked using someone else’s points?
Thanks!
@Joseph – If they use Delta AMEX card Pay with Miles yes. If an award ticket no one gets MQMs for those.
If you use Pay with Miles (which I know is a poor point value), do you get full MQMs or are they prorated? I am DM with Delta AMEX Reserve.
@Glenn – See my real world tests with search on the blog PWM: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=pwm
.
PS – It can be good value. Sometimes. Clearly not always.
Just booked a mileage run as three nested round trips. I’m assuming I carry a little more risk with multiple itineraries in case there are IRROPS or delays. Does it help me mitigate risk in any way to call and have them linked together?
Thanks!
@Chad – Ugg. I would NOT. Delta sometimes views this as a way to avoid paying a higher price. I would NOT link them. YMMV.
Hey Rene,
Where on the AmEx website can you find your current qualifying spend for the Delta cards? I think I’ve reached it, or at least I’m very close. Also, the link that you had to the page to claim the MQM’s is broken–it’s amazing how hard it is to find that page on Delta.com. Thanks for the help!
@Garrett – There is no “check spend” chart or link. Check last statement, add current spend, minus yearly fee = your total. Once your statement closes and shows over 30/60k yearly spend you can use the link (see E18) to claim your MQMs with the Delta AMEX Reserve card:
.
I am $100 away from the $25K spend on my delta AMEX, and have over the minimum MQMs required for silver. Do I have to wait until my next statement to make Silver, or will delta know when i hit the 25K?
@Mel – Sometimes a few days after you meet the spend but most times after statement closes.
Hi René!
I got a DL Gold Amex this summer and am now considering upgrading and/or getting other DL Amex cards. I’m on a Medallion status match, so I won’t benefit from any additional MQMs this year (they’d just go to waste since I can’t roll them over). However, I noticed that it says you have 90 days to make a decision about gifting or using Reserve MQMs. Do you know if (hypothetically) I hit the bonus threshold around Dec 31 of this year, if I’d be able to wait a couple of months to take action and then have them apply to my account next year (for 2017 qualification)?
If I decided to upgrade my existing card (that I’ve had for < 3 months), would that potentially result in them clawing back the 50k signup bonus and/or the $50 credit? I noticed in the upgrade terms it said the annual fee for the new card would be prorated along with the one for the original card (which was $0). Hmmm. The smart thing may just be to wait until the annual fee is due and then convert for no bonus. Thanks for any info!
@Carl – No. No matter when you redeem MQMs the count in the year you earned them. Spend too.
.
No don’t UG. You are better off going for new Delta AMEX cards. You get 1 shot lifetime with personal card and UG can go bad. New is so much safer. A few bucks in fee’s not worth any potential loss!
Thanks for your thoughts about the cards and MQMs. The problem is that the Amex language indicates one can now receive a DL bonus only once every 24 months. If I don’t want to wait two years, wouldn’t it make sense to just upgrade since I’ll forgo the bonus anyway? Or do you think that language isn’t quite accurate?
@Carl – Personal card bonus 1x lifetime EVER! UG counts as your 1x and UG can go bad. You HAVE been warned. Business cards are cancel, wait 365+ days, get new card bonus again.
.
See this post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/07/25/s-there-a-simple-way-to-check-if-you-have-ever-had-a-amex-personal-card-before/
René,
I’m curious as to whether you’ve encountered this issue. Somehow my ex-wife’s cell phone number became tied to my delta account as an alternate number some years ago. She still gets flight notification etc. which is undesirable. I can’t find the number anywhere in my online profile and the three CSRs I’ve spoken to are also unable to locate it on my profile. Any recommendations?
@Jason – Go into My Delta and change ALL your notifications to email not phone and give it a day or two. Should fix it.
Hey Rene –
Have you found any solutions to the scenario below? I’ve tried multiple Diamond Desk people and every one so far eventually comes back (usually after talking to ticketing) telling me that they can’t adjust the mileage cost. Same result with emailing delta.com.
Scenario 1: Booking a trip from the USA (SFO) to Africa (NBO).
If it routes via Europe on a Delta partner I can get in/out for 70k, which is low-level Business.
However, the only availability for a long stretch of the dates I can get vacation, was via China Southern, and this routing changes the one-way Business class price to 150k, from 70k, because they charge me multiple times: SFO-CAN, 70k, then CAN-NBO, 80k. This, with no actual stopover in China that would justify this pricing, just a 2-hour connection.
Scenario 2:
Traveling within Africa – origin and destination – but routing via CDG, such as NBO-BKO on a particular date where Kenya Airways direct is not available.
Similar to the above, they charge me as if I’m going from Africa to Europe, then Europe to Africa, even though once again it’s a several hour connection, not a stopover.
Apologies if you have covered this before, I couldn’t find a precise match in my searching. It seems similar to the ‘delta.com prices wrong’ but so far no agent has agreed – the idea of costs based on origin/destination seem gone with the removal of the award charts.
The only explanation offered was:
“After reviewing your reservation I do show it was processed
with the correct mileage. Award tickets, along with revenue ticket, have
certain breaks in the fares when traveling the same direction around the
world. This breaks are typically determined by a maximum mileage
limitation. ”
Keep up thew great blog,
Todd
@Todd – See this post:
.
http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/05/15/even-more-proof-how-utterly-and-hopelessly-broken-deltas-award-booking-page-is-even-only-level-1-partner-awards-dont-work/
.
As long as a “legal” route, just keep calling till you find a rep that can make it work (if you are all LEVEL 1 on legal route).
Thanks Rene – I had missed that post. I’m going to have to make sure this is a legal route and then attack this with some more reps.
Looking to do a segment run to get from silver to gold status. Any tips on how to research these other than plugging in random cities on DL.com? I am based out of Boise.
@Travis – See the rookie posts about mileage runs: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=rookie+mileage+run
Hi Rene, I made a reservation from MSP-NRT-BKK in coach. One day I was reviewing my trips and a res agent told me that I had one unused GUC available in my “credits & certificate” listings, so I had it applied to this res. A couple months later seats came open and an agent called me asking how I wanted to upgrade? I told her to use the certificate. I was then told there wasn’t any and I looked and in “Credits & Certificates” and there was no longer a GUC there, either open or closed! I have contacted the Diamond Desk, sent several emails to Customer Relations and Contact Delta, and they say no and stand behind their people. The certificate somehow dropped out of the system or was taken when the seat cleared and the itinerary was not reissued. What can I do? I exchanged many emails on the problem and it’s me against them, and I have no proof. They will not give me a listing of my past GUC’s. At this point what can I do, try to explain it to a Red Coat face-to-face the day of flight, and hope to get it changed and upgraded? A friend told me that this same type of thing happened to his wife at CDG a few years back and a red coat in the gate area upgraded her.
@Mr. G – Yikes. Not good. I have not been told about this bug yet. Makes me want to make sure I print a PDF of my UG and the GU (or RU) used. We are talking Delta IT so things can go wrong as we know 😉 I would reach out to Delta.com on this and get a chain going. If they can not fix Elliott.org has the contact info to e-mail the CEO etc direct to get help.
Rene – I had brought this issue up recently about getting TSA Precheck less often. As a DM & MM I had been getting it 98% of my 170 or so flights per year. Well, it has not been happening as often (getting my Delta paid TSA Precheck) and it seems as if it on the days I am in a hurry. I decided to just go ahead and pay the fee and get my own Precheck number. As I was applying at the ATL airport the TSA Agent told me they are expecting to be very busy as Delta will soon be discontinuing paying for Precheck for any and all of its fliers. Fliers beware.
@Rodski – Yes – I have been warning about this since March 😉
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http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/03/24/delta-medallions-expect-much-less-free-elite-tsa-tsa-pre%e2%9c%93-starting-in-april/
.
Hope you got GOES as TSA Pre is FREE and if you paid with non-Delta AMEX Platinum card that $100 fee is rebated to you!
Hello Rene,
A rumor, Delta is now offering 15,000 bonus points for new SkyBonus signups after they fly there first flight within 90 days of signing up!
Code: DAL15SB02
Hello Rene,
Delta is running a new promotion with SkyBonus. No external marketing but got promotion code: DAL15SB02 offering 15,000 bonus points after your first flight.
Hope this help!
Jonathan
Hi Rene, We took advantage of the RTW before Delta shut it down and are leaving soon for 6 countries in 5 weeks. I have looked at travel insurance, including Am Ex, and found AXA policy at $6K (our out-of-pocket costs not incl. miles, points) for around $250 total (including 1 week rental car). What are your thoughts on travel insurance and are there specific things to make sure to include? Used Juicy Miles for flights and my rep does not really do insurance. Would you recommend someone specifically to check with? Thx
Love the blog, by the way!
@Hal – I don’t. I have thought about getting a “yearly” policy to cover all my trips. It is not that much if you travel a bunch but I just never have. I would check with your personal agent and if nothing good for one trip then Google and see. Any of the major names should be good I would think. Sorry I do not have better guidance on this one.
HI Rene
I currently am PM. I am going to be very close, but might be able to make it again.
I need to go to India before year end. Can you give me some tips, or someone to talk to that can help me maximize MQMs.
Thanks as always
David
@David – Look for a rookie Wednesday post on this very soon! Great topic this time of year! – Rene
Also looking forward to your post. I’m 28k short of hitting Diamond again this year and I’m done traveling for business this year. Assume I need to get a reserve card and put all spend on it plus do a mileage run or two. Looking forward to your insight!
Hello Rene’. I’m a new “groupie” w/Silver DL Status and wondered if you could give me advice on how to achieve Gold status for the 1st time? I have 17K MQM to go and have 2 flights scheduled before year’s end 1st 2172miles RT(+ 543 w/25% bonus?) and 2nd 1821mile O/W(+455 bonus) on DL (2nd leg on AeroMx-do I accrue those as well?), my return flight is Jan 2nd so not helpful this year. I also have $2700 MQD to spend to reach my limit. I don’t use my DL platinum as my “go to” card but am willing to! Can you please help me? I don’t travel for business. Thanks! Love your site!
@Marcy – Make sure you are NOT confusing SkyMiles with MQMs is my first advice. Next, you can check Aeromexico earning on different fare classes on Delta.com. Lastly, it so SOOOOOOO simple to be MQD exempt and not have to worry about it. I did it in 18 days at the start of the year. Plus you can get bonus MQMs for your 25/50k spend points on the Delta Platinum card!
@David & @David Fenton –
You should check on Twitter as there are many Mileage Runs posted there (although most MR’s have short lives) and some 24K – 25K single ticket ones!
René,
I have read your blog daily for more than a year after discovering it one evening while waiting for my flight back to Atlanta and I appreciate the heads-up and great information. I have continued to fly Delta loyally for more than 25 years and am quickly closing in on 2 million miles and have been at least a PM almost every year for most of this time. I have been disappointed and concerned with Delta’s ongoing and poorly communicated changes, but I had something happen during the week-end that is about the last straw. I almost always book exit row if C+ is full and need and enjoy the extra room to work. I booked a flight to Denver for October this week-end and it wouldn’t let me book exit row saying that I could do so after 24 hours. I tried again a few minutes ago (72 hours later) and got the same message. I have seen nothing communicated about this; what gives?
Larry
@Larry – There was something about this on FlyerTalk a while back. Have you reached out to Delta on Delta.com and also on twitter? It sure seems like and IT bug. They may need to have you call and do support with Delta IT people as some accounts maybe have been made “wonkie” if you will. Please try these and advise. I am sure they want to fix this. We all do know IT is not really one of Delta’s best bits 😉
Hi Rene,
I became a PM in June 2015 and I haven’t yet received the Welcome Kit. This is my first time becoming a PM – what am I missing by not receiving it? I contacted Delta giving them all the dates and explaining it has been close to 3 months and I still haven’t received it. I got a reply back saying they had mailed it in July and I should have received it. Seems like it was lost in transit – what are my options here? Will Delta send me a replacement kit? Is the kit worth pursuing?
@Skor – Yeah something has gone wrong. Reach out again or via Delta Assist. They have had issues getting them out this year so if it helps you are not alone?!? 🙁
Is there a search engine to look at Delta daily flight loads to see which are oversold and by how many?
thank you in advance.
@Robert – Yes, and no we do not have access to it. 😉
Rene, I have a medallion card and reached silver earlier in the year therefore I will be silver through 2016. I won’t have traveled enough miles by the end of 2015 to reach gold but expect to have 47,500 MQM. Will all of these miles be carried over to 2016 meaning I only have to obtain 2,500 miles to reach gold?
Andy
@Andy – See this rookie post: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2014/08/27/rookie-wednesday-understanding-medallion-rollover-mqds-mqd-exemption/
Hey Rene – DL Amex question. I have had the Platinum card for a couple of years. I added the Business Reserve card to my wallet earlier this year. Am thinking of cancelling the Platinum, but before I do… I have hit the spend threshold and bonus miles have landed into Skymiles account; I’ve also used the companion voucher for an upcoming flight in Nov. Question – is there any risk/downside to cancelling, i.e. will they revoke the bonus miles or does it put my companion ticket in jeopardy?
Thanks for such an excellent resource.
@Bradders – No risk once you have points and certs. I would wait till fee bills again and then work to get bonus points and let next cert hit your account before you cancel should you wish to do so!
If I have a reserve card that I have hit my mileage limit on, can my wife get one and link my FF account and allow me to get more MQM miles?
@Tim – No but get a Delta AMEX biz card in your name!
Hi Rene,
I have a question (which I do not see an answer in the above awesome resource.
I am a Delta Gold, 5130 from Platinum.
I am not a U.S. member – so MQD’s are not relevant to my situation.
My question for is as follows.
I am not sure that I will make accumulate enough miles by the end of 2015 to go to platinum, it could be but I am not sure.
If I am close enough, should I go for the platinum status? Or let the miles roll over and start the accumulation again for next year.
Another question. I assume that my Gold status is valid until sometime in 2017. So what happens to the mile I accumulate in 2016? Do they go in to the count for my status for the 2017 and beyond?
I am not sure how this exactly works. If you have a link to explain it further – then great.
Thanks again for your blog. It is an immense help!
@Maish – Up to you if you are going to fly more next year then PM if not nice to get jump with MQMs.
.
other Q see Essentials Tab E34: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
.
And Rookie MQM search: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/?s=rookie+mqm
Hi, Rene! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog since I discovered it a couple of years ago. I have a credit card question – in about a month my husband (DM – work travel) and I (GM – CC spend & limited paid travel) are moving to Tokyo for a couple of years. We use the Delta Platinum AMEX, but our Amazon Visa charges a foreign transaction fee. We currently use a no fee Capital One Visa for foreign travel (no fees, 1% back) but I’d like to get a new Visa that would allow us to accumulate more travel rewards. Most of our travel over the next couple of years will be international Delta 1/first class using miles, for vacations. We’re not really concerned with free Sky Club benefits, because we’ll already receive them. An annual fee doesn’t bother us, and we have near perfect credit scores, so being accepted shouldn’t be a problem. Delta doesn’t partner with any of the Japanese airlines, though they have a decent number of flights out of Tokyo (and several Chinese partners). In the US we live within driving distance of Atlanta, so we try to focus on Delta earnings. I’d be happy to use your link to sign up for your Visa recommendation. Sorry if this is a little long! Please let me know if there are any questions I need to answer.
@Sheila – For now, look at this: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/01/100000-point-crystal-visa-infinite-card-offer-is-live-from-city-national-bank/
Hi Rene, hoping you and your expertise can help me! Looking to book my first award travel on Delta JFk-AMS memorial day weekend 2016. Delta is asking for 77,500 skypesos ($1600 dollar amount). Book now or wait?
@Mel – One-Way LEVEL 1 should be 62.5k. I would reach out to Adam for help!
Sorry, its RT! I will reach out to Adam. Thanks Rene
Hi, Rene –
I was considering using a RU with Pay with Miles tickets but it seems from reading the rules for the RU that I cannot use an RU with Pay with Miles tickets. Could you confirm if can’t be used and if there’s a workaround? I will be PM when I attempt to use the RU.
Thanks
@Andrew – No workaround that I know of as you can not use two types of SkyMiles instruments on one ticket.
I’ve been Platinum for about the past 8 years. This year (including MQM’s from Amex Reserve), I could pass Diamond by about 2k miles, If I do that, rolling over about 2k in miles, the following year I probably will be Gold. Is it worth being Diamond for a year knowing I will drop down to Gold for a year, or am I better off staying Platinum, then rolling over enough to be Platinum the following year?
I could fly another airline to come in just shy of Diamond.
Thanks in advance.
@Keysar – Oh I love this question each year. I always say the same thing. First, personal call. You decide. Then think about:
.
1) Value of GU certs
2) How much you fly domestic vs global
3) Next years flying pattern.
.
If you are going to fly a ton next year including internationally thing about about DM. If then your gold year you fly less then GM is fine. If you are going to fly consistently the same PM is a very sweet spot as you know. Does that help?
Thanks Rene, it does help.
I don’t fly a ton. All of my paid flights are domestic, and paid for by work, and they fly me biz. Therefore, I don’t use GU. I assume next year will be the same as it has been the past 8 years. I take 1 international on miles.
Thanks again.
Hi, Rene! It’s Sheila again (from comment 813). I was considering the Infinite Visa, but when I went to investigate further I wouldn’t have been able to get it anyway, since they are not located in my state. Any other recommendations? Thank you!
@Sheila – Yep. It was a perfect card. Next good one I have to say is the Barclays Arrival Plus as that has Chip+PIN that does work rather well outside the usa: http://www.RenesPoints.com/bwm
Hi Rene.
It is obvious that a good portion of your points are accumulated from Credit cards and your spend on these cards.
Unfortunately for those who are not (so lucky to be) US residents, this is not much of an option.
Do you have any tips for those of us who are not able to get any of the cards that you have recommended because we are not US citizens?
Any other ideas on how to accumulate a good amount of points without the US credit cards?
@Maish – It is so much harder. Even buying and selling gift cards is only really good in the USA.
Rene, I know you get more MQM’s when you book first class but do you get additional mom’s when you get a medallion upgrade? Thanks
@Chad – no.
Hi Rene,
Couldn’t find this in the search or rookie area – what is the rule for a Platinum using a companion certificate with award points for the main ticket? Do you have to pay with a Delta Am Ex for one ticket to use the other?
@Hal – You can not pay with points and use cert. You must pay with CC. T&C say DL AX but any AX will work. From anyone.
I am a platinum card holder currently. I am looking to obtain Medallion status with Delta to compliment my reward tickets and regular fare tickets experience. My goal is to upgrade and also select better seats. My head is spinning with all the options and Amex is not much help with this. It seems to me that the reserve is the easiest way to achieve a higher Medallion status. What is your opinion on this? I charge a ton of stuff each year in excess of a few million each calendar year. Please let me know your thoughts.
@John – Here is your answer: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/05/time-to-take-a-hard-look-at-your-delta-mqm-totals-card-strategies-before-year-end/
Hey Rene –
Headed out on a round trip JFK-HKG, then to BKK and back over the holidays. Unfortunately, booked on Cathay Pacific as we are traveling with other family members who got the reservations set up! As a PM, I would love to try to status match with their Marco Polo club, but am having a hard time finding any information as to if and how to initiate this. Bummed to not be flying Delta hardware or SkyTeam, but you gotta pick your battles! Let me know if you, or any of your readers have info for me.
Thanks for all of your wonderful posts!
Faithful follower,
Keri
@Keri – My understanding is they do not do status matches. You can always reach out and ask! http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_US/about-us/contact-us/faqs/frequent-flyers/the-marco-polo-club-and-asia-miles.html
Hey Rene,
My Delta flights were less this year than last, and needless to say, once my flights finish out the year, I’m still going to be about 9000 miles shy of Gold (I’m Platinum right now). I currently carry an AmEx Plat charge, AmEx Plat Delta, and an SPG AmEx. I haven’t had an AmEx Delta Reserve card in over a year, but I did have one a few years back. Am I able to get it again to get 10,000 MQM’s? What type of spend do I need to hit to get it? Last year I had a solid amount of carry over MQM’s and I hit the $50k spend on my Delta Platinum card, but this year I’ll also come up shy on $50k. Any tips / methods to get that spend up?
@Ian – See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/05/time-to-take-a-hard-look-at-your-delta-mqm-totals-card-strategies-before-year-end/
.
and be sure to check http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/07/25/s-there-a-simple-way-to-check-if-you-have-ever-had-a-amex-personal-card-before/
.
Lastly:
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
Hi Renee, I received a schedule change email from DL for my flights on 12/12. Only the connecting flight changed and now arrives more than an hour later. When I look at my flight, it isn’t asking me to accept the change and when I clicked “Change” and chose a different departure flight, it wanted to charge me hundreds of dollars of more, including a change fee {I declined of course}. For the schedule change rule, would I be able to change my departing flight if I call? I have no status with DL, booked an Up fare (into G class) and am crediting miles to AS.
@Neil – See this post (especially point 1): http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/04/alert-delta-schedule-change-saturday-has-struck-again-please-check-all-your-flights/
.
Then follow the rest of the directions 😉
@Neil. My experience last month with a schedule change is Delta is now refusing to make changes unless the schedule change is 1.5 hrs. Hope my experience is wrong but i did the HUCB three times with the same result.
Hi Rene,
I just passed Gold medallion at 57098 (I;ve met MQM Amex spend exemption) and I’m only 2K away from getting my 15K MQM boost on my Reserve (Business)- should be another week. so I am easily in striking distance of Platinum. I have booked some cool low level trips to Europe to burn skymiles but may want to change one booked for early in November. My question, if I hurry and get the miles for Platinum either from getting a Personal Reserve (never had one only Gold and Platinum) or a quick MR for 2500 miles and attain Platinum before the November award trip, does that entitle me to cancel for free or must I wait until Feb 1 2016 for that Platinum perk.
@Jeff – You can book awards NOW, once you are PM you can change them free. Your PM status will start 1-3 days after you cross the 75k mark (since you are MQD exempt). You will have it all of this year and it will END (if you do not re-qualify) on 1FEB17. Enjoy and well done! 🙂
Hi Rene,
Are there any work arounds to earn MQM when utilizing Skymiles for Award Travel?
Regards,
Anthony
@Anthony – Oh sure. Step one get a Delta AMEX card. Step two PWM: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/?s=pwm
Ok great, thanks Rene for the quick response to my previous question!
I have a quick follow-up, I am a PM with a Delta AMEX Reserve card. I currently have a flight scheduled with the following itinerary: 10/13 (JFK to LAX) 10/18 (SFO to JFK), which I currently utilized Award Travel for Level 1 rewards of 25,000 miles for the entire trip. If I wanted to purchase the trip today it prices out at $622 (for the same flights). So my understanding is that since I am PM I could cancel my award ticket within 72 hours with no fee and utilize PWM to earn MQM. However, if I went that route than the same trip would cost 60,000 miles (and $22)? Decisions, decisions, as I am 5k miles away from Platinum for 2016….. Thank you again for all of the continued insight and support.
Regards,
Anthony
@Anthony – I will have a post up soon should you go for PM status. Stay tuned ;-). As to routes, FF routes have nothing to do with what the same route or other route may cost in dollars. FF REV MGT are from Mars, or Pluto, or somewhere cold and dark and strange in outer space! 😉
Rene,
I need 8,000 MQM’s. I was looking at the Anchorage run but have no idea how to figure the MQM’s that I would earn from Cincinnati. Is their some kind of formula?
@Larry – It depends on route. See these post and search:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/?s=rookie+mileagerun
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/01/02/rookie-wednesday-how-to-put-together-a-delta-mileage-run/
Rene, my wife and kids and I booked a tripped to Maui over Christmas months ago. I am gold wife silver as of now and we booked K class tickets and then asked to use miles to upgrade to FC ( I realize the planes we are on aren’t a great use of points but thought it would be neat for the 4 of us to be upfront) About a week ago we were cleared for Minneapolis to Seatlle but not Seattle to Maui and I’m not going to waste 15k miles a person for 1 segment. Meanwhile a couple weeks ago I told my mom and her husband who are going with us to upgrade with miles if they wanted to so they did and they have already cleared for the whole trip!!?? While I’m glad they did get upgraded I’m assuming it’s because only 2 of them and 4 of us. Any suggestions?? Thanks
@Chad – Call and call often an hope the last segment clears. That is all you can do.
Hi Rene..look forward to seeing you at Chicago Seminars. I have an Asia mileage run planned but would prefer to change trip by a couple days (in Nov). Have you had any luck with any int’l change fee waivers on Diamond line?….I am 2MM with plan for over 200M miles this year…can regular reps consider this or supervisor only? Is my best bet to HUCB to try to reach another supervisor? thx
@ed – You can always ask for a 1 time exception. As a 2MM your chances are good. Unless this is your 4th or 5th 1 time ask 😉
Hi Rene, Now that you’re Rene’s Points, how about some AA runs for those trying for AA status? Although I’ve gotten a card or two from your links, thanks for running a non-click-bait blog that benefits your readers.
Renne,
My family and I are traveling to Europe for the summer 2016 We are leaving sometime in mid June and coming back mid august. I am wanting to know which plans are best to fly first class? departing from DFW? We would like to first go to Ireland. Are there any new planes in there fleet that you are aware of for this jump across the pond? If needed be we can depart from Atlanta with a connection. This will be a milage ticket if that matters.
jh
@John – I am assuming you are talking Delta and SkyMiles award? If AA non of the following matters 😉
.
Delta does not have 1st class. They have DeltaONE. See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/05/20/rookie-wednesday-the-craziness-of-delta-skyteam-seats-just-what-are-we-allowed-to-choose/
.
Having said that, most consider the new A330 jets new seats the best. I like them all other than the 777 that are just so so compared to the others. I do not like the Virgin Atlantic product that much but the newer seats look a tiny bit better than the older ones. I have not tested KLM’s new full flat but they look great and most like them very much. AF mostly has old old old non-full flat seats so avoid for now ie OCT15.
Hi Again Rene-
Wanted to send an update to you and your readers on my quest for a status match on Marco Polo Club @ Cathay Pacific.
I sent an email to theclub@cathaypacific.com, and included a copy of my PM Skymiles card, 12 month Skymiles statement, and future CX travel itinerary. Within 2 days, they responded that they will waive my $50 enrollment fee, and send me right up to Silver status, provided I complete a few other tasks such as joining their partner loyalty program Asiamiles, send passport info, etc.
Silver gets me status in Dragonair and Oneworld, as well. Also get extra legroom seats, lounge access, excess baggage.
They don’t publicize this, but definitely worth a shot! Hope this helps those of you in a pinch like me!!
@Keri – Sweet thank you SO much for sharing.
Rene, Any answer to my question about AA MRs, or is that not a good question?
@John – As mentioned in many posts, I will be looking at AA next year. For this year I am still all DL.
Hi Rene,
Thanks for writing back and pointing out all the great ways to max my Amex Reserve spending. I’ve decided that I just don’t have the bandwidth this year to figure that out, and it’s on the docket for me for 2016. In the meantime, I only needed 5,000 MQMs and no spend to hit gold this year. I was all set and booked a trip to Sacramento from Detroit, connecting in Seattle. Delta screwed me and schedule changed me to miss my connection. Without me asking, I’ve already been rebooked. In the meantime, it’s looking highly likely I’ll have a business class trip to Germany in January through work. With that, I am thinking maybe better to rollover my silver status and MQMs to nearly immediately hit gold in 2016 and have solid chance and platinum requalification.
1) Can I get a refund on my elite run due to the schedule change when Delta (without my permission) already rebooked me?
2) Can this be done at the last minute?
3) Do you have a post about how you met the Amex spend in 17 days?
@Marlene – Call Delta. If they auto made the change they can change it again as you like. Point this out. If more than 1 hour change arrive or depart you can get money back free also. I would not wait.
.
