http://www.tdameritrade.com/offer/pa...lta/delta.html

Normally, I'd be excited, but SkyMiles are being devalued even more.

Who is stupid enough to burn 100k-120k miles to fly in coach to Europe, Africa, or Asia? That translates into 1-1.5cpm; note that there are credit cards out there that rebate 2 cents per dollar spent. The BE awards for 230k-240k seem tolerable, as it translates to around 2cpm, assuming there's an I fare available for $4500 to $5000. But, lately, I've seen BE awards going for 370k, bringing down the value of the miles to 1cpm to 1.5cpm.

I have 135k miles now and will take up this offer above to help me hit my goal of 240k. I got 25k miles to earn (from legitimate flying) on my trip to JNB in BE this May. And a few thousand worth of bonus miles coming in from my credit card from the December-January promo. I'm planning to fly to JNB in May, 2011 - so those 240k miles should do it . . . unless DL decides to ask for 370k.

After that I'll call it quits with SkyMiles; but not necessarily DL - as long as they have affordable I fares. However, the mileage chasing with partners will be over.

- Pat