Originally Posted by
lsquare
I've seen the XP Run thread. However, what are some common good value runs that I can easily book instead of looking for that deal since I'm based in North America. As for why I want FB status in light of the massive DL devaluation? Sky Club access and STE+.
If I were to do this, what's the best way to start planning to become Platinum since I'm starting from scratch?
I'm assuming FB is based on a calendar year where January 1 is the start date and December 31 is the end date for any qualifying year?
In North America, US-Canada and US-Caribean/Sun/Mexico will be your best options as the others have said.
Also, FB does NOT use a calendar year qualification. Read up on the FB website, it explains it well. In summary, when you reach enough XP for each new Elite level, you have that Status level until the 31st of the same month - 12 months later. Example, you cross 100 XP on April 10, 2024, you are Silver until April 31, 2025. During this 12 months of Silver, you can earn another 180 XP to reach Gold. The day you reach gold, you reset your 12 months. The total XP for Platinum is 580 (100 silver + 180 gold + 300 plat). There is a high cost of XP to get up the ranks your first time. But unlike DL and other US programs, you don't need the entire 580 XP to renew Platinum (or any level). You ONLY NEED THAT LEVEL to renew. So once you are Gold...at end of 12 months, you only need 180 XP to renew Gold for another year. And once you are Platinum, you only need 300 XP to renew for another year. The bonus is you can't drop to nothing in one year. If you reach platinum, at the end of 12 months you do not have the needed 300 XP, then you drop down to Gold. The next year if no XP, you drop to silver. Its what they call a soft landing.
If you are US based, and only want FB for lounge access, I don't think it makes sense. Its only going to work if you are connecting to an INTERNATIONAL segment. You don't get it for domestic. You have no access to DL complimentary upgrades. The whole freak out about loss of SkyClub access just doesn't make sense to me. For all these guys who travel monthly...just spend $750 on a cash Skyclub membership and be done with it. Your lost opportunity cost sticking with Delta credit cards is way more than $750.
In my case, I'm based in Canada and even though I am a Delta Diamond (but can't maintain in the new programs since I don't spend $35k and have no access to USA DL Amex cards in Canada), it makes sense for me because I already fly almost exclusively AF/KL YYZ-CDG/AMS-world. I fly very little DL domestic so the complimentary upgrades don't help me. For me what will really sting is the loss of GUCs.
Edit: Irishguy explains it well. Looks like we were both typing our replies to you at the same time. Sorry for the duplicity