Here is how I did the AMEX spend in 18 days last year: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
The change is four hours, which is fine, if I still want the flight. I want it if I don’t have the trip to Germany, but I don’t want to bother if I do have the business class flight to Germany (the corporate world takes time to figure out these things). So if I wait, is it a problem to get the refund? I don’t care about the changed times as much as I do about not bothering with an elite run if I don’t need it!
@Marlene – I really don’t know if they have a rule that says “you waited too long” but if you are sure you don’t want it I would call ASAP.
I think your new posts about should or should not on elite status steps is great.. I think i maybe already screwed up though…?? I think it is obvious now i should not try so hard for diamond and roll over what i can instead but please give me your assessment. My daughter is in grad school in nyc and i can bill her tuition to my delta amx with no fees…next bill by yearend will be $23,845. I only need $7000. Spend on my card to get the next 10,000 mqm that will put me at 86,319 for the year with no more trips to Manila planned im thinking dont strain to diamond. I only travel to Manila 3-4 times a year and do very little domestic except to nyc to visit my daughter. Sooooo she is within $55 of delta spend to make silver, i could bill $16,000 of her tuition on her delta amx card to reach $25k, or gift her the silver since i am plantinum…??? My headaches…what to do? The other perks of platinum dont seem to be big deal to me, i get free admission to skyclubs on my manila trips, regional upgrades no big deal on st louis to new york route!!? I hate to choose wrong…can you make sense of this mess???
@Steve – DM with GU certs can save you THOUSANDS. Plus then you can gift her GM. That is not bad. IMO>
I just want to be sure on this – so all the mqm’s you earn during the year go toward status for the next year. That is, you cannot move up in status during the year that you earn the mqm’s. Is this correct?
Thanks again for all the great information you provide!
@Anne – Read lots please. Start here:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/08/27/rookie-wednesday-understanding-medallion-rollover-mqds-mqd-exemption/
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Then read lost more about MQMs:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/?s=rookie+mqm
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And you EARN next years status this year but enjoy the perks NOW once you reach whatever level.
Hi Rene-
I am a gold medallion and booked an award ticket with the lax-bne and then the bne-cns both on Virgin Australia in coach. I had to call Virgin directly to get seats assigned as I couldn’t do it on delta.com or through a delta agent. But the seats I was assigned were just regular coach seats. Do gold medallions get any opportunity to get free preferred seats (i.e. Exit row) on Virgin Australia? If so, how do I go about getting those seats assigned?
@Scott H – They are NOT part of Skyteam so no. There are many perks but not better seats. http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/airline-partners/delta-air-lines/#frequent-flyer
I encouraged a friend to get the Gold SkyMiles AMEX when they were offering 50k + $50 this summer. She complied with the purchase requirements and got nothing. She contacted AMEX, and they said she’s ineligible for either bonus as she had an existing credit card (Costco) when applying, and that DL AMEX bonuses apply solely to those who have no existing charge or credit card relationship with the company.
@Carl – Best thing to do is to check this way with AMEX:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/07/25/s-there-a-simple-way-to-check-if-you-have-ever-had-a-amex-personal-card-before/
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All 3 Delta AMEX cards are unique products (for now). I would ask for a supervisor!
Another IT snafu I noted today when checking flights from MSP to LAX, both economy and business showing 2304 MQM. I suspect the business class value should be over 3000 MQM. Anyone booking a flight might want to ask about this. Anyone traveling that route recently might check to see if the correct figure was posted to the personal SkyMiles account.
Can I pay someone to build a mileage run on Delta for me?
@Andrew – Not that I know of. I am happy to help for free. First read this: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/10/23/rookie-wednesday-a-basic-ita-matrix-101-class-for-a-delta-mileage-run/
.
and
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/category/mileage-run-deals/
.
I think you may be able to find one yourself. Or, email me for your home airport and I will see what I can find. Or, the best choice, consider positioning to the start city this way almost for free:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/05/15/how-to-get-six-400-delta-mileage-runs-a-year-for-94-each/
I am currently a PM. I have more than 100K MQMs so far this year, and I may exceed 125K by the end of the year. But I don’t want to hit Diamond — I would rather stay Platinum and roll over say 40K for next year.
Part of my earning later this year will be 10K MQMs from my Platinum Amex card spending bonus. Am I correct that I cannot gift those? (I think only bonus miles from Reserve cards can be gifted.)
So… Is it possible to fly without earning MQMs? Can I buy a ticket without giving my SkyMiles number? But then will I be in the back of the bus? (No more free Comfort Plus, etc.?) Could I buy a ticket with my SkyMiles number, get a good seat, and then ask the help desk to delete my SM number?
Any suggestions appreciated.
@Rex – Correct you can ONLY gift Reserve MQMs. You could open an Alaska Air FF account and fly Delta and credit to Alaska. Simple!
Hi Rene, I fly almost exclusively Delta and have managed to reach Platinum using the Am Ex Reserve card as a non-business traveler. It is well worth the fee to me! I also use a Chase Sapphire card but am not able to transfer those points to Delta. Can you suggest a card that would give me the most benefit with Delta besides the Reserve card.
Also- I live in Cincinnati-any mileage runs from here or any close airports? I am new to these and and trying to educate myself. Thanks for all your tips!!!
@Joy – The only thing I would have you consider, if you want MORE MORE MORE MQMS is a biz Reserve card. Yes the fee is big but if you can spend another 60k on that you are talking 30k more MQMs and, with spend, 90k more SkyMiles. That will offset fee. See this post for more ideas: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/14/rookie-wednesday-reader-asks-how-to-collect-1-million-skymiles-1-million-membership-rewards-points-possible-and-is-this-smart/
Hi Rene, I had to cancel my PHX-MSP-BKK mileage run. I had used a GUC for one way and space had confirmed. Today I was told that I could not get the certificate back in my account. Is this right? Thanks in advance. JG
@Mr. G. – Officially yes. Ask for a supervisor to override and redeposit for a 1x for a DM
FYI, I called the Platinum line, and they told me that for an existing ticket, they can remove my SkyMiles number, which would stop me from earning MQMs. (And presumably regular miles too.)
However, I would lose medallion upgrade eligibility.
I have already been upgraded for the first leg of a trip next week. In that case, she said that upgrade would be taken away! But that would still leave me with a nice Comfort+ seat (at no charge), so I could like with that.
I think if I use your suggestion and book with an Alaska or Alitalia number, I would (a) not get MQMs, which is the main goal, (b) get regular miles, which would be nice, but (c) not get any coach seating benefits. So I think booking with my Delta number is better overall.
@REx – Correct on no Delta love if you put in AS number. See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/25/loyal-delta-elite-status-match-alaska-fury-woman-scorned/
.
Again, you mentioned you wanted NO to earn MQMs etc and crediting your flights to AS would prevent that.
Rene,
I was reading on Flyer Talk today that Diamond are no longer eligible to be put on the waiting list for transcontinental upgrades, like LAX-JFK.
Is this true? Can we still request to be put on the upgrade list as a Diamond?
@Greg – Correct they are over. See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/07/15/delta-medallion-devaluations-continue-diamond-medallion-complimentary-upgrades-ending-on-transcon-flights/
Renee
My husband and I met you in the lounge in Detroit (I believe) where you gave us a button with a Delta logo. I have a situation that I hope you can give us some advice about. My husband has a dear friend who will pass away in the next 2 months. She is giving him her 770,000 plus Delta miles. We looked into transferring those miles to us, but with the stipulations mentioned on the web site, it will cost us nearly $6,000 to do the many transfers with fees/charges. What would be the best way to get these miles under our purview?
@Faye – You can not transfer SkyMiles when you die. See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/03/21/update-dont-die-with-any-skymiles-in-your-account-or-they-are-gone/
.
Never pay the fee to transfer when alive. It cost more than points are worth. The only way to win is to NOT tell Delta the loved one is gone and just use there account to book tickets for anyone you want. 🙁
It is my and my husband’s first time flying Delta Comfort from the US to Europe. After differing opinions and many google searches for pictures, I am hoping you can help with recommendation on which seats we would want to select – as a couple. I naturally assumed the 2 seats in the middle but several persons are telling me that we should select a side and middle seat. Please advise if you agree- and if so… Should the seats be on the same row (I.e., 1A & 1B)? From the pictures, everything appears to be staggered and turned away from each other. If there is no clear answer, I am disappointed in the lack of seating options for couples flying together.
@Katherine – 1A&B is normally business class on most jets. What aircraft type are you on?
Rene, a few weeks ago I gave one of the Employee Recognition certificates to a ticket agent in Narita after considerable hard work rescheduling a missed flight home. She was so surprised and appreciative that I wonder what do Delta employees get as a result of receiving one of these certificates?
@Carol – Cash 🙂 same as from surveys! http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
I booked a one-way award ticket to Europe with an illegal connection in a domestic city. Yes, don’t ask me how, the trip was booked with 31 minutes less than MCT to begin with. My intention was to wait for a schedule change and ask for a more direct routing. The schedule change has occurred, but the only thing that changed was the carrier: DL Connection to mainline, the times have stayed the same. Would you recommend I call now to request the more direct routing or later when a time change will happen? I do not want to get the booking agent or myself in trouble. Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide?
@M – If you have an illegal connection you can call whenever and just mention that you have an illegal connection and need a free change. Schedule change does not matter in this case as they must fix. I have done this once a while back as well.
Confused about using points with flights “operated by ExpressJet DBA Delta Connection.” Can I not use points to fly out of my little airport in rural Illinois?
@Jon – All Delta connection flight are find for using SkyMiles to fly. No issue other than space at a decent rate.
Hi Rene,
Lasst time we spoke by phone I told you I was fedup with Delta’s treatment of their top medasllions cbut I still do not like it however i will be diamond by December7th again I was for 3 years this year I was platinum. I am already at the 15000 spend for diamond but have many more flight to get to the MQM’s. Question now that you must spend minimum 15 thousand A. Do you feel it will considerably knock down the total number of Diamonds? and 2. I feel they should treat us giuve us special more than choice benefits they gave that when we spent nothing now we must spend 15 grans your thoughts? Is delta adding benefits to Diaond 2016 for us do to this than just boarding with first class? Last question if you upgrade with cash upon chkin you get the extra mqm’s correct. If you upgrade with miles they offer cash vs miles do you get the extra mqm’s? Thank you I am not looking forward to that msp-anc runs hope they change the birds.
@Robert – Would not be shocked to see medallion CUTS in 2016. SkyMiles team is not consumer friendly. Expect more pain not good.
.
See this link for PWM tickets: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/?s=pwm
.
I do think there will be less DM next year as some are jumping over to AA and UA but I am sure FCM and Delta cuts will make is a non-issue net. 🙁
Hi Rene, Talking about the birds Im very disappointed with the 737-900. WHY NO Satelite TV thats a no brainer. About Deltas billion dollar refurbishment of A319, A320 and many 757 aircraft as well as 737-800, That was announced late 2013. They just released 1 refurbished 319. I think the 737900 no tv a huge mistake they end up putting satellite in later look at the 757300. When are these upgrades coming in 2019? There making tons of money. There should be a FAA rule how in the world can they fly the oldest 757 on one of their longest us routes with absolutely nothing to do at all in a very old plane? That should be reserved for my birmingham atlanta or similar short flights that’s wrong , torture and there is no possible right for it at all. I’m so dumbfounded over this I have to take sleeping pills for 10 hours there and back its totally wrong your thoughts?
@Robert – I was not consulted over upgrades to birds 😉
Hi Renee,
I was at Atlanta airport 6 times last 2 weeks. first over 90% gates now work with 1 gate agent! and 2 of them told me they received letters that they will be laying off many of them soon The ones with more years with Delta. @ days ago in middle of Terminal B 2 gates that take up a lot more room than Delta gates were being tested by Delta. I was shocked. First the 1 Gate agent sits at a small desk behind a metal screen so you can hardly see her. The rest of the gate and procedure is 100% Southwest. A tape tells you to line up in your respective lane Premium, Sky zone1 etc I asked them if they are now Southwest?? They said well Delta is testing this. I think it is horrible. first they will need even less employees, there are no numbers on boarding pass so passengers cut in front and argue but much less work for or need for a Delta employee I hope they do not start this. Have you heard about it? Lastly when you bid on line 200 to 500 to give up your seat At the Gate the agent never calls out the $200 bid etc first whoever gets to her first are on list in that order. I have always been told if Agent says they are offering $300 but she chose you and you had made a $500 bid in computer at check in they look confirm this and you get the $500 If it goes to $800 all gets $800 but if it stays at $300 and you had made a bid at check in all the gate agents and redcoats said you honor the BID. 2 nites ago I got bumped and had BID 500 at check in I was #1 then 40 minutes later I get it the gate agent says I am giving $300 I said but you thanked me for volunteering told me I was #1 and you see I BID $500 at check in. They respond Sir I can start at one penny if I want you want the $300 or not. I spoke to a red coat who could not tell me what the rule is I told her well this has never happened this way perhaps its because I do not have my medallion number on my boarding pass I said I was diamond 3 years now Platinum soon to be Diamond again and I have spent already over $15 grand with you. She changed it to $400 but this is becoming absolutely ridiculous at best. youre thoughts thank you for all you do Robert
@Robert – Yes they are testing “lane” boarding at some gates in ATL. Has been going on for a while. For bumps, paper list tends to trump all. Get there first. ATL folks are the stingiest on amounts. I often get $800-$1300 at other airports!
Rene,
I thought Medallion year ends 12/31/2015 but this year it ends 1/30/2016? So we can earn 2015 MQM’s in January for 2016? And new status will not take effect until 02/01/2016? Can you clarify thank you so much
@Robert – Post on the way soon. A good one to clarify for everyone. Txs.
Hi,
I currently subscribe to KVS flyer but my question is is there anyway to tell how many diamonds and platinum beside myself are on a flight in order to decide if i should by a first class seat? thank you
@Jon – You can’t.
The flights are Business (Z) seating. They are 767-300 and 767-400.
Thank you!
Katherine
@Katherine – Here you are:
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/06/24/delta-air-lines-767-300-business-class-economy-comfort-international-seats-review/
and
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/06/23/what-is-the-best-deltaone-seat-on-the-delta-767-jet-plus-others-it-is-as-clear-as-night-day/
Thank you Rene!
You have completely saved me from the wrong seat selections. When speaking with the agent last week, she indicated that we were on flights with the “pod-like” seating and wouldn’t be able to see each other if we were in middle seats. I am very appreciative for the information (I am very visual) and prompt responses… There were only 2 more rows with seats together on one of the flights and I was able to go ahead and get these changed.
Thanks for all that you do!
Katherine
Rene,
Good afternoon! First, thanks for being a great “one-stop” information site. I enjoy your reviews, information and your tweets. I have a quick question, and maybe I missed it in the past questions, but I know that different credit cards have rules that “once you apply for and receive bonus miles/points, you cannot receive again”. Correct? I believe AMEX is a good example of this I believe). I am interested to know…so that I can plan out my “churning”, what cards you can get…meet the spend…cancel…and then in a year or so, re-apply and get the reward again. Is that something that you have ever documented or covered?
Safe travels!
Erik
@Eric – Rules are always in flux. For now, the ones with rules are:
AMEX Personal 1x lifetime
Amex Biz – Cancel, wait 365+ days
Chase – UR cards 5/24 ie not more than 5 apps ALL banks in 24 months
Chase – Co Brand 24 months
Citi – 18 Months
A question on Delta AMEX companion tickets – do both business and personal get a companion each time you pay the annual dues? I have a Reserve, Bsn Plat, and Personal Plat, but show only two companion tickets in my Delta Wallet – one first class (for then Reserve) and one coach (for the Bsn Plat) When I checked the AMEX Benefits website, the personal Delta Plat does not show a free companion ticket. I thought I got this in the past. Otherwise, it is not worth paying the annual fee if no companion ticket.
@Glenn – All should get a cert. It normally takes a few days after fee posts but CAN take a few weeks.
Hi Rene, You’ve been so helpful in the past! Im back with another question. Currently Silver (awarded gold from Delta through 1/15/16 as part of promotion).
I hit the $25K spend on my Delta Amex platinum, and should get the MQM offer in the next day or two.
If I apply for the Reserve card, would I be eligible for the 15,000 MQMs once I hit an additional $5K in spending, or would be balance for the year be reset?
Thanks for all you do!
@Mel – Confused with question. If you get the Delta AMEX Reserve card and have never had it before then you get 10,000 MQMs with 1st purchase. You then must spend $30,000 more before 31DEC this year to get the 15,000 bonus MQMs or $60,000 to get a total of 30,000 bonus MQMs!
I paid Aug 17 for the Delta Personal Platinum annual fee. No cert for that yet. Do you recommend I go to Delta or AMEX on this? Thanks.
@Glenn – Call AMEX use number on back of card.
Thanks Rene, cant spend the incremental $5K difference between the two amounts (the $25K and the $30K) to get those miles then.
@Mel – Each card needs it’s own spend. They are NOT combined.
Rene, You may remember I tried to upgrade my Delta Bsn Platinum to Bsn Reserve after reaching $50K spend on the Plat. I knew I could do another $10K and figured I should then get the extra 10K MQM by upgrading to the Bsn Reserve. I got approval of this plan in writing from AMEX agent in PHX office. When December came and I hit the additional $10K spend on the Reserve, I got nothing. When I complained, AMEX said that when I upgraded, the clock went back to zero. I griped d and eventually won because I had the email from the AMEX PHX agent. I would not recommend trying, but if you do, keep meticulous notes of everyone you talked to, their agent #, and beg for something in writing. AMEX is notorious for not sharing their screen information with customers. You would think they would want more transparency, but….
@Glenn – And this is why you DO NOT UPGRADE AMEX cards. You get a new one as a link all but guarantees points. Reps can say anything and you OFTEN don’t get points!
Hi René !
I am not a complainer, however, now have a legit case I believe. On the leg SYD-LAX on DeltaOne, my flatbed seat wouldn’t move one way or another during the entire 14-hr flight on the triple 7. (Was actually quite unimpressed with the hard product overall).
What is the best way to make a complaint to Delta as a DM ?
@Genise – Start here: http://www.delta.com/contactus/pages/comment_complaint/index.jsp
I got a new job with less travel then the old one and finally get a trip to go on. FLL-PHX and end up having to take AA, as they were $335 for the ticket and DL was $605. I have Gold on DL and Silver on UA (thanks Marriott). I then call AA to find out what type matching program they have to get Elites to move and was told that there’s was suspended for the rest of the year. Have you heard this?
Also, since AA is 3 tier like UA, am I better off matching UA than DL when it is offered again?
I do have a Citi AA Gold MC that I have had for over almost 15 years, but it doesnt do nearly as much as my DL Plat Amex.
Any thoughts?
@Gregg – Status matches and challenges come and go. I would wait and see what the year end brings!
Hi Rene! My husband qualified for Silver (FO) over the weekend. I booked a trip while he had no status. It shows “not upgrade eligible”. Since he now has status, should it become eligible for an upgrade? The phone rep said it should be she couldn’t request the change. What to do??
@Deborah – Takes 1-3 days. You can ask for Exit and C+ the day of travel but no shot for upgrade till it officially updates in the Delta system. See this post for more: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/21/rookie-wednesday-delta-medallion-year-when-does-it-end-earning-medallion-status/
@Rene Thanks. I already picked exit row on all the flights. He’s tall so that is better than nothing. Will try for C+ at the 24 hr mark. Not banking on upgrades as I know it’s a very slim chance at silver. I wonder if the fact that I booked the tickets with my account makes any difference?
@Rene, I was just checking some upcoming flights I have on DL, LAS and PDX(Mileage Run) and all segments now say “Not Upgrade Eligible” have you ever seen something like this?
I imagine its worth calling into the Medallion line, they used to all say upgrade requested.
@Mike from DC – Yes call. There is clearly something wrong.
Re: Upgrade . I had the same thing show up just yesterday on a MR MSP to SJU. I called. They need to delete an inhibitor out of the record. It’s all good now. MrG.
Rene I’m flying business class on Air Tahiti Nui (issued on AA stock), does that give me SkyClub access?
@Deborah – Looks like NO as not part of Skyteam. If on DL stock yes but on AA stock doubt it. But try.
@Mike from DC & René –
I have had the very same thing happen to me on my upcoming weekend flights. I do this A LOT (fly that is…) and it has only happened once before.
Spoke with a great Diamond Desk rep and she told me the same things about an “inhibitor” Not sure what was going on; she could find no reason for it. I did all the right things at time of booking, checked the right boxes….etc. In another world, that would have skipped me over for any upgrades!
I just keep monitoring every flight (ALL THE TIME) ! Stressful times flying with the RA Team
Thanks, in part, to this blog, I’m crossing the line from no status to slightly-better-than-no-status FO next week. I’m working on my booking strategy to increase my chances of sitting up front. I’ve read your post on increasing your chances (http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/03/13/rookie-wednesday-how-to-improve-your-upgrade-chance-with-delta-air-lines/), but had a question for you on strategy with an upcoming JFK>LAX trip that I haven’t booked yet. If no one is getting upgraded without spending miles, dollars or GUCs on the JFK>LAX direct, is it right to assume there’s almost no chance C+ seats will be available the day before the flight on a weekday?
If that’s right, are my chances of an upgrade to first or C+ significantly better if I connect through MSP or DTW from LGA or JFK? From what I’ve read here, my chances of an upgrade if I connect through a hub sound slim on a Monday evening or Tuesday morning flight.
If my chances aren’t significantly better using the connection strategy, then I might as well book the direct and save an hour each way.
@Greg – You know that is very likely true and I had not thought about that fact. But keep in mind the food is better in C+ on direct route so if you can get that, that is nicer 😉
@Greg –
I do this route fairly often. It’s all about timing. Overnights to JFK are packed on the overnights (and the crew tells me it’s always that way) so those C+ seats are pretty full.
Overnights to LAX are much-less crowded.
Daytime flights are full Mon-Thu, and late afternoon Fridays in both directions, in my experience and research.
My strategy would be to look at a seatmap (do a dummy booking) for the same flight(s) in the closest dates to today. They may give you a clue as to the capacity loads and available C+ seats.
And come hell or high water Delta will NOT pull Elites up from the Main Cabin unless they are oversold in Coach…and even then (in my case twice now) NRSA’s got those seats.
I used to love that run and looked forward to it; now I dread these two TransCons. On another note, the SFO-JFK routes are less-crowded.
I’m currently 10k from gold, and think I’ll be able to make it with normal work travel and one extra trip or so (I live in Mpls – lots of options!). I am ready to start to do credit card cycling. I’m not sure there is any way to get to Platinum this year, but would love to if possible (given the additional upgrade opps in my weekly business travel!) – but if I were going to get TWO cards to maximize miles and holiday spend, what would the second be? A business Delta card? I won’t spend enough to get the $30k MQM’s. Thanks! Karla
@Karla – It depends on what Platinum is worth to you. See this post:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/09/should-you-go-for-delta-platinum-medallion-status-or-stop-short-for-rollover-mqms/
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So you can make Gold flying. If you get both a Delta Personal Reserve card as well as a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card and spend just $1 on each you are talking 20k MQMs for the $900 total in non-waved fees. Then you only need to add, maybe with a mileage run, 5k more to be at Platinum. Again, see the post to see if that is worth it to you!
Thank you @rene – I’m going to go for it…I can’t stand not being able to get C+ anymore (I’m somewhat successful schmoozing the gate agents, but it’s a pain!)! I wonder if I can give my second sky club access to someone, or use it to get a friend or coworker in, when I travel with someone? Since you probably know what happens when you have both cards at once…?
Thanks for your response! Applying today for both! Karla
@Karla – Thanks for the support and using my links! Means a bunch. No, you can not send club access to another. Sinks but I know of NO workaround.
Rene,
thanks for your blog and all you do, I live and fly out of Atlanta (therefore mostly on Delta).
I’m looking at booking a trip to Europe next year. I plan on traveling a good bit next year and think Silver Medallion is within striking distance.
I have a Chase Sapphire card, if I book my flight via Chase UR website (and get 3X points on my purchase) will I get frequent flyer credit on Delta? I’ve seen posts saying yes and no on various blogs.
I also have a Delta Amex and worst case can use that. Thanks!
William
@William – See these posts:
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/03/29/spending-chase-ultimate-rewards-points-delta-earn-mqds-mqms-rdms/
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/09/08/risk-of-unknowingly-booking-into-delta-basic-economy-with-otas-can-it-happen/
.
The latter, watch out for E BASIC fares as Chase WILL NOT TELL YOU so compare price to know fare class. Clear?
Got it, thanks much.
I flew to Ancorage this weekend from Atlanta, hey I am crazy., any way something strange happened. (I should mention at this point that I am a leasure travler, but have maintained silver or gold for a while, silver at the monent) and actually do quite well. When they changed the rules with comort plus (72 for gold and 24 for silver) NOT HAPPY, any way, 24 hours out I open the app and sure enough Isle seat in comfort plus. I click on and hit next, or done and it took me to the “Payment page” I of course Imediattly tweeted Delta asist, and they took their time, but I did get the seat and they said it was a comuter glitch. On return flight checked in and sure enough their is a comfort plus seat, same thing happens, only this time it took Delta assist an hour to respond, and of course by that time the seat was gone. I wounder is this truly a Delta I.T. glitch, or have they pulled another lets change things and not tell anyone. I.E. taken this benefit away from silvers?
@David – Was announced back in December last year! http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/08/delta-re-brands-seat-names-adds-perks-downgrades-gold-medallions/
Hi Rene, Have you gotten much feedback on the new comfort plus seating. I have chosen to fly first if over 3 hours so I never experienced the premium snacks and unlimited beverages. However my business partner flew last evening 10/26/2015 on DL2449 10PM ATL-LAS and was told by a Male Employee as soon as those rows sat down that there is a 2 drink maximum entire flight and passed premium basket once refused to refill it and never returned. What is going on???
@Robert – I would have him complain on Delta.com. Not good. The FA should get written up. http://www.delta.com/contactus/pages/comment_complaint/index.jsp
Thank you for all your wonderful work. Question I buy a first class ticket with 4 legs. 24 hours prior to first leg I call to change my flight with any flight that has first class seat open. Im Platinum. They are always able to change it for my entire itinerary as long as the first flight is at or within 24 hours. What now with this 1 way ticket 4 legs I need to change all legs but 3rd and 4th leg are the following day since long flights since its still one ticket will they make all my changes? If not ill be on a 6 hour flight when I need the change and ask delta never understands complicated things please advise me thanks
@Lance – You are correct that SDC now, under version 4.0 of these changes, allows change as long as ANY 1st class seat is open not fare class restricted. As to many legs, if you get a bad rep, see this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/07/21/hucb-dont-take-no-for-an-answer/
I’m hoping for a bit of expert advice. I have a delta gold Amex with 30k spent this year. If I upgrade to a platinum, I get 10,000 MQMs, which puts me close to silver for the first time. Amex (after a couple of calls) will give me no incentive. (Seeing 15,000 MQM targeted offers out there hurts.) Alternatively, I could sign up for a separate platinum card for a 5,000 MQM bonus now, or wait for a better offer to come along. Any words of wisdom?
@Mark – There can be real dangers with upgrades. See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/03/30/with-current-amex-rules-is-it-now-smart-to-upgrade-your-delta-amex-cards/
Hi Rene, I just found you this week and have a question about credit cards. I saw that you keep 40+, but why not cancel them after you receive the sign-up bonus points? For example, I took my family to London on BA two years ago and got 50K Avios for the signup. I then cancelled the card. Now I see that they are offering 50K again, and since I have not had the card for two years I assume that I will get approved. Is there a reason not to do this with all cards (except for the ones that you actually use beyond the signup minimum spend)? I just did the Marriott and Hilton 75K points each cards and need to know if there is a good reason not to cancel them when I receive the points. Thank you!!
@Erik – I see a need for a rookie wednesday post for this. Not this week, but next will lay it all out. Stand by 🙂
Renee,
Great work as usual… Thank you for your help. I live in Dallas, TX and want to know about “mileage runs” from DFW and there availability? How do I find them? and could you recommend how I could look for those opportunities?
