Great info everyone - really appreciate it all. And thanks for clarifying booking time frames Emma/Rylan/Adam.

Supertravel: I will APPLY for the Delta Gold card. I previously had one a few years ago and because I wasn't using it that much, I cancelled it. When I went to re-apply last week the App said I can have it but NOT the 65K Award because I had a similar bonus given a few years ago. So I didn't confirm the App.

Xliioper: Thanks for the info. Last week I played around with some dates and came across some Main Cabin Mile Awards where Sacramento was much less than say, SFO. In some cases even 67% less, Miles/Pay, Have no idea why and since both SFO/SAC are equidistant to my home (an hour drive), I would obviously use Sacramento.

Question: I see you have a card that allows the 15% Miles discount based on your perfect sample. Should I get the card when I book or is it necessary to have the Gold card prior to booking?

ps: I'm still trying to figure out what State "NQ" is:-)

Thanks,
Vince