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FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Jan 8, 2014, 8:56 am by mooperRead this primer first
- In the Amex Membership Rewards family, both the Consumer and Business versions of the Platinum and Centurion cards qualify for a $200 airline credit. The Premier Rewards Gold (PRG) card is eligible for a $100 airline credit.
- You must click here to select Delta as your enrolled airline before you make a reimbursable purchase, else the benefit won't apply. The feature is activated immediately upon airline designation.
- If you've selected DL in the past and don't wish to change airlines, there's no need to select again; current selection rolls into future years until modified.
- Reported reimbursed incidental charges have included baggage and other service fees, award and change fees (incl standby, SDC), taxes, in-flight purchases (not WiFi), lounge access fees, EC upgrade (seat assignment) fees, priority boarding fees, Delta mileage booster fees, and DL eGift Cards/eCerts (see section below). Charges not posted by Delta (e.g., partners) are not eligible. Note that the Global Entry fee reimbursement is a separate benefit in addition to the $200 Delta incidentals reimbursement.The T&Cs state the eligible charges, but YMMV, so don't call and ask.
- The credit is per account, not per card. If the main account has authorized users with additional cards, eligible charges may still be made on those cards, but they'll count jointly towards the same account limit.
- Credits are capped per calendar year, meaning you could tap the full amount on Dec 31st and again on Jan 1st in the extreme. Transaction date, not posting date, determines the year.
- You will get a partial credit to bring your total annual reimbursements to the limit exactly if a qualifying charge takes you past the limit.
- Credit posting delays range from several business days (typical) to several weeks (seen in Oct 2015). The T&Cs state that it could take up to four weeks, so wait at least that long before worrying, and certainly don't contact Amex prematurely. After four weeks, if you've read this Wiki carefully and posted here seeking assistance but the credit still has not arrived, consider chatting with Amex online. Politely mention the "Delta extras" you thought would be reimbursed within four weeks and they'll handle it.
eGift Card (eCert) details
- Delta eGift Cards (eCerts) qualify for reimbursement. The name on the eCerts doesn't matter and need not match your card, but you must purchase using an eligible Amex card and meet the other criteria detailed in this Wiki.
- Denominations over $50 will not generate the credit. Multiple $50 eCerts will. The smallest denomination available is $50.
- To order, use this direct link to the eGift cert order page, or navigate via Delta.com>Shop>eGift Certificate.
- No need to place separate orders using multiple carts/checkouts. By adding multiple certs to one order (e.g., 4 x $50), even though they are in the same cart, the certs will post as separate transactions and still generate a credit for each.
- eCert purchases may initially authorize (show pending) as ticket purchases before posting to (finalize on) your statement. Multiple-eCert orders may authorize the combined value as a single pending ticket purchase. Don't worry. They will later post as separate eCert charges in the qualifying amounts.
- eCerts are generated instantly, but the codes are not valid for use until 72 hours after purchase, so don't order expecting to use them in a pinch.
- A maximum of three eCerts may be redeemed per online transaction. Splitting a round-trip into two one-ways will allow you to use additional eCerts.
For other airlines: AS Thread | B6 Thread | HA Thread | UA Thread | WN Thread - In the Amex Membership Rewards family, both the Consumer and Business versions of the Platinum and Centurion cards qualify for a $200 airline credit. The Premier Rewards Gold (PRG) card is eligible for a $100 airline credit.
#361
May 8, 2024Quote:
Are you buying these online or at the counter?Originally Posted by bufito
So bought 2 $50 GCs and 1 $100 GC. Both $50 GCs automatically reimbursed, $100 not. Will call them to see what I can do
#362
For what it's worth, I bought a $50 eGC on Delta's site Thursday before labor day weekend. I received a refund the following Wednesday. Sounds like $50 is the refund limit to stay under the radar.
#364
Bought a $95 e-certificate a few weeks ago, never saw a credit. The charge was clearly categorized as a "gift certificate," so I figured I was out of luck. I called card services today for another reason, and thought I'd mention this to them anyways.
Customer service put in a manual request for reimbursement a few days ago, and I'm seeing the credit now.