JH
@J Huff – I will be on one from Dallas in a few weeks 🙂 look here: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/?s=dallas
So I followed the link and I am still confused it takes me to an itinerary originating from Chicago? What am I doing wrong? I am looking for mileage runs originating from DFW is there a way for me to find these? or do I just keep looking at your post?
@J Huff – See the links at the bottom of the run post how to build a run:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/10/23/rookie-wednesday-a-basic-ita-matrix-101-class-for-a-delta-mileage-run/
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Also know many runs, if they work one way, they work the other way.
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Then keep following and checking the mileage run tab on the blog often for new deals:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/category/mileage-run-deals/
I am trying to book the JFK to Dallas December flight. When I called delta the MQM’s they quoted are less than half what is posted.
@Christie – I have no clue what you are talking about. More please.
Hi Rene!
I’m a newbie so forgive me if this is a silly question (I feel like my head is spinning from trying to digest all of this information!)
I need 4 more segments to close out this year (I’m too far behind on miles due to short day trips so I only care about stops at this point). Is there a tool to tell me what the cheapest destination with a multi-stop route would be (or RT with 1 layover each way)? I’ve been using ITA Matrix but I’m literally just randomly plugging in destination cities because I don’t really care where I go. Wasn’t sure if there were an easier way. It’s a blessing and a curse to live in ATL because everything is direct on Delta!
Appreciate your help in advance.
@Erin – Consider routes that OTHER airlines fly direct from ATL to like Southwest or AA etc. but Delta does not. Thus, for them to compete on price, you must connect and should be able to get a few extra segments that way. Txs for reading the blog! – Rene
Hi Renee,
Do you know that at Atlanta Delta has been testing new gate configuration and boarding to mimic Southwest. They are mid B terminal take up much more room. The one gate attendant is hidden behind a desk and metal top where they sit. It appears there is no employee working the flight until you hear premium and Diamond line up line 1 line 2 is for SKY line three is for zone 1. Then all passengers start running pushing for a spot in line Its horrible hope it is not adopted
@Robert – Yep. Blogged it back in April: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/is-this-the-best-fix-for-deltas-bob-of-all-rush-the-gate-boarding-issue/
Hi Rene,
Sorry if a dumb question and has already been answered, but is there a tool to find good mileage runs? I would like to find ones out of Boston for December but all I can find are ones you post when you find them, and they can begin from any city.
Thanks!
@Mike – Here you are:
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/10/23/rookie-wednesday-a-basic-ita-matrix-101-class-for-a-delta-mileage-run/
&
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/20/need-a-custom-delta-elite-mileage-run-from-your-home-airport-here-is-how/
Hi Rene,
I have a question on using Delta GUC. I have a trip PVG-LAX-JFK-SFO. 5 hours layover at LAX and 1 hour at JFK. Can I use only 1 GUC for all the flights? Thanks.
@Jason – Doubtful unless this is all a ONE WAY ticket then maybe. On a round trip it depends on the place the fare break is. Sometimes you can use one for more segments than you realize. Best to call DL and ask.
Looking for flat bed run,(bad back) need 12 k MQM,can fly anywhere,Have 2 Delta Reserve and 1 platinum card Maxed,South America or? Jax home base,Atl my main hub,,Ready to go! If another country like to stay 3 nights,might as well see a city?
@James Pope – Here you are: http://www.RenesPoints.com/ADAM
Rene, is it true the only way to get a medallion upgrade on an international flight is if coach is sold out?
@Chad – Yes. Or use a Global Upgrade cert. Or by a fare class high enough to UG with SkyMiles. Or pay for one if offered like from KLM in AMS.
WE were just on DTW-AMS on a very empty flight in all classes. Delta upgraded several EC to Delta One in order to “balance the load.” We were on GUC and surely would have made this gate upgrade. But you never know!
Hi Rene, I was poster #907 above, and you mentioned that you might do a Wednesday write up on the question, but not last week. I have two questions: 1) I see that you sort of addressed my question in response #908 (thank you), but 2) where would I find your longer (proposed) response in the “Wednesday” section that you mentioned? I do not see a Wednesday section anywhere. Thank you, and I look forward to learning about whether or not to cancel cards once I have received my bonus points.
@Erik – Rookie Wednesday posts: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/05/29/rookie-wednesday-a-look-back-on-what-we-have-covered-so-far-and-beyond/
Rene – thanks for keeping us all entertained and moving productively. Found a certain plane on a domestic route that I want to fly over thanksgiving. Problem is it is an out and back early AM from Atlanta. I’d have to get to Atl late and hop on early am flight. 2 questions
1. It won’t let me schedule the out and back on the plane, if I do it as multi city reservation
2. Do you think ok making 2 seperate reservations , 1 for my plane and a seperate one to get to my plane and back home?
Thanks!
@Rudi – Try Kayak.com multi-city and that can most times work sent to Delta.dumb and it will plug in. You can do two one-ways with Delta if price is the same. I had to do that once as Delta.dumb kept jumping the price (shocker, no not really) as a RT but I could get it to hold at lower price as two one-ways out and then back.
@Rene – I was accepted immediately for the first Amex Reserve, and then the second they had me call, and they wait 5 business days before doing another hard pull to your credit, I think making sure nothing tricky is happening. Sure enough, the following Monday or so I got an email saying I was approved for the business card as well! Great! Here is the odd part, I recall your credit dips slightly when you get new cards, and then goes back up – mine is actually up to 797 AFTER both new cards, where before I think it was about 775…Will the dip happen after a delay, or maybe they like me with a little more credit than my 1 or 2 credit cards previously held…?
I will be looking for one or two mileage runs out of MSP or CHI yet this year, I think, to hopefully get to platinum! Flying the friendly skies (in sales) as often as I do is brutal as gold these days! :/
Thanks for your advice! Karla
Hi Rene, I’m in need of some solid advise:
We are currently – 11/5 – stuck at Bali due to an volcanic eruption – the airport has been closed for the third day. Garuda was supposed to fly us back to SIN and onwards to the US with DL – I’m a DM and we’re sitting this out on our own dime.
Should any of these two airlines be responsible for making hotel arrangements, like i.e. SQ is doing for their pax ?
Or is this again considered an unfortunate “act of God” in the eyes of Skyteam ?
@Genise – Expect little from Delta and be thankful for what you get. Check with the credit card you purchased the ticket with. Some will cover hotel and other expenses in these situations. If not, burn points 🙂
Delta alerted me yesterday that my “company may not meet one or both of our qualification requirements to remain active in the SkyBonus program.” I easily met the spending threshold this year, but had only 3 unique travelers completing flight segments this year. Will my account balance be obliterated on December 31st, or only my right to future program participation in 2016? Am I faced with a 2015 “use it or lose it” proposition, or may I use my mileage balance in 2016, just no longer be able to earn miles?
@Charles – We all got it who are in the program. You MUST spend by 31DEC as on 1JAN they are gone and you are kicked out no matter how much you spend. Delta Skybonus HATES small business unless they have 5 flyers. #SAD #FAIL
Hi Rene and readers! My daughter lives in new york attending grad school, I just visited her using Delta direct flight from St Louis to New York. I was so shocked that Delta still uses buses and no jetway provided for the CRJ700 at La Guardia?? Im just in shock in the 21st century Delta can brag about this and that but still uses this antiquated method? There were jetways available for this size plane, i counted three empty bays. We had elderly, disabled, and one wheelchair who had to struggle into the bus, then climb the plane ladder!! What a fiasco, can you imagine this in the rain or snow and cold? And there was no notice in booking there was no jetway, i would have been livid if i were disabled and not forewarned! Im used to this in crowded third world airports but not at a state of the art new york location. Im curious about your opinion and others, only if enough complain will Delta correct this. I detest the small regional planes but they seem to fit the route so im stuck with that, at least business class is comfortable.
@Steve – Txs for LGA rant but did you have a question for me / us? – Not that I don’t appreciate a good Delta rant now and then 😉
JFK T-2 is worse. And this is the gateway to America!
I received the promo for 30% bonus when transferring Membership Rewards point to Air France (offer expires Nov 26). DH and I have 170k MR points are are a bit low on SkyMiles due to using them for recent travel. Our home airport is MSP, so Delta is often our best bet for flights both domestic and international. Is this deal worth it for a speculative transfer? The only for-sure upcoming travel we have is a trip to New Zealand in Feb or March (our son just moved there) which we hope to book as award travel, but we also have UR points we could use for that.
Thanks so much!
@AJM – I am 100% against speculative transfers from MR points. They are too flexible and valuable. Only move if you are sure you can book!
Rene,
I am an ardent fan of yours and read your blog religiously.
I need you to please explain to me how MS works in regards to the AMEX Platinum business card. I have been loading my Serve account with gift cards purchased at Walgreen’s and when I called today to check on when the (first of two at $25,000) spend MQM bonus and miles will drop, I was told that any gift card load does not count to $$$ spent using the AMEX card. I believe that $$$ added to the Serve
account as a transfer from my AMEX card ($200/day, up to a $1000) will count.
I had hoped to hit Diamond status this year, but by spend I may be about $10,000 short. What if anything, can I do to increase the MS? Any suggestions, other than a mileage run.
Thanks in advance for your help, Rene.
@Helen – VDGCs do count even if AMEX says they don’t. I would try to find a SimonsMall near you to cut your cost down a bit if you can. The other ways you can bump up the DL AX Plat spend are found here: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
.
and
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2012/10/15/the-challenge-of-meeting-my-delta-amex-reserve-card-spend-by-year-end-10000-to-go/
Regarding the Amex platinum remimbursement (for gift cards), how long should it take? 5 days ago a did a trial purchase (50$) but no reimbursement/credit yet. Any harm to calling Amex, and if so, when? thank you in advance. Love the blog, keep up the good work!
ajc
@Adam – Never EVER call. Just wait. They will come even if it takes a while!
Hi Rene – I have been reading the blog for a while, this is my first time writing. First of all THANK YOU for all you do for us readers, you have really been a big help on so many things! Now today I’d like to ask if you have any update on how to effectively send a complaint to Delta. I have read all the threads on the site, and it seems like it is not easy. I’ve been a hvc for years, about 6-7 years either PM or DM, and am DM in 2015. I find it appalling that there is apparently no good way to “get a voice” into some problems even for the top tier. I just wonder if there is any update or new method/tip that would be more effective than the main mailbox? Thanks for any tips you can offer us…Bill
@Bill – Thanks for all your kind words. Please start at Delta.com. If you can not get a good answer there then try here: http://elliott.org/company-contacts/delta-airlines/
Hi Rene – thanks again for all that you do to help folks out! I just wanted to note that some time back, you had replied to another reader’s question on what-all segments could be upgraded on a single GUC – that it tended to vary, and that it was often ‘more than you’d think’, and one should talk to Delta about the itinerary specifics when using one. I’m glad you gave that advice – I would have otherwise assumed that I couldn’t use it for a stop-over segment, but I was just told that as the fare ‘didn’t break’, one cert will take me on one day from SCL-ATL, the next ATL-MSP, and the next day after a business meeting, MSP-SFO. Nice!
@Todd – Yep, well done. It is worth asking and calling and having them check. GU and RUs are much like heath care, that is we need to be our own advocates and ask questions for best benefits! 🙂
^^ thanks made 2 seperate reservations. Next question is on upgrades. Am currently gold shortly will be plat. If I do the 24 hour upgrade yourself to business select, do I kill my chances for a first class upgrade, or do I “go to the back of the line?” Just wondering if I should sit tight on preferred seat and wait for gate upgrade or if should go for the middle.
Much thanks – have a great one.
@Rudi – If you buy and upgrade, any way with points etc, you are out of the UG list. If you are talking about C+ UG that does not impact your shot at 1st class UG.
Rene,
I have flying blue miles which expire soon unless I take a Klm flight. Can I fly delta domestic and credit to Klm to qualify as a flying blue flight. Thanks for your time.
@Dwight – Yes but check fare class https://www.flyingblue.com/earn-and-spend-miles/airlines/partner/185/delta-air-lines.html
Hi Rene, good morning! It looks like I will be 5302 mi short of platinum status for next year. Can you tell me how Delta is calculating their mqms so I know what kind of Mileage run I need to accomplish before year end please? I am currently Delta Gold. Thanks and Best Regards!
@Madelyn – Use this tool including plugging in fare class codes but ignore the SkyMiles number as that is based on the old system (MQMs have NOT changed so it still works to calculate MQMs). Clearly, please go over by 100+ MQMs on whatever you book and check your MQD spend as well to make sure it is AOK! – Rene
Thanks Rene. All ok with MQD. Any suggestions for a MR From NY JFK to make up the 5302+ for Platinum?
@Madelyn – Sure. Follow here for tips: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/category/mileage-run-deals/
Thank you!!
I’m the guy trying to avoid hitting Diamond status for next year. It looks like I will end the year with 124,700 MQMs on 31DEC2015. So will I be okay, i.e. be Platinum in 2016 and get 49,700 rollover MQMs for 2016?
I just want to make sure I understand the rules and am not missing any details about (a) *exactly* 125,000 MQMs required for Diamond, or (b) 31DEC/01JAN being the calendar break point.
I don’t want to discover that DL says oh well 124K is close enough, or that MQMs earned in January might count toward 2015!
@Rex – Correct. Per the rules, ANYTHING under 125,000 will rollover (over 75k) as long as you are MQD exempt or have at least $3000 MQD spend.
Hi Rene! I am looking at booking my wife and I in First/Business on Delta to Germany next October using my 360k available skymiles. As you describe, delta.com doesn’t work to show low-ish level award availability when doing the booking all at once, but I see low-ish level available by segment. Does it still hold true that a Rep (I’m GM) can “combine” low-level segment availability into a low-level reservation, even if delta.com doesn’t show it as available?
@Brian – see E& & E21 posts here: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Do you have an App for iPhone?
@Nasser – No sorry.
Is there a place where I can find the various fare codes used by Delta (i. e. Y, U, X, etc.)?
@Allen – Here on Delta.com https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/earn-miles/earn-miles-with-delta.html
Regarding new EC+ seat policy after May 2016, I just checked several DTW-MKE flights for June and ALL the exit row seats and ALL the last row seats are blacked out as unavailable. Looks like Delta thought through your strategy of grabbing exit instead of auto-upgrading to middle seats in EC+.
Is there any way around points redeposit fee? I am gold medallion. Having to cancel a ski trip in February because my husband fractured his foot 🙁
@Andrea – Yes. Ask. And HUCB! http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/07/21/hucb-dont-take-no-for-an-answer/
I just did the LAX, ANC run, and stayed for couple of days to get my last night on SPG. On the way back I ran into 3 guys who were doing a 20,000 mile run in 3 days, without spending anytime visiting the location. Holy Cow. They were using some App on their phone, and they talked about your site. I thought there was an app to make the search easier. I wonder if an App would pay off!
In any case I am hooked on your site.
@Nasser
Ba Ha Ha !
I ran into 66 doing that into / out of ANC
I did 10,300 in 33 hours. Guys who are doing back-to-back on those ANC old birds are crazier than me!
An app? We all got apps!
Do it yourself or watch the mileage run posts….this stuff is getting crazy up in here!
Renee,
When you reach Diamond say November 19th 2015 Do you stay platinum until February 1st of 2016? or does the Diamond status immediately kick in?
thank you
@Jon – Right away but you get the current year as a gift your real Medallion year, and Choice Benefits, are for the next year (but you can pick them and spend them when you want right away). Clear?
Hi Rene,
Thanks for all the great advice over the years! Today American Airlines announced its overhaul of its loyalty program. Can you do a comparison of Delta vs AA programs now that you are a “free agent” and no longer loyal to #keepdesendingDelta? I’m contemplating switching especially with the recent C+ “class” phrase and would appreciate some help sorting it out. Thanks!
Hi Rene,
I flew about one week ago on an RUC. I still shows “open” in my account. I flew two segments and only one was upgraded. Is there a lag time for those certs to be marked as “closed” or do you think I may have got lucky?
@ED – You maybe got lucky. It happens. Best – Rene
Rene – Any idea if I can get original routing credit when I SDC to a different flight or is the fact that I initiated the SDC give up the possibility for ORC? Thanks!
@RV03 – Not if YOU choose to do this. If it was needed due to a Delta issue YES!
Thanks Rene – just curious! I did choose this to move to a flat bed versus sleeping upright on a red eye – sleep was worth more than MQMs to me that night!
Hi Rene,
I am a little confused and I hope you can sort me out.
I have a xxx-lax flight tomorrow and I just dropped to to 4 with “3 seats available” on the UG list. I haven’t selected my choice benefit yet so I was thinking I would pick the RUCs and apply them to shoot up the upgrade list. Only prob is that DL reps are saying first is completely sold out and those three seats aren’t actually available. I don’t want to select RUC and have my 12 month clock unless I have a shot at clearing. What do you think? Why does the UG list show 3 seats but DL says non? Would you risk selecting the RUCs and applying them?
Thanks!
@Sam – HUCB to confirm 1st sold out and or check with DeltaAssist sold out to help make the call.
Hi Rene!
I am confused and hope you can straighten me out. I just dropped to number 4 with “3 seats avail” for tomorrow’s flight to Lax. I was thinking about selecting RUCs as my choice benefit to shoot up the UG list but the DL reps are saying first is sold out. I don’t want to select RUC and start my 12 month clock unless I have a chance at clearing. Why does the UG list say 3 seats avail yet first is sold out. Do you think I should roll the dice and select/apply a RUC?
Two agents confirmed sold out. Will try delta Assisit. If true, do you agree that it’s prob not worth rolling dice? Cvg-lax. Only two flights per day- doubt anyone will miss or SDC to am flight.
@Sam – Yeah, your call. Really can not help you this time. Like SDC idea as an option.
Rene, Thanks again… love the site. I just got a Delta Reserve Amex for the first time. I am PM and have a Delta Amex Platinum.
So I get the card and all the literature, but nothing mentions the initial 10k MQM. That is what I really needed to bump me to PM for next year. I made the first purchase tonight hoping that would trigger something.
Thanks in advance!!!
@Chriss – You should get points by statement close as long as you have never ever had the Reserve card before. Txs in advance if you used my link.
Rene. Love all the info you give. I tried searching but have not found anything on this. I have seen limited time promotional sign up bonuses for the Delta AMEX Gold and Platinum credit cards where they give more miles than the standard sign up bonus. What I am wondering is if have there ever been these types of bonuses for the Delta AMEX Reserve card. I am looking at getting the card, but am willing to wait if historically there have been promotions that come up. However if it is not common (or highly unlikely) to see a promotion on the Reserve card I do not want to wait too long for nothing. Thanks for any historical insight you might have!
@cdim – The perks and rewards of the Delta AMEX Reserve card are so good there is no need. 10k MQMs is an amazing deal for $450 (plus you get 10k SkyMiles also). Bottom line well worth the money so they don’t have to do promotions. Sorry!
Nope, never had one.
I did use your link. It is the least I can do. Thanks again!!!
@Chriss – You should see them as soon as statement closes ie 1-3 days after. I would call NOW after 1st charge does post to confirm all good and get reps name and time of call etc. Just to be safe 😉
Hi Rene,
Can I get a bonus for an Amex gold or platinum business card if I hold an Amex platinum personal card?
Thanks!
@Eric – Yep, they are different products. That is as long as you have canceled, waited 365+ days since you last time got either of those two mentioned AMEX business cards. http://www.RenesPoints.com/bpc
Great, thanks. With respect to those two business cards, let’s say you cancel the platinum (biz) card in January, are you eligible for a gold biz card bonus in July?
Sorry, meaning that I canceled the biz gold card last June.
@Eric – Each product is it’s own, so if you cancel any AMEX biz card, wait 365+ days, you can get new card bonus again. Clear?
It is, thanks. I knew if you held the biz gold card you couldn’t get the biz platinum sign-up bonus so I wanted to be sure they weren’t tied together further.
@Eric – Last warning. If you do not have another MR account the get your points out 1st or apply for new card 1st before you cancel so points don’t go away! 😉
Hi Rene – looking for a cheap miles run from BOS that hits 5,550 MQMs to retain my status for 2016. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
@Walker – Follow along here or use the links at the bottom of any of the posts: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/category/mileage-run-deals/
@Rene – Thanks, not seeing anything for BOS.
@Walker – You can, for a fee, get a custom run built. See links at bottom of posts.
Hi Rene. I took your advice and locked in a low level award ticket for my wife (Business @ 125M miles) to LHR next summer (I will buy coach and use GU certs). The “schedule change” has occurred twice now. My connection though SLC to LHR has actually been moved UP/earlier by 40 minutes leaving only a 49 min connection, while the return leg from LHR to SLC has been moved UP by 65 minutes. Does the more than 1 hour schedule change on the return allow for me to make changes to the whole itinerary…or is it only for a delayed departure….?? thank you
@Ed – You need 1 hr connection on INT tickets (so can use that) or 1hr depart or arrive not both ends added up.
Hi Rene — DL Plat looking at booking a Delta flight in March 2016. I am noticing a trend of exit row seats unavailable to reserve (DCA-DTW; ATL-LAX, etc.,) It could already be booked by other customers, but seems very odd. Thoughts?
@Jay – Many tech issues due to C+ fare (shocking said no one). Expect more pain as DL trys to fix this total mess. It’s bad!
2016 Status Question:
I’m really on the fence. Currently a GM, and just 4478 MQMs short of Platinum.
PM is head and shoulders above GM, and is quite tempting, especially with four RUCs involved.
Then again, if I make PM, I rollover nothing, and have a steep climb back to GM for 2017, and have no chance of keeping PM. I’m not a business traveler, so 50K MQMs is quite a lot, especially with no paid TATL trips planned next year. I can count on 15K MQMs from Delta reserve spending, which certainly helps. I have no desire to drop to FO, since it is essentially worthless at this point (choosing RUCs at the last minute as a PM would allow me to have four almost guaranteed upgrades as an FO, right?).
What should I do?
@William – Here you are: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/09/should-you-go-for-delta-platinum-medallion-status-or-stop-short-for-rollover-mqms/
Oh thank you! I just found your blog. My husband and I are getting ready to fly to FCO from ATL with Delta in Business.
You made some excellent points that I had not considered about seating during the day vs the night. I had already planned that we would not sit together in the center because someone would end up getting the short end of the stick during the evening flight.
It was also refreshing to see a lot about Delta. If you live somewhere like me, Delta is about your only option. Sure you can fly on American to CLT, but there are not many direct flight options leaving CLT (at least not international options). People like to bash Delta, but for me they are about my only choice. Especially if I want to avoid 2 or 3 connections!
@Emily – Thanks so much and welcome to the blog! 🙂
Rene,
For the City National Crystal Visa, Did I see a post where you confirmed you received Incidental Fees statement credit of $250 when you bought a $250 Gift Card from Delta Website?
@Kendall – Still waiting for my cards. Have conditional approval. So can not test yet. When I do, I will test with $50 cards not larger ones. With AMEX only $50 cards work. You can use up to 3 on once ticket btw.
Thanks Rene, got ours today. Guess I will test out and let you know
Thinking I’m going tondo first Europe trip (leisure) this summer. I see that virgin now codeshares. As a delta platinum I’m a little lost on how that translates to virgin flights as codeshares. Where do I sit in line for upgrades, can I pick the equivalent of a c+ seat? Or do they upgrade me like their own?
Am I better off just sticking with a delta bird??
Also thinking about booking a couple in Europe on air France, and I guess same question there…
Thanks – have a great one!
@RJ – See this rookie post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/05/20/rookie-wednesday-the-craziness-of-delta-skyteam-seats-just-what-are-we-allowed-to-choose/
A few weeks ago I purchased a RT ticket ATL-BRU and then AMS-ATL. I used a GUC and have been confirmed. I noticed that my fare class is now OP. On a listing of Delta’s fare codes, O lists MQM as N/A. Does this mean that I get no MQMs on this itinerary?
@Allen – No, you get original booking class.
I just got the reserve card (needed it to retain diamond status, and yes used your link to do so). Do you have to book tickets with the card to get higher upgrade priority, or does just having the card enough to get the higher upgrade priority?
Thanks
David
@David – Just have to have the card but DO make sure it shows up in you MY DELTA page. See this post:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/01/16/rookie-wednesday-what-counts-toward-delta-mqm-qualifying-spend-on-your-delta-reserve-credit-card/
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Also txs for supporting the blog!
Thank you for the fast reply. Should show up today. I appreciate your blog!
Thank you for your blog it is fun to read your objective take on flying and th pitfalls and perks of the skymiles program. I achieved platinum status for the first time this fall and gifted my grad student daughter silver elite in november. I was told by a delta operator she would only maintain silver thru feb 28 2016???? Really? Should i have waited to gift it so she would have status all of 2016?? So confusing!!
@Steve – Be less confused and see this rookie post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/22/rookie-wednesday-delta-choice-benefits-pick/
Thank you for your blog, it has been most helpful. My wife and I just retired and are ready to travel extensively. What is the best way to find the least expensive business/first class fares? We are not fussy about where we go or how long we stay (at least at this point). We are just looking for the best travel values so we can do more of it. Thanks.
@David – The best way is not to pay for them but use points. My guess is you are at the point in life you can start really churning travel cards. I would do 3-6 every 91+ days for both you and you wife. Then burn your points for biz seats for almost free! See these posts:
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/rookie/
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and
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/travelcards/
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/chase-barclays-citibank/
Thanks Rene, so the way i read that is the delta operator was mistaken, i best call them back!?
Thanks for being so accessible. One more rookie question, my daughter has 35k mqm, but is shy $55 to reach the $3k mqd this year. Skymiles rollover but will she loose the mqm if not reaching the spend? Will she need a short mileage run to hang on to those?
@Steve – Either MR or buy MQMs soon that will likely included MQD credit. It will be at sick, insane and ridiculous prices so maybe some super cheap day out and back may be better. Hate to loose out on another year of status for a few bucks.
Hi, Rene’. We were notified of a schedule change today affecting a 1-way HNL-SEA-BTR flight in February. The departure time from HNL has been delayed by 62 minutes. The arrival time in BTR is delayed 33 minutes. I have read your posts about schedule changes, but I still need clarification of 3 possibilities before I call Delta. (1) Can I request a flight that departs several hours earlier and connects in a different city such as HNL-ATL-BTR? (2) Can I request a schedule that includes 2 stops such as HNL-SLC-ATL-BTR? (3) Can I request a schedule that costs significantly than the schedule I originally purchased?
Thanks for your expertise in answering these questions.
@Kathy – Please read the posts linked inside this one. They answer all your questions. http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/11/28/on-cue-more-delta-schedule-change-saturday-is-rolling-out-check-your-flights-again/
Asking for advice. I currently have a huge balance of SkyMiles due to years of work travel. I am 60K away from 2M Miler which would give me lifetime gold. I am dropping from Diamond to Platinum in 2016 as I have retired, and in 2017 I’ll drop back to Gold (if I have some paid travel in 2016) or back to my Lifetime Silver as a 1M Miler.
I’m tempted to do some mileage runs in 2016 just to get to the 2MM mark and solidify lifetime gold with Delta. I’ll be flying them for a good long time due to my SkyMiles balance, but I’m debating about whether or not it’s worth it.
I welcome your thoughts.
@FinnSailor – I am doing just that for Silver!
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/04/01/i-am-100-going-for-silver-medallion-status-i-have-decided-no-really-i-am/
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You could EZ not even fly and get 60k MQMs from credit cards btw!
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/01/05/2015-earn-delta-mqd-exempt-waver-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-medallion-status/
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Being retired you can hammer it so simple with BlueBird and gift cards etc!
Thank you. I think I’ll look for lucrative mileage runs, as the concept of churning credit cards just baffles my mind. I’ve given up on trying to understand how to manage the process, both loading cards as the rules seem to change every day, which card you can load them from, and then how you “spend” the money you’ve loaded when most of my larger expenses won’t allow credit card payments.
