New conundrum for me. Before the announcement, I thought I was going to drop to Silver for 2023 and try to go for GM in 2024 with $6000 MQDs -- with the announcement I had resigned myself to FO for the foreseeable future. Though a last minute work trip at the end of the year should now put me within $800 MQDs of GM this year, and I'm trying to figure out if it's worth a mileage run to push for the next level. (I'm tempted, given that it might be my last chance for GM for a little while!).
Book an $800 speculative flight now for anytime in December before prices increase. No obligation to travel if you decide not to. Worst-case you have an $800 DL credit good until the end of 2023. No more change fees.