Customer service put in a manual request for reimbursement a few days ago, and I'm seeing the credit now.
#365
MrMoonlight , Sep 23, 2013 5:40 am
Although you can get $50.00 eGift Certificates with the $200.00 airline fee reimbursement, it's hardly worth it. You cannot do anything with them other than to apply them toward the actual airline ticket price, and you are limited to applying 3 certificates per ticket. Effectively, you are really getting $150.00 off the price of one purchased ticket and $50.00 off a second, assuming you use the reimbursement for four $50.00 eGifts..
This must be Amex/DL's thinking. They will let you get away with applying the reimbursement toward the low denomination GC's since you can only apply three per ticket.
I recently found out the hard way, when I was told I could not apply the GC's toward the fuel surcharge on an award ticket, nor could I use them to upgrade to economy comfort. I would have been better off keeping the $200.00 fee reimbursement and applying to economy comfort seating!
I can't remember the last time I actually purchased a DL ticket, so the eGift certificates may wind up going to waste.
This must be Amex/DL's thinking. They will let you get away with applying the reimbursement toward the low denomination GC's since you can only apply three per ticket.
I recently found out the hard way, when I was told I could not apply the GC's toward the fuel surcharge on an award ticket, nor could I use them to upgrade to economy comfort. I would have been better off keeping the $200.00 fee reimbursement and applying to economy comfort seating!
I can't remember the last time I actually purchased a DL ticket, so the eGift certificates may wind up going to waste.
#366
Quote:
This must be Amex/DL's thinking. They will let you get away with applying the reimbursement toward the low denomination GC's since you can only apply three per ticket.
I recently found out the hard way, when I was told I could not apply the GC's toward the fuel surcharge on an award ticket, nor could I use them to upgrade to economy comfort. I would have been better off keeping the $200.00 fee reimbursement and applying to economy comfort seating!
I can't remember the last time I actually purchased a DL ticket, so the eGift certificates may wind up going to waste.
Those that buy eGCs may find them handy if they do purchase DL tickets often - so often that they rarely have to pay for EC, checked bags, etc. In those cases, they're quite worthwhile, since they'd be spending cash on the DL tickets regardless.Originally Posted by MrMoonlight
Although you can get $50.00 eGift Certificates with the $200.00 airline fee reimbursement, it's hardly worth it. You cannot do anything with them other than to apply them toward the actual airline ticket price, and you are limited to applying 3 certificates per ticket. Effectively, you are really getting $150.00 off the price of one purchased ticket and $50.00 off a second, assuming you use the reimbursement for four $50.00 eGifts..This must be Amex/DL's thinking. They will let you get away with applying the reimbursement toward the low denomination GC's since you can only apply three per ticket.
I recently found out the hard way, when I was told I could not apply the GC's toward the fuel surcharge on an award ticket, nor could I use them to upgrade to economy comfort. I would have been better off keeping the $200.00 fee reimbursement and applying to economy comfort seating!
I can't remember the last time I actually purchased a DL ticket, so the eGift certificates may wind up going to waste.
#367
Quote:
This must be Amex/DL's thinking. They will let you get away with applying the reimbursement toward the low denomination GC's since you can only apply three per ticket.
I recently found out the hard way, when I was told I could not apply the GC's toward the fuel surcharge on an award ticket, nor could I use them to upgrade to economy comfort. I would have been better off keeping the $200.00 fee reimbursement and applying to economy comfort seating!
I can't remember the last time I actually purchased a DL ticket, so the eGift certificates may wind up going to waste.
I would be glad to take those certificates off your hand if u don't have a use Originally Posted by MrMoonlight
Although you can get $50.00 eGift Certificates with the $200.00 airline fee reimbursement, it's hardly worth it. You cannot do anything with them other than to apply them toward the actual airline ticket price, and you are limited to applying 3 certificates per ticket. Effectively, you are really getting $150.00 off the price of one purchased ticket and $50.00 off a second, assuming you use the reimbursement for four $50.00 eGifts..This must be Amex/DL's thinking. They will let you get away with applying the reimbursement toward the low denomination GC's since you can only apply three per ticket.