A “churn for dummies” would be very useful–everything I’ve seen is way too complicated, includes far too many options and “ifs”. Maybe a task for you when you have that free time that everyone is always hoping for 🙂
Rene, I made DM again for next year, would like to gift GM to wife but not sure when to do it as she has some mqm’s in her account now but will start over on Jan 1, so is there a good time to gift GM?
@N Baugh – You have to wait until she drops to nothing. 1FEB16 you are re-gift her status.
Renee, I am looking for 8500 MQMs (milkage run) to make gold could you please point me in the right direction to acquire the necessary miles to become a gold could you please help? I live in Dallas TX
@J Huff – Oh tons of good DFW deals. See this thread and see bottom of ANY post for custom runs! http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/category/mileage-run-deals/
Renee, I am following the instructions. I think? as I follow the links I can never seem to figure out how to find the mileage run and duplicate the pricing or see my options. What am I doing wrong? I am looking for 8500 MQMS so I can make Gold with delta. Thanks you for your patience
@Jhuff – Simple fix is: http://www.RenesPoints.com/ADAM
Rene,
One of your recent posts about Amex business cards mentioned that you can only get the business card bonus after having been without one for 365 days. But in older posts I seem to recall you saying that Amex didn’t care about the number of business cards and you could cancel one and pick up another. Am I remembering incorrectly, reading it wrong, or has there been a change in terms?
@Frank – Has been cancel, wait 365+ days for a very long time.
Hi Rene,
I’m about 10K short of making Gold again this year. Last year I did I mileage run to clinch my status but this year I wonder if it’s even worth being Gold next year. I plan to some international travel next year and Sky Priority boarding was amazing when I travelled in the past.
Now, facing using one of my few weekends off to do the mileage run, and the fact that Gold benefits are minimal, what’s your advice? Should I try for Gold again?
@John Lekarr – Here you are: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/10/should-you-go-for-delta-gold-medallion-status-or-stop-short-and-stick-with-silver-medallion/
Hi Rene,
I’ve read some of your posts that touch on this subject but I’m still a bit confused on how it works currently (still a total rookie on the skyteam relationships). I booked a paid ticket on delta.com LAX-CGK r/t (a long time ago before I knew more about the game, I booked when a PM). Anyhow, there are two substantial legs that are run by Garuda and the flight numbers start with GA. I’m finding out now that not only do I not earn MQMs for this but I also don’t get an assigned seat until check-in.
Is this standard for their lower level skyteam partners? I gather from reading that this is not a Delta Marketed flight because of the GA on the flight numbers for the segments in question, but is it considered Delta Ticketed? I bought on delta.com and they did not mention anything about this at the time of booking. Seems odd you can book on delta.com and not receive any mqms or assigned seats.
@Michelle – You are most times, when it comes to earnings on Delta, booking on Delta.com. Having said that, you do need to check fare class.
.
Here is the link on Delta: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/earn-miles/earn-miles-with-partners/airlines.html
If your ticket number (not the confirmation number, the ticket number) begins with 006, then it is a Delta-ticketed flight regardless of what airline owns the plane.
If it’s anything like KLM. You might be able to get seat assignments by going to the Garuda site with the Garuda PNR, you will have to call Delta to get that. You cannot use your Delta record locator. You can then see if it allows you to select a seat or possibly pay for “better” seats as KLM does.
https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/other-countries/en/index.page
Hi Rene,
In a recent post re: Amex Biz cards I read your comments to say new card bonuses are available only after a 365-day lapse from cancelation of an Amex biz card. In prior posts, my reading of your comments was that Amex did not care how many biz cards you had and that you could add cards at any point and receive a sign-up bonus. Did I read/recall wrong, or have terms & conditions changed?
Thanks,
FBO
@Frank – You can have MAX 4 credit cards (biz and persona). You can have more with Charge cards.
Rene (and others!),
This is where my confusion comes into play. The website mentioned in your reply: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/earn-miles/earn-miles-with-partners/airlines.html states “Any partner flight that is not Delta-marketed or Delta-ticketed will earn according to the rules below”. Well the flight I am on is Delta Ticketed so the rules below on that page do not apply, correct?. Regardless, I can even accept the no MQM given the deal I got on the flights. What I find more concerning is the no assigned seats. Delta had me call Garuda and Garuda stated they will not assign seats until check-in. Is this normal with partner marketed flights? Calling the partner is reasonable but the lack of seat assignment is something I can get on cheaper carriers.
Hi Renee,
Any chance delta will give Medallions ability to have rollover MQD’s . I made Diamond and the spend is 15,000 I am up to 22,000 it would be nice of them in that case to rollover if you make above the Diamond threshold. Any thoughts? thank you
@Jon – No.
Rollover. They better!!! I am at 256K now. Have taken 2016 Choice Benefits. They better roll or heads will roll in Atlanta, with a face to face with Richard Anderson! Mr. G.
MANAGE UPGRADES… Okay, I select Medallion UPGRADE REQUESTED, if that’s what I want. However, if I’m using a RUC or GUC, don’t I want to do the ” – REQUEST UPGRADE” so that the Mediallion request is not the priority, or do I wait till the last day to do this?
@Mr G
RE: Rollover, I think the prior reference was for MQD (Dollars) not MQM (Miles) which seems to be what you may have been referencing (i.e. “… I am at 256K now…”)
@ Michelle: I flew Garuda last month in V booking class, ticket issued by Delta, however did not earn anything.
Call GA with the booking # and select your seat this way 🙂
I did call Garuda, they said they will not assign a seat until Check-in (24 hrs before flight) because of the fare class. When I booked with Delta I did NOT book basic economy. Delta says they should assign a seat and is telling me to call Garuda back and speak with a supervisor. Anyone else have a similar experience?
Rene,
I qualified for DM and my wife is about 20,500 from PM. I have 30k mqm to claim or gift. My wife pretty much only travels with me. Is there any benefit to getting her to PM (does it help when we travel together?) or should I just keep them and roll them over for next year?
Thanks for this awesome resource!!
@Dan – It can be a big perk at times. First off, if she makes PM she gets Choice Benefits. Plus, her upgrade shot is going to be much higher at PM vs GM. Plus, if she has a ton of SkyMiles she can book award tickets from her account and change free. Many perks.
Look at next years flying and decide is what I recommend and see this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/09/should-you-go-for-delta-platinum-medallion-status-or-stop-short-for-rollover-mqms/
Just be sure your MQMs will become MQMs for her, and not just miles in her account. I thought you could only earn MQMs by flying, not via transfers but my be wrong.
@FinnSailor – With the Delta Reserve card you can choose anyone you want to gift the MQMs to! See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/06/05/i-just-gave-away-15000-delta-mqms-to-a-friend-and-how-you-can-do-this-too/
I’m diamond and need 30K mqm to retain status. Got a flight before year end at 404 mi (A) and 1692 mi (Z). What’s best way to get back to diamond
@J – Get a Delta personal and business Delta Reserve card and spend $1 on each. Then fly the last 10k
I need to try again with a better phrasing of the question. As I read the blog you say that we can only get one bonus miles award per PERSONAL Delta Amex card per lifetime. But I think I have read that there is no limit to the number of times you can obtain bonus miles with BUSINESS Delta Amex cards. First, is that correct? Second, is there a waiting period between canceling one Business Platinum and getting another? I have, and will keep, a Business Reserve in addition to my Personal Reserve. However, I am trying to max miles by canceling the Platinum Delta Business Card and obtaining another–do I have to wait?
Thanks for taking the second question.
FBO
@Frank – Personal once in a lifetime now. Business AMEX cancel waith 365+ days get new card bonus again. Right now, all 3 Delta AMEX cards are unique products and you can get bonus for all of them an hold them all at once. For now!
.
http://www.RenesPoints.com/BPC
Hi Rene, thanks for all your posts!
I have about $2,500 MQD’s left to retain my medallion status, but I am a little confused. Do you earn MQD’s when you charge the card or when you pay off your balance?
For instance, I currently have a $0 balance on my Amex CC. If I pay my January rent of $2500 in advance today (12/7), will that qualify me automatically? or will I have to pay the rent AND also pay off the balance before 12/31 to qualify?
@Lola – You earn MQDs buy spending money on Delta tickets ONLY! You can become MQD exempt by spending $25,000 per year ie 1JAN-31DEC each year.
Thanks Rene!
Yes, MQD exempt is what I meant. So for it to count; all I need to do is spend my credit card (approx. the amount that gets me to $25k) before year end? Not spend AND pay off balance, right?
@Lola – You can pay it off any time. The only thing that is important is that the CHARGE hits your account on or before 31DEC15. Clear?
When I qualify for PM in a few days, will I get to select choice benefits for this year, then get to choose again after January 31st?
@William – NO! You are earning 2016 status. You get free status until 2016 year starts
Hi Rene,
Just wanted to say thank you for the great posts this year!
I just became Diamond medallion for the first time and also got the 50,000 bonus MR for getting PRG through your link back in October.
Not looking forward to delta’s “enhancements” but looking forward to reading your posts!
@Hibiki – Well done and thanks for reading the blog!
Rene – Really enjoying your blog, thanks for all you do. I’m thinking about getting a delta AMEX card. Any idea when they’ll have another promotion? Seems like they had a good deal in June but I missed that one.
@Will – For MQMs?
Both MQM and miles.
@Will – It was LAST September they had a big bonus for both. None this year that included MQMs.
I am a Diamond and my wife is Platinum for 2015. I have 4 global upgrade certs that need to be used by the end of Feb, 2016. I will drop to Platinum and my wife to Gold for the 2016 period on Feb 1, 2016 due to a job change. I still have my 2 Diamond Choice Benefits to pick for 2015. If I choose more global upgrade certs will I still be able to use all of these as a Platinum as long as I don’t let them expire?
@Bill – Yes. They are not status dependent. They ARE date dependent.
Rene:
Thanks for the quick response. It confirms what I thought and was hoping to be.
Regards,
Bill
Hi Rene, I thought DL no longer allowed open jaws on award tix, but they let me go JFK-LHR and return MXP-JFK for level one miles in biz. Was I just lucky, or is this still allowed as 2 one-ways?
@Rick – Open jaw is OK but stopover is not!
Hi Rene-
I am a GM and have an 11am flight leaving from Vegas in a few weeks. I am hoping to stay a few more hours and wondering if you can explain the same day confirmed policy if I wanted to change to a later flight that day or the red eye (which technically departs the next day at 12:30am). I understand the same fare class rule but do I just call 24 hrs in advance of my original 11am flight and ask about availabily later in the day. And then how about the red-eye – is that considered same-day?
@Scott – Needs to be on the same day ie flight must leave that day. Yes call at the 24hr mark of your 1st flight. See these posts about SDC: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/?s=SDC
Thanks Rene. A quick follow-up. If I SDC to a connecting flight, do both of those flights have to be on the same day as my original ticket? For example, flying from LAS to LAX on my original travel day then the red-eye home at 12:30am the next day.
@Scott – Depends. If you change the 1st one and you are routed another way then it really is only the 1st one that matters. If the second flight I am not 100% sure if the 1st flight is the rule that applies or to the time of that flight. If I don’t know, I bet a rep would not know so you can game it 😉
I have a mileage run on two different one-way tickets. Flying fll-dtw-las and returning las-dtw-fll. Can I just check-in on my phone for the return flight, which is the same day, or do I need to exit security, check-in and go back through security?
Thanks in advance.
@Diane – No need to exit. You can even check in up in the air on Gogo free via app.
Rene,
I am flying tomorrow and have the opportunity for early check in. What are the pros/cons to checking in early? (Delta)
Thanks!!!!
@Chriss – Very little. It can, some say, make a super tiny impact on upgrades and maybe a better or worse shot at offering up your seat for a bump.
Rene,
In response to #1032 above. The 10,000 MQM’s did arrive as you said. Just a few days later. Looks like I will make Platinum again!
Thank you!!
@Chriss – WWAHOOOOOO! Well done!
Rene i want to compliment John (& Adam) with JuicyMiles. Based on your link i contacted them about helping me achieve delta diamond before the end of the year. Even though busy on his own runs he was quick and persistent in his responses and indeed with his guidance i have my first long haul mileage run soon. Im just so impressed and excited at the perks diamond will offer next year. Thanks to you and John for your blogs and advice on squeezing skymiles for all we can get for our money!! It is a great service in a more confusing landscape
@Steve – Txs for your kind words. John & JuicyMiles are the BEST (Adam too)! Welcome to Delta Diamond. You will love it and thanks for supporting the blog.
Rene’,
Good morning!
How long do I have to choose/use my 2015 Diamond Medallion gift?
Thanks
E.
@Erik – 31JAN16 for you 2015 gift. But see this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/10/22/rookie-wednesday-delta-choice-benefits-pick/
Hey Rene! Longtime follower and huge fan. You got me to Diamond, and for that so, so thankful. Quick question — looks like I am about $2,000 short of my spend get my 15,000 MQM from my Delta Platinum Biz card. If I buy $2,000 worth of Delta egift for myself, which I’d definitely use up by Feb. 2016, would that count with Amex toward my spend or would that be considered a money gift card or one of those purchases that don’t count toward the spend. Thanks so much… Andrew.
@Andrew – Whatever it is you charge it MUST post do your AMEX card before 31DEC15 (NOT FEB16). See THIS post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/12/08/common-delta-amex-questions-that-always-are-asked-before-year-end-here-are-the-facts/
sorry I wasn’t clear — definitely know it has to post before year end. I would buy and pay for them asap. I just wouldn’t tap them and use them till next year. But buying this Delta egift is not excluded as some sort of money card and still counts toward spend? thanks, buddy.
@Andrew – Should not be any kind of issue and they are non-refundable and charge instantly.
GRRRR Delta! I’ve been waiting for 2 weeks to get CVG to ATH tickets for November 9 or 10 next year when they became available. All the Wednesdays have 3 tickets on a great itinerary at saver business level EXCEPT NOV 9! Tuesday the 8th has it, Wednesday the 2nd has it, Wednesday Oct 26 has it, Wednesday Oct 19 has it, etc. What is the deal!? besides just ranting, I can’t imagine you have any knowledge here, but what do you think the possibility of award space opening up? Is there some reason you can think of that would be preventing it from showing? There are at least 3 seats in business on the CVG-CDG leg except the 2 I need. There is not even 1 day. OK, I take that back, there are seats for 172500 miles, and yeah, I’m not going to be paying that per seat. I do not have any other way to check Delta award seats. I would take 1 in business and 2 in the bathroom at this point. So annoying. Thanks for letting me rant. Any insight is appreciated.
@Brian – see REV MGT. 🙁
Hey Renee, I couldn’t find a review of MSP SC’s on the blog. I MUST have missed it. 😉 I’m ATL-MSP-LAX this Saturday (non-direct for some MQMs) and have a couple hours to kill…. wondering what’s your fav SC at home?
@Bob – They are on the way. The main MSP club is convenient but often packed but has a luxury bar and in DEC you can get two free top shelf drinks. Go there for now. http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/12/04/two-free-top-shelf-drinks-at-delta-sky-clubs-during-december-2015-if-you-hold-delta-amex-cards/
Tnx Rene! Thought I must’ve missed your review. Yup, I’ve done a couple of “SC crawls” through ATL this month already. Zacapa 23 here, Grey Goose there, then something not quite as refined for a PDB. Makes for unproductive flight time, but quite relaxing. 🙂
Good Day Rene,
I have been reading your blog for years. I would like to ask your thoughts on a Delta issue. We were booked in paid F & P from KOA to PHL on 12/13. Delta started calling about 4 hours prior to departure informing us of a delayed departure ( which is something that Delta does well ).We started off being delayed almost 2 hours at 10:30 PM and we did not depart until almost 7:00 AM. We had a room booked through Delta vacations knowing that we had a late departure and we ending up keeping the room until 3:00 AM. After fighting with National car rental over droping off the car as they do not open until 5:30 AM.
We arrived at Delta for check in at 4:00 AM. We were the checki in line for almost 1 hour. They only had 1 person on the counter and she had to do every thing by hand including our boarding passes which only got us to LAX where we ended up with a 5 min connection the same was also true in ATL where we had 20 min’s.Need less to say we arrived in PHL late 0n 12/14 our bags were delivered on the morning of 12/15.My problem is Delta is offering both of us 10,000 FFM. I have over 1.2 million FFM sitting in my account and my friend has close to 500,000 in her account.We have had very little sucess trying to use them. I think that if we could get Delta to offer us money toward future Delta travel that would work best for.us. Any advice on how best to deal with this issue.
Safe Travels,
John Allen
@John – How much did you want? $100? $200? If so, you get 10k SkyMiles. Get any of the 3 Delta AMEX cards and spend the SkyMiles 1 cent each. If you are not happy with 10k reply back you need at least 10k more! – Rene
i have 2 delta amex reserves (personal/business) and an AMEX Plat
i want to get into jfk skyclub due to long layover with family (wife, 2 kids)
will they charge me $29 for each person or is there any other way to handle
i am plat medallion on return flight from milan before going to tampa
@Jay – They will charge you. You can add up to 3 users to your personal AMEX PLAT for $175 total. Then they all get in free. And many other perks of holding AU on a AMEX Plat account.
Having said that, as a SkyTeam elite in INT flight you get one free: http://www.skyteam.com/en/Why-SkyTeam/SkyTeam-Lounges/Lounge-Access-Policy/
Rene… Just read your Rookie Wed and found “Delta Choice”?!?!?
In January 2015 I thought… what a ripoff, Delta did not give upgrade certs this year. Now I see I had to CHOOSE them! So now with 2 weeks left in the year I started looking at my choices. Since I don’t plan to travel any more in 2015 I thought to take the $200 card. Then I saw that the certs expire 1 year from issue?! So if I take the certs then I would have all of 2016 to burn them? Plus I will get the certs for my 2016 PM? All of a sudden I’m smiling here 😀
@Chris – Do re-read the post. There are many things that expire by some date like gifting medallion status. However, as you point out, credits or upgrade certs the 12 month clock starts the day you CHOOSE THEM as you point out. Smile and thanks for reading the blog!
Hi Rene,
Was looking at your section on purchasing the visa gift cards then depositing into blue bird. I was looking for ways to top off my cc spend other than paypal transfer..That adds up..Can you use your amex to purchase the visa gift cards? and if so once you deposit into the bluebird account can you withdraw that money?
thanks
Patrick
@Patrick – Yep. I plan to hammer that hard come 1JAN16! See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/04/updated-guide-bluebird-load-gcs/
@rene – Thanks for the quick response! I am $14k short of my spen on my delta reserve card and only need 7k mqm’s for plat. I just signed up for bluebird, so not enough time to take advantage of that this year. Jan 1 its on tho!…
For this year, in your opinion, am I better off paying the paypal fee ($391) to hit the tier for the 15k mqm’s or roll them over and start higher?
thanks
Patrick
@Patrick – Your call if you want to rollover or make some level. See these posts: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/05/time-to-take-a-hard-look-at-your-delta-mqm-totals-card-strategies-before-year-end/
Rene
What do you know about the Pre-Departure Center at AMS as it affects travel through AMS to the USA?
thanks
John
@John – Have not tested it but photo is here in this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/08/21/klm-euro-business-class-to-amsterdam-manchester/
@rene
I have 3 tickets where the itinerary was changed by Delta months ago. All of the tickets are still showing “There has been a change affecting your trip. If you are not satisfied with this updated itinerary, you may be eligible to change your flight(s) at no extra cost.”
If the same flights are now cheaper can I rebook into the same flights for the lower cost?
Thanks
Brad
@Brad – I would 1st off call and then if they let you cancel no fee yes cancel, then call back or rebook online at lower cost.
Any Boston Mileage Runs? I see that you had some posted from last year, and am wondering (as it is soon to be my ‘home’ airport), if in future you will be posting more runs that originate there. Thanks! My first time to your site– what a great resource.
Sorry bad e-mail in my last post. this is the correct e-mail.
Hello, you have so much great info, the site has been an awesome find for me.
For 2016, I needed a total of 11400 more miles for platinum status with delta. I already have the Reserve card and one trip left ATL- LAX (getting 4842 miles) from 23rd to 28th.
Any good mileage runs from Atlanta remaining in December to get me 7K miles?
@Judy – Thanks! Here is the place to look: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/category/mileage-run-deals/
Rene, I just me 2nd spend tthreshold on my 2nd Delta Reserve card. The Business card. The miles and MQM’s were not transferred over in a timely basis so I called Amex. They said they pushed the miles to delta 2 days ago and I should contact them. When I contacted Delta, the diamond line transferred me to the reissue dept instead of IT. They looked into it and informed me that i am not allowed a 2nd bonus on my card because I have 2 of the same card. Here are the Terms and Conditions which does state that towards the bottom:
TERMS & CONDITIONS
“All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit http://www.delta.com/memberguide. The close of the calendar year is December 31, without regard to the time of the year that the account is opened. If in any calendar year your Eligible Spending on your Delta Reserve Card is $30,000 or more, you will be awarded 15,000 Bonus Miles and 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). The 15,000 MQMs are not redeemable and only count toward Medallion status. The MQMs are yours to keep or gift to someone else, and if in that same calendar year your Eligible Spending on your Delta Reserve Card is $60,000 or more, you will be awarded 15,000 Bonus Miles and 15,000 MQMs. The MQMs are yours to keep or gift to someone else. MQM gift recipients must have a valid SkyMiles account. If within 90 days, you do not elect to designate an MQM recipient, the MQMs will be deposited in your SkyMiles account. You may be permitted to have more than one Options, Classic, Gold, Platinum, or Delta Reserve Card from American Express account; however, you are only eligible to receive one annual bonus for each type (i.e. Options, Classic, Gold, Platinum, or Delta Reserve) of Delta SkyMiles Credit Card account from American Express”
Rene, have you been able to get 4 sets of bonuses from your 2 reserve cards? The whole reason I got the Business card was for the extra 30,000 MQM’s. I got the first 15,000 MQM’s from the business card and now am being told I cannot get the 2nd 15,000 Does this ring true for you?
@Scott – Yes no problem. Wait till AMEX issues the RDMS then you should be able to get the MQMs via automated system. You can get 4x15k on 2 Reserve cards no problem at all! BTW many Delta folks are total idiots at help desk. Rather jump off bridge than have them help me!
I’ll wait till it is pushed through, and my only hope is that Delta did not trigger something when I called in, to mess it up. I’ll let you know what happens
Got second reserve business card dec 8
Closing date dec 14
Spent 30k
Got mqm boost credited dec 16
Got welcome offer dec 25 mqm !
Just surpassed $25K spend on Delta AMEX Bsn Platinum card. How long until 10K MQM bonus posts? If they post after Jan 1, do they still count towards 2016 Diamond status?
@Glenn – Q1) http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/12/08/common-delta-amex-questions-that-always-are-asked-before-year-end-here-are-the-facts/
Bizarre SkyBonus experience. Like you, I must use up all my SkyBonus points by Dec 31 or lose them. And of course SkyBonus is not opened on weekends. In making a Christmas reservation with the QF100 certificate for free US travel, you must have a T fare. Three Delta agents told me there were T-fares available, but on Delta.com, only S-fares show up. A Delta.com supervisor said it was a “glitch” and all these agents were wrong. A 4th agent said T-fares require 7-day advanced booking and I only 4 days out. Anyway, I took a chance and ordered the QF100 certificate, and when redeeming online, there were a ton of T-fares popping up. Even HUCB should include “just do it.”
Question about the spend on the Delta Reserve Card. My statement has closed for December, and the next closing date is in January. Will all transactions on this statement count for next year’s spend / MQD waiver or is it the post date of the transaction? I’m busting out a few Amex offers before they expire and be great if they count!
@Marlene – Here you are: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/12/08/common-delta-amex-questions-that-always-are-asked-before-year-end-here-are-the-facts/
thanks for all you do running a very informative blog!
I have a trip to China for business coming up and I am using my 290K miles for Delta One between ATL-PVG and back CAN-PEK-DTW-ATL. I got my company to reimburse the “coach cost” of about $1,800 to me for the money I would have spent. A few weeks later, I remembered that I would not be getting the MQMs for the trip for status! I am a PM this year and next and would hate to lost all those MQMs but do not want to do other Asia trip with the rest of the heard! Any suggestions of how I can have my cake and eat it too?
@Thomas Parker – Ouch. No. I would look at a Delta AMEX Reserve card for MQMs. And you WAY WAY WAY overpaid for the ticket. Next time use ADAM to help you get a better price in SkyMiles!
If you are PM and have an Delta AMX you could look at what the $ cost would be and see if you can pay with miles. PM would allow you to redeposit without paying $150 and the AMX gives you PWM. I have no idea what your ticket costs you need to decide if paying a bit more is worth the MQM. Many times I’ve seen PWM being cheaper in skymiles than an award redemption. Good luck.
Rene,
My wife and I, both gold, and daughter, no status, are on a flight to AMS from MSP in a few days. Yesterday the C+ seats opened for us at no cost and we moved from the back of a 330 to the mid-front. Business has only 4 seats taken as of now. Our itinerary says non upgrade eligible as we are a V class ticket. Do you have any suggestions on ways to optimize Delta giving us that Christmas upgrade to Business? in spite of the ticket class? Thank you and enjoy your holidays.
@John – None and will only happen if coach is oversold. You can ask GA if coach is oversold and you are happy to move up but they tend to pull DM & PM 1st so enjoy the C+ ride! 🙂
My wife needs 638 miles to reach Silver. While Silver is not great, I’d like her to get to that level. Obviously I don’t want to spend too much for those 638 miles. Is there a tool that allows me to enter my departure airport and a $ amount and return flights meeting that $ limit. I am in MSN but could fly out of MKE. I’ve tried Google Matrix with the various hubs as destinations, with no luck. I could just include every possible destination, but that is awkward, to say the least. I could use pay-with-miles, but Delta now only gives MQMs for the amount of the ticket paid in cash. Any suggestions?
@Mark – Tinker with:
.
https://www.google.com/flights/#search;f=MSN;d=2015-12-22;r=2015-12-23;mc=m
.
and
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/10/23/rookie-wednesday-a-basic-ita-matrix-101-class-for-a-delta-mileage-run/
.
or
.
http://www.RenesPoints.com/ADAM
Ok Rene kinda upset and need your knowledge. Flying to Maui as we speak and purchased k class tickets and used 15k a miles a person to upgrade on the way there. We only cleared for msp-Seattle . I know waste of points but kids enjoyed it. Flight from Seattle – Maui the four of us didn’t get upgraded. I’m a platinum and asked why I wasn’t on the upgrade list and thru the day I got 3 different answers from Delta employees . First called and the rep said even if you don’t see it we have you 3 on the list and there was 3 available seats. Then delta sky club employee tells me they look at Hawaii as international flight and no one gets upgraded. So then I said can my kids come into sky club and she said no we don’t recognize Hawaii as international. Then we ask at gate and they say you can’t get on upgrade list because you used points??? Any help would be appreciated even though it’s too late now.
@Chad – Ouch.
1) No shot at upgrade as yes the MSP-Hawaii is non-upgrade route even with stops. Stinks but Delta rules
2) No free Sky Club as not international flights even as elite.
Sorry you did not clear all the way! – Rene
Hey Rene, Just a couple of things. First, I finally got my 4th set of 15,000 MQM’s and bonus miles for reaching that threshold, so yeah!
I want to use my global upgrades for fantastic destinations I have not been before, such as the Kol Samul in Thailand at least thru BKK, and then later in the year, Cape Town, through JNB and probably buy my ticket from there. This past year I got to visit Singapore and Hong Kong, but that was a bit of work finding those dates. So here is the age old question. These global upgrades for our loyalty are getting harder and harder to match up with flights that actually offer them. I am fortunate in a first world way to be retired and can go anytime I want, but is there a shorter way to find those upgrades in Delta’s system than forcing a delta diamond rep to go through every single flight on every single day? You would think in the day and age, they could have a computer program or some algorithm that displays the fare bucket across all flights and dates on one screen. I hate taking their time up, but maybe I shouldn’t worry about them at all. What do you think?
