Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
I've had some ancient DL miles that I've been trying to use up, and it's not easy. It's darned near impossible, unless you want to redeem at their "standard" (or step below) levels which are draconian. Complete mile-suckers. Sky Pesos. United is far, far easier to find saver fares. You have to be ready to pounce, you have to be a bit flexible sometimes, but they do pop up. And if I recall correctly, UA's standard awards are cheaper than the highest-level at DL.
We can trash all sorts of things at United, but perhaps we don't want to bring too much attention to something which, even if it's been slightly gutted, is still a lot better than most.