Originally Posted by smartcookie

I wanted to get some ideas of what you have found is the best way to use about 25K Delta miles (piles). As discussed often on this forum, 25K doesn't seem to get you an actual flight anymore. I've checked at least 5 flights now, even those that are going for $219 (NYC-Buffalo), and they still want 40K for them. The only flight I found for 25K was a $155 flight from LA to SF, and the times available for that price were inconvenient (the rest were 32.5K+ miles)

I don't want to earn any more miles on Delta due to the bad redemption rate (sticking with American and United) and am trying to figure out the best way to get rid of these 25K. What have you found gives you the biggest bang per mile?

Right now, I am finding an economy car rental I need in Charleston is about 23K miles for 4 days. The same rental via Hotwire is $95 after taxes and fees. It still doesn't seem like a good deal.

Any other better options? Do you get a better redemption for hotels? What else?

Thanks!