@Scott – No easy way no. Call, keep calling, search, wait list. That is the Delta game. I would personally find anything that can clear and do that trip.
@Chad @Rene –
I kind of think you got hosed. I do not agree that the SEA-OGG route was not upgradeable. Per Delta’s own rules here:
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/medallion-program/medallion-benefits/unlimited-complimentary-medallion-upgrades.html
It states: “Availability:
Medallion Complimentary Upgrades are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Medallion Complimentary Upgrades are not valid for travel on:
Nonstop flights between Hawaii and Minneapolis, Atlanta or New York”
So, a Non-Stop from MSP to OGG in NON-Upgradeable, but a SEA-OGG (or KOA or HNL) should be! (as I read it and have flown it)
It even (at the top) goes so far as to single out that “Between Hawaii and all other nonstop domestic destinations” are NON-ELIGIBLE for Upgrades.” [EMPHASIS ON nonstop] –
I’d contact Delta
@Laptoptravel – Sorry but incorrect. Most times one flight number so Delta calls it a direct even with stop. Plus, Delta says ONLY SLC, SEA, SFO, LAX are Medallion UG possible. No point in contacting Delta other than maybe a few points.
@René –
Well, Darn it all!
Hi Rene- stumbled across your blog as I’m trying to get smarter on DL policy–just made diamond for 2016. Appreciate all the insight and look forward to reading and contributing.
Can you combine a GUC with a skybonus trans pacific economy certificate? My read of fine print says skybonus certificate books in T which is an upgradeable fare for GUC. Curious for your thoughts on if I’m interpreting correctly,
Thanks!
@Jon – With SkyMiles you can only use one award type instrument per ticket and I have a feeling using SkyBonus points will mean the same thing to Delta. I would call SkyBonus to confirm but 99% sure they will say the same.
Rene’, I need some advice on how to handle delayed baggage. We flew MCO-ATL-LFT on Christmas Eve. We made the connection, but our luggage did not. We were flying LFT-ATL-DCA early Christmas morning, so we wanted the luggage rerouted to DCA. After a lengthy wait on the phone, we talked to an agent who put that into the system. When we arrived in DCA on Christmas morning, our luggage was not there so we spoke to a baggage agent (in person) and he gathered more information from us and told us to expect our bags that night. It is now 3 days later and we still do not have our bags. The last agent I talked to told me to keep my fingers crossed and hope that the bags made it on the last flight from LFT-DCA this afternoon. Based on your experience, what else do I need to do?
@Kathy D – OUCH. SO sorry! Read the E38 posts and then get back to me if you need to: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Rene its showing 65k on delta’s sight for one way to maui from Detroit first class but it does say lowest fare. Or it says 130k lowest fare in the calendar mode for round trip. Does that mean I can still book it for 45k roundtrip out of Korean Air miles? Or does the lowest fare for First need to be lowest fare of 40 to 50k per one way. Thanks for your help and all that you do! Love your blog and read it multiple times a day!
@Jonathan – What other partners show means nothing for the use of SkyMiles. See the E7 posts for how to with SkyMiles: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Rene,
Thanks for the reply. Maybe I worded it wrongly. I would like to use Korean Skypass Miles to fly Delta First class from Detroit to Maui roundtrip. And I thought it only cost 45k korean skypass miles roundtrip?
@Jonathan – Correct. The rest of the charts are here: https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/skypass/redeem/korean-air-awards/ke-award-chart.html
Hi Rene,
First off thanks for the great information.
Question: If I’m short ~$4K on me Delta Reserve spend can I buy a refundable ticket and then refund it in the new year?
Regards,
~K
@K – No. Go buy $4 of VDGCs at a Simons Mall. Or at a Kroger (2k max per day).
@rene – Any particular store in a Simon Mall?
@KMAC – I would go to the one closest to you: http://www.simon.com/search
Just got back from some IROP travel. On the 24th out of ATL massive thunderstorms closed the airport to arrivals for a good part of the day. We were traveling ATL to JAX with an original arrival time of 1:30 to get on a cruise that left at 4:00. I wasn’t optimistic and was already working on plan B and meeting the cruise at it’s first stop. The Delta agent told us there were no flights at that time for plan B so we should go to JAX even though the new arrival time was now 3:30 if we didn’t make it the IROP was in our record and that we should see what we could do if we didn’t make it in time to get on the cruise. Not really sure why we even attempted the flight since by the time we left it was impossible to arrive in time. I guess I went to JAX to collect our luggage. Then immediately go to the Delta counter. The person at the counter was very nice but was not sure what I needed. She asked if I wanted to buy a ticket back to ATL. LOL. We got that straightened out, between her and the Platinum desk, plan B seats were available and they were able to book us to the first stop of the cruise at FPO, of course that required traveling back through the storm and waiting for ATL to open up again. So after much delay the night of the 24 we finally arrived back in ATL stayed at a airport hotel so we could get on the only flight to FPO on the 25th. In as much as the whole 26 hours of traveling was crazy I was happy to at least be able to catch the cruise at it’s first stop. So I am thankful for them salvaging what could be salvaged. The question I have is we traveled ATL JAX ATL FPO, though now when I check my account history it only shows JAX ATL FPO, I’m would like to get the missing 500 MQM. Is asking for them being ungrateful? Should I ask for them and if so do I just call the Medallion desk?
@Andrew – OUch and sorry but you will get nothing it was weather. Not that this helps but why I always go a day early to get on a boat.
Well we always trash Delta and their constant loyalty reductions, but lesson learned, as of last night, I’m sticking with Delta. I live in the DTW hub, but found a really great fare on American Airlines to go to buenos Aires over New Years. Thanks to American Airlines, two minutes before boarding, they announce they have no crew to take us to Dallas for our connecting flight. After being told we need to go to ticketing, they say we can’t leave until Thursday, effectually ruining our vacation. Then the toll free number supervisor says the same thing. We got offered exactly a refund on our tickets and nothing else. Thankfully most hotels were booked with points, but we had intra-Argentina flights that we now have to try to get our money back on, as well. American Airlines says it was weather, but we were at the gate when they clearly said there was no crew. I have received lots of compensation from delta and alternate bookings when things go wrong, but American offers nothing and can’t get me to my destination for days? My loyalty will not ever go to this airline. Ever.
Thanks for the reply. Like I said it was nice of Delta to get us to Freeport at no additional airfare cost to us. We paid with out time of course and other costs. So Delta was already generous by them getting us from JAX to FPO. Lesson learned will not travel day of to catch a cruise.
@Andrew – Yep, as you say. They did what they could and could have been nasty. Happy it worked out.
I have the Delta Reserve and to reach the $30K limit I paid estimated tax yesterday on the card (and paid the 1.87% fee). It shows as a pending transaction right now. Typically how long will this take to post ?
thx,
Jay
@Jay – 1-3 days. You should make it.
Thanks for all your valuable info and knowledge. Do you have any runs from Atlanta worth 5300miles. Looking to move up a level without buying miles from DL. Thanks.
@Judy – Are you talking before 1JAN16? I hate to say you are a bit late. For next year, keep looking here: http://www.EliteMileageRun.com
Yes Rene I was talking about a run before Jan 1. I’m on it for next year the blog is excellent with info on elite runs. Thankyou
@Judy – Ah. I can peak but that is going be hard unless you are ready to fly at a high price the 30th and 31st?
Ok.. Now I am frustrated….
Earlier this year I booked tickets for my son and I to fly RT FLL-PDX and used a combination of PWM and Amex to pay for the purchase and we were both eligible for upgrades. I am GM and he is just a regular flyer. This time when I booked it, as I was reserving it for 1/14 to 1/19, but then when I went back into the reservation to change the seats to emergency row, it says that the tickets are not upgrade eligible .
I called the GM desk and she said it was because I used PWM and he was not a medallion, therefore neither of us can be upgraded.
Is this another change that I missed?
Thanks,
Gregg G.
@Gregg – Delta is correct this time. Been that way for a while.
@René thanks
Rene- I posted this in one of your articles today. Sorry for doing that since it was another topic. Does Delta allow you to use Upgrade Certificates on Regional and Global if you travel on awards? I am a Diamond Medallion. Thank you!
@Sam – No. You can not combine SkyMiles products for one trip.
@rene- Thanks. So, it has to be a paid flight to use the upgrade certificates? Thanks again
@Sam – Yep, that is what the rules say. And NOT E class BASIC fare.
Rene… Happy New Year!
Now that I have all these credit cards… do any of them provide a free credit report? Do you have a recommended way to check my credit? I thought I read about your method on the blog, but I could not find the article today. The term “credit” and “report” are just too common words on the blog 🙂
@Chriss – There is a free service. You can get all 3 once per year. I would spread out and do once every 4 month to stay current. https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
I Delta offering the buy million miles again this year? I know it’s a bad deal but sometimes it’s necessary to maintain medallion status. If it is available how do I access it? Thanks for your answer. I love your website.
@Betty – Here you are (buy I want to cry): http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/12/01/delta-goes-bat-crazy-cray-cray-with-2015-buy-mqms-3000-for-10000-mqms/
This is the worst deal I ever saw. No way would I pay that much for miles. I’m Platinum and next year will just make a few mileage runs to get to Diamond. This amount of money isn’t even tempting. Thanks though.
Happy New Year Rene! I already have diamond medallion through January 2017 through Credit card spend. This year I am trying to get my wife Platinum Status. She has earns 75K MQM’s in 2016, does she receive status in 2016 and 2017? Thanks
Oops. What I meant to say is she has no status right now and IF she earns 75K MQM’s in 2016 when would her Platinum status start and run though. Sorry about that.
@Sam – If she earns Platinum this year she will have it until 1FEB18. This year will be free status and will be earning the 2017 year status that ends 1FEB18.
Rene, you appear to be the definitive source for information. I think I stumbled on the answer, but perhaps you can help clarify. With mostly butt-in-seat travel (some rollover from 2014), I amassed 123,650 miles. I would not have cared about DM, but being so close, I gave it a shot. I made one mileage run trip right before the New Year and opened a Delta Platinum Amex in early December. The requisite $1,000 to get the bonus MQM all posted on the card account by 12/31/2015. Clearly, if the bonus MQMs post and are counted against 2015 MQMs, I get DM status. So, that is the question. From 1 source, it seems that the initial promotional bonus MQMs (for minimum spending on a new account) are different from the bonus MQMs for routine card spending after the initial minimum. Is this true? In other words, when these promotional bonus MQMs post, will they post in 2016 or against 2015 when the spending occurred?
I do realize that I will get [123,650 – 75,000] MQMs as rollover against 2016 MQMs and 2017 status. A nice headstart for DM. Now with the Delta card, DM should be achievable with normal travel. As with many, it is mostly the challenge; part of making the routine business travel a bit mundane. I have many of the DM benefits from other card(s).
Thank you, Rene. Respectfully, OhSoClose.
@Doyin – All MQMs are the same. They were earned in 2015 they count on 2015. You will be DM for 2016. Welcome to the club.
I posted a question on jan 1….I was waiting on a reply but its gone now? Ideas what happened?
@Steve – May have ended up in SPAM and gone. Try again?
Routing: DCA-DTW-PDX-ATL-DCA
Broken Fare: DCA-DTW-PDX-ATL; ATL-DCA
If I book this as a same-day turn, can I apply a RUC to the first three segments? Delta.com sees this as a one-way to ATL, with the ATL-DCA segment being separate from the other three.
If not, how would a RUC work in this situation?
@William – Depends on routing rules and fare break. Call Delta rep and ask.
I am a loyal follower but i goofed up and did something dumb, you must get so tired of your “kids”!! We learn from our mistakes right.. I needed 37k mqm to make diamond, but little time to fit in trips due to the holidays. I upgraded my amx delta platinum to reserve on dec 8 being assured i would qualify for additional 10k mqm as i had spent well over the 60k by that point. I scheduled a mile run to get 27k and waited to see my 12/25 statement…no mqm bonus of course and after long calls to amx and skymiles none will be coming? So i am now 9727 mqm short of diamond…im trying to decide if its worth spending $3k for the 10k mqm offer delta is extending..i do qualify btw. Its a hard swallow…i travel to manila 3-4 times a year and would love to have the global certificates to upgrade two round trips? Its all new to me, but seems like it is not a bad deal with business class on that trip 3-4 times coach? I apologize for the long read and for not being better at following your comments, life got in the way and i should have asked you first about the credit card issue..rats!
@Steve – Ouch on the UG. If you make DM yes you get 4 Global UG certs. They are good for one way UG each per person so on Delta metal in all but E class if space is open. On some partners YBM class. It could be worth it for 3k for the upgrades yes but again space must be open. If you do all this and can not clear you will be upset. I can not decide for you.
Hi! I currently had the Gold Delta Amex, as well as the Platinum at one time. If I were to upgrade to the Reserve, which I have never had, would I be able to get the bonus since I have never had this card? Or is it with any “Delta Amex” you have had.
@Emily – All are unique products so you can get each. Please don’t upgrade. Cancel one and they apply for new to ensure you get points. SOOOO many nightmares that upgrades go wrong and you don’t get points. http://www.RenesPoints.com/bpc
Wondering why my Delta parter AeroMx flight from 12/26/15 mex-Pvr hasn’t shown up on my acct when the first leg from Dtw-Mex has? The flight should have put me at the needed miles to obtain Gold. When Amex platinum travel rep was called (whom made orig reservation), she was assurred by delta it was pending. My acct has zeroed, and I’m still Silver :(. Thanks Rene, love your site!
@Marcy – Complain on Delta.com and it may speed it up a bit and to start of thread that you will get credit.
I have been enjoying your blog tremendously since I found it! 🙂 Thank you!
@Emily – Thank you SO much! Best – Rene
I just want to thank you for your advice and all of your efforts to educate and explain the complications of achieving medallion status, i apologize for making a booboo….i hope my mistake will help others, it is embarrassing to admit! I will consider carefully whether to risk buying the needed mqm, thank you
Thanks so much for your advice! You are the master! @Marcy
Just checking on a question I tried to post before I ask my question again. It was an update on the promotional bonus 5,000 mqms. I’ll wait.
Rene…I have delta reserve personal and delta platinum business card.
(I have a total of 2 personal AMEX cards and 3 AMEX business cards.)
I am considering cancelling my delta platinum card and going with the business delta reserve to get the new card bonus (and spend threshold to remain at Gold or higher for next year.) How do you recommend I go about that?
should I cancel the platinum and wait a few days and then apply for the reserve? or apply for the reserve before I cancel the platinum? For some reason I want to say AMEX will make me cancel one of those cards before I am approved for another (I think because I have a total of 5 AMEX cards??)
Thanks and I read your blog everyday! and my credit score is over 800+
@Sam – See today’s post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/01/04/qa-about-delta-rollover-mqms-delta-elite-status-amex-updates-the-new-medallions/
Rene,
You know how you can book hotel and car rental through the Delta site? They say you get “miles” for this. So today I booked my hotel through Delta site and it says “352 miles”. Now, If I booked it with my delta reserve card anyway (which means I would get some points) does this add up or cancel each other? Price on the Delta site was the same as elsewhere… just wondering if this is worth getting in the habit. (I know these are not MQM.)
Thanks!!
@Chriss – They tack it on but the value is normally VERY low. You are better off using another site like http://www.RenesPoints.com/TCB
Thanks Rene…so, to clarify….Your advice would be to cancel one of my AMEX cards (since I have 5) BEFORE applying for the new reserve business card?
@Sam – Yep. Make sure it is a credit card not a charge card you are closing.
This may be old news, but Delta isn’t allowing me to add a low-level F/J segment that just opened up onto the saver-level itinerary that I already have.
In this case, I currently have AMS-MSP at the lowest-level (O class). R class availability just opened up MSP-CVG, and I called in to have them add it onto the reservation. The agent said that there must currently be saver space on the AMS-MSP leg in order for me to get a saver-level award for the new itinerary. The agent stated that the system was blocking her from manually adding on the segment without repricing the whole itinerary at a higher level (in this case 50K more miles per ticket).
I know that you can’t mix J and Y awards in the same redemption anymore, but if you can’t even add on low-level segments in the same class of service, that seems like big news.
@William – Rep, for once, is correct. All legs must have LEVEL 1 space. You can sometimes still mix awards but not always.
In this case though I would be adding on a segment at level 1 to an entirely level 1 itinerary.
I just rechecked the current availability for AMS-MSP, and it actually is available at level 1. Can I not marry together two level 1 segments anymore? I’ve absolutely done that before.
@William – If all lest are LEVEL 1 then just HUCB until you get someone to do it. Maybe ask for international reissue or a supervisor to override. Someone will do it if all LEVEL 1
I’ll definitely try that. Two agents so far weren’t able to do it though, and one even had the international reissue desk take a look. They were unable to do it as well.
I spoke directly to the international reissue desk. They couldn’t do it either. Looks like I’ll have to book MSP-CVG as a separate redemption. Could the days of being able to add additional level 1 segments be over?
The agents all said that they would do it if they could, but the system was hard coded to not let them. One of them mentioned that this was a recent change.
@William – Hard coded? Ruh roo. This could be bad news. Have you tested calling Asian call centers?
I guess I could give it a go. What are the chances though that they would be able to help me when the PM desk + international reissue couldn’t?
@William – If they can, we will know “hard coded” is a key word for buzz off we don’t want to get in trouble and help you.
Just spoke with the Singapore call center. They told me the same thing. Looks like I’m out of luck.
This itinerary was the one that I was able to get for 92.5K per ticket (a result of a system glitch), so maybe that’s the problem? Maybe they could have made the change if it had been the normal 125K redemption? If not, this could very well be a major negative (and of course, unannounced change) on Delta’s part.
FYI. Just finished my first 2016 Delta flight. Miles and MQM’s just posted an hour after landing. Just like before the merger.
2 questions: First, do any miles count toward Million Miler status besides “butt in seat” miles? Such as elite status bonuses, Delta Amex MQMs, etc? I’m somewhat confident that it’s just actual flown miles, but wanted to confirm.
Second, I am 50K away from 2MM and want to take a few mileage runs to get me to 2MM/Lifetime Gold, as I’ve retired and no longer traveling for work. Obviously want the cheapest possible ways to do so, as I’ve got plenty of SkyMiles but have to actually pay for these in order for them to qualify. I do have the USBank FlexPerks card and could use some points from there to reduce out of pocket costs. Any suggestions?
@FinnSailor – All MQMs are the same from anywhere. Smart move going for 2MM. You can use PWM or FlexPerks. Both work for MQMs. See posts linked in this comment. Follow the Mileage Run tab on the blog as well.
What in the world just happened to me? I’m Platinum and my husband is Gold. We just booked a trip to Europe using FF miles. While booking I couldn’t select an Economy Comfort seat for either me or my husband. I called Delta BEFORE purchasing and they said I had to buy the tickets then they would move up me and up to one companion (as usual). So I purchase the ticket WHILE ON THE PHONE. After some humming and hawing we get put on hold. They return and say there’s a NEW POLICY and I’m now downgraded to my husbands status for seats. Are you kidding me? I called back the next day and talked to a supervisor who patronized me like I was a noob. She even tried to tell me there were no EC seats on my flights. I’m looking at the seating charts! I’m so disgusted with Delta I can’t see straight. The call ended with her saying, “your flights are a long way away, just wait and see”. OMG, when has that ever worked with decent seats? They won’t even give me the EC seat and let my husband buy one. We’re both locked into coach with no other options. What moron is coming up with this stuff? Nearly 40 years and 700K lifetime miles and I’m searching KAYAK as we speak instead of Delta.com. I guess loyalty is a one way street in Atlanta.
Is it worth fighting to have the Delta Platinum Amex promotional bonus MQMs be awarded against 2015 tally since the $1000 minimum spend was completed in 2015?
The mqms show up in my account but are in 2016. I could not find where it says that the date awarded/posted is what counts for the promotional miles and not that the required spending was completed in 2015.
This is a follow up to an earlier post where I was short 1350 miles to reach DM. Alas, I missed it because of the posting date of the promotional mqms. Worth calling and asking? My sense: tough luck. That’ll be ‘giving away’ DM. The rules are instituted to thin the herd, as it were. Your thoughts and/or experience would be appreciated.
@Doyin – They may still count on 2015 but up to you if worth fight. Honestly it should not be a hard fight if you met terms they will fix this.
@Julie C-
This is EXACTLY what I have been crusading about Delta’s new changes. Rene had a guest post found here
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/12/13/will-delta-require-w-fares-for-medallion-upgrade-in-2016-sunday-guest-post-by-john-laptop-travel/
That is a post I was graciously given the opportunity to write as a guest. This impending change (effective for travel on/after May 16th, 2016) is one of the greatest Game Changers / Deal Breakers for Delta Loyalists! We have to come together to realize what is happening, how to make Delta reverse their policy (adding at least a +1 option), and how to game the system in our favor (or best you can do.)
#DoomsdayMay16; I’ll say it over and over again!
Please read the blog on a regular basis, especially now with the next round of changes impending!
Julie C, please write Richard Anderson a real letter. Only a letter, media and revenue deprivation campaigns together will make Delta reverse their #KeepDescending course when it comes to these new (and more) Comfort+ Fares & booking policies.
@Rene – can I ask how you defund your BB account? I see a few options including paying CC bill directly, bank withdrawl, write check… just not sure about generating red flags, etc. Thanks!
@FLN – You can pay bills direct but better to write check to wife etc. I have a biz credit line so I advance for 1 day (pay almost nothing) then pay off next day.
Greetings and happy new year!
so was thinking of taking the RUC’s for choice benefit. After the rollout of C+ as its own class in May, will the RUC’s be only good for C+ if I book coach? Kind of hoping I don’t need to book C+ to get the first class upgrade we used to get.
Thanks!
@Rudi – No changes for now.
@Rene – duly noted. Do you write the personal BB checks with the (stupid) 5 digit code, or write a check from the site? I’m surprised those BB checks with the 5 digit code on the front can clear at banks with check21/etc.
@FLN – Yes code
i have three lllooonnnggg layovers on a single flight itinerary. all have sky clubs. i have no status with delta. nor do i have any cc’s that would grant me entry. however, i DO have a delta amex gold.
1. is there any way to buy single pass that let’s me in ALL 3 clubs…or…must i buy a separate pass for each club?
2. assuming the latter, i have a $50 delta gift card. also, i know i can get in for $29 using the dl amex gold. can i pay partially with the amex gold to activate the $29 entrance fee and pay the remaining balance with the gift card? i.e. at each club i pay ~$8 at each club with amex gold and ~$17 at each club with the gift card?
3. any other advice on how best to minimize the cost for three visits?
thanks!!
rh
@R Hirsch – You could in the past get a 24hr pass. NO more sad to say. Delta gift cards are for flying not clubs. I would get a Delta AMEX Reserve card for the MQMs and club access.
thanks. and yeah, i knew that 24 hour pass was a thing of the past, but was wondering if there was any “work around” to it in the present! awesome, thorough, prompt, and appreciated reply!
@r hirsch – Only way is to lurk outside and ask to be guested in.
@Rene – what about the day passes that are available on eBay (I know… caveat emptor and all that, but most are from reputable sellers).
These are the paper cards that are true Day Passes – just need to check the description to make sure the exp date is past the desired trip layover window.
@FLN – Yeah YMMV as Delta can say they are now only 1x use. Maybe worth the risk but just know could go sideways on you.
I saw something odd happen on a recent domestic flight and wanted to get your thoughts. Two flights from RDU to LGA were delayed and were scheduled to fly out at roughly the same time. One of the two flights cancelled (crew timed out), so there was a mad dash to fill up the RJ9 that had been swapped in for the scheduled RJ7.
The odd thing started after First had boarded full. Shortly after PBD had been handed out, a man boarded and asked the FA for help. Apparently, the GA gave him instructions to tell the person sitting in his seat to go back to the GA. The FA then asked the woman sitting in the seat to pick up her belongings and go back to the GA. She came back on about 10 minutes later, but was seated in the back. It’s not clear that the person who was bumped from First was nonrev, but it’s certainly a possibility. As someone who was upgraded at the window for this flight, I was concerned that I would be next.
In IRROPS situations like this, can paid first class passengers bump upgraded passengers out of seats? I thought that once you had a boarding pass for an upgrade, the only way you’re losing it is with an equipment change that reduces the number of seats available in the upgraded cabin.
@Greg – Shena happens all the time but keep in mind the COC has very strict rules. Even a paid first can be a Y-UP fare and you don’t know it and that can bump you down to coach. Bottom line Delta “mostly” promises transport and a GA can do what they want in most circumstances
Sounds like the new passenger was a FAM.
I had a flight from ATL-LAS and was upgraded, at the last minute I was asked to move to coach because someone walked up and paid for their ticket, they did allow me to take my drink back to coach but I lost my EC seat as well. Paid tickets trump an upgrade.
MD90’s…Good news! Was on a flight today and learned they are adding a galley finally in the rear of these odd ball and unfortable planes. Delta will actually be taking seats out of the back of the plane. Nothing worse than those carts up and down the isle and all the FA’s hanging out up front.
Hi, Rene. I’m a PM with no SPG status and looking at the Westin in Seoul for a night. Crossover rewards benefits on the SPG site say there’s a possible upgrade at check in. I can’t find anything in my SPG profile that shows I’m a PM other than the SPG account description showing Crossover rewards with Delta. I’m wondering how these benefits actually show up to the hotel so they at least know I’m eligible for late check out, free internet, room upgrade, etc.. Do you know how this works?
Thanks!
@Chad – See this post for details on confirming registration etc: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/06/19/rookie-wednesday-what-are-the-perks-of-crossoverrewards-from-spg/
ATL-PDX, 739, Breakfast, five hours of flight time.
Is this flight worth using a RUC on if I don’t get the complimentary upgrade? I currently have a window C+ seat.
I’m trying to limit RUC use to lie-flats, but I’m more concerned about starting the expiration clock on the remaining ones.
@William – You had ME, personally, at 5 hrs of flight time bu that is just me! 😉
I need to travel from SFO to TPE this month and i am a DM. The only flights I find are operated by CI, but they are a Delta flight # e.g. DL7731. So for these is the MQM accrual the same as flying a DL flight ? Also, is there a way to upgrade from Economy to Premier Economy w/o using my GUC ? i.e. by using miles ?
thx much!
Jay
@Jay – If DL coded you earn DL points. However, for GUC it must be DL metal for cheap fare class. Not 100% sure if YBM fare will work but if paying that often same as discounted biz. You can not get PE if PE is another product ie not just coach like Delta C+ free. Call Delta before you book.
Hi Rene,
I have platinum status that is due to expire on Jan. 31, and will drop to gold.
If I book award travel for later this year as a platinum, will I be able to later cancel and redeposit without a fee? In other words, is it the status at time of booking that counts, or the status you have at the time that you’re making changes?
Thanks
@Bryan – See this post from a few days ago: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/01/04/qa-about-delta-rollover-mqms-delta-elite-status-amex-updates-the-new-medallions/
Thanks much!
Hi, Rene’. Is there any website I can use to research delays and/or cancellations from a particular airport on a specific day? I am interested in gathering information on Delta flights only if that makes a difference.
@Kathy D – Try: https://flightaware.com/
Thanks, Rene’. I had looked at this site, but could not figure out if there was a way to look at flights from late December. Am I missing something?
@Kathy – I am no expert on the site but I think you have to subscribe for historical data.
Rene,
Often times when I have a trip I will look for longer routes to try and boost my MQMs. Frequently I have found routes where the price increase is only sight, but the MQM increase is significant. However when planning these multi city flights I am not always able to choose routes I know exist. For instance on a route home I found that instead of leaving Thursday morning I thought could leave on the last evening flight Wednesday to LAX then take the 12:30 am overnight flight home.