I recently found out the hard way, when I was told I could not apply the GC's toward the fuel surcharge on an award ticket, nor could I use them to upgrade to economy comfort. I would have been better off keeping the $200.00 fee reimbursement and applying to economy comfort seating!
I can't remember the last time I actually purchased a DL ticket, so the eGift certificates may wind up going to waste.
. Seriously ...
#368
TodayQuote:
Why did you choose Delta rather than another carrier?Originally Posted by MrMoonlight
... I can't remember the last time I actually purchased a DL ticket, so the eGift certificates may wind up going to waste.
#369
MrMoonlight , Sep 23, 2013 4:02 pm
Quote:
I don't think it was until recently that they imposed the three gift certificate limit per ticket, and thought I could use up to $400.00 worth of $50.00 certificates for a domestic flight ticket. Originally Posted by mia
Why did you choose Delta rather than another carrier?
Truth be told, I really just outsmarted myself. I realized going in that the T&Cs said you cannot use the airline fee credit towards the purchase of a ticket or for a gift certificate. Then I found out that I could beat the system by using the credits to obtain gc's for $50.00 or less. Well, you can, but the "work around" has its limitations!
Got no one to blame but myself!
#370
Quote:
Truth be told, I really just outsmarted myself. I realized going in that the T&Cs said you cannot use the airline fee credit towards the purchase of a ticket or for a gift certificate. Then I found out that I could beat the system by using the credits to obtain gc's for $50.00 or less. Well, you can, but the "work around" has its limitations!
Got no one to blame but myself!
I still don't understand...if you don't buy DL tickets, then why would an eGC of any amount help? And if the intent was to use the credit for EC or other fees, why not just use the Amex credit directly, since that's what it's intended for? Originally Posted by MrMoonlight
Quote:
I don't think it was until recently that they imposed the three gift certificate limit per ticket, and thought I could use up to $400.00 worth of $50.00 certificates for a domestic flight ticket. Originally Posted by mia
Why did you choose Delta rather than another carrier?
Truth be told, I really just outsmarted myself. I realized going in that the T&Cs said you cannot use the airline fee credit towards the purchase of a ticket or for a gift certificate. Then I found out that I could beat the system by using the credits to obtain gc's for $50.00 or less. Well, you can, but the "work around" has its limitations!
Got no one to blame but myself!
#371
MrMoonlight , Sep 24, 2013 1:29 am
Quote:
I fly only about two or three times a year. I have heavy cc use with my business, and with MR, SPG and DL Skymiles Amex, I accumulate enough miles for reward travel, so I don't have the need to purchase tickets when I do fly.Originally Posted by gooselee
I still don't understand...if you don't buy DL tickets, then why would an eGC of any amount help? And if the intent was to use the credit for EC or other fees, why not just use the Amex credit directly, since that's what it's intended for?
I typically don't take money out of my pocket to buy an airline ticket. The eGC, as I understood it, would have allowed me to obtain a "free" domestic airline ticket on DL worth up to $400.00. Had I known that effectively, all the eGCs would allow me to do is to get $150.00 off a purchased ticket, I would have indeed used the credit directly to apply toward EC or some other fee.
#372
Stgermainparis , Sep 24, 2013 7:08 am
Just by way of update: it still works with the $50 eGift cert. I purchased last week (~Sept 18) and credit showed up in 2 business days. I only purchased one though. Purchased another since and will get 2 more. I've got a couple of trips coming up and will use them for my kids' tickets.
#373
UAalltheway , Sep 25, 2013 2:55 pm
As a data point: Booked a DL award ticket with ca. $400 in fees, sent a secure message and they added a $200 credit to my statement (though it didn't/won't process automatically).
#374
Stgermainparis , Sep 27, 2013 7:33 am
So this is weird. Last week I bought 4 x $50 eGifts on DL. All reimbursed within two days, but one reimbursement was only for $41 rather than $50. The rest were $50. Not sure if I should call or not. Category is "travel -airline". Nothing about egift on statement.
#375
Quote:
This suggests that American Express reimbursed $9 sometime earlier in 2013.Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
... one reimbursement was only for $41 rather than $50.