Originally Posted by
Henry82
^
Suggestion:
Since you mentioned that lounge access is important, have you considered getting the AMEX Platinum card? You get the MR-SkyMiles transfer route plus Priority Pass. While PP may not be the same as having ST+, I believe it covers more airports overall.
+1 Agree with Henry82 on the suggestion to get an AMEX Plat Card. Other than the lounge access of DL, AA, US Airways, it comes with Priority Pass Select for select lounges across the world and Global Entry program which may be useful on your trips back to the U.S. from abroad because you get to go through a special shorter line at the Border Protection. These are just couple of benefits offered by AMEX Plat.
As for DL, although mileage may be lower than CI, but to get seats at the lowest rate of 25,000 RT for the 48 contiguous states is quite hard. I really dislike DL because I beleive DL always devalues its miles but I'm stuck with a DL hub at where I live. Since DL revamped their mileage rates a few years ago, many of the routes I've searched have been min. of 40,000 miles per RT within the 48 contiguous states...Maybe I was only looking at high seasons to these destinations.
As for AMEX Plat., they are running a 50K bonus if you sign-up via a member's referral. Otherwise the bonus is usually lower (25K-30K) if you sign up via the AMEX website. I would be happy to provide the referral if you're interested. Please PM me with your name and email address.