However when I selected the last evening flight the 12:30 am flight was not an option. The arrival time to LAX is 11:40pm which gives more time than some layovers I have seen. Now if I book, say a 2pm flight to LAX I can then see the 12:30 am flight, but 2pm that is earlier than I can leave.
Besides delta.com I use kayak.com and Google flights to search options but still sometimes have trouble combining routes I know exist. Have you run into this sort of thing? Are there other tools to help with this? Would calling a delta reservation line be able to book this when the computers cannot? Thanks for any insight or experience you have with this.
@CDIM – You can use ITA MATRIX to search possible permutations and legal connecting hubs/ routes. : http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/10/23/rookie-wednesday-a-basic-ita-matrix-101-class-for-a-delta-mileage-run/
Hi Rene,
I’m a newbie to frequent travelling and just hit Gold for the first time last year! I’m thinking of getting the AMEX PR Gold or Platinum card for all of my travels with Delta. However, 90% of my travel is for work which is booked exclusively through Egencia. Does this mean I won’t get the 3x points for travel? And in that case am I better off with a Delta Gold/Platinum card?
Thanks,
Sammi
@Sammi – The T&C for the PRG stay ONLY when booked directly on airline web site so I would guess no, but not 100% sure. I would go for the Delta Reserve card for the bonus MQMs and the BOGOF in coach or biz and the upgrade tie-breaker and the club access.
@Rene – Thanks! That is a great tool! So if I find routes I can’t construct/book on delta.com is my only option to call a delta rep and see if they can create it for the same price?
@CDIM – Then use Kayak.com multi-leg tool to plug in segment by segment to send to Delta (log in to Delta.com 1st).
PRG is definitely best for booking flights. 3x MR points always applies when you’re booking directly with the airline (which includes using an OTA, of course, since the airline is what appears as the merchant name). This would not apply when booking through Priceline (the opaque version where you don’t get to select a carrier) or buying airfare as part of a package.
Spent last 25 min trying to get a misc expense reimbursement claim to go through on DL.dumb…no go.
“Your submission was unsuccessful. Please click submit to try again”
Any ideas/advice? Huge waste of time.
@Mr. H – Call? Try another browser?
Wait 30 Min, resubmit, no-go. Refresh/retype, no-go. New browser no-go. Platinum line, rep didn’t have any idea => forwarded to baggage services phone line. Rep there (interestingly) said that link is causing all kinds of issues lately and wouldn’t wish it upon anyone (for future blog reference btw). Said the only real solution is to receive PDF form via email, and then submit via snailmail or fax (but no email address/inbox at DL set to receive such forms). I’ll have to file through some email to FAX or other online service. What a pain. Great way to waste an hour on top of all other delays/issues and missing bags over Xmas! Speaks volumes for DL that this is the first time I have been through this in 5 yrs as Platinum though!!!
Hey René, just wanted to share my experience starting off the year on a high note by getting the Reserve (used your link, of course). Applied the evening of Jan 1 and the card arrived the morning of the 4th (they shipped it out overnight that Saturday, not that I’d requested that at all since I wasn’t even in town). First used it on the 6th. 10k MQMs + 10k bonus miles appeared today (the 11th). I’d also totally forgotten about the Fuel Up Offer Bonus, for which I’d filled out the form sometime last year. That 1k also posted today. It’s nice seeing some activity on the account since I won’t be flying for another month.
@Carl – Well done and thanks for the support. Means so much! – Rene
Is it a bad idea (if it’s even possible) to request a complimentary upgrade on a flight that you’ve waitlisted an RUC for? I do know that it can cause problems past T-24, so I’d have myself removed from the list if I don’t clear at the window.
I could wait to apply it after the PM window, but then I’d potentially lose on time of request. At the same time, if there’s any chance of clearing a free upgrade vs using a cert, I’d obviously rather do that.
@William – I request on all but only request RU on the most important one. If that one clears, then look to apply to rest.
I am getting business credit cards for my consulting business. I am a Delta Diamond dropping down to Platinum on Feb 1, 2016. I have a personal Amex Delta Reserve card to get extra MQMs and I am considering getting a business Amex Delta Reserve card (10K MQMs and 10K Sky Pesos after 1st purchase with card) to get more MQMs without having to fly as much. I received an offer to get the Amex Business Platinum card that gives 100K MR points if I spend $10K within the first 3 months and an extra 50K points if I spend another $10K within the same time frame. Which points are more valuable and which offer is best?
Thanks, Bill
@Bill – 100k MR points is a sweet deal if you are going to USE THEM. If you want the MQMs to get DM for the global upgrade certs they can be worth thousands of dollars. If you are going to enjoy the perks of DM status, get the MQMs. If flying less, go for the MR points.
I just got my year end statement and it said Congrats for reaching 250,000 MQM’s. Does this get me anything special? I have been picked up by the Porsche SUV three times at ATL and JFK but nothing beyond that?
This is a question about married segments. It is going to cost me $452 to change the last end of my flight home, and that is the only part of the trip that I want to change. They told me that both segments of that trip are married so they cannot be changed without changing both flights. (If I changed I would still be on the same 1st leg). Since they have only bumped the flight back 40 minutes, the “one hour” rule does not count. I have called to speak to a few different people but get the same response. There is a much earlier flight that was not feasible originally, but that is now very much doable for me. Is there anything more I can do?
@Emely – All the new legs, old and new, must price out level 1 to change.
Rene, I asked you this earlier this year but just triple checking. I hit 60k spend on my reserve card before Dec.31st and will be getting 15k mqms that my wife needs for platinum. Her account already shows her rollover mqms, my statement closes the 21st and I will be able to go back to 2015 and give her the mqms for platinum correct?
@Chad – MQMs count in the year earned.
GRRRR…..
I knew that I was not going to be able to upgrade when using amex to pay with points to pay for 1/2 the airfare for my son and I to go from FLL PDX, but apparently I wont get MQMs either?????
“This itinerary is not eligible for mileage accrual and may not be eligible for upgrades.”
Last year I got mileage for these trips… it would really suck to not get MQMs for a cross country trip.
Gregg
Gregg, look for the MQMs listed on the checkout screen before you pay. Only if it says 0 would that mean you would get none. They need to update that whole disclaimer and remove the part about not being eligible for upgrades (unless there is some instance when that really applies?).
Rene’
I currently have a personal and business Reserve Card that I max out every year for MQM’s. I have another business that i currently use my personal Reserve Card for and just reimburse. I probably spend only 30k for the other business. I also have a Business Platinum Card that all of our associates use. Would it make sense to get another Reserve Card for the side business?
Thanks so much.
Rand
@Rand – You are already over the limit for what is AOK with Delta. I would not push it as you are only to have one each biz Reserve card per person even if other company’s.
Thanks Rene’
Any recommendations on another type of card?
I do not fly anything but Delta and mostly use Hilton’s & Hertz.
Thanks
Rand
@Rand – Why not have your wife get one and add you as authorized user and she can send MQMs to you. Or you get BIZ Delta Platinum card for bonus MQMs.
Thanks Rene, just seems crazy that the new year started and she has her rollover mqms and we will be able to go back and get her platinum still but I know you know your Delta rules!
Thanks re: my upcoming SFO-TPE -NRT-SFO trip and I had one more question. SFO-TPE is on CI. And I cannot use my GUC for this leg. But I can for the return. I thought then I could use upgrade miles for the SFO-TPE but the cost of the M fare is ridiculous. I checked and a Business Class OW on CI is available for 70K miles. But there appears to be no way to combine an upgrade OW using miles and using GUC on the return. Is that correct ? Of course, I dont get the MQM on the way out. Also no way to book entirely on CI either and use miles. Thanks much!
@Rene – I was asked by a friend if Delta eGift cards would count for AMEX Gold Skymiles spend. I thought I’d better ask if you had any data on this – otherwise it could be a YMMV type of thing?
@Kan – EGifts count 100%
A certain flier I know well booked a couple of itineraries last year for travel in 2016. These were credited to his “sole proprietor” SkyBonus account. This flier now works for a new organization that has more than the required five fliers and has been booking his 2016 travel into that SkyBonus account.
What are your thoughts on changing those 2015 tickets against the new SkyBonus account? Would this possibly raise red flags? Is it even possible to do so?
@Bruce – No problem. Very simple. You get credit whey you fly not when you book ticket. No red flags.
Rene —
I was offered to “buy up” to the next Medallion Status, of which I (intentionally) fell short last year by 1,832 MQMs. I did this to roll over the 23,168 MQMs as I felt it would give me a nice leg up this year and help me move quickly on my Delta status this year that way (Delta Reserve sign up bonus, early 2016 travel, etc.). However, despite the fact that the “buy up” is not a great deal on a dollar-for-MQM basis, it does on its face appeal to me as it will likely make the travel I do in Q1 more palatable.
With that said, I am concerned about what will happen to my rollover MQMs if I participate in the “buy up” promotion. It doesn’t appear to be clear in the Terms and Conditions (https://www.delta.com/loyaltypromos/terms/buymqmsterms) and I haven’t been able to get a good answer from a Delta rep.
In your professional opinion, if I were to buy an additional 2,500 MQMs, would I: (a) roll over the entire 23,168 regardless as it has already posted to my SkyMiles account, plus 668 MQMs (i.e. the difference between the 2,500 MQMs purchased and the amount required to reach the next level), or (b) roll over only those 668 MQMs, as the 23,168 MQMs will be “used” to upgrade my Medallion Status?
@Matt – IMO, and the way it looks from all the wording from Delta, rollover is reversed and you get the higher status and the difference is then rolled over.
I’m trying to figure out whether an RUC was properly applied to a same-day turn MR that I have coming up. I had it waitlisted for a single segment.
So far, a couple of agents, and Delta Assist have told me that it has been, even though I don’t see the ghost seat map that is usually shown with waitlisted certificates.
Thoughts? I have a nagging feeling that it hasn’t been, so I’m tempted to have them remove it, then HUCA to have it reapplied.
@William – RU certs are a mess. See my linked posts. I suggest ONLY requesting for longest leg. THEN if that clears apply to rest. Not before: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/?s=regional
THANKS Rene! I just got my DM status for 2016. And it is because of this web site. I had been a DM for the past 3 years but was not going to make it by a stretch for 2016. Then I came across your site, got one of the cards and made up the 25K MQM’s that I needed.
Do you know if Delta sells international business class seats to a third party?
@Brad – i don’t understand you question. Like an OTA?
Great info! Here’s an interesting one for you: I’m DM who rolled over just shy of 80k MQMs this past week and should be showing PM for 2017+ but am not. Also should have one PM choice benefit, no? Before you say “dollar spend,” I’m a foreign resident so it doesn’t apply. At least that’s what I’m told by Delta DM service. Thoughts on this?
@Craig – You get both PM & DM choice as Diamond each year.
I realize that – I’ve made my PM and DM choices for 2016. When do the choice benefits for 2017 open, as I’ve already achieved PM with rollover MQMs.
@Craig – After 1Feb16
Rene, I have a Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card. The agreement states that the car insurance is covered all over the world. Is this true? I am going to Ireland renting a car in Dublin (Hertz) taking the ferry to Wales. driving thru London to Liverpool then back on the ferry to Belfast. Finally back to Dublin. Am I really covered?
@Sonshyn – I avoid Mastercard for car rentals. Period:
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/02/19/are-you-really-safe-saying-no-to-extra-rental-car-insurance-what-are-the-facts/
.
Beyond that, most cards do NOT cover Ireland. If you call Citi I would get it in writing. Expect even then to have to pay for full coverage when you get to Ireland.
Hi René,
Great site! I, like so many have had it with Delta. I’ve seen my yearly spend go up, my points go down, my value go down. My question is this: I travel from PDX to MCO once or twice a month, every month. As my last year as a Platinum Medalion, do you think it’s worth it for me to stick it out another year with them or jump ship and start building my status elsewhere? Are there enough tips and system gaming moves to make this year worth while? Tough questions to answer, I’m sure. I’ve just had it and am so tired of paying more and more for flights and getting less and less as I’ve become more loyal.
@Juan – Here is your answer: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/09/should-you-go-for-delta-platinum-medallion-status-or-stop-short-for-rollover-mqms/
Hi Rene,
Well, the Delta rep didn’t know, so I am coming to you! I am PM flying with a buddy JFK-LAS. I have four RUC that expire shortly after my trip so I need to use them. Can split the record using RUC’s hoping that at least one gets the bump? Do I wait until the “day of” to see what First Class availability looks like? Whats the best strategy? Thanks.
ED – You can UG you and 1 more. Split into 2 PNRs if you want to go that route.
I’m short 600 skymiles for a round trip ticket but have cancelled the credit card which accrued the miles. Other than buying 2,000 miles for $70, are there any less expensive options? I really want to attend an important family function. Thanks so much for your advice, Nancy
@Nancy – Sure lots of ways: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2014/12/24/rookie-wednesday-will-earn-skymiles-next-year-since-flying-delta-skymiles2015-worst-choice/
Recently Delta removed the “I am traveling” check mark when searching for award travel. As a Diamond Medallion, did this feature indeed give a chance of reduced award prices based on your status? I remember on NWA’s site it would actually show lower award prices most of the time after you logged in with your Platinum Worldperks account. As for Delta, I don’t recall seeing any benefit but was assuming it “may” return a better award price if you were Diamond. Thanks.
Hi Rene,
I do a lot of “Cheap” cross country trips and I feel with my rollover miles I should hit the MQM for Diamond but far short for MQD. In this situation, would you recommend the Gold card? I guess my main goal is to just hit Diamond and the only thing in my way is MQD’s. I really would rather not pay any annual fee as I have a few of those already.
Thank you!
@Mike – No. Delta Platinum for perks including BOGOF in coach pays for card by itself. See these posts:
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/06/23/swag-saturday-does-delta-have-a-5th-medallion-classes-bronze-medallion/
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http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/28/rookie-wednesday-if-you-dont-hold-a-card-due-to-an-annual-fee-you-are-not-doing-it-right/
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/01/01/2016-how-to-earn-your-delta-mqd-exempt-waiver-to-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-for-elite-medallion-status/
.
Thanks for using my links btw! 🙂
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http://www.RenesPoints.com/DLPLAT
Hi Rene,
You helped me 2.5 years ago with great advice and I have secured DM level two years running and I am north of 1.8mm miles. I was at a dinner last night and a friend told me he came up 240 miles short PM which he has had for many years……..a big calculation miss on his part. I have looked at options for him (I told him to follow you) but it looks like you cannot gift MQM’s. Is buying 2500 MQM’s the only option? He works for a major ATL corporation…..they have a travel department…..might they have any clout? Thoughts please. Thank you very much. Mike
@Mike – Well done and thanks! Ouch ouch ouch. 240. He can beg but since they are selling the safest, and what I am sure they will tell him, is buy MQMs before the 31. At least he has that nasty option and lesson learned for next year 🙁
I hope you had a great trip to Barbados. Just checking to see if Bluebird still allows you to deposit VDGCs? I noticed this- “(edit: this died on 1/8/16 – now consider buying money orders, but VERY cautiously)”- in one of your posts. I was thinking of using this strategy to boost my MQDs this year.
Thanks!
@Bill – You can but you will get shut down if follow old ways.
My sister has 140,000 grand fathered miles on Delta and she and I would like to go to Italy. Rome south to Sicily. Summer. (June/July) travel is our only option. We don’t have enough miles for even the least expensive roundtrip for both of us, but maybe take a domestic flight from the west coast (where we live) to the east coast and then abroad to Rome. Is there a domestic route that routinely has saver availability? How do you find routes that use miles + cash? Any ideas would be much appreciated.
@Anna R – Either see the E7 or E21 posts here: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
Wanted to share a mileage run!
FLL > HNL (10,247 MQM @ 6.6 CPM = $683) leave AM Feb 1, return PM Feb 2
FLL to ATL = DL1927
ATL to HNL = DL837
HNL to SLC = DL1104
SLC to ATL = DL 1524
ATL to FLL = 1615
I took screen shots from my phone and can’t not give out how to attach the image.
Thanks
Hi Rene,
My wife and I each exceeded 2016 spend of $30,000 on our respective Delta Reserve Cards. When I questioned Delta about the 15,000 MQM bonus, they told me to contact Amex. When I spoke to Amex, they said that Delta is having a problem issuing the MQM bonuses and it should be corrected by the end of February.
First question is whether anyone else has received an MQM bonus for 2016 Spend?
And second issues is that in February I will be flying as a Silver Elite rather than a Platinum Elite if the bonuses are not posted. What should I do?
Thanks
Steve from NY
@Steve – Once you get the bonus SkyMiles that is the trigger to go claim your MQMs. See this post (E18) http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/essentials/
This is FCM and RU availability question. I called the PM line to inquire about 3 flights BOS ATL with with 5-7 seats available to sell in FC, none had RU available. The agent was kind enough to let me know if I could leave 4 hours earlier they had space.
Is there any value in calling back closer to the departure day, even the same day?
I know it’s a short segment but the RUCs expire next month so better to get something than nothing. 🙂
@Andrew G – Call often and more often. You never know. – Rene
Rene, how does Delta determine when you get a complimentary upgrade. I’m a platinum this year and all my upgrades have been at the gate. My wife was a silver and has received upgrades I believe 2-3 days prior to departure. I assume it has to do with how many FC seats are available on the flight. Thanks!
@Chad – Here you are: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/03/13/rookie-wednesday-how-to-improve-your-upgrade-chance-with-delta-air-lines/
Rene,
I am in my second year of being Diamond with Delta as a newish business traveler. I am noticing fewer opportunities for upgrade especially out of my home airport of PBI. Today I have a question regarding last minute first class seats disappearing. I am three hours away from my flight from ATL to MCO. As of this morning there were 8 first class seats available and I was 4/28 for upgrade. Now three hours out and I am 5/31 with ZERO seats available. Are they giving away first class seats to economy as cheap upgrades or where are these seats going? Even at Diamond I am starting to rarely get upgraded compared to last year.
Jeff,
You are right in your observations of getting upgraded less. I am a Diamond with both DL Amex credit cards and using Gu or RU and still no love. You are getting bumped down more than likely from someone who paid more for his ticket than you did if everything else was equal. As far as the disappearing act is concerned on those first class seats, it could be a combination of many things. First off, someone is buying them last minute and at a cheap price. Secondly, DL will pull some seats because they know they have irregular operations (weather, bumping from earlier flights et), and of course people who upgrade using points or dollars at the last minute. It is beyond frustrating, but they have every right to do with the inventory as they see fit. What sucks is offering a carrot (our medallion choice benefits), but not stick. If we cannot use our benefits they need to get rid of them altogether. There is no repair for this situation except to always buy first class if that is what you ultimately want.
Regarding 1st class upgrade waitlist position changes, a c
@Jeff, Another common reason for changes in the first class upgrade list position is the late check-ins by others ahead of you in upgrade priority. As you may notice, you can only see your upgrade list position after you check in. As others check in, the list automatically adds them where they “belong” according to Medallion metal, ticket price, Delta Reserve AMEX card holder, etc. I, too, am an earlier checker-in at 24 hours prior, and always start out as #1. By 2 hours before departure when I get to the airport, there are often several who have “jumped the line” in front of me. Remember, the loyalty program is not a “right” but a reward, and sometimes others will have earned that reward ahead of you. That’s life.
@Glenn & Scott
Thank you both for replying. I understand what both of you are saying but the main point of my question was that I am actually not getting bumped down the list, its that somehow 4-5 of the first class seats just disappeared 3 hours before takeoff. I highly doubt someone bought those seats last minute for the flight. I am wondering if Delta is offering people cheap upgrades at check-in from economy to first. I have seen some people get that offer at the airport when checking in where they can upgrade for $75-$150 to upgrade to first just as a last minute revenue grab for Delta.
I realize that their first priority is to make money and not to give me a free upgrade, but at some point what is the point of being Diamond if you can’t use your upgrade certificates and you don’t get free upgrades. Just as well start flying Jet Blue.
@Jeff – Keep in mind it could be RU certs. You could jump from 5-6 to 1 instantly.
Jeff,
I agree completely with your sentiments. It is something I am weighing very strongly as well. I live in an AA hub and am considering switching as they do not have the same policy of wanting to sell as many FC as possible. They still offer more upgrades to their loyal followers. I think there are thousands of us out there thinking the exact same thing and hopefully DL will realize the error of their ways, even if they are sitting on piles of cash. Highly doubt it, but I can dream
If you have almost 4 hours to kill in ATL, which Sky Club would you recommend passing the time? I have only been to E, so I am assuming F, but possibly A? Since we have such a long time it does not much matter which terminal our flight leaves from.
@Emily – See these posts for ideas. You have time for any of them: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/02/02/delta-sky-club-atlanta-atl-a-concourse-near-a17-review-by-renes-points/
Rene, since there has been some confusion about the post-May 16, 2016 C+ upgrade policy, I thought it might be helpful to cut and paste this question and answer from Delta’s website: “WHEN WILL MY COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE TO DELTA COMFORT+ CLEAR IF I’M TRAVELING WITH A COMPANION?
The clearance of you and your traveling companion for Delta Comfort+ will be based on the clearance window of the lowest level SkyMiles Member status in your reservation. If your companion is a General Member, you and your companion will be cleared no sooner than 24 hours in advance of departure.”
This means that even a Diamond traveling with his or her spouse who has no status cannot get C+ for both them in advance. Also, it probably makes no sense to request an upgrade, as the chances of getting 2 good seats together are slim to none. #keepdescending
P.S. I guess it makes gifting medallion status more attractive as a Choice Benefit.
I haven’t seen anyone post about this, but I just noticed some new wording when I click on “View Upgrade Eligibility” while selecting flights. It used to always tell me Upgrade Eligible unless it was international or trans con. However I noticed now I can see “Upgrade Available to First” or “Upgrade Eligible to First”. On a flight with a connection I will see leg 1 have one wording and leg 2 have another. Or both legs will say the same thing. Is there meaning here?
To go along with this I am seeing “Not Upgrade Eligible to First” more often for a leg. However a different flight for the same leg will say I am eligible.
Could it be that they are being more helpful? Showing us that based on who has already bought tickets, here are your chances for upgrade? A good chance (upgrade available), a slight chance (upgrade eligible), and no chance (not upgrade eligible)?
@cdim – They are tinkering with the coming 16MAY16 destruction of C+ free upgrades. Talked about here: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/11/15/the-delta-upgrade-elites-want-to-just-say-no-to-avoid-delta-comfort-plus-upgrades-medallions-exit-row-seats-becomes-the-new-elite-battleground/
How do I know if a RUC that I used has actually been “pulled” by Delta? Looking at my wallet, all RUCs still show as open, with no sign that any have been redeemed.
Is the website just not accurate, or did I somehow luck out and get upgraded without them taking one?
@William – Shussssh 😉
Feel free to delete both of these comments haha. I had heard about them sometimes not being pulled, but I wasn’t sure if that had happened in this case or not. I tend to think it didn’t.
Okay – I’ve only done this with award tickets, but, is it possible for an agent at DL to sell me an international roundtrip ticket in Delta One on the outbound from the US to Europe and economy on the return or do they price it as two one ways (much more $$$)? I’ve been successful at getting agents to properly price an award ticket, but I’ve never tried with a paid ticket. I’d like the answer before I call, in case I get an agent who doesn’t know what to do. Thanks!
@Marlene – No. Delta.com or Delta agents can’t do it. See this post for how to. http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/04/17/rookie-wednesday-never-ever-book-your-ticket-on-delta-com-for-now/
In case of IRROPS, am I entitled to the MQMs ticketed rather than MQMs flown, or do I have to accept MQMs flown (which is a few hundred MQMs less because of the routing). Every MQM is valuable to me, and if I am entitled to them, I want them posted. I sent a help request to Delta on the web, and got a reply saying the miles had already been posted (I was very clear about what I was asking, and they didn’t answer it at all).
@Dave – Call them. You can demand original route credit.
Searching for a forum to air a disagreement with Delta (DL coded flights) on an involuntary bump denied boarding (DB) event on partner airline. DB occurred as prior DL flt arrived late and missed partner airline cutoff due to improper instructions provided via Delta check-in. Aircraft was still there but airline pulled our seats and assigned to other wait listed passengers.
Have complained to DL (on web and customer service) numerous times and while they grudgingly acknowledge DB event I am now told to take this up with partner airline.
Already in the process of submitting a written snail mail complaint and also looking to air this matter publicly to assess whether DL or partner at fault.
@Bimal – If in EU try: http://www.RenesPoints.com/airhelp
Just wondering if you saw this: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/delta-employees-home-piece-largest-120000934.html
@Santastico – Yes, and?
@René,
Looking at the article about the bonus, the following is stated
“The airline will operate on a conservative 2016 budget with the goal of maintaining a sustainable business that is committed to paying down debt, investing in its employees and rewarding customers and shareholders”
Am I missing something on the “rewarding customers” part?
Gregg G
@Gregg – Those who pay too much get more SkyMiles.
I am a near 2 million miler on Delta and currently a Platinum Medallion. I live in a Delta hub and most of my travel is to airports with a lot of Diamonds and Platinums. I can now often buy FCM for only about $100 each way for a 2-3/12 hour flight. I think most Delta first class meals are lousy, but I value the first class legroom and a couple “free” drinks.
But, please tell me why I should keep my Delta Amex Reserve card where I can easily spend $60,000 per year and receive 30,000 MGM’s — when using it to keep my Delta Platinum status seldom gets me an upgrade from my Delta hub — and I can often “monetize” and buy FC for $100 or even less each way?
I am thinking about moving my spending to my US Bank VISA and using their points to buy what I get (or used to get ) as a Delta Platinum AmEx Reserve. And dropping my Delta AmEx Reserve with its $495 per year fee, although the “free” annual companion ticket is of definite value to my family situation. What do you think?
It is shameful how Delta has devalued SkyMiles.
@Value investor – If you can not negate the fee:
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/10/28/rookie-wednesday-if-you-dont-hold-a-card-due-to-an-annual-fee-you-are-not-doing-it-right/
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If you do not need MQMs or SkyClub access via card. If you don’t use BOGOF in 1st cert. Then look at other cards.
I am a (misguidedly?) loyal Delta platinum medallion. I mostly fly when traveling on business. I also hold the platinum Delta AMEX credit card. I have been trying for months to use my companion certificate that expires in April. Every itinerary either does not conform or gives only a single return option that conflicts with my wife’s work schedule. Have you ever had any luck with an agent forcing the certificate into another fare class or getting them to switch an empty seat to the proper fare class? There are definitely empty seats on the flights I need.
@Dan – Yes if you can find the right fare class booking the normal way as per the cert. Do screen shots then call and show you can find the qualifying fare class and have them match. Done it many time (but in 1st class for me with my Reserve card cert).
I met you in Dec 2014 at the Sf centurion longe, a few days after it opened. You told me to contact you when I was about to hit my mililion miles. I am flying to sf on Thursday and will hit million miles during the flight. I am really excited!! I already received my upgrade (using a regional upgrade).
@Diane – Start by reaching out to @DeltaAssist and let them know. Let me know what they say. I hope they ask you to DM the info!
Hey Rene! Question, If I partially pay a ticket with the “pay with miles” feature, can I try to use a Regional Upgrade Certificate to upgrade on that ticket? Thanks
@Jorge – See Delta.com “Tickets purchased with full or partial Pay with Miles redemptions are not eligible for mileage upgrades, Systemwide Upgrades, Global Upgrades or Regional Upgrades.”
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http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/use-miles/pay-with-miles.html#
Hey Rene,
one question regarding the Comfort+ as a booking class changes from May 16: Even if I do *not* check the “request upgrade to Comfort+”-Box (thanks for that tip – no middle seat is ever worth it), do I still get to select C+-Seats at the former window (or at the gate, for that matter)? As a lowly Silver, I usually successfully snagged good C+ seats by waiting it out at the gate.
Greetings from across the pond
Nightliner
@Nightliner – Sure. You don’t give up your perks. But seats may be gone or gate control could cause issues. I will pick exit and stay happy! Unless I UG to 1st that is.
