In Jan. 2009, I thought 120K each for two tickets to Hanoi via NGO & ICN, open jaw to BKK returning via DXB & JFK, was high using CO miles because in Dec. 2007 I used 90K x 2 US Air miles for two business class seats on Thai Air, ANA and Singapore to Bali & BKK, and in 2005 again 90K each for two business seats on Thai Air, ANA and Singapore to Sri Lanka & BKK.

I have been able to use DL miles at 120K for business seats to Africa in July 2007.

So it may be difficult to use DL miles to Asia for a 120K business class trip becuase of the lack of low award level direct flights? Does DL publish detailed award routing rules, along with valid routings?

It is probably best to tell my family to stop using their Delta AmEx credit cards, and concentrate on the CO miles? With the lack of Medallion upgrades the past 6 months and low level award availability, there is more incentive to look at flying other carriers.