Originally Posted by
jsk1973
I traveled very little this year and currently have no earned airline or hotel status, but I'll be traveling extensively over the next year, starting around Dec. 1 (150 to 200 nights, minimum, in U.S. and Latin America).
Since most programs are based on the calendar year, December seems like a bad time to start traveling, but I have no choice.
What's my best strategy for the rest of 2015 and into 2016? Is there any point in getting and using airline and/or hotel credit cards and using those, or should I just try to rack up points on an Amex PRG or Citi Prestige and then reevaluate earning/elite strategy once 2016 rolls around?
Also, I know there are a bunch of hotel challenges/accelerators available, but what about airlines? Anyone heard of any?
Great site. Thanks for all feedback.
if you already have some DL MQM already you can always get the reserve amex
it is expensive but get you 10k MQM if u can get silver right away, worht it
(less then platinum BUT)
Priority Checkpoint
(it is in amex benefit term but i don't know why no one ever mention or advertise it)
Priority Boarding (Zone 1)
Priority Check-in
20% of in flight
Free Checked-Bag
Delta SkyClub for you and any additional card holder
($175 each on top of $450 Reserve card annual fee)
after earning elite status the card gives Upgrade Priority
within the same Medallion Level and Fare Class (i.e L,U,V)
so the card is worth the $450 fee if you book Y and want upgrades on these small segment as DL has pretty good presence in Latin America and also has AM.
one more big perk is when you book your personal travel, the card comes with:
Buy 1 get 1 free (First or Domestic Companion ticket) that can be good value if used like LAX-JFK Round Trip 1200 for 2.
so basically if you can get silver before Dec31 then is worth it coz all the other miles rollover after -25k for the last year silver!!!
25k amex Spend will also earn MQD Waiver for status as you buy your travel for 2016
if you have many flight on DL code and DL operated flight also check SPG for sure as they have crossover rewards that every dollar you spend on the airline base fare automatically get an extra 1 Starpoints (SPG currency)
if you don't get SPG status via Amex Plat or so on, DL PM or DM also get SPG gold benefit without the extra points 3pts/$ vs 2pts/$