Rene, thanks a lot for that! Exit seats are not for me unfortunately, as I do not always conform to the size of the seat belt 😉
Thanks for your post on the Medallion credentials. I am a Platinum Medallion and I still have not received my kit. I contacted Delta many times and they have said I need to wait until end of February to even be able to report the missing kit and then another 6 weeks for the kit to be mailed to me. This means mid April 2016.
Needless to say that I can’t do status match with a number of airlines. Some of them (Air Berlin) require a photo of an actual card, not the electronic card.
Do you know if other Platinums are in the same boat?
Thanks
Haven’t seen this posted anywhere yet, but just wanted to let everyone know that Delta is no longer issuing Gold Medallion bag tags anymore either. Silver last year, gold this… Platinum next year??
@jordan G – Uh, http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/02/17/delta-corp-confirms-an-end-of-elite-gold-medallion-credentials-kits-for-2016/
Ah! I’m a day late!
That said, I hit gold medallion on December 17th, and was told the cutoff was December 15th…
“Thank you for your email to Delta regarding your Bag Tag.
I would like to inform you that, effective December 15, 2015, Bag Tags
are no longer sent to Gold Medallion. I regret any inconvenience.
Mr. ….., I appreciate your Gold Medallion loyalty to Delta.
Sincerely,
Marc Krish”
Interesting….
This blog is very helpful. But is there a way to reverse the order of posts so that the most recent show up on top?
@ValueInvestor – No, as many times your answer is already here and if reversed would answer same question over and over.
Hi Rene,
As per this link: http://www.delta.com/content/dam/delta-www/pdfs/route-maps/us-route-map.pdf
Have you heard any news of the MIA to Seattle route? They have been saying “future route” for some time now.
Thanks!
@Anirudh – No idea on routes. I was booked on MCO to SEA then they dumped it!
It’s cheaper to fly from Europe to Vancouver, Canada then to Seattle (even if the flight connects in Seattle!) What if I book the flight to Vancouver – but then get off in Seattle (without luggage)…Any mileage or other problem I would run into?
Thanks!
Hi Rene,
I have an eCredit voucher from Delta that expires in a few days. Is there a (“creative”?) way to extend the expiration day or to allow another person (my mother) to travel without me? The voucher is valid for 1 year. I could try to book fully refundable ticket for travel 1 year from now and then try to change that reservation within a year. Do you know if this will work? Can I book refundable one-way ticket from A to B and then change it to a round-trip from C to D without penalties? Is there a better way to extend the voucher or change the passenger name? Thanks a lot.
@ilya – As you point out, you can book a ticket up to 1 year past exp date. Try to stick with that. If you book a refundable the original info will stick with the ticket so if you go to “respend” the refundable you will still need to fly before the one year is up.
Rene,
thanks for quick reply. Is there any way to change the first name on the ticket so my mother could fly without me? Presumably, I also can buy 2 tickets and just no-show. Then I lose half of the value. Right?
@ilya – Very doubtful
Hi Rene!
I am a PM with a one way award trip booked from CAN-xxx-abc at low level. I found another route that I like on the same day but I can’t decide which I like better CAN-yyy-abc. I was thinking I would book both and make up my mind later or hope for a schedule change on one of the routes so I can make it even better! i was going to book the second ticket under a different name so not to run into any competing ticket issues and just have delta reticket under my name if/when I decide I like the second routing better. What do you think? Good idea? Bad idea? Dangerous idea?
Thanks!
@Max – Very bad idea. Delta will likely cancel one of them and not ask the one you want to take.
Hi Rene,
I have read on your blog about certain passengers being transferred from gate to gate in a Porsche. Have you ever done it? Do you have any info on how it works?
Thanks!
@ED – Yep: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/03/05/the-reasons-delta-wins-no-matter-what-they-do-the-award-program/
.
You need to be DM or PM or 1st class and have a tight connection or just a high MQD spender and they offer to say drive you out to your car after landing. Nice perk but only once in a while for most who are not Delta360
Can you use Global Upgrade certs on Virgin Atlantic with a Delta codeshare?
@Glenn – Check with Delta but here is the rub of the issue. With partners like KLM etc you have to book YBM class and those are often MORE than just buying a biz class ticket. So stick with Delta metal! http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/medallion-program/choice-benefits/systemwide-upgrade-certificates.html#
I suspect this topic has been covered by your postings in the past, but I’m not finding it. So, here’s my question: Does Delta inform their customers of schedule change automatically, or do I need to keep checking my itinerary on their website frequently. We purchased a Delta round trip IND-AMS ticket in January and there has been two (one minor, the other major–causing the AMS-MSP flight to arrive later than MSP-IND, making the itinerary no good) changed that has occurred without my knowledge. I am used to both US Airways and American sending me e-mail on even a minor change in the itineraries in the past. Should I expect less from Delta? And why wouldn’t the change in our itinerary “flag” the Delta reservation system to know that the automated change created a invalid itiinerary? Instead, I had to call Delta and politely explain this is now the case and I need my flights re-booked. Everything got fixed, for now. But I am not sure if I had to repeat this exercise with Delta over and over again since our flights are not until May.
@Naoyuki – Sometimes. Best to check often.
Re: GU certs on Virgin Atlantic, Delta Diamond line says not yet possible. Anyway, Kayak hacker fares found similar itinerary with all Delta metal.
Hi Rene,
Thanks so much for your very helpful blog. I started with Delta’s Amex Gold card on your recommendation back in 2013 as a newbie travel hacker and steered away from Delta because of the reward changes just last year.
About a year ago I signed up for American Express Premier Rewards Gold card via The Points Guy’s suggestion, and Amex hasn’t rewarded my 25K in points, despite the fact that I spent $2K within the first months. When I reached out to Amex, they asked if I had any screenshots from my signup process, then told me I should’ve given them an RSVP code when I signed up. Have you heard of this happening before? I don’t know where to go from here.
Many thanks for any suggestions.
Best,
Julie
@julie – Try tpg since you used his links. If no help email me.
I’m looking at a mileage run to SJU from JFK. The itinerary has me doing an immediate turn back to JFK on the same plane. I’ve never done a MR like this before, so do you have any tips? Is staying on the plane an option? I’d probably want to get off to stretch my legs, but it would be nice to have that option. It seems likely that I’d have the same crew, so I imagine I’ll get some funny looks, but I’m sure that most have encountered MRers before.
@William – You will have to get off. No big deal. They see this all the time but mostly end of year. You will have to talk you stuff off the jet too. Have fun!
I shall indeed. Both segments cleared at the PM window, so no battlefield upgrades to worry about this time. I wish that I could have had a few hours, but alas the immediate turn was the only option.
I will have plenty of time to enjoy JFK (my favorite domestic airport to have a layover in). Some would call me crazy, but I enjoy walking through the terminal and seeing all of the flights departing to distant climes. T4 SkyClub is also my favorite.
Renee, I’m a new Diamond this year and so the opportunity to use Global Upgrades is exciting. In calling about the possibility of using them on a mileage run to Haneda I was told that at this point there are no GU seats available. I could be wait-listed for the LAX-HND leg however I don’t want to do the flight if I can’t do so in business class. The agent could not give any indication of when seats might be released. There are only 2 business class seats sold for the flight(s) so far, but we’re still 2 months out. Do you or other readers have any experience with waitlisting on international flights?
Thanks.
@Carol – I would think it will clear. Just waitlist for that leg.
@Carol – Regarding GU for Diamonds, I have been using these since they were first offered a few years ago. I just booked two RT seats to Europe, and here is my process.
1. Find your best itinerary and price. Check Kayak for combinations that may not show up on Delta.com.
2. Call Diamond desk and ask if GU seats are available for that itinerary. If not, ask agent to search for flights that have GU seats. Usually they can find something close to what you want. Maybe a different gateway city, time, or connection. Make sure the pricing for the coach seat is what you have found online (or better!).
3. Ask agent to book the coach tickets right then and there. Remember, you have until midnight the next day to cancel. Make sure agent notes in your record your intention to upgrade with GU certificates. Remember, even though GU upgrade is available now, they could disappear before you get your certificates.
4. Order your Diamond gift GUs. They should show up in your online Delta Wallet within 2 hours. Your email won’t come for 24 hours so don’t wait to be alerted. Check you wallet frequently. As soon as they show up, call the Diamond line back and get your upgrades before they are grabbed by someone else.
5. I prefer to order GU certificates after I know I can use them, since once they are ordered, the 365 day expiration clock starts ticking. If you think there is a greater risk of seats disappearing, you could order your GU before booking the flight. Just hope the agent can find you seats.
Rene, Will you include the NRT or MNL Skyclubs in your Skyclub review series? I may have missed it, but I don’t recall any trip reviews or club reviews from you on Asia flights. Delta is quickly phasing out the 747. They are down to 9 according to the latest Sky magazine. A ride on the 747 upper deck and review of NRT lounges maybe with a connecting flight to another Asian destination would make a great review. Let me know if you’d like a MR companion. Those of us who fly TPAC would appreciate it.
René.
This not a question, but sharing an article about AA and all I can say is EEEEWWWWW!
http://www.local10.com/news/weird-news/iowa-man-sits-in-urine-on-american-airlines-flight
Rene, Have you seen a recent status match with American, where you do not actually have to fly some miles to earn it? I have an intra-European flight on BA and would like to get some “tea and sympathy” on the flight.
@Glenn – I do not think they are doing matches at this time.
Why not match to Airberlin?
@Carl. Great advice. I just joined AirBerlin topbonus and requested the status match. Question: do I change my frequent filer number in my BA reservation from BA Executive Club to my AirBerlin topbonus number? Will that get me the better seats and early boarding?
Hey Rene, any answer to my question or was it not delta related enough?
@John – When I get to Asia I will. No idea when that will be.
Glenn, I haven’t tried it personally but that would appear to work (depending upon which your matched status level). Details: https://businesspoints.airberlin.com/en-WW/site/tb/partner/index.php?cid=3&partnerName=british
Thanks. You should definitely keep a TPAC flight on your list.
Hi – Troubled PM here. I have a GM friend who just received a 360 Welcome Kit in the mail with an immediate upgrade to Diamond and the UBER exclusive 360 program. Delta is his #3 airline (after United and AA), he flies 1-2x/month for business. Seems like Delta randomly selected him and upped him from GM to DM + 360 status. Have you heard of this happening to people? I’m actually pretty shocked. I am a consistent PM that spends gobs and gobs of time and money on the Delta FF program, have multiple Delta CCs, etc. yet a friend who cares very little about Delta not only gets a complimentary upgrade to Diamond BUT ALSO gets a “360” attached to his status. Incredible. I should do less, apparently.
@Rob – I. Have. No. Words. Just in shock.
did you delete my comment about complimentary 360/Diamond status? It was a question for you to address…thanks!
@Rob – No. It’s live and I responded. Refresh your browser.
sorry! just seeing your reply. In shock too. Told the story exactly as it was. I can barely even get a Comfort + seat these days when I fly with my wife (Silver). And GM friends are now getting 360 status for no reason. Insane.
did a little more sleuthing. said GM friend is NOT a member of UA Global Services or AA Concierge Key so this isn’t a “match” situation. Is there anything a PM like myself can do to try to also get this Diamond/360 upgrade aside from not flying Delta that much, apparently!
Rene, Since the destruction of Bluebird by Amex for most of us, can you offer some advice on the best way to MS now? I do not want to go the money order route, at least not in a major way. I can do that for a few $ here and there, but that can’t be the main route like it was for Bluebird.
I never got the Amex Serve card or the Target Red card and don’t know how much they would help. I need to put about $2500 a month on a certain card and can get VGC’s very easily from Simon Property customer service at the local mall.
Bluebird was wonderful when it lasted, but have been in mourning long enough and time to get back to business.
Thanks,
Scott
@Scott – Yep I will be covering that topic a bunch at the FTU this year in Vegas. Please attend! https://ftuniversity.com/events/ftu-signature-las-vegas/
said ex-GM friend also got Diamond Choice Benefits…selected 4 GU + 25k miles. Really incredible. Really, really incredible.
@Rob – I don’t even know your ex-GM friend and don’t like this person one bit 🙁
rene – he’s not the problem. delta is. i tweeted to @deltaassist. their response: “it’s an invitation program that is processed by Delta’s leadership”.
@Rob – Was just kidding. Yes. 😉
thanks, it would be very helpful if you could write about this and any other medallion bump frustration scenarios/examples you’ve heard of recently in an article. delta really needs to get feedback from important people like yourself about how ridiculous something like this is.
look at what I found:Incoming Delta President Glen Hauenstein, the key architect of the airline’s revenue-based this-and-that over the past decade (hint: Jeff Robertson was always a great cheerleader for the efforts, but not their driver), has declared the end of award tickets as the end goal of miles at Delta.
He told Bloomberg‘s Justin Bachman,
“We want people to be able to use those miles not to fly for free but to control your experience,” says Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s incoming president and architect of the airline’s revenue plans.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this from him. But it’s the first time I’ve seen the stark ‘not to fly for free’ claim and the first time I’ve seen it since succession plans at the airline were announced a month ago giving his already weighty words that much more significance.
A key takeaway for me from Delta’s investor day was that they expect to sell buy ups for 70% of their first class cabins, for all intents and purposes eliminating elite upgrades. Whether the policy changes, or the supply or unmonetized first class seats simply approaches zero, if they’re successful that will transform US airline elite programs.
But there was a lot more in the presentation — like Delta’s plan to expand basic economy fares to long haul markets, a continuation of a strategy they’ve been working on for the past year. More markets with stripped down fares offering few services, and more opportunity for upselling.
Revealingly, when Delta talks about customer experience they don’t even mention the SkyMiles program.
this is THE END!!!! OMG
@jon – yes, linked to that and to the older one where he calls us all a HAM SANDWICH here: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/03/04/this-weeks-genuine-diamond-plus-hoou-and-other-swag-winner-is-87-is-that-you/
Hi Rene,
I am an upset Platinum Medallion wondering if there a better way for us to get organized and petition against the recent SkyMiles change to remove complimentary Comfort+ bookings at booking? I gave my feedback to the hot desk, and I wrote an email to the airline on their website, but am still feeling rather helpless and I would really like our voices to be heard and for us to take some action against them for such an awful greedy change to the skymiles program.
Maybe a pledge not to fly Delta for one specific month later this year – say August or September? I feel like organizing together and boycotting for a month would be a great way to demonstrate our collective frustration.
I feel like doing this mid-year is further fuel to the fire of how misled I feel on the benefits of my investment with Delta.
Okay, so this is more about the Amex Platinum card, which I carry. I want to add my kids (both under 15 years old) as additional card members. The Amex rules say that they must be at least 15 years old. I chatted with an Amex rep and she said it was due to banking regulations, but then suggested other Amex cards for my specific situation (umm…so it’s not banking regulations?).
In any event, I really want to add my kids so that they can get into the Delta airport lounges for free. But it seems like I keep hitting roadblocks each time I try to apply.
Any experience in this regard or suggestions for other cards that may allow my sub-15 year old kids to have cards on my account?
They would not carry the cards and I would only use them to get them into lounges when we travel.
Thoughts appreciated.
@JP – That is a great question. Perhaps you could think about full club membership and use non-Delta Platinum card $200 credit / benefit to help off-set fee?
@Rene: Thanks for the idea. I will pencil that out and see how it looks.
Thank you.
Hi Rene!
I am a pm and had the DL reservation line book me a low level biz ticket (one way not multi city) with a stop in CAN but after booking/ticketing I noticed the CAN layover is only 50min. I called DL back and they confirmed its not a legal connection time but they wouldn’t change it for free. They wanted to charge me the difference in miles and taxes. What are your thoughts? DL booked it so shouldn’t I be able to dictate the best route for free- similar to the mighty schedule change rule? Should I HUCB?
@Krissy – You bet ya. HUCB. Ask for a supervisor. Mention illegal connection. Ask for international reissue if you need to.
Just tried to book a flight ATL – SJU (June 5) and it is saying “not upgrade eligible”. According to the T&C, Caribbean trips should be upgrade eligible. What’s up, do you think? I’m feeling uneasy here. ATL-SJU was usually a pretty high upgrade percentage in the past…
@Aaron – Known bug. Showing on all kinds of routs. Ignore.
my wife booked award ticket last year as a platinum… since has been knocked down to gold.. can she still cancel and get miles back ?
@Tim – Nope. It is current status that matters! She will have to pay the cancel fee to get the miles back. Or make Platinum again before trip then for free (up to 72 hr mark clearly).
Does anyone know if American Airlines will status match me at Diamond with Delta? I have a lot of upcoming routes that I can fly direct on American with instead of connecting on Delta. Also, it doesn’t seem like I will make it to Diamond status this year anyways so thinking of spreading amongst AA and Delta this year.
@Jeff – My understanding is currently AA is NOT status matching. But you can call them and ask.
@Jeff,
The following was posted online in Jan. Not sure if it is still going on:
American Airlines is offering a Status Challenge for 2016. It’s only valid for people who do not currently have status with the Aadvantage program, and it works like this.
Sign up by calling 888-697-5636. Once you register for the program, you’ll have 90 days to meet the requirements for status. Meet it, and you’ll have that status for the rest of the year.
7,500 EQMs (elite qualifying miles) + $120 = gold status (first level – usually requires 25,000 miles in a calendar year)
12,500 EQMs + $200 = platinum status (second level – usually 50,000 miles in a year)
Good luck
Gregg
Hello Sir,
2 things:
First I see the MS package for Vegas is sold out :-(. I will probably still come out for the other seminars.
Lastly I have Delta AMEX question. My mom has Delta AMEX platinum and I want her to upgrade to Reserve. Can she do this with your link? Also how long does it take for the BOGO cent to post?
Thanks!
P.S. Congrats on soon reaching MM. I hit my first 1MM this summer. Still need to cash in the gift.
@Kerry – Please never upgrade. See this post:
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/02/04/please-dont-ever-click-or-call-for-a-delta-amex-card-upgrade-i-lost-out-on-10000-mqms-a-guest-post-by-reader-bob/
.
Wait for BOGOF cert to post. Apply for NEW card (thanks for using my links). Then cancel old card. Done!
.
Yep excited to be a 1MM soon. 🙂
This was odd – on a recent PHX to ATL flight, there was one unsold seat in 1st. I wasn’t on an upgradeable fare and was way down on the upgrade list so i offered to buy the seat for “a few hundred $$”. The regular cost was well over $1,300. My thinking was why not get a few $$ rather than give the seat away, which is what happened, but the reps, even Red Coats, couldn’t sell the seat for anything less that what the system indicated – so I’ll buy my wife something with the “few hundred” I saved.
Hello Rene,
Thanks for the excellent blog. I am a platinum now and are considering to aim for diamond for next year. A question for you about the choice benefit: I know that as a diamond, one can pick two benefits. Can one pick the same benefit twice instead of getting two different ones?
Thanks!
@Danny – Thanks. No you can’t. Do keep in mind you get both a Platinum AND Diamond choice however.
Hi,
Question. I’m going for this promotion Consultant fast Track https://www.delta.com/mypromos/aceterms.action?offer=consultingfasttrack
I work for a consulting company that has a partnership with Delta, so I am not doing anything shady. I recently had a flight booked for me by my company and the flight there was Class Y but the flight home was class L, and L U T X V E are excluded.
Do you have any tips moving forward on how to guarantee the correct fare class? Sometimes I book my own travel and sometimes AMEX Global Travel services books it.
Thanks!
@Amar – Safest bet is book on Delta.com as you can choose a fare class. With all OTAs including AMEX Travel you will have to be firm about what fare class you want but even then they can sell consolidator fares you don’t see on Delta.com
As a consultant, my contracts stipulate the client reimburses for the itinerary I select. I do not allow corporate travel agents to book for me. I learned this the hard way years ago. Since I allowed the agent to make the booking, when a travel change later occurred I was unable to make the change. (This was way before the days of nonrefundable tickets.) Another time, a client’s travel department wanted to fly me DTW-LAX on Southwest with two stops along the way in order to save money. I explained that my contract was such that direct travel was no extra charge, but if they wanted me to waste my whole day on SWA, my hourly rate would apply for anything over the non-stop 4 hours.
Hello sir,
First your AMEX Reserve link points to the gold card. Lastly I would love having newest posts at the top of this page with say 25 post per page. Would make it much easier to read.
Let me know when the link is working as I need to get a reserve card.
Thanks!
@Kerry – It only does that on the mobile app. Can you select desktop mode then it will work or use a desktop PC / MAC: http://www.RenesPoints.com/DLREZ
.
Thanks for the support! – Rene
Mileage Run with a possible shopping benefit.
3.7 CPM MIA-PDX change in MSP both ways. Leave MIA at 3:34PM arrive in PDX as 11:41PM. Return flight leaves an hour and 5 minutes later at 12:46AM and arrives MIA at 12:22PM. 5854 MQMs. $217.80 RT
Or take the 7:00AM flight that routes through LAX and gets you in at 3:25PM for $5.40 more, take the train to the shopping center just outside the airport and spend the day buying stuff with no sales tax to take home and get 6103 MQMs for 3.66CPM.
Another thing I dont think I saw you mention yet is Marriott’s Signature Visa has an 80,000 point bonus plus an annual free nights stay as their current offer.
What is the percentage of travellers by boarding group (i.e., Prem, Sky, 1, 2)? I have to imagine you have 70%+ in Prem-1 given the aggressive marketing of SkyMiles Amex and the Sky boarding for C+. Makes the cattle calls even crazier.
@Luca – We do not have access to those stats but I would think at least 2/3 are done by ZONE 1’s boarding.
@Rene – this is sort of a pedestrian question concerning CCs. Now that AMEX Platinum gives Hilton Gold, do you see any reason why one would hold the AMEX Hilton Surpass? Thinking of dropping this before the AF kicks in as I don’t use the card and the only reason I was holding onto it was for the Honors Gold status, which now conveniently comes with my AX PLAT.
Thanks.
@FLN – Agree unless you get value from stays
Rene. Great blog. I know you have answered this somewhere but I want to be certain. I currently have the Delta Platinum personal card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. I want to get the Delta Reserve Personal Card. I know you say not to upgrade from the Platinum. Can I keep the Platinum and still get the Personal Reserve (which I have never had before) and the associated MQMs?
@Randy – YES! But keep in mind if it pushes you to 5 total AMEX credit cards, that is too many (4 is now max). Also charge cards do NOT count in that total.
Can I have a zippered luggage cover on my checked luggage?
@Debbie – I would not see why not.
Hey Rene, quick question: Looking for flights on delta.dumb in May and seeing “upgrade available to first” instead of the usual “upgrade eligible to first”. Some flights would show eligible, others available. Is that an IT glitch? would the (obviously wrong) “available” flights confirm instantly?
@Nightliner – Let me know if you instantly UG to 1st. That would be a great bug! 🙂
@Nightliner –
We’ve been watching the same thing on several potential bookings…thinking about buying on a DFW trip that would work for that!
At the same time we are seeing intermittent occurrences when “Pay With Miles” will and will NOT appear for the same itineraries/separate sessions.
Unfortunately, I had booked one of the “eligible” ones a few days ago…will keep you posted if I can change it free of charge 😉
@laptoptravel: If I hadnt booked already, I’d give it a try – can always have them cancel the ticket within 24hrs.
Thought about a coincidence with “upgrade with miles”, but i do get that option on all bookings – “eligible” or “available”.
@laptoptravel @rene Gave it a try on two short segments – nope. “Upgrade requested” after the payment. That one would have been TOO good to be true 😉
Think I’ll cancel the tkt now, since i’ve no intention to fly a CR9 back-to-back 😀
@Nightliner –
You question motivated me to go ahead and write an article about this with screenshots. I think Delta IT is STILL trying to figure out how to ‘manage’ the Comfort+ mess coming when #DoomsdayMay16 hots!
@laptoptravel I feel honored 🙂 I’ll actually fly a bunch of domestic DL legs on doomsday – lets see how that works…interestingly, a May 15 departure already shows c+ as a fare class 🙁
Hey Rene,
Curious about the Delta Suntrust debit card. My wife got a promotional offer for 25k sign up bonus. Other than bonus, looks the same as the currently offered Delta SkyMiles World Debit Card. Is it worth it to max the 4k per month if not using this as a primary account? Maybe through Redbird? Any resources would be helpful. Thanks!
@Kenny – Sure take the bonus. The spend points are so-so now.
A lot was made about Delta Private jets being offered to Diamonds. I haven’t heard much about this. Did it work? Is it still working. Was it just for HVC? Thanks.
@Just – I have asked. Very quite now a days.
Hi Rene, I just took a look at DM Choice Benefits on Delta.dumb and saw this language: 4 Global OR 8 Regional OR 2 Global AND 4 Regional (2017 Medallion Year only). When they say “2017 Medallion Year only” do you think this presupposes a change for Medallion Year 2018?
@Ed – No. It is to stop folks who earned 2016 from asking for the new change.
If Starwood is acquired by that Chinese company instead of Marriott, will you switch back to them from Hyatt?
Hyatt is nice (as is diamond status), but I’ve been really disappointed by their limited footprint.
@William – I will wait but possibly yes. I have not been dazzled by Hyatt so far.
Do you know how many Million Milers are ie 1, 2 & 4 million.
I have 2.95M, won’t make thenext level but am curious about the number of MM.
Thank you for your outstanding service
@Burt – They don’t share those numbers.
Trying to book a r/t trip with US Bank Flex Reward points and it is only giving me an option on one of my flights to book a Delta flight at the right time in the dreaded “basic economy” class. How do I trick it into giving me more options instead of just economy, business, or first? My company will not reimburse me for anything but coach, but I want to use my status to get upgraded or at least get a C+ seat so I need a higher fare than basic economy.
@Bill – Call and ask for V class or higher only.
Hey there, what do you think my chances are to get the following out of a (tiny) 10-minute schedule change?
Supposed to fly via AMS, EU-AMS-US with a 1:30 connection (quite ok) which now crumbles away to currently 1:10 (after 2 changes that is – becoming a bit tight).
Would like them to route me into AMS the day before – or rebook me via CDG and route me to CDG the day before. Before I keep listening to DL on-hold-blah for “approximately 25-40 minutes”, what do you guys think? Is this worth a shot?
Otherwise, the routing is already pretty much maximised MQM-wise.
@Nightliner – Be super sweet to rep and ask and beg and try!
Question about the Ask René page:
Have you considered deleting some of the old questions, or somehow reversing the order, so the newest questions (and the leave reply fields) are at the top? The page is so long at this point that it takes forever to scroll to the bottom when using an iPhone or iPad. Neither of those devices have a shortcut that allows for an instant scroll to the bottom.
@William – When I had it the other way the same question got asked over and over. Need to find a better way. Will work on it. Txs!
Hello!
I have some Marriott points in my account and I would like to transfer them over to Delta miles. I have never done this before. Do you know if it is possible to transfer them to my wife’s sky(pesos/rubles) miles account or do they have to go into my account?
Appreciate the help!
@Rob – Don’t do that. Get Membership Rewards or SPG to send to Delta.
“@William – When I had it the other way the same question got asked over and over. Need to find a better way. Will work on it. Txs!”
@rene
Just a suggestion but maybe limit posts to a certain number per page (say 500 as example). SImilar to FT where discussions carry over to many pages and you can just skip to the last (latest) one.
P.S. thanks for answering my Marriott question so quickly.
@Rene – now that the non-DL Platinum has Hilton Gold Status, any reason to keep the AMEX Hilton Surpass? My lightning fast mind tells me to drop it before the AF kicks in. I’ll also have one less PP card to keep track of…
@FLN – Unless you spend enough on it to make it worthwhile I agree.
Hello,
I have been searching for air france lax to ppt award tickets on delta for the last few weeks just to see availability. Last week there was a change and there is no longer any availability all year long. It says error message, delta/ partner flights do not fly from lax. I know this is not true. do you have any reason why they are no longer showing any air france lax to ppt flights for an entire year when 2 weeks ago it showed many flights all year long. Is this a technical issue?
