Originally Posted by
TheHorta
Thanks guys!
I have a Centurion card that I use for absolutely everything where an Amex is usable. Is there a way to make that work for Delta status? I suppose I could just ask my rep (which I'll probably do as soon as I stop typing). The whole "MQM" and qualifying thing is a little confusing to the uninitiated.
As to what I hope to get via status that I don't get now, since I just pay for everything, I guess the answer would be "Not much." I just want to know that I'm getting the most bang for my buck. I just returned from AMS and am heading to HND after an LAX trip. That's about $22k out of my pocket. After HND I'm heading to SYD in November after another LAX trip, so another $15k. I'm just wondering how, after all this money, I'm sitting on GM status -- which I assume will likely move to PM after I fly -- and if there is a better way. I wasn't paying any attention to it up until last week when I had the epiphany that I should check to see if I'm getting anything for my dollars spent. You pay a premium and hope to get perks in return, which is why we pay the premium for our Amex card.
ETA: Crap... just found out I'm paying for stuff (Sky Club) that my Amex card already covers. Although I have to pay for guests where I don't with my SC membership. I suppose that's something.
You need to call Amex. If you have a Centurion card, I believe that should already provide you with DL PM status, and it may just be something that DL/Amex need to activate for you.
Yes, the Amex SC access doesn't include companions (nor does it provide access when not flying DL), but being GM+ gives you a companion on international trips, and companions when using Amex access on domestic trips are only $29/each (or, just get a better drink at a bar in the terminal
). The Amex should also provide you with a Priority Pass Select membership (free for you, companions are $27/entry, IIRC). I don't remember how much the SC Exec membership costs, but it's likely that you'll be better off just paying for companions at the door vs. the membership.
In terms of "getting the most for your money" - again, why the desire for full-fare F/J all the time? IMO, you're getting more for your money by booking discounted first/business all the time, and paying change fees and fare differences where applicable. Unless you are literally changing each and every trip constantly, right up until the last moment.