exactly this - plus, if you are buying D1 with either $$ or miles, the GUCs can knock the prices down to PS prices, worth potentially thousands more than the $350 travel vouchers.
Originally Posted by
emma dog
450000 mqm = 225000 skymiles = $2,650 cash value at 1.15% redemption rate
Choice benefits: You only get the diamond ones for the diamond rollover. I'm going to ignore RUCs and GUCs because their value is less determinant. For arguments sake, I'll analyze the $700 annual amex credit. $350 DL travel voucher, and 35,000 Skymiles = $4,200 + 140,000 skymiles = $1,647 over 4 years at 1.15% redemption = Net $5,847.
The amex credit alone makes the choice benefits worthwhile for anyone who won't be reaching Diamond in the future through their natural fly/spend.