@Lori – It is often VERY hard to find any partner space (other than Virgin) on Delta.dumb. The reasons are many ie it can be partners not offering space because Delta offers so little to them or just Delta being Delta. I would call but again don’t expect much. Also expand your search and use the tools in the Essentials tab (E7)
Rene, I booked a flight in C+ and PE due to my business. I liked it better when the domestic segments were booked in to Y class. Do you know where C+ Fare W UG priority is? Thanks.
@Maria – You are mixing two things. A W UG seat is 1st UG priority on purchased fare class ie whatever it was. A PAID W class stands on its own. See the difference?
I appreciate so much the help from the Juicy Miles guys finding great business class deals. Recently John found a great bargain for me using China Eastern to Manila where I regularly travel. What a great experience to tryout a new skyteam member. They know how to do things right, ex. vip seating at checkin with candy and drinks! Then a new ultra quiet 777 on the lax to shanghai route, half the plane was business or first class!! They have all the bells and whistles, no plane jane like delta. Tile floor in the spacious bathroom no less. The lie flat seats are soft and large unlike the old things delta uses and the video screens are huge, unlike delta tiny old screens. And the food, omg gourmet!! Prosciutto wrapped tenderloin was one course, later a thick lamb chop with crimini mushroom sauce, both home runs. They had an abundance of staff, how do they do that? Delta bought 11% stake in this company, i hope they learn some things from them but i doubt it. I plan to use them often!
@Steve – Sweet and great news!
Yes but I can’t find on Delta.Dumb where W lies in the B,M,S,H,Q,K,L,U,T,X,V,E. Do you know?
@Maria – See here and follow list down: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/skymiles/earn-miles/earn-miles-with-delta.html
Rene, thank you for the outstanding website! Several months ago I booked reward seats for a flight to Prague for my wife and me, in Delta One. I was VERY deliberate in my seat assignment research and reserved seats 1A and 1D for the outbound when we are sleeping, and we were the first to book in this section. I was checking a few things on the Delta website and saw that despite no change in equipment (a 767) they moved me from 1A to 2D, a greatly inferior seat (naturally, 1A now showed unavailable). Fortunately I was able to call a rep and squawk about it, and they moved me back to 1A, not sure how but not complaining. Have you ever heard of something like this?
@Ray – Thanks. Yes, happens often. They block that for many reasons such as handicapped etc. Be aware they could still bump you for those types of issues.
I’ve recently begun traveling for work. I don’t have any status on other airlines, but I’ve flown a ton the past 3 months (25,000 MQM) and have silver. Is there a way to get a Status Challenge WITHOUT already having status somewhere else? I know delta will match / offer a challenge if you are with another airline but I was hoping for a straight up challenge. Is there a phone number or some creative way you can think of?
@Amar – No, but you can get two Reserve cards, person and biz, spend $60k on EACH and pick up a total of 80,000 MQMs putting you just 20k shy of Diamond 🙂
.
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/01/01/2016-how-to-earn-your-delta-mqd-exempt-waiver-to-avoid-mqd-spend-requirement-for-elite-medallion-status/
Regarding status match with OneWorld alliance carriers, airberlin now requires that you purchase an international ticket before they will match Delta Medallion status. Plus, they ask for copies of passport to confirm nationality. I would appreciate another suggestion in order to match to One World status.
Took a voluntary bump last week on a flight to Canada. Delta offered entirely different “compensation” — choice of about ten different $500 gift cards, Best Buy, Target, Nordstrom and AmEx. There was also a Delta gift card choice, but why give up the 2x Amex Miles/pesos for that? We selected the AmEx gift cards as we will easily spend it in the next month or two. Rene, what is your strategy to maximize value on this change in “compensation.” I am still trying to figure out the economics of Delta offering gift cards from other retailers (what is the “discount” and non-use rate?). In economic theory, Delta awarding its own vouchers for whatever amount should be minimal cost to DAL. Why the move to other retailer gift cards?
@ValueInvestor – They have been testing these for a while now. Yes AMEX GC is clear 100% winner. However, I would love to know if you could say get a $800 Delta ETV vs $500 AMEX GC if you push it. I would have to think long and hard on that if I plan to fly Delta soon.
Do you give out your “exceptional employee” tickets and if so what reaction do you get? What are they even used for? I hand them out but it is 50/50 as to how the FA reacts. Lately I have leaned towards not handing mine out just because the last one I did hand out was not well received by the FA. I am not looking for anything special just a thank you in return.
So these do still exist? I’d seen someone use them a couple of years ago (before I was GM) and thought perhaps they’d been discontinued, as I’ve not received any as GM for 2015/2016. Do they only go to PM/DM?
I have often awarded “Job Well Done” certificates to FA who have gone beyond the “job” to assist mostly other pax (I’m pretty self-sufficient). I have been told they help FA improve their chances of getting non-revenue seats for themselves and traveling companions. NWA used to give us “sorry,you blew it” or something similar to hand out to under-performing FA. I will always remember giving one to an FA who insisted on licking his fingers to separate menus he was passing out in first class on a transcontinental flight. When I pointed out (privately) that adding saliva to food menus was not hygienic, he huffed that “if it was good enough for his elementary school teacher when returning graded papers, it was good enough for me.” No, it wasn’t. I wish Delta would give us both kinds of certificates. It is more immediate (it actually had a place to write a comment) and it did not go on the official record of anyone having a bad day.
Eldred,
I hand mine out to FA’s gate agents and red coats. Usually they have gone WAY above and beyond, such as tracking my kindle halfway across an airport that I left, just before the boarding doors were about to close and they brought it to my seat. All my reactions have been very positive and appreciative. I cannot imagine why anyone would be upset by receiving one. I still encourage you to offer them to any employee who goes above and beyond.
Rene’, I have a number of AMEX cards (Non-Delta Platinum, Delta Reserve, Delta Personal Platinum, SPG, and Delta Platinum Bus.
I would like to cancel my current Delta Platinum Bus. and get a new Delta Reserve Bus. with the better MQM spending bonuses. The current Delta Platinum Bus also has my highest credit line which I would like to attempt to get on my new card.
With the changes at AMEX, can I still get the MQM bonus with a new business card that I have not had before, or does any business Delta card cancel new bonuses?
Should I cancel and wait a bit to open the new one or open the new one immediately and ask about getting the same credit line?
Thanks!
@Tim – If you have NEVER had the AMEX Reserve business card you can get the card AND the bonus. You can have a MAX of 4 AMEX CC at once so yes you can cancel and then get the card and the bonus. No idea on what credit line they will give you.
I am a DM for 2 years now and still receive them. I don’t know about Gold
@Scott – Only PM & DM get them.
My mom is Delta Gold but we are traveling with 4 on our itinerary, meaning she can’t get an upgrade. If we split the itinerary so she could get her upgrade, and then linked it back together, would we get the free baggage and other benefits that she has?
@Richard – See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/09/25/rookie-wednesday-reader-chris-asks-about-linking-delta-reservations/
Last year, I used my Amex SERVE card to make some mortgage payments- loading the SERVE by charging 1000/month on my Delta Amex Reserve. While I did not earn any Skymiles for these loads last year, Amex CC lkoads to SERVE did did count toward annual spend totals for the Mileage boost and for MQD exemption.
This year however, so far I’ve loaded 1400 total to my Serve over the last two months charging on my Sky Mile Platinum Amex (I already spent 60 K on my Reserve, got MQD exemption and 30K MQM and Skymiles plus miles for the 60K spend, I then cancelled the Reserve and got a full refund of the 450 annual fee).
So now on my Skymile Platinum, not only did I not get any Sky Miles for the SERVE loads but it also did not count toward my annual spend total toward my first 25K spend on the Platinum for another 10K MQM. Is this because I already am MQD exempt or does Amex CC load to a Serve no longer count toward annual spend totals. If not, I am cancelling the now useless SERVE.
@Jeff – Doubt you will be able to keep SERVE as all are shutting down so non-issue. Buy GCs they work and count.
signing up again. Have had no “Ask Rene’s” email updates since the reformat of this section of the site.
@RizRizRiZ – You have to sign up for each one as they are not all one now. Thanks!
Yikes! Guess I better sign up to all then
@RizRizRiz – There is a check box in the comment to notify on comments. I hope you picked that.
A deceased family member’s UA MP account has 4K miles remaining. I don’t think it’s worth paying the fee to transfer them to me, so I’ve been looking for other ways to liquidate them. It seems my only choices are restaurant.com dining certificates or magazine subs. On the other hand, restaurant.com certs seem pretty cheap to buy with cash online. Any suggestions?
@Rick – Yep down to piddly stuff like that or Magazine subs. And very sorry for you loss.
Happy Memorial Day! I recall a post about the delta assist twitter going away? What replaced it? What apps are you using? I have the fly delta app on all my devices, is there anything else? I sure liked the delta assist! Many thanks
@Steve – @DeltaAssit is now just @Delta. They seem to have expanded even. See this post: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/04/04/delta-twitter-merger-with-delta-deltaassist-hits-real-turbulence-bits-you-need-to-know/
Rene
A new BOX has appeared on my “Book a Trip” box on the Delta site it is just above the Round Trip/One Way/Multi City links. It appears to be a pull down but does not pull down. In it is the following: LNK-YUL-AT-R-2-false. I am logged in. It does not appear when I am not logged in. Any clue what this is? LNK is an airport I use but not YUL
@John – Not seeing it. Sorry. No idea.
Hi Rene,
I am about to try my second MR. Booked the JFK-SIN, but a little different from your post.
JFK-MSP-NRT-SIN then SIN-NRT-DTW-JFK
Well I live in DTW and would like to just stop there instead of going on to JFK then back home again.
My question is , how will DL look at me not showing up for the DTW-JFK leg?
Thanks, Jennifer
@Jennifer – They don’t like it but if rare occurrence you should be fine
Hi Renee, Hope you had a nice holiday. Do you know if delta or united are running any 747 domestic service for August , sept october or november please
thank you in advance
@Phyllis – I have no idea. There may be a FlyerTalk thread on the domestic 747 flights. A smart idea of your – I like it.
Hi Renee I have matched to premier1k for united and i only have to fly 35,000 miles [only requirement ]for full premier1k status until 02/01/2018 Who is the guru like you for uniteds program who I can learn from and also get mileage runs from is there a blog friend etc?
thanks so much
Robert
@Robert – Sad to say the UA expert died. No one has stepped up to replace the legend Darren: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2013/09/29/fireside-chat-with-darren-frequently-flying/
HI Rene … not sure where else to ask this…. when is the rest of your Million Mile Flight sequence going to be published? Looking forward to the remaining installments!
@Paul – I know, I know, working on it. WAAAAYYYY behind. Thanks!
Hey Rene, not really a question but I wanted to point out something I saw for the first time on Delta’s site yesterday that I was wondering if its’ new?
For the first time, when I was booking a international roundtrip, the website let me chose business for the return led while leaving the departure economy without jacking the price up. In fact, the ticket was $2,100 for economy from US to BUD and Delta one back to US. The booking even warned me I chose a mixed experience ticket. I am glad to see this functionality directly from Delta now.
Have a good one,
Jordan
@Jordan – Correct. Recent change. You have been able to do that on Kayak.com then sent to Delta for over a year. If you have not noticed Delta IT is not the most shining part of Delta Air Lines 😉
Hi Rene,
Can MQM’s be transferred to family members? If yes, is there a fee?
@Mark – No. Only bonus MQMs from Delta Amex Reserve card.
Hi Rene,
I have Global Entry. The last time I entered the US at SEA, there was a huge line to talk to a Customs Officer, and there was also a huge line to exit the baggage claim area. Global Entry allowed me to bypass both long lines. SEA is the only airport in which I have seen long lines to exit the baggage claim area.
I am leaving for China tomorrow on Delta via Seattle, and I return Oct. 1. If I use Mobile Passport, do I also get an express line to exit the baggage claim area? My inclination is to use Global Entry and check out the express line in the baggage claim area to see if it also works for Mobile Passport, and if it does, use Mobile Passport next time.
I am looking forward to a nice trip in Business Elite on a 767.
Thanks!
@Dave – Do both and pick shortest line. Both ROCK!
Mobile Passport vs Global Entry?
I’ve been using GE for years and love it, except when kiosks are down. My first chance to use Mobile Passport is on an upcoming CDG-JFK flight. From what I read, MP still requires you to go to an CBP agent while GE has just the kiosk that spits out a receipt. I am curious what Blog readers’ experiences are. Can you do MP while on the plane after landing, but if the the GE line is short, just do GE? Or once committed to MP, are you locked out of GE for that arrival?
Any advice appreciated.
@Glenn – Just do this: Fire up phone and MP app when you land. Go to MP (or often Diplomats line) and show passport and MP scan. It is so fast I will always use it when I can.
Hi Rene:
I am in a U fare but my RUC cleared from Rsw-msp. However, Msp-cvg is on a crj200 so stuck in U fare. Can I SDC to another route so long as their is an F seat available or do I need a U seat on the second leg? Can I SDC to a non-stop?
Thanks.
@Greg – Any SDC resets your RU cert to zero that is you have to clear all over again but you would be on top of list. Also, Delta no longer allows change from connection to direct.
Rene – Just a heads up on a great deal! Meijer now is selling physical Delta gift cards, and through the end of the year, for every $50 spent on one, you get $3 off your next Meijer purchase. I am combining by buying with my Everyday Preferred and stocking up!
Hello Rene,
Everyday reader and occasional commenter here.
Wife and I are flying to Europe next May. I’m plat and she is silver. Most of my flying is domestic so less familliar with Int’l trips. We are going to Barcelona and Florence.
Debating whether to do:
1. NYC – BCN on Delta and then FLR – NYC (booked as a multi-city trip) or….
2. NYC – BCN – NYC and finding a non-delta round trip between BCN – FLR
Preference is for Delta One and both are pricing out at about $4k per person.
Questions:
1. Does that pricing seem high, normal, cheap for that time of year?
2. If you had to speculate, any chance prices come down from those levels? (obviously you’re not part of Rev mgmt but any thoughts here would be much appreciated)
3. Are multi-city trips generally higher cost than round trip to one destination (in this case option one is pricing about $300 cheaper)
4. Any other advice / general rules of thumb about booking summer trips to Europe?
5. or FLR – NYC flight we have the option of connecting out of AMS or CDG. Seems as though people (on FT) prefer AMS but waned to get your thoughts on where we might snag the better seats.
From your post E41it seems as though you aren’t too keen on KLM (which I think would be the AMS – NYC portion of the return.
Appreciate any response / advice you have to any of my questions.
@Rob – Thanks for reading the blog!
.
1) I don’t actively track paid 1st class prices. Google can do that for you. Cheaper is points and book awards. Use ADAM if you need to.
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2) See point 1
.
3) RT almost always cheaper. Also for awards RT much less fees.
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4) See point 1
.
5) KLM full flats are nice. As long as you get new seats you will like them.
@ Rene
Thank you. Happy and safe New Year!
Hi Rene.
I was wondering about your thoughts on such a service such as https://www.blueribbonbags.com.
Have you ever used them?
I know for people that travel with only a carry on – and domestic flights – this might not be a good idea, but for international flights – especially with very tight connections – for the price of $5-10 the compensation seems to be pretty decent.
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this one.
@Maish – Have never seen that one. Interesting but how many fee’s does one need to pay each flight. Most airlines, with a 24 hour delay of bags, will allow you to start shopping and get you a check for your needs. As a Delta / Skyteam elite I will work that for free rather than pay more for bag insurance.
Rene,
Was told a few weeks ago the policy changed in FA manual for welcome drinks in FC do not have to be taken up before departure. Is this correct? I was on a training flight today with soon to be FA’s and told that in fact they still must collect drinks. I had a tight connection and literally had 30 seconds with my drink 🙂 cheers!
@Jason – No idea. I will ask next flight. 😉
SkyBonus Sky Club reward: Has anyone noticed the language on the SkyBonus award redemption for Delta Sky Club® Single Visit Pass (5)? It states “in conjunction with same-day ticketed air travel on Delta Air Lines or its partner airlines.”
I wished I’d kept the language from last year’s reward to see if use was allowed when flying non-delta b/c I used one of these Skybonus single use passes last fall while flying on a Southwest ticket & had no problem getting into a club. Maybe I got “lucky” at Sky Club check-in last fall & the agent let me slide?
I know from searching the blog that passes made a price jump between last year and this year. I don’t have data for 2014-15, the year I joined Skybonus. I’m disappointed with these devaluations; I always selected executive sky club, now I’ll spend almost the same for indv sky club.
2014-15;
Single Visit sky club 4/30000
2015-16;
Single Visit sky club 5/60000
exec sky club 160000
indv sky club 100000
silver 120000
2016-17
Single Visit sky club 5/85000
exec sky club Not Available
indv sky club 145000
silver 120000
Hey Rene!
First and foremost thank you for all you do on this website. I seriously am obsessed and this blog has helped me tremendously. Now onto my question:
I am booking a flight for girlfriend and I shortly, but may need to buy the tickets separately. I have Platinum status while GF has nothing… What benefits (if any) are there in booking together?
Does she get SkyPriority by association?
Same status for upgrades if we book together? IE – Upgrade list we are a “package deal” and my status is applicable for both of us.
@John – must be on same reservation or pnr to get +1 perks all the way http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/05/19/breaking-news-delta-to-change-upgrade-priority-with-a-companion-highest-medallion-level-counts/
Hello Rene!
I have a quick question, I am flying MCO-MSP-CDG in the beginning of July and it looks like the longhaul portion of that trip will be serviced by a 777-200. However, I thought those were only used for Asian routes and don’t quite understand the placement of this? is it common for them to run this equipment on a European route? I am in biz and I’m not really looking forward to the herringbone seats.
@Kyle – They have even run the 747 to Europe sometimes. Just depends on what jets need maintenance and such or load levels certain times of the year.
Hey Rene,
I am a DM and 2 million mile plus Delta flyer and just went through terminal 3 and LAX for the first time since Delta’s move a couple of weeks ago…
Have you had any feedback on how horrible the terminal is?
Truly a third world experience on most any count. I am confused about why Delta moved there unless they are planning on a long and painful overhaul at us flyers expense!
the terminal is tremendously outdated, worn, lack much in the way of basic amenities, like food, space, and general organization.
I went through there today on my way from SDO to BOS and really regret doing so–SDO to ATL to BOS or via SLC would have been much better, regardless of any time penalty.
Let’s hope things change soon!
@Ron – See reader Chris’s review here: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2017/05/19/like-lax-week-reader-chris-tell-us-real-skinny-delta-terminal-move/
In today’s Delta world, Is it still a good idea to become a Diamond elite member? Are the perks still there and companion benefits still worth it?
@Tracy – That is up to you. I truly still value my DM status. If for nothing else but the Global Upgrade certs worth thousands of dollars each!
Rene
I read your posts daily and love them. What would may helpful to many of your readers, particularly new readers, is a link to the 2-3 letter abbreviations you use (not airport codes) in many of your posts. Many are obvious (PM, DM) but some (OTA, HUCB, GUC) sometimes take some studying to figure out. Just a thought. Just back from Iceland. It was fabulous. Thank you for all your hard work.
@John – Thanks. I do try to be mindful of that but will do even more linking as you point out.
I have called the Diamond Desk like crazy about the one off 747 routes. None of them can even find your Manilla flight, less alone others. Where are you getting the info from?
Thanks
Joey
@Joey – Delta.com see flights in post.
Renee’
Is there a benefit to getting Clear if I have TSA PreCheck?
@Becky W – Oh my YES! There can be times PreCheck lines are almost as long as normal lines. With CLEAR you cut to the front of PreCheck! See: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2016/08/13/life-changing-first-time-using-clear-mobile-passport-better-chocolate/
On this morning’s flight from ATL to TPA, the Delta FA announced that “FAA regulations *require* passengers with backpacks, purses, and other small personal items to stow these items in the space beneath the seat and not in the overhead compartment.” While I think this is a good suggestion, I could not find any such *requirement* in the FAA regulations except for maybe 14 CFR § 121.589, which states that airlines can only allow carry-on baggage in accordance with an approved carry-on baggage program in its operations specifications.” Do you think this is the “FAA regulation” the FA was referring to? If so, that seems to be a bit of an overreach.
rene
hello
just a quick question
we sat in first class recently on a long flight
my young daughter was cold as we departed the plane and still had a westin heavenly blanket wrapped around her
i did not even think about it being a big deak
the attendant at the gate saw her and promptly told her at 11 pm at night to give back the blanket
does this sound right?
at the very least i think its rude – and they should ask people to leave blankets on the flight if its that important to them
@Jay – The Westin blankets are very expensive. Now the way the gate agent stopped you from pilfering the blanket maybe could have been better but was correct non the less. Sorry 100% on Deltas side on this one.
Renee:
Really enjoy the site..
Do you have any tips/advice for a first time international traveler?
I’m headed to London on a Delta 1 reward ticket in April.
Thanks.
@Russ – Sure. Start at whatever club you can where you start. Then book time for arrivals club in LHR. See:
http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2015/09/20/virgin-atlantic-revivals-arrivals-lounge-review-by-noah-mark/
Next, carefully pick what seat you want for your needs ie sleep or comfort or near or away from lavatories.
Hey Rene, this might be just a vent – Other than “its the rules”, is there any reason or logic behind nonrevs on international flights getting placed into D1 when main cabin is full, while medallions are stuck in the main cabin? Think Delta will ever consider bumping medallions to D1 when main cabin is full and filling main cabin with nonrevs? Very frustrating watching this happen as a platinum sitting in steerage…
@ed – Not just the rules but a perk of working for Delta. Plus, they say, to protect the very high D1 price tag for those seats.
I recently made a reservation and did not write down the MQM’s, MQD’s, and miles I would be earning. (I can figure out the MQS’s 🙂 ). I sent Delta an email through their Contact Us link asking where I could find this information and got an email back saying it had been received and might take up to 30 days to be answered. Is there any place I can find this information for an upcoming flight? I tried to find a similar question on your blog, but was not successful. Thanks for the help.
@Kathy D – You can use this tool to estimate MQMs (forget SkyMiles): https://fly.qux.us/smcalc/
Renee, I haven’t heard much about Delta removing the liquor option from Comfort Plus on specific flights. Did I miss something? I was none too happy! Thanks,
@Erik – See: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2017/10/07/breaking-delta-ending-woodford-reserve-drinks-short-flights-effective-immediately-keep-descending-deltabreaking-delta-ending-woodford-reserve-other-drinks-on-short-flights-effective-immediately/
Hmmm. I wonder how they would react if one would try and use their drink coupons while sitting in C+?
@Erik – They would just tell you to keep them as drinks are free.
Hi Rene,
I have a RT transatlantic flight coming up with one leg that offers “personal entertainment” but no delta studios. The second leg has both. What does this mean and what can I expect? Thanks!
@ted – More movies than you can ever watch.
Hey, Rene..
Wondering if you have any advise for a 1st time international traveler (besides Canada). I’m headed to the UK for 3 weeks this spring. I had enough miles and points to cover a DeltaOne ticket to LHR and all my hotel for the 3 weeks around the UK.
Any tips you can give would be appreciated.
Thanks. great blog..
@Russ – Well done on points. Boy that is an open ended question. I would say be brave and try metro, trains and explore. See old and new stuff i.e. history and stuff in London that is much newer. If you can, and like to drive, rent a car and take a country drive? Just some ideas.
I was hoping you might have some generic international travel tips for a first time international traveler.
I’m only used to Canada/US customs when driving (I did get Global Entry with my Amex Plat), Arrival Lounge at LHR (is it worth the stop), any tips on international travel would be appreciated.
Thanks again.
Hi Rene,
I was on the MAD to ATL flight on Sunday and we ended up being held in the plane, on the ground, for over six hours once we landed in ATL. They claimed they didn’t have a stairs large enough to deplane us. However, once the plane developed a mechanical issue that shut down the air flow they decided to get us off the aircraft.
Delta has yet to contact me with any offer of reimbursement for hotel and other expenses, but I am wondering if I should ask them for additional compensation for being held on the aircraft for six hours? What would you do in this situation?
Your advice is much appreciated. Happy holidays to you and looking forward to reading your blog in 2018!
@Layla – Here you are: http://renespoints.boardingarea.com/2017/12/21/stuck-atlanta-atl-delta-power-meltdown-get-reimbursement-hotel-car-food-cost-hours-stuck-jet-solutions/
In a post a couple of months ago you reported that premium economy would book into first class on domestic flights. Delta says this isn’t true. It says that getting a first class seat on a PE ticket depends on inventory and basically the whim of delta. There are three PE fares which delta calls classes of service, G, A, and P. P is the highest, but even P is no guarantee of a domestic first class seat. To me that is absurd. There ought to be a rule. Have you heard anything about this? Thanks in advance.
Just a note. I’m currently recovering from a hip replacement which has meant no bending among other things. I’ve used a sock tool to help get socks on my feet. The socks that come in the airline amenity kits work great since they’re not as tight as socks that I’ve worn in the past. Travelers who have not other use for this part of the amenity kit might think of sharing the socks with individuals who are either similarly or permanently challenged.
Looking forward to traveling once again soon.
Hi Renee,
I want to book my Delta tickets with ultimate reward points.I am platinum elite. Will I still retain all my plat benefits? in other words If I do will I still get my mqm’s and automatic upgrade to Delta comfort and eligibility for first class upgrade.
Thanks
@Deb – As long as you are not booked into E Basic fare class all is just as normal so yes to PM perks, points etc.
Thanks so much…of course I would never book a basic fare!
Also does Chase give back your points if you cancel within the 24 hour refund rule?
Rene – I am thinking of attending the Frequent Traveler University. I would like to learn to be more efficient in managing my travel/status/points but I do almost all my travel on Delta. Do you think that FTU is worthwhile for Delta only flyers? I don’t want to end up in a lot of sessions focused on other airlines.
@Grant – Not much Delta. I would go to Chicago Seminars in October.
Thanks Rene. Your site is my primary education on Delta miles and I really appreciate all the information you provide. I’ll keep an eye out on the FTU site for info on the Chicago event in Fall 2019.
Just received my “new” Million Miler luggage tag. Has anyone receive their new Diamond tag for 2018?
@Joe – Everyone should have the MM tags by now (who are MMers that is). DM tags for 2019 should be one the way soon.
Wow. I think I’ve searched all of your resources for this…
I am looking for a direct phone number for Delta’s Codeshare agent.
I have an issue with a Korean Air codeshare flight. The Korea agent says it can only be resolved by Delta codeshare. Regular Delta agents say they can’t help.
Thanks,
Barry
@Barry Morris: Hmmm… Best we can suggest is direct messaging @Delta on Twitter.
Good luck!
Call me bold or brash but I’m asking for help. I just retired after serving in the military for 24 years (9 Months) and civil service for 16 and I want to travel. However, because I like to travel with delta airlines and stand 6 ft 6 I must either get and exit row or comfort Plus…I definitely can’t afford First Class. Is there a forum where individuals with an abundance of miles can help someone like me with donor miles?
I have accumulated 340325 delta miles while traveling for my job but would like to get to a Million Miles for a better potential of upgrades. I know, it sounds very bold of me but, I was always told a long time ago that “if you don’t ask you’ll never know what is capable”.
Appreciate any responses to my crazy request.
@mel miles: First of all, thank you for your service!
When you say you’ve accumulated 340,325 Delta miles, is that MQM or redeemable SkyMiles? I assume it’s MQM given that you mention Million Miler status. MM will get you lifetime silver status — which probably won’t score you a ton of upgrades (at least, depending on the routes). Silver does give you the opportunity to select exit rows at the time of booking, though.
I don’t know of a forum like the one you mention, sorry. A great way to earn a bunch of points at once is to sign up for a points-earning credit card and meet the welcome bonus’ minimum